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- BIS for stainless steel butt hinges is now mandatory under Indian Quality Control Orders (QCO).
- Products must comply with IS 12817:2020 standards to be legally sold in India.
- Both Indian and foreign manufacturers must apply for BIS via CRS or FMCS.
- The tests have to be performed in BIS approved laboratories before certification.
- Improper certification and labeling leads to seizure of products and penalties.
- Along with sample testing, the process requires factory inspection, documentation and proper labeling regarding ISI marking.
Introduction
Last year, a stainless-steel hardware brand in Gujarat missed a government supply contract for school furniture simply because they lacked a BIS Certification for their stainless steel butt hinges. Despite offering competitive prices and top-quality materials, their product was disqualified — it didn’t conform to IS 12817:2020, the Indian Standard for butt hinges.
In India’s hardware and building material sector, non-compliance with BIS norms is no longer an option. If you’re a manufacturer or importer of stainless steel butt hinges, this article breaks down exactly how to secure BIS Certification, why IS 12817 matters, and how consultants like Diligence Certifications can make the process seamless.
What Are Stainless Steel Butt Hinges?
Stainless Steel Butt Hinges are mechanical that smoothen the functionality of doors, cabinets, and gates. Generally, two metal flaps are held together by a center pin and are characterized by strength, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic quality. Their stainless-steel-type nature means that they will maintain their structural integrity even under extreme conditions like the outdoors and in humid settings.
In construction, interior design, industrial applications, and commercial infrastructure, this demand for standardized quality control is met by BIS Certification for Stainless Steel.
Why BIS Certification Matters for Stainless Steel Hinges?
Compliance Is Mandatory, Not Optional
As per BIS norms and recent Quality Control Orders (QCOs), certification is mandatory for all domestic and imported stainless steel butt hinges. Non-compliance may result in:
- Product seizure by authorities
- Penalties or bans on import
- Blacklisting from government contracts
- E-commerce de-listings
Boost Market Trust & Access Premium Clients
Certified products automatically gain the trust of architects, builders, and procurement officers. Many government, defence, and infrastructure projects only allow certified hardware components.
BIS for Stainless Steel Butt Hinges – IS 12817:2020
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come up with IS 12817:2020, Specifications for stainless steel butt hinges in terms of manufacturing, dimensions, materials, and tests. Standards ensure:
- Manufacture of bolts with high-grade stainless steel conforming to IS 6911
- Pin material conforming to IS 6528
- Strict dimensional accuracy and uniformity
- Defined hole positions with some holes for uniformity Surface finish, and corrosion resistance.
Certification is provided under the ISI mark scheme (Scheme I, Schedule II), under which the manufacturer or importer must comply if they intend to sell the hinges in India.
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory
According to the Stainless Steel Butt Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025, it is compulsory that all stainless steel butt hinges be sold or distributed in India with the BIS certification. The gist of this is to:
- Prevent the use of inferior and unsafe hardware
- Establish uniformity among makers
- Increase the life span of the products and the security of the users
- Increase consumer confidence in the certified products
Hence, BIS for stainless steel butt hinges is not only a sine qua non, but it also creates a strong niche in the market.
Latest QCO 2025 Update: Implementation Timeline
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has extended the timeline for enforcing mandatory BIS for stainless steel butt hinges QCO.
This extension gives manufacturers and importers more time to prepare, apply for BIS certification, and meet the quality and safety requirements as per IS 12817:2020
Scope of IS 12817:2020
This standard applies to:
- Hinges made wholly or predominantly of stainless steel
- Hinges used for cabinets, doors, and industrial applications
- Products undergoing specific tests for strength, tolerance, and finish
Key Areas Covered:
- Materials: Stainless steel grades as per IS 6911 and IS 6528
- Dimensions: Length, width, thickness, and hole patterns
- Finish: Polished or matte as per application need
- Manufacture: Smooth operation, strength, and load-bearing capacity
- Tests Required:
- Dimensional accuracy
- Surface finish quality
- Mechanical strength and durability
- Dimensional accuracy
BIS Certification Process for Stainless Steel Butt Hinges
Obtaining BIS Licence for Stainless Steel Butt Hinges consists of multiple critical steps:
1. Documentation & Submission of Application
Prepare documents:
- Business license
- Manufacturing process flow description
- Quality control protocol
- Raw materials and finished product details
- Apply online through the official BIS portal by filling in complete details.
