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- BIS Certification for Ferrochromium (IS 1170:1992) is a guarantee of a uniform chemical composition and quality of the material for steel-grade alloys.
- It is a Quality Control Orders requirement that makes the certification compulsory for both Indian manufacturers and foreign exporters.
- Certification covers sampling methods, testing, plant audits, and product traceability.
- BIS Certification for Ferrochromium (IS 1170:1992) is a reliable indicator of the uniform chemical composition and quality of steel-grade alloys.
- It is compulsory as per Quality Control Orders for manufacturers based in India as well as for foreign exporters.
Introduction
A stainless-steel producer from Hisar recently told us how a single rejected lot of ferrochromium disrupted an entire week’s melt schedule. The issue wasn’t the material quality—it was the absence of a valid BIS licence under IS 1170:1992. Situations like this have become common as buyers tighten their sourcing rules. At present, steelworks demand that each batch of ferrochromium strictly adhere to BIS standards in terms of composition, sampling, and traceability. Producers that ignore this demand see their shipments delayed, incur penalty clauses, and even lose contracts. The above is only a glimpse of the escalating demand for prompt and properly executed BIS Certification for Ferrochromium. Bureau of Indian Standards
What is IS 1170:1992?
IS 1170:1992 is a standard issued by India that defines the detailed specifications for ferrochromium in terms of its chemical composition, sampling, testing and traceability. It is the specification that the supplier of the ferro-alloy to the makers of steel and stainless steel must meet in order to maintain consistency in the content of chromium, carbon limits, size grading and control of impurities. The standard acts as the basis for BIS certification and is mandatory for manufacturers supplying to the Indian market.
Key Points
- Defines chemical composition limits for high-carbon, charge-chrome, and low-carbon ferrochromium.
- Prescribes mandatory sampling and sample-preparation methods to reduce testing errors.
- Specifies physical form and size requirements for uniform furnace behaviour. ISI MARK
- Includes guidelines on testing infrastructure, equipment calibration, and recordkeeping.
- Forms the benchmark for BIS certification and compliance audits under the Ministry of Steel’s Quality Control Orders.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS certification of ferrochromium was made compulsory when the Steel Ministry put this product under a Quality Control Order. This means that any manufacturer or foreign exporter selling in the Indian market has to comply with this regulation mandatorily. The objective is to standardize the quality, avoid low-quality alloys getting mixed in the supply chain, and safeguard the industries using the product like stainless steel and special steel. In the absence of BIS clearance, customs clearance, local sales, and supply agreements may be limited by law.
Key Points
- Prevents inconsistent chromium and carbon levels that can damage furnace operations or final steel properties.
- It monitors the manufacturers to adhere to uniform sampling, testing, and traceability methods as per IS 1170:1992.
- Defends Indian steel makers against quality risks that come from unregulated ferroalloys.
- Makes it possible for the authorities to hold the parties responsible by audits, surveillance, and batch-wise verification.
- Necessary for the market—factories are not allowed to produce, warehouse, sell, or import ferrochromium without BIS consent.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance / Benefit | Summary |
| Ensures product quality | Ferrochromium consistently meets IS 1170:1992 chemical and physical requirements. |
| Mandatory compliance | Required under Quality Control Orders to manufacture, sell, or import. |
| Stronger market acceptance | Trusted by stainless-steel and alloy-steel producers for dependable performance. |
| Lower rejection rates | Standardised sampling and testing reduce lot-level variations. |
| Better export credibility | BIS marking improves acceptance with international buyers. |
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 Ferrochromium – Specification IS 1170:1992 has evolved from being merely a regulatory formality to becoming an essential step for manufacturers and exporters in that it guarantees quality, traceability, and gaining trust of the market. Conformance acts as a protection against the cases of shipment rejections, it is a source of good relations with steel and stainless-steel producers as well as it is a gateway to the local and foreign markets. The plants that take samples correctly, carry out testing with their instruments calibrated, and keep their records in a systematic way make their certification process less complicated and more time-saving.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is BIS Certification for Ferrochromium?
BIS Certification for Ferrochromium is essentially a confirmatory certification that the material meets the set requirements with respect to its chemical composition, testing, sampling, and traceability as laid down in IS 1170:1992.
Is BIS Certification for Ferrochromium mandatory?
Indeed it is. The Ministry of Steel Quality Control Orders imposes the requirement on Indian manufacturers as well as foreign exporters intending to supply to India.
What does IS 1170:1992 specify?
This regulation defines the chemical composition limits as well as the sampling methods and testing procedures. Besides that, it also lays out size grading and impurity control for different grades of ferrochromium.
Who needs to obtain BIS Certification?
Any business that is manufacturing, selling, importing, or exporting ferrochromium for the Indian market must get BIS Certification.
How long is the BIS certification process?
Normally it takes 20-30 days, within which the product testing time of 7-15 days at a BIS recognized laboratory is also included.
What are the documents required for BIS Certification?
The list of documents are business registration, factory layout, process flow chart, list of machinery, product specifications, test reports, and Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) details for foreign manufacturers.
Can foreign manufacturers get BIS Certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers need to designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will lodge the application and manage the BIS license on their behalf.
How long does the BIS license last?
A BIS license usually has a validity period of 2 years and must be renewed with新 documents and a compliance report before its expiry.
What if ferrochromium is supplied without BIS Certification?
Such consignments can be rejected at customs, sales prohibited, fined, or termination of contracts due to non-compliance with Quality Control Orders can result.
What are the main advantages of BIS Certification for ferrochromium?
This ensures that the product quality is consistent, the number of rejected products is decreased, the product becomes more acceptable in the market, trust from the buyers is gained, and compliance with Indian regulatory standards is facilitated.
