BIS Certification for Tool and Die Steels

BIS Certification Consultancy for Tool and Die Steels | IS 3748:1990 QUALITANCE INDIA

BIS Certification Consultancy for Tool and Die Steels in India

Tool and die steels are specialised engineering materials used in the manufacturing of cutting tools, dies, punches, moulds, forming tools and precision industrial components. These steels are selected for properties such as hardness, wear resistance, strength and suitability for particular heat-treatment conditions. For manufacturers, importers and suppliers of tool steels, understanding the applicable Indian Standard and BIS certification requirements is essential for regulatory compliance and smooth business operations. Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy for tool and die steels, helping businesses assess the applicable standard, understand Quality Control Order requirements, prepare technical documentation and coordinate product testing and certification activities. An important update for this product category is the transition from IS 3748:1990 – Tool and Die Steels to IS 3748:2022 – Tool Steels – Specification. The revised standard consolidates the coverage of the earlier IS 3748 and IS 7291 standards and adopts ISO 4957:2018 identically. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21","turn488956search0"]}/> Manufacturers should therefore verify the current technical requirements and the applicable QCO before applying for a BIS licence.

1. What Is IS 3748 for Tool and Die Steels?

IS 3748 is an Indian Standard associated with the specification of tool steels used in industrial and engineering applications. The earlier edition, IS 3748:1990, was titled Tool and Die Steels – Specification. The revised edition, IS 3748:2022, is titled Tool Steels – Specification. It brings together the relevant coverage of the earlier IS 3748 and IS 7291 standards. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21","turn488956search22"]}/>

Key standard details

Particular	Details
Product category	Tool and die steels / tool steels
Earlier standard	IS 3748:1990
Revised standard	IS 3748:2022
Current technical title	Tool Steels – Specification
International reference	ISO 4957:2018
Certification authority	Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Certification scheme	Scheme I, where applicable
Compliance requirements	Subject to the applicable QCO and current BIS requirements

Important: IS 3748:1990 should not automatically be used as the technical basis for a new application. Manufacturers must review IS 3748:2022, its applicable amendments and the relevant BIS product manual.

2. Types of Tool Steels Covered Under IS 3748:2022

IS 3748:2022 covers several categories of wrought tool steels. The applicable grade depends on the intended use, manufacturing process and required material properties. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21","turn488956search26"]}/>

Non-alloy cold-work tool steels

These steels are used for suitable cold-working applications where tools cut, shape or form materials under comparatively low operating temperatures.

Alloy cold-work tool steels

These steels are used for applications requiring specific combinations of hardness, wear resistance and other properties, depending on the selected grade.

Alloy hot-work tool steels

Hot-work tool steels are used in tooling applications involving elevated temperatures and repeated thermal or mechanical stresses.

High-speed tool steels

High-speed tool steels are used for suitable cutting applications where cutting performance and resistance to heat and wear are important. Potential applications across these categories include dies, punches, cutting tools, moulds, forming tools and other industrial tooling. The precise application suitability must be assessed against the relevant grade and technical requirements.

3. IS 3748:1990 vs IS 3748:2022 – Important Differences

The standard revision is important for manufacturers preparing a new application or reviewing an existing BIS licence.

Particular	IS 3748:1990	IS 3748:2022
Standard title	Tool and Die Steels	Tool Steels
Technical status	Superseded edition	Revised technical edition
Coverage	Earlier tool and die steel specification	Consolidated tool steel categories
Relationship with IS 7291	High-speed tool steels covered separately	Relevant coverage consolidated
International alignment	Earlier edition	Identical adoption of ISO 4957:2018
Application planning	Relevant to historical records and older licences	Technical reference for the revised specification

The revised standard covers non-alloy cold-work, alloy cold-work, alloy hot-work and high-speed tool steels. It also addresses products made through manufacturing routes such as hot rolling, forging, cold drawing, cold rolling and powder metallurgy, subject to the standard's provisions. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21","turn488956search26"]}/> Before starting certification, manufacturers should check:

The correct steel grade and designation.
The applicable edition and amendments.
The manufacturing process and heat-treatment condition.
The product form, shape and size range.
The current BIS product manual and grouping guidelines.
The existing licence status, if the manufacturer is already certified.

4. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Tool and Die Steels in India?

BIS certification requirements depend on the applicable legal order, product description, Indian Standard, tariff classification and any subsequent amendments or exemptions. The Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 lists IS 3748:2022 – Tool Steels – Specification at serial number 60, with the entry originally specified as effective immediately. <Cite refs={["turn488956search23"]}/> Separately, the earlier QCO framework included IS 3748:1990. The Ministry of Steel issued an extension order on 31 July 2021 specifying 23 January 2022 as the revised enforcement date for that earlier standard. <Cite refs={["turn488956search24"]}/> The Ministry of Steel subsequently issued amendments to the 2024 QCO, including the amendment dated 20 November 2025. The amendment defers enforcement for specified entries; applicability must be checked against the exact entry and standard rather than assuming that every steel standard received the same deferral. <Cite refs={["turn488956search1","turn105584search0"]}/>

What should manufacturers verify?

