- BIS certification is a guarantee of safety for hot rolled steel of thickness up to 6 mm.
- Cylinder-grade steel can be provided only by a factory with a valid license.
- It is accompanied by rigorous testing and complete traceability.
- Being certified can open new markets and create trust with customers.
- Performance is monitored through periodical audits.
Introduction

A hot-rolled sheet steel mill in Raipur experienced the rejection of some 5 mm hot rolled sheets by a manufacturer of low-pressure liquefiable gas cylinders, due to not having a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark for IS 6240:2008. The production material met the requirements in respect to specified strength and quality parameters; however, without the mark it could not be used and was rejected as unreliable. This issue is regularly experienced in industries using steel and the Indian steel business has made the BIS mark much more than just a marking—it is often a legal and safety necessity to have the certification. The type of items being manufactured by the licensee of IS 6240:2008.
What is IS 6240:2008?
IS 6240:2008 is a BIS standard that specifies the quality and performance requirements for hot rolled steel plate, sheet, and strip up to 6 mm thick, used in manufacturing low-pressure liquefiable gas cylinders.
Key Points:

- The standard covers only hot-rolled steel of 6 mm thickness or less.
- The steel is intended to be used in the manufacturing of low-pressure gas cylinders (e.g. LPG).
- Chemical composition and mechanical properties are specified. ISI MARK
- One can find recommendations for various tests such as tensile, bend, cupping, and strain-embrittlement.
- The materials should be free of defects and must comply with the dimensional tolerances.
- It is mandatory to have a BIS license in order to be allowed to produce and supply in India.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS certificate is a must to have as it helps to guarantee that the steel used in a very safe and quality manner for the gas cylinders will meet the national safety and quality standards. The government of India under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order has laid down that the certification by BIS is compulsory so as to protect the users and reprimand the substandard materials that find their way into the market.
Key Reasons:
- Safety Assurance: The certified steel is the one which has been tested for strength, ductility, and durability and can then be used to make gas cylinders that store pressurised gases.
- Legal Compliance: The law requires one to have a BIS and Quality Control Order certification. In case you sell unlicensed products, you are exposed to getting penalized or being prosecuted.
- Consumer Protection: This will ensure consistent quality and safety of materials and prevent accidents caused by material failure.
- Market Access: Manufacturers of the cylinder will only accept materials which are BIS-certified in order to comply with their regulatory obligations.
- Traceability & Accountability: A certificate is like a record that can be traced back to every batch and that links the test results and the manufacturing data for transparency.
Importance & Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures product safety and reliability | Prevents material failure and accidents |
| Mandatory for legal compliance in India | Avoids penalties and regulatory action |
| Maintains uniform quality standards | Builds trust with customers and buyers |
| Enables traceability of steel batches | Improves accountability and transparency |
| Required for market approval and exports | Expands business opportunities and credibility |
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification

