- BIS certification under IS 2831:2012 is mandatory for Carbon steel cast billet ingots.
- Ensures controlled chemistry and defect-free casting.
- Requires calibrated testing and traceable heat records.
- BIS audits include plant inspection and lab testing.
- Certification improves market access and structural steel reliability.
Introduction

A rolling mill owner in Raipur recently shared how a long-standing buyer refused to accept his TMT consignments because the billets he sourced weren’t BIS-certified under IS 2831:2012. His material met internal quality checks, yet the buyer needed documented compliance to continue supplying to metro and industrial projects. Situations like this have become common across India. As government and private infrastructure players tighten procurement rules, manufacturers of carbon steel cast billet ingots, billets, blooms and slabs must demonstrate conformity with IS 2831:2012 to stay competitive. This standard is the benchmark for producing reliable semis meant for re-rolling into structural steel of ordinary quality. Bureau of Indian Standards
What is IS 2831:2012?
The standard defines chemistry limits, surface quality expectations, internal soundness requirements, manufacturing practices, and tolerance levels for semis used in structural steel production. It creates a uniform quality baseline for rerollers and large infrastructure buyers.
Key Points:

- Covers billet ingots, billets, blooms and slabs used for re-rolling.
- Specifies chemical composition limits for carbon, sulphur, phosphorus and other elements.
- Sets requirements for surface soundness and internal quality.
- Defines dimensional tolerances for all sizes and sections. ISI MARK
- Forms the basis for mandatory BIS certification under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS certification has to be there in case of carbon steel billets, blooms, and slabs as these have a direct bearing on the safety and the proper functioning of the structural steel which is used in buildings, bridges, metro projects and other kind of essential four Once the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order is in force, no material covered by IS 2831:2012 can be produced, sold, or imported in India without a BIS license. This ensures every batch entering the supply chain meets verified chemical, mechanical and dimensional requirements.
Key Reasons:
- Ensures structural steel made from these semis meets safe, uniform quality standards.
- Prevents defective or chemically inconsistent billets from entering the market.
- Aligns manufacturers with government and PSU procurement norms.
- Provides legal compliance and avoids penalties or seizure of non-certified products.
- Builds trust among rerollers, EPC contractors and large infrastructure buyers.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures billets, blooms and slabs meet IS 2831:2012 quality requirements | Consistent chemistry and defect-free material for reliable re-rolling |
| Mandatory under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order | Legal compliance and avoidance of penalties or product seizure |
| Protects structural safety in construction and infrastructure projects | Lower rejection rates and improved performance of TMT and structural sections |
| Establishes traceability and process control in manufacturing | Stronger buyer confidence and eligibility for PSU and government orders |
| Prevents substandard or unsafe steel semis from entering the supply chain | Access to premium markets and long-term business credibility |
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 carbon steel billet ingots, billets, blooms and slabs under IS 2831:2012 has become a practical requirement for any plant supplying material to India’s structural steel ecosystem. It validates chemistry, soundness and dimensional control, while giving rerollers and large buyers the confidence they expect. Many manufacturers now rely on Diligence Certifications to manage the documentation, readiness checks and audit support needed for a smooth approval. With proper guidance and a stable casting process, BIS compliance becomes a straightforward way to secure market access, avoid regulatory issues and strengthen long-term credibility.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is IS 2831:2012?
Indian Standard steel standard IS 2831:2012 gives a detailed description of the casting of carbon steel of one can say cast billet ingots, billets, blooms, and slabs that can be used for structural steel re-rolling.
Is BIS certification mandatory for IS 2831:2012 products?
Definitely, the BIS certificate is necessary if one manufactures, sells, or imports the products in India and this is governed under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order.
Who needs BIS certification under IS 2831:2012?
These metallurgical plants consuming steel, continuous casting operations, producers of billets/blooms/slabs, and any organization running the supply chain of semis for re-rolling are the ones to get this certification.
What tests are required for IS 2831:2012?
Along with the chemical makeup test, surface features should also be controlled; sizes measured and the internal parts checked through a BIS-approved lab.
How long does the BIS certification process take?
The time is usually not less than 20 days and does not exceed 30 days. The time is determined by the availability of the documents, the duration of the tests, and the period required for the inspection.
What documents are needed for BIS certification?
Plant details, flowchart, machine list, test reports, and quality control records, business registrations, and compliance documents.
Can imported billets be sold without BIS certification?
Not at all. Imported products have to meet the requirements of IS 2831:2012 and thus must get approval from the BIS before they can be released in the market of India.
What are common reasons for BIS application rejection?
Some factors responsible for bis application rejection can be a failing in the chemistry, non-reliable spectrometer calibration, missing test records, and process inconsistencies witnessed during the inspection.
How long is the BIS license valid?
BIS license is valid for two years, after which, it can be extended with new records and test reports.
How can Diligence Certifications help in BIS approval?
They provide a range of services such as documentation support, readiness evaluation, test coordination, and audit guidance for a quicker and more convenient approval.
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