BIS Certification Consultancy for Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets, Plates and Strips | IS 1079:2017 | Qualitance India
Introduction to BIS Certification for Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets, Plates and Strips
Hot rolled carbon steel sheets, plates and strips are widely used in automobile manufacturing, general engineering, fabrication and other industrial applications. These products require appropriate control over chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions and overall quality to ensure their suitability for the intended application.
In India,
IS 1079:2017 – Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, Plate and Strip — Specification establishes requirements for hot rolled low-carbon steel sheets, plates and strips intended for drawing and forming in automobile and general engineering applications. The standard is the seventh revision of IS 1079. It was reaffirmed in 2022. <Cite refs={["turn515443search2","turn515443search3"]}/>
Manufacturers and other businesses involved in this product category may need to obtain BIS certification, depending on the applicable Quality Control Order (QCO), product coverage and any valid exemptions.
Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy to help manufacturers understand the applicable requirements, prepare technical documentation, coordinate testing and manage the certification process.
What Is IS 1079:2017?
IS 1079:2017 specifies requirements for hot rolled carbon steel sheets, plates and strips used primarily for drawing and forming applications in the automobile and general engineering sectors. <Cite refs={["turn515443search2"]}/>
The standard addresses the technical characteristics required to assess whether the supplied steel conforms to the specified grade and product requirements.
Depending on the product and its intended application, the manufacturer must evaluate the relevant requirements relating to:
- Chemical composition of the steel.
- Mechanical properties.
- Dimensions and dimensional tolerances.
- Bend and other applicable forming-related tests.
- Surface condition and freedom from harmful defects.
- Manufacturing, inspection and quality-control arrangements.
The exact requirements must be assessed against the applicable edition of IS 1079 and the relevant BIS product manual.
Products Covered Under IS 1079:2017
The standard covers the following product forms:
1. Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets
Hot rolled steel sheets are used in fabrication, automobile components and general engineering applications where the required material properties and dimensions are suitable for the intended purpose.
2. Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Plates
Steel plates are supplied for applications requiring heavier flat steel products. Their suitability depends on the applicable grade, thickness, width and specified mechanical and chemical properties.
3. Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Strips
Hot rolled strips are used in industrial processing and manufacturing applications. The relevant product specification and supply conditions must be considered when determining conformity.
Important: IS 1079 should not automatically be applied to every hot rolled steel product. Products covered by separate Indian Standards may require certification against those specific standards.
BIS Certification and the Applicable Quality Control Order
BIS certification requirements for steel products are governed by the applicable statutory notifications, including the Ministry of Steel's Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order and its amendments.
The Ministry of Steel published the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, and subsequent amendments. The order framework specifies applicable Indian Standards, conformity requirements and enforcement provisions. <Cite refs={["turn708512search3","turn708512search26","turn708512search27"]}/>
For products covered by the applicable QCO, the relevant requirements may include conformity to the specified Indian Standard, use of the Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence and accompanying test documentation as prescribed by the order.
Before commencing an application, manufacturers should verify:
- Whether the exact product is covered by the currently applicable QCO.
- Whether the relevant grade, product form and intended use fall within the notified scope.
- Whether any valid exemption or special provision applies.
- Whether any subsequent amendment changes the implementation date or applicability.
- Whether the proposed manufacturing facility and product range can be covered under the requested licence.
The existence of an Indian Standard or a BIS product manual alone should not be treated as confirmation of the current legal applicability of compulsory certification. The latest official notifications should be checked for the specific product.
Official reference:
Ministry of Steel – Quality Control Orders.
Key Technical Requirements Under IS 1079:2017
A manufacturer seeking BIS certification should understand the applicable technical requirements before submitting samples for testing.
1. Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of the steel must comply with the requirements applicable to the selected grade.
The relevant chemical elements and their permissible limits must be checked against the applicable tables in IS 1079:2017. Chemical analysis helps establish whether the material conforms to the specified composition.
2. Mechanical Properties
Mechanical testing is used to verify the performance of the steel under specified loading conditions.
Depending on the applicable grade and requirements, evaluation may include tensile properties and other specified mechanical characteristics.
3. Bend and Forming-Related Tests
Steel intended for drawing and forming applications may require testing to verify its suitability for the specified forming conditions. The applicable bend or cupping requirements should be confirmed from the standard and product-specific testing provisions.
4. Dimensions and Tolerances
The manufacturer must ensure that the supplied sheets, plates and strips comply with the relevant dimensional requirements, including applicable thickness, width and dimensional tolerances.
5. Surface Quality and Workmanship
Finished products should meet the applicable requirements for surface condition and freedom from defects that could affect their intended use.
The inspection and acceptance criteria must be established with reference to the standard and applicable product requirements.
Note: The above is a summary of the principal compliance areas, not a substitute for the complete standard. The precise tests and acceptance criteria depend on the selected grade and applicable provisions of IS 1079:2017.
