- Mandatory Certification:BIS certification is mandatory for hollow steel sections used for structural purposes, ensuring safety, strength, and adherence to Indian standards.
- Covers Structural Steel Sections:IS 4923:2017 is applicable to cold-formed welded steel hollow sections, including square, rectangular, and circular tubes used in construction.
- Ensures Quality & Safety:The certification ensures that the products conform to high standards of quality, mechanical, chemical, and dimensional requirements.
- Use of ISI Mark:The manufacturers have to secure a license from BIS to use the ISI mark, which ensures that the product conforms to IS 4923:2017 standards.
- Market Trust & Compliance:BIS certification ensures that the product is used in infrastructure and construction projects, giving it greater credibility and market compliance.

Introduction
BIS Certification for Hollow Steel Sections in IS 4923:2017 is a vital quality assurance scheme to ensure that structural steel tubes supplied for use in building structures conform to specific safety and performance criteria. IS 4923:2017, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, covers cold-formed welded hollow steel sections in square, rectangular, and circular forms.BIS Certification for Hollow Steel Sections in IS 4923:2017 ensures that the steel sections have sufficient strength, durability, and dimensional accuracy to be supplied for use in building structures.
What is IS 4923:2017?
IS 4923:2017 is an Indian standard that has been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The standard is applicable for cold-formed welded steel hollow sections for structural use. This Indian standard includes square, rectangular, and circular sections of hollow steel sections that are frequently used in construction works and other engineering works. The standard includes various parameters for the chemical composition of the material, mechanical properties of the material, dimensions of the material, tolerances of the material, and tests for the material.
Key Points:
- Indian Standard by BIS:IS 4923:2017 has been published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to control hollow steel sections for structural use.
- Covers Various Shapes:IS 4923:2017 covers square, rectangular, and circular cold-formed welded steel sections.
- Defines Technical Standards:IS 4923:2017 outlines technical specifications in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances.
- Guarantees Structural Strength:IS 4923:2017 ensures that steel sections are structurally sound for use in building and construction activities.
- Revised Standard:IS 4923:2017 is a revised standard with enhanced guidelines.
Products Covered Under IS 4923 : 2017
IS 4923:2017 specifies cold-formed welded steel hollow sections for use in structural applications in construction and engineering works. These steel hollow sections are made from steel strips or steel plates, which are cold-formed to their hollow shapes. This ensures that they have certain qualities of strength, durability, and accuracy, which makes them fit for use in construction and other engineering works such as buildings, bridges, and towers, among others.
Key Reasons:
- Square Hollow Sections (SHS):They are widely used in structural frameworks, columns, and supports due to their equal strength.
- Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS):They are commonly used in constructions for beam and frame work where higher load-carrying capacity is necessary.
- Circular Hollow Sections (CHS):They are commonly used in applications like poles, scaffolding, and pipelines due to their excellent load-carrying capacity.
- Focus of Structural Application:All the products have been designed to be specific to load-carrying and structural applications in infrastructure development projects.
- Variety of Sizes and Thickness:They are available in different sizes and wall thickness to suit diverse needs.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Mandatory Compliance:BIS certification is mandatory for manufacturers to enable them to sell hollow steel sections in the Indian market. | Enhanced Market Credibility:BIS certification promotes customer and stakeholder trust. |
| Quality Assurance:It ensures that the products are able to meet certain standards in terms of strength, durability, and safety. | Regulatory Approval:Assists manufacturers in adhering to government regulations and legal standards. |
| ISI Mark Requirement:The products need to be certified and carry the ISI mark, indicating that they have been approved according to the IS 4923:2017 standard. | Better Product Acceptance:BIS certified products are favored for large-scale infrastructure and government projects. |
| Regular Testing & Inspection:The products are subject to quality checks, inspection, and testing by BIS authorities. | Improved Product Quality:Motivates manufacturers to maintain quality standards in production. |
| Applicable for Structural Use:The product is specifically designed to be used as a load-bearing product. | Competitive Advantage:Provides businesses with a competitive edge over non-certified competitors in the market. |

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
Diligence Certifications is a well-known consultancy service that offers expert advice to manufacturers to secure BIS certification under IS 4923:2017 for hollow steel sections. The company has in-depth knowledge of the regulations and procedures to provide a hassle-free experience to manufacturers. The company offers support to manufacturers at every step, from filing applications to conducting tests, to secure BIS certification for their products. They help manufacturers overcome common pitfalls, saving them time and money.
Conclusion
BIS certification in line with IS 4923:2017 is a significant step towards ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of hollow steel sections used in structural applications. Apart from this, it also helps companies in meeting Indian standards in the manufacturing process, thereby gaining the confidence of customers in the construction business.By availing BIS certification for the business, companies can improve their business reputation in the market and gain access to more business opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is IS 4923:2017?
It is a standard set by BIS for cold-formed welded hollow steel sections.
Is BIS certification compulsory for hollow sections?
Yes, it is compulsory for those who want to sell in the Indian market.
What sections are included?
Square sections, rectangular sections, circular sections.
What is an ISI mark?
It is a certification mark given to products based on BIS standards.
Who gives BIS certification?
It is given by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
What tests need to be performed for certification?
Mechanical tests, chemical tests, and dimensional tests need to be performed.
How long does the process of certification take?
It may take a few weeks.
Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS certification?
Yes, by availing the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
Why is BIS certification important?
BIS certification is important for the quality and legal compliance of the product.
How can Diligence Certifications help?
It provides end-to-end services for certification.



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