Before manufacturing, importing or selling tool steels, businesses should confirm:

The latest applicable Steel and Steel Products QCO.
Whether the specific product is covered by the relevant schedule entry.
The applicable standard edition and any notified amendments.
The product description and relevant ITC (HS) classification.
Whether any deferral, exemption or special condition applies.
The applicable BIS licence and marking requirements.

Regulatory note: Do not assume that the historical enforcement date for IS 3748:1990 automatically establishes the current legal position for every product under IS 3748:2022. The current QCO and its amendments must be reviewed for the specific product.

5. BIS Certification Process for Tool and Die Steel Manufacturers

Where BIS certification is applicable, the manufacturer must demonstrate conformity with the relevant standard and fulfil the applicable certification requirements.

Step 1: Product and standard identification

Identify the steel grades, designations, product forms, dimensions, manufacturing processes and heat-treatment conditions. Confirm the applicable standard and current QCO requirements.

Step 2: Manufacturing and quality-control assessment

Review the manufacturing process and quality-control arrangements relevant to the proposed scope. Depending on the facility, this may include rolling, forging, cold drawing, heat treatment, finishing, inspection and product identification.

Step 3: Documentation preparation

Prepare the company, manufacturing, technical and quality-control information required under the applicable BIS certification procedure.

Step 4: Sample selection and testing

Identify the applicable tests and arrange sampling in accordance with the relevant product manual and BIS requirements. The sample plan should consider grade grouping, manufacturing process, heat-treatment condition and product scope.

Step 5: Application submission

Submit the prescribed application and supporting documentation through the applicable BIS process.

Step 6: Assessment and corrective action

Where required, the process may involve factory assessment, inspection, sampling, testing or clarification. Identified deficiencies must be addressed as applicable.

Step 7: Grant of licence and continuing compliance

BIS may grant a licence after the applicable requirements are fulfilled. The licence holder must comply with relevant marking, testing, inspection, recordkeeping and renewal requirements. The exact process and timeline depend on the certification route, application readiness, testing and BIS assessment.

6. Testing Requirements for Tool and Die Steels

Product testing helps demonstrate conformity with the applicable standard. The test plan depends on the grade, product form, dimensions, heat-treatment condition and relevant clauses. Testing may include:

Chemical composition: Verification of specified chemical elements.
Steel designation: Confirmation that the product designation matches the relevant grade.
Heat-treatment condition: Assessment of the specified supply condition.
Surface quality: Evaluation against the applicable requirements.
Shape, dimensions and tolerances: Verification of product dimensions and tolerances.
Hardness and other specified properties: Testing according to the relevant grade and standard provisions.

The BIS LIMS information for IS 3748 includes requirements related to chemical composition and mechanical properties, designation, heat-treatment condition, surface quality, dimensions and marking. The exact testing requirements and charges should be confirmed for the product being assessed. <Cite refs={["turn488956search9"]}/>

Sample requirements under the revised IS 3748:2022 product manual

The BIS product manual for IS 3748:2022 provides the following sampling guidance: <Cite refs={["turn488956search26"]}/>

Test purpose	Sample quantity stated in the product manual
Chemical testing	Five pieces measuring 5 cm × 5 cm, or pieces 5 cm in length, as specified
Hardness testing	Prepared pieces

The exact sample selection depends on the product and applicable grouping guidelines. Manufacturers should consult the current product manual and relevant laboratory requirements before dispatching samples. For reference, the older IS 3748:1990 product manual specified five 5 cm pieces for instrumental chemical analysis, 50 g of drillings for wet chemical analysis and one 1.5 m sample for mechanical tests. These older quantities should not be substituted for the revised manual's requirements. <Cite refs={["turn488956search22","turn488956search26"]}/>

7. Documents Required for BIS Certification of Tool Steels

The final checklist depends on the certification scheme and the manufacturer's proposed product scope. For an initial assessment, the following information is useful.

Company and manufacturing documents

Company registration or constitution documents, as applicable.
Manufacturing unit address and contact details.
Details of the authorised signatory.
Manufacturing facility and process information.
Product catalogue or technical description.

Product and technical documents

List of proposed steel grades and designations.
Product forms, shapes and dimensions.
Applicable Indian Standard and edition.
Manufacturing process details.
Heat-treatment and delivery-condition information, where applicable.
Available test reports and technical specifications.

Quality-control documents

Quality-control and inspection procedures.
Details of testing and measuring equipment.
Calibration records, where applicable.
Production and inspection records.
Details of personnel responsible for quality control.
Relevant laboratory and testing arrangements.

Existing certification records

Existing BIS licence, if applicable.
Previous application or assessment details.
Records relating to a standard revision or proposed licence-scope change.

This is a preliminary checklist. The final document requirements must be confirmed against the current BIS application procedure and product manual.