BIS Product Manual for IS 1079:2017
BIS has published a product manual for Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, Plate and Strip under IS 1079:2017. The manual is intended to support consistent certification practices under Scheme I and can also be used by prospective applicants as a reference. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
The manual provides guidance on sampling, testing equipment, the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, grouping of products and the scope of a BIS licence.
Sample Size as Specified in the Product Manual
The BIS product manual identifies the following sample quantities:
| Test category |
Sample requirement |
| Physical tests |
Two samples measuring 0.5 m × 0.5 m each |
| Chemical tests |
Five samples measuring 5 cm × 5 cm each, or 50 g of drillings |
These quantities are taken from the product manual and should be reconfirmed against the latest applicable BIS instructions before sample preparation. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
The actual sample selection and testing plan should also account for the applicable grade, product form, dimensions and grouping provisions.
Official product manual:
BIS Product Manual – IS 1079:2017.
Scope of BIS Licence for Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets, Plates and Strips
The scope of a BIS licence must reflect the products that have been assessed and approved under the applicable certification requirements.
The product manual identifies key scope parameters including the following: <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
1. Grade
The grade or grades of steel covered by the licence must be identified. The applicable grade designations and their requirements must be confirmed from the current standard.
2. Condition of Supply
The relevant condition of supply, such as as-rolled or another permitted condition, should be considered when defining the licence scope.
3. Product Form
The licence scope may identify the relevant product form:
4. Thickness and Width
The approved scope should accurately identify the thickness and width ranges for the applicable product form.
Manufacturers should not assume that approval for one grade, thickness, width or product form automatically covers every other product they manufacture.
The proposed licence scope should be planned carefully to avoid unnecessary testing or later applications for product inclusion.
Grouping Guidelines and Product Selection
The BIS product manual includes grouping guidelines in its annexures. These provisions are relevant when determining which product samples must be tested to support the requested scope. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
Before submitting samples, manufacturers should establish:
- The grades intended to be covered.
- Whether the products are sheets, plates or strips.
- The relevant thickness and width ranges.
- The manufacturing and supply conditions.
- The applicable grouping and sample-selection provisions.
- Any additional testing needed for the proposed scope.
Grouping should be determined from the actual product manual provisions, not assumed solely on the basis of similar dimensions or product names.
Manufacturing Facility and Quality-Control Requirements
A manufacturer applying for BIS certification should be prepared to demonstrate its ability to consistently manufacture products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard.
The required arrangements should be evaluated against the current BIS certification scheme and the product-specific manual.
Key preparation areas generally include:
- Documented manufacturing processes and process controls.
- Inspection and testing arrangements.
- Availability and suitability of testing equipment, where required.
- Calibration and maintenance records for relevant instruments.
- Raw-material and finished-product traceability.
- Quality-control records and test reports.
- Procedures for identifying and handling nonconforming products.
- Competent personnel responsible for quality control.
- Records demonstrating consistent conformity of production.
The product manual includes a list of major test equipment and a Scheme of Inspection and Testing. Manufacturers should use these provisions to assess their readiness for certification. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24","turn515443search25"]}/>
The exact in-house testing and inspection arrangements should be determined from the current applicable requirements rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The exact documents depend on the applicant, manufacturing arrangement, product scope and applicable BIS procedure. The following is a preparatory checklist for manufacturers considering certification under IS 1079:2017.
Company and Manufacturing Documents
- Company registration or constitution documents.
- Manufacturing facility address and contact details.
- Details of the authorised signatory.
- Factory layout and manufacturing process flow, as applicable.
- Details of machinery and production facilities.
- Details of quality-control personnel.
Product and Technical Documents
- Product specifications and proposed grade details.
- Proposed sheet, plate or strip dimensions.
- Relevant manufacturing and inspection procedures.
- Details of testing facilities and equipment.
- Calibration records for applicable instruments.
- Available chemical and mechanical test reports.
- Product identification and traceability arrangements.
Quality-Control Documents
- Quality-control plan and inspection procedures.
- Records of routine testing, where available.
- Nonconformity and corrective-action procedures.
- Records for monitoring product conformity.
- Applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing documentation.
Application-Related Documents
- Application forms and declarations prescribed by BIS.
- Required undertakings and supporting documents.
- Applicable fees and payment information.
- Any additional documents requested by BIS during scrutiny or inspection.
This list is indicative. The applicant should prepare the final document set using the latest BIS application requirements and product-specific instructions.
BIS Certification Process for IS 1079:2017
The certification process should be planned around the product scope, manufacturing facility and applicable BIS requirements.
Step 1: Confirm Applicability
Verify the current QCO, standard edition, relevant product category and any applicable exemptions.
Step 2: Define the Product Scope
Identify the grades, product forms, dimensions and conditions of supply proposed for certification.
