- Carbon manganese steel forgings for pressure vessels made safe by BIS certified IS 12146:1987.
- The standard calls for very detailed controls in chemistry, heat treatment, and testing.
- Several large-scale project and PSU clients require BIS certified forgings to conform to their standards.
- The certification process includes an inspection of the factory, the testing of the sample, and the continuation of the audits.
- As a result, BIS-approved IS 12146:1987 manufacturers get higher trust and more possibilities of contracts.
Introduction

During a routine client audit, the buyer’s unexpected demand for BIS compliance under IS 12146:1987 turned the event into a fiasco, a forging manufacturer in Jhagadia shared recently. Such a case is spreading like a virus to refineries, boiler shops, and heavy-engineering contracts. Buyers are no longer satisfied with mere test reports; they require structured assurance.The change leading to the very reason of the BIS Certification for Specification for Carbon Manganese Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessels IS 12146:1987 is the principal quality benchmark that has Indian steel manufacturers/Indian forging producers in focus. Bureau of Indian Standards
What is IS 12146:1987?
IS 12146:1987 defines the technical features of one-carbon, manganese steel forgings made from the most heavy construction parts of pressure vessels. In a standard the first step for these pieces is the forges production with a controlled composition of chemicals, a heat treatment according to the norm and an evaluation of their mechanical properties realized by testing the samples taken, so their employment for high-pressure systems is considered safe.

Key Points
• Applies to carbon manganese steel forgings for pressure-retaining components.
• Specifies chemistry limits and acceptable alloy content.
• Defines heat-treatment conditions for consistent material behaviour.
• Sets tensile, impact, and hardness test requirements. ISI MARK
• Includes NDE checks such as UT or MPI for internal and surface soundness.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS Certification is essentially a must-have as it provides safety assurance to consumers that a producer is in compliance with the nationally accepted standards of safety and quality. Such confirmation is of utmost importance in the case of pressure-vessel forgings, which have inherently dangerous applications.
Key Points
• Ensures compliance with BIS-defined safety and performance requirements.
• Validates metallurgy, heat treatment and mechanical testing processes.
• Required by many PSU and EPC procurement policies for critical components.
• Prevents supply rejections, safety failures and regulatory issues.
• Provides documented traceability across the entire manufacturing cycle.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures safety and reliability of pressure-vessel forgings | Minimizes the chances of failures and increases the safety of the operations |
| Complies with the necessary regulations or buyer-driven requirements | Prevents rejections, fines and delays in projects |
| Verifies uniform metallurgy and heat-treatment processes | Improves product performance and lowers defect rates |
| Builds credibility with EPC, PSU and export clients | Widens the contract and long-term business possibilities |
| Allows for full manufacturing traceability | Strengthens documentation and audit readiness |
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification

Step1:Documentation
- Collect required technical documents
- Prepare product specifications
- Gather company registration details
- Ensure documents follow BIS format
Step2:Product Testing
- Send samples to a BIS-approved lab
- Conduct safety and quality tests
- Receive test reports
- Confirm compliance with BIS standards
Step3:Application Submission
- Fill out the BIS application form
- Upload all required documents
- Attach valid test reports
- Pay the necessary BIS fees
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS reviews submitted documents
- Authority verifies test results
- Factory/product inspection may occur
- Clarifications requested if needed
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS approves the application
- License number is issued
- Product can carry BIS mark
- Renewal required before expiry
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Documents Required |
| Business Documents | Business license/registration, ISO certificate, organizational details |
| Manufacturer Details | Factory layout, process flow chart, machinery list, production details |
| Product Documents | Product specifications, component list, user manual, model details |
| Testing Documents | Test report from BIS-recognized lab, sample details, test request form |
| Legal & Compliance | Authorization letter, brand ownership proof, trademark certificate (if any) |
| Import/Foreign Manufacturer (If applicable) | AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) details, contract agreement, overseas manufacturer documents |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Usually from 20 to 30 days, with only 7-15 days for the testing.
- Costs: The cost of the government and the test varies depending on the product. There can be some additional charges though.
- Validity: The validity period is 2 years in most situations.
- Renewal: The renewal is done before the expiration; there should be updated documents/tests; the renewal
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
- Expert team with strong BIS and regulatory knowledge
- Fast, streamlined processing to reduce approval delays
- Accurate documentation and testing coordination
- Transparent guidance with clear communication
- High success rate and complete end-to-end support
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Specification for Carbon Manganese Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessels IS 12146:1987 gain a clear advantage in industries where safety and compliance drive procurement decisions. The certification proves that their forgings meet controlled chemistry, consistent heat treatment and reliable mechanical performance. It also builds trust with refineries, boiler makers and heavy-engineering clients who expect documented assurance. For companies looking to reduce rejections and improve market credibility, this certification becomes a practical necessity.Diligence Certifications can guide manufacturers through the complete process, from documentation to testing and final approval.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is IS 12146:1987?
IS 12146:1987 is the Indian standard defining the specification for the chemical and heat treatment, mechanical properties, and non-destructive testing of carbon-manganese steel forgings used in pressure vessels.
Why is BIS Certification acquired by Products Conforming to IS 12146:1987?
BIS certification functions as a guarantee of safety and quality for the manufacturer of the forgings, done in accordance with the nationally accepted and mandatory requirements for pressure-retaining applications.
Are Carbon Manganese Steel Forgings According to IS 12146:1987 Concentrated Mainly in Critical Industries?
Yes, the major sources are refinery, petrochemical plants, boilers, and heavy engineering projects.
What is the Mandatory Test Under IS 12146:1987?
The testing requirements provide for chemical analysis, tensile and impact tests, and hardness tests, along with an NDE method such as UT or MPI.
How Long is the BIS Certification for IS 12146:1987?
The whole work of the manufacturer is usually done within 20 to 30 days, which is dependent on laboratory testing and document location.
What are the Necessary Documents for the Certification?
The manufacturer must present documents consisting of business and factory details, process flow charts, machinery lists, product specifications, and test sheets certified by BIS.
Does the BIS Factory Inspection Take Place Prior to the Issuance of a License?
BIS Factory Inspection is a very significant part of the overall assessment conducted by BIS, and it is very thorough. The major point of the inspection is to verify the major factors that support Manufacturing Capability, Equipment Calibration, and Traceability Systems.
Are PSU and EPC Projects Required to Have BIS Certification?
The majority of PSU and EPC companies make forged products a condition for BIS certification, which is a requirement in addition to certifying being a business perspective necessity.
What is the Length of the B IS License?
The length of a BIS license is, generally, two years, and renewal with new test reports and documents should be done before the expiration date.
Can Diligent Certifications Speed up the BIS Process?
Yes, that's Diligence Certifications. They provide a hassle-free service for all the requirements—documentation, testing coordination, application submission,and support.
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