8. Common Challenges Faced by Tool Steel Manufacturers

Using an outdated standard: Technical documents may still refer to IS 3748:1990 without assessing the revised standard. Incorrect grade or scope selection: The proposed grades, shapes, sizes or supply conditions may not be properly defined. Incomplete testing arrangements: The test plan may not address all applicable requirements. Insufficient quality-control records: Incomplete inspection, calibration or production records can create gaps during assessment. Misunderstanding QCO applicability: An older notification or enforcement date may be mistaken for confirmation of the present legal position. Unplanned testing costs: Sample preparation, applicable tests and laboratory charges may affect the project budget. A preliminary technical and regulatory review helps manufacturers plan the certification process and identify potential gaps before submission.

9. Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Certification Consultancy?

Qualitance India provides consultancy support for BIS product certification, Indian Standards and regulatory compliance. Our support may include:

Review of product details and applicable Indian Standards.
Assessment of IS 3748:1990 versus IS 3748:2022 requirements.
Preliminary QCO applicability review.
Guidance on the relevant BIS certification process.
Documentation and application preparation.
Product testing and sample-planning coordination.
Review of manufacturing and quality-control documentation.
Assistance in addressing documentation gaps and technical observations.
Guidance on licence scope and continuing compliance requirements.

The scope of consultancy is finalized after reviewing the product, manufacturing facility, applicable standard and regulatory requirements. Statutory BIS fees, laboratory charges and other third-party costs are assessed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is IS 3748:1990?

IS 3748:1990 is the earlier Indian Standard for tool and die steels. It has been superseded technically by IS 3748:2022, titled Tool Steels – Specification. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21","turn488956search0"]}/>

2. What is the revised standard for tool and die steels?

The revised technical standard is IS 3748:2022, which adopts ISO 4957:2018 identically. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21"]}/>

3. Is BIS certification mandatory for tool steels in India?

The QCO framework lists IS 3748:2022. Manufacturers must verify the current schedule entry, applicable amendments and any deferrals or exemptions before making a compliance decision. <Cite refs={["turn488956search23","turn488956search1"]}/>

4. Which categories of tool steels are covered under IS 3748:2022?

The standard covers non-alloy cold-work tool steels, alloy cold-work tool steels, alloy hot-work tool steels and high-speed tool steels. <Cite refs={["turn488956search21"]}/>

5. What tests are required for tool steel certification?

Depending on the grade, testing may cover chemical composition, designation, heat-treatment condition, surface quality, shape, dimensions and other specified properties.

6. What sample quantity is required for IS 3748:2022?

The BIS product manual specifies five pieces of 5 cm × 5 cm or pieces 5 cm in length for chemical testing, as stated in the manual, and prepared pieces for hardness testing. The precise sample plan should be confirmed for the applicable grade and grouping. <Cite refs={["turn488956search26"]}/>

7. Can an existing IS 3748:1990 licence automatically cover IS 3748:2022?

No such assumption should be made. The manufacturer should confirm the applicable transition, licence amendment or other requirements with BIS.

8. How long does BIS certification take?

The timeline depends on documentation readiness, testing, factory assessment where applicable, corrective actions and BIS processing. A realistic estimate requires a review of the product and proposed scope.

9. Does Qualitance India provide BIS certification consultancy for tool and die steels?

Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for standard identification, regulatory assessment, documentation, testing coordination and BIS certification guidance, subject to the applicable certification route and agreed scope.

10. How can I get a quotation for BIS certification consultancy?

Share your company details, manufacturing location, proposed steel grades, product forms and sizes, and any existing licence or test reports. Qualitance India can review the information and discuss the consultancy scope and applicable third-party costs.

Official References for IS 3748 and BIS Certification

For technical and regulatory verification, consult the following official resources:

BIS – IS 3748:2022, Tool Steels – Specification: https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/standard-of-the-week_19122022.pdf
BIS – Product Manual for IS 3748:2022: https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Draft-PM-IS-3748-20221.pdf
BIS – Earlier Product Manual for IS 3748:1990: https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/PM-IS-3748.pdf
Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024: https://bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Steel-and-Steel-Products-QCO-2024.pdf
BIS LIMS – IS 3748 testing information: https://lims.bis.gov.in/home/search_is_number/?is_number__doc_no=3748
BIS – Products Under Compulsory Certification: https://www.bis.gov.in/products-under-compulsory-certification/scheme-1/?lang=en
Ministry of Steel – Quality Control Orders: https://steel.gov.in/quality-control-orders

Verify the latest standard amendments, product manual, QCO provisions and certification requirements before making a regulatory or import decision.

Contact Qualitance India for BIS Certification Consultancy

Are you a tool steel manufacturer, importer, stockist or industrial supplier looking for professional guidance on BIS certification? Qualitance India can help you understand the applicable standard, assess the relevant certification route, prepare documentation and coordinate testing-related requirements for your project. Contact our team to discuss your product grades, manufacturing facility and BIS certification requirements. Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence Services: BIS Certification | NABL Consultancy | LIMS | Regulatory Compliance Call / WhatsApp: +91 9310615170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: https://qualitanceindia.com Contact Qualitance India today for BIS certification consultancy for tool and die steels and practical support with your product compliance requirements.