Step 3: Review Manufacturing and Testing Readiness
Assess production controls, testing arrangements, equipment, personnel and quality records against the applicable requirements.
Step 4: Prepare the Application and Documents
Compile the prescribed application information and supporting technical documents.
Step 5: Coordinate Sample Testing
Arrange sample selection and testing in accordance with the applicable standard, product manual and BIS instructions.
Step 6: Factory Assessment
Where required under the applicable certification procedure, prepare for BIS assessment of the manufacturing facility, production controls, testing arrangements and quality records.
Step 7: Address Observations
Respond to any technical or documentation observations raised during application scrutiny, testing or factory assessment.
Step 8: Licence Decision
BIS considers the application and compliance evidence before making a licensing decision. A licence should not be represented as granted until BIS has formally issued it.
The process, timelines and additional requirements can vary depending on the application and the observations raised during assessment.
Common Challenges During BIS Certification
Manufacturers may encounter delays or additional work when:
- The selected standard does not match the product's actual application.
- The proposed licence scope is unclear or too broad.
- Product grades or dimensions are not correctly identified.
- Sample selection does not follow the product manual.
- Testing facilities or records are insufficient.
- Technical documents contain inconsistent product information.
- Quality-control procedures do not adequately address the applicable requirements.
- The current QCO or an amendment has not been checked before applying.
A preliminary compliance review can help identify these issues before formal application and sample testing.
Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Certification Consultancy?
Qualitance India provides consultancy support to manufacturers seeking BIS certification and product-compliance assistance.
Our support for hot rolled carbon steel sheets, plates and strips may include:
- Preliminary assessment of the applicable Indian Standard and QCO.
- Review of proposed grades and product scope.
- Guidance on the BIS application and documentation.
- Review of manufacturing and quality-control arrangements.
- Assistance with product-manual requirements and sample planning.
- Coordination guidance for applicable testing.
- Preparation support for factory assessment.
- Assistance in responding to technical and documentation observations.
- Guidance on licence scope and subsequent product-inclusion requirements, where applicable.
Our objective is to help businesses understand the applicable requirements, organise their compliance activities and navigate the certification process efficiently.
Consultancy support does not guarantee licence approval. The final certification decision rests with BIS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is IS 1079:2017?
IS 1079:2017 is the Indian Standard titled
Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, Plate and Strip — Specification. It covers hot rolled low-carbon steel sheets, plates and strips intended for drawing and forming in automobile and general engineering applications. <Cite refs={["turn515443search2"]}/>
2. Is BIS certification required for products covered under IS 1079:2017?
The requirement depends on the currently applicable Quality Control Order, its amendments, the precise product coverage and any valid exemption. Manufacturers should verify the latest Ministry of Steel notifications before manufacturing, importing or supplying the product.
3. What sample quantity is specified in the BIS product manual?
The product manual specifies two samples measuring 0.5 m × 0.5 m each for physical tests and five samples measuring 5 cm × 5 cm each, or 50 g of drillings, for chemical tests. The latest applicable instructions should be checked before preparing samples. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
4. What is included in the BIS licence scope?
The product manual identifies grade, condition and product form, along with thickness and width ranges for sheets, plates and strips, as relevant scope parameters. The final scope must be based on the approved product range and applicable BIS requirements. <Cite refs={["turn515443search24"]}/>
5. Can one licence cover different grades and sizes?
The proposed coverage depends on the applicable grouping guidelines, testing evidence and BIS approval. Manufacturers should review the product manual before deciding which grades, dimensions and product forms to include in the application.
6. How long does BIS certification take?
There is no single guaranteed timeline for every application. The duration depends on application completeness, product testing, factory assessment, responses to observations and the applicable BIS procedure.
7. Can Qualitance India assist with BIS certification?
Yes. Qualitance India can assist with applicability review, documentation, product-scope planning, testing coordination and preparation for the applicable certification process.
Official References
- BIS Product Manual for IS 1079:2017 – Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, Plate and Strip
https://bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PM-IS-1079.pdf
- BIS Standards Portal – IS 1079:2017
https://standardsbis.bsbedge.com/bis_preview.aspx?id=1079_2017_reff2022
- BIS Product Manuals Directory
https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/product-specific-information-2/product-manuals/?lang=en
- Ministry of Steel – Quality Control Orders
https://steel.gov.in/quality-control-orders
- BIS Scheme-I Product Certification Information
https://www.bis.gov.in/products-under-compulsory-certification/scheme-1/?lang=en
Always confirm the latest standard, product manual, QCO amendments and applicable exemptions before proceeding with certification.
Get BIS Certification Consultancy for IS 1079:2017
Are you a manufacturer of hot rolled carbon steel sheets, plates or strips looking for assistance with BIS certification?
Qualitance India can help you understand the applicable compliance requirements, prepare the documentation and plan the certification process for your product range.
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence
Contact Qualitance India to discuss your product scope and BIS certification requirements under IS 1079:2017.
