Steel drums are widely used for the storage, handling and transportation of industrial materials, chemicals, oils, petroleum products and other goods. Depending on their intended application, drums may require different grades, nominal capacities, sheet thicknesses and protective finishes.<\/p>\n
Manufacturers supplying galvanized or ungalvanized steel drums in India must understand the applicable Indian Standard and the requirements of the relevant Quality Control Order.<\/p>\n
The applicable product standard is IS 2552:1989 \u2013 Steel Drums (Galvanized and Ungalvanized) \u2013 Specification<\/strong>. It covers mild-steel drums with fixed ends and nominal capacities ranging from 3 litres to 150 litres. The standard addresses materials, dimensions, construction, finish, testing, sampling and marking. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view0″,”turn788493view2”]}\/><\/p>\n Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy to help manufacturers review the applicable requirements, prepare documentation, coordinate testing and navigate the BIS licensing process.<\/p>\n IS 2552:1989 specifies requirements for galvanized and ungalvanized mild-steel drums with fixed ends.<\/p>\n According to the BIS standard information, the standard covers 13 sizes with nominal capacities between 3 litres and 150 litres and internal diameters ranging from 200 mm to 480 mm. The drums are classified by nominal capacity, grade and type. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view2”]}\/><\/p>\n The standard covers important aspects such as:<\/p>\n Official BIS Product Manual:<\/strong> Download the Product Manual for IS 2552:1989<\/a><\/p>\n The May 2020 Product Manual identifies one amendment to the standard. Manufacturers should verify the current applicable edition and amendments before applying.<\/p>\n Yes. Steel drums covered by IS 2552:1989 are included in the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023<\/strong>, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The Order requires covered products to conform to the corresponding Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence in accordance with Scheme-I, subject to its provisions and exemptions. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view1″,”turn820343search7”]}\/><\/p>\n The original Order provides different implementation periods for general enterprises, small enterprises and micro enterprises. It also provides exemptions for certain domestically manufactured goods intended for export and for goods filled with material in powder, semi-solid or liquid form when imported into India. The exact applicability should be checked against the current legal provisions and any subsequent amendments. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view1”]}\/><\/p>\n For manufacturers, the practical compliance requirements include:<\/p>\n Important:<\/strong> The fact that a drum is made from steel or is used for packaging does not, by itself, establish compliance. The product must be assessed against the applicable standard and legal requirements.<\/p>\n The BIS Product Manual identifies three principal parameters for defining the licence scope:<\/p>\n The scope of a BIS licence may be restricted according to the manufacturer’s manufacturing and testing capabilities. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The standard covers drums with nominal capacities from 3 litres to 150 litres.<\/p>\n The standard identifies five grades:<\/p>\n The BIS standard information describes their intended applications broadly as follows:<\/p>\n These descriptions are general guidance from the standard information. The exact grade selection must be based on the relevant standard, the product being packed and the applicable safety and transport requirements.<\/p>\n Galvanized drums have a protective zinc coating, while ungalvanized drums do not have this galvanized finish. The type must be declared in the proposed licence scope and supported by the relevant manufacturing capability.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should clearly identify which grades, capacities and types they intend to include in their BIS licence application.<\/p>\n The BIS Product Manual provides grouping guidelines based on nominal capacity. These are important when selecting samples for grant of licence or change in scope. <Cite refs={[“turn788493view0”]}\/><\/p>\n1. What Is IS 2552:1989?<\/h2>\n
\n
2. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Steel Drums?<\/h2>\n
\n
3. Product Scope Under IS 2552:1989<\/h2>\n
\n
3.1 Nominal capacity<\/h3>\n
3.2 Grades of steel drums<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
3.3 Galvanized and ungalvanized drums<\/h3>\n
4. BIS Grouping Guidelines for Steel Drums<\/h2>\n