Step1:Documentation
- Gather all company and product-related documents (manufacturing license, test reports, and quality plans) that are required.
- Make sure the factory layout, process flow chart, and quality manual are also prepared.
- Prepare identification proofs, trademark registration, and authorization letters if applicable.
- Verify document accuracy to avoid application rejection during preliminary scrutiny.
Step2:Product Testing
- Take product samples to a BIS-approved lab for testing.
- Ensure that all the tests are carried out as per the relevant Indian Standard (for example IS 6240:2008 for Steel plates).
- The testing includes the areas such as chemical composition, strength, and dimensional accuracy.
- Get a detailed test report that clearly indicates conformity with the BIS specifications.
Step3:Application Submission
- Submit the application for BIS certification through an online medium via the BIS portal (manakonline.in).
- Upload all the necessary documents and attach the test report.
- Pay the fee for filing the application and for the processing of the case if applicable.
- Get an acknowledgment and application number as a confirmation of your application which can be used to track the progress.
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS officials go through documents and test reports to check whether everything is in order.
- To verify the manufacturing capacity and quality control, a factory inspection is arranged.
- Inspectors examine production processes, in-house testing, and labeling practices for quality assurance.
- If there is any non-conformity, you have to take necessary actions before permission will be given.
Step5:Grant of License
- If the documents and factory inspection report are good, BIS grants the license.
- After that, the manufacturer is allowed to put the ISI Standard Mark together with the license number.
- Keep production, testing, and dispatch records for the time when the auditors come again.
- Periodically renew the BIS license and abide by the terms of the surveillance inspections.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Document Type | Details Required |
| Factory License | Proof of manufacturing location and operations |
| Product Test Report | Issued by BIS-recognized laboratory as per relevant IS standard |
| Quality Control Plan | Details of inspection, testing, and process control measures |
| Manufacturing Process Flow Chart | Step-by-step production and quality stages |
| Layout Plan | Factory layout showing machinery and testing facilities |
| Authorized Signatory ID | ID proof and authorization letter of company representative |
| Trademark Certificate | Proof of brand ownership or authorization to use brand |
| ISO 9001 Certificate (if available) | Shows quality management compliance |
| Raw Material & Supplier Details | Information about material sources and traceability |
| Undertaking/Declaration Form | Applicant’s declaration of accuracy and compliance |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Generally, the works are done within 30 to 60 days, and the time depends on tests and inspections.
- Costs: The money is for the application, testing, and inspection as per the BIS guidelines.
- Validity: Licence remains valid for two years from the date of issue.
- Renewal: Can be renewed every two years with updated documents and test reports.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
- The entire journey will be facilitated by us, from documentation to approval of the BIS licence.
- An expert team having thorough knowledge of Indian Standards and regulations.
- Good coordination with BIS labs and officials resulting in faster processing.
- Experience in getting certifications for steel and industrial products.
- Nonstop support even after obtaining the certification for audits and renewals.
Conclusion
Obtaining outside India Standards BIS Certification for Hot Rolled Steel Plate (up to 6 mm) Sheet and Strip as per IS 6240:2008 is the first and foremost step towards a safe, reliable, and a gas cylinder manufacturing process that is environmentally friendly. The certificate acts as an assurance that the steel used conforms to the high standards of quality and performance set by BIS. To the manufacturers, the certification is a great support for their business and hence, a gateway to the market. It becomes a piece of cake to get the approval on time and maintain compliance with Indian rules by cooperating with a professional like Diligence Certifications.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is IS 6240:2008?
IS 6240:2008 is an Indian Standard that dictates the main attributes of hot rolled steel in plate, sheet, and strip form not exceeding 6 mm in thickness, which are utilized in the fabrication of low-pressure liquefiable gas cylinders. It keeps the material in line with needed chemical, mechanical, and safety principles.
Is BIS certification mandatory for hot rolled steel used in gas cylinders?
BIS certification, is indeed, a must under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order of the Government of India. Gas cylinder manufacturing enterprises can only obtain steel from producers holding a BIS license.
Who issues BIS certification in India?
BIS - the Bureau of Indian Standards located under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution,- provides these certifications to manufacturers matching the quality and testing standard requirements.
What types of steel products are covered under IS 6240:2008?
This specification embraces hot rolled steel plate, sheet, and strip with a thickness of up to 6 mm, particularly designed for the fabrication of low-pressure liquefiable gases such as LPG cylinders.
What tests are required for BIS certification as per IS 6240:2008?
Major tests are chemical composition analysis, a tensile test, bend test, cupping test, and strain-embrittlement test, all of which should be done in BIS-recognized labs.
How long does it take to get BIS certification for IS 6240:2008?
Usually, the period taken in getting such certification ranges from one to two months subject to product testing, document examination, and factory inspection.
What is the validity period of a BIS license?
A BIS license will last two years from the day it was granted and can be extended with newer test certificates and documents.
What documents are required for BIS certification?
The most important documents are factory license, test reports, quality control plan, manufacturing process flow chart, layout plan, authorized signatory ID, and trademark certificate.
What are the main benefits of obtaining BIS certification?
The main advantages Enabling legal compliance, access to the market, product reliability, traceability, consumer confidence, and protection against regulatory sanctions are examples of major benefits of gaining BIS certification.
Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS certification under IS 6240:2008?
Yes, the foreign factory can do so through the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) by designating an Indian Authorized Representative (IAR), and by complying with all the testing and inspection requisites.
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