2. Factory Inspection
BIS officers inspect the manufacturing unit to ascertain:
- Machinery and equipment
- In-house quality controls
- Personnel are trained
- Testing laboratories and standards followed
3. Product Testing
Samples of stainless steel butt hinges are taken and tested in BIS-recognized laboratories. Testing shall include Tests include:
- Dimensional verification
- Tolerance checks
- Load-bearing tests
- Surface finish analysis
4. Granting BIS License
Once the audit and testing are found satisfactory, BIS shall issue the BIS certificate for stainless steel, permitting the manufacturer to place the ISI Mark on the product.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Butt Hinges
Legal Compliance:
- This is a must as a matter of Indian government law.
Acceptability in the Market:
- Hardware marked with ISI is preferred by retailers and contractors.
Export Facilitation:
- Few countries recognize the Indian Standards against which BIS-certified products are made.
Brand Trust Enhancement:
- Certification bestows credibility and can convince customers.
Reduced Returns:
- Quality-accepted goods carry lesser numbers of complaints and returns.
Time & Cost Involved in BIS Certification
Timeline
| Process | Duration |
|---|---|
| Testing | 10–15 Days |
| Document Verification | 7–10 Days |
| Factory Inspection | Within 20–25 Days |
| Final License Grant | 30–45 Days (Approx.) |
Challenges in BIS Registration & How Diligence Certification Helps
Navigating the BIS system can be challenging for both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The process involves documentation, liaison with BIS authorities, managing factory audits, lab testing, and continuous compliance.
That’s where Diligence Certification steps in.
We are a leading BIS consultant, assisting brands in:
- End-to-end documentation
- Testing lab coordination
- Factory audit preparedness
- Online application submission
- Post-certification compliance support
With a dedicated compliance team and years of experience, Diligence Certification ensures smooth and hassle-free BIS registration for your products.
How Diligence Certifications Can Help You
Why Partner with Experts for BIS?
- 100+ Successful BIS Projects
- Fast Documentation Support
- Lab Coordination & Re-testing (if needed)
- Factory Audit Preparedness
- Post-certification Compliance
Conclusion
BIS Certification of Stainless Steel Butt Hinges is more than a mere legal requirement—it’s a seal of quality assurance and regulation compliance. With the market now requiring better, longer-lasting, and certified hardware goods, BIS certification for stainless steel materials such as butt hinges is no longer a choice but a requirement.
Proactive manufacturers and importers who obtain BIS-approved products under IS 12817:2020 become trustworthy, compliant, and quality-focused suppliers to the Indian market.
Let Diligence Certification, your reliable BIS consultant, guide you through this process—application to audit, testing, and final approval. With our professional assistance, you’re not only certified, but you excel in the market.
Take the first step today.
Contact Diligence Certifications to ensure your stainless steel hinges meet the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification compulsory for stainless steel butt hinges manufactured in India?
Yes, BIS certification is now compulsory for manufacturing and sale in India, as per the QCO and BIS certification is required under IS 12817:1990.
How to apply for the BIS for stainless steel hinges?
You need to go to the BIS portal, choose the right scheme (CRS/FMCS), fill out the application form with test reports and other documents and pay the application fee.
Can I import stainless steel hinges without BIS?
You cannot. The customs department will seize non BIS certified stainless steel hinges and may impose a fine under section 9 of the BIS Act.
What is IS 12817?
IS 12817:1990 is the Indian Standard for stainless steel butt hinges which establishes the quality, dimensions, methods of testing for stainless steel butt hinges.
How long does the BIS process take?
The BIS process usually takes approximately 30–45 days and includes time for testing, paperwork, and an inspection.
What happens if I don’t use the ISI mark after I have been BIS certified?
If you don’t use the ISI mark, that is a violation of the standards. Any products that do not show the ISI markings can be seized regardless of the fact that you have been BIS certified.
Can small manufacturers do BIS without consultants?
Yes, small manufacturers can apply for BIS without consultants, however, working with a BIS consultant is a small price to pay for faster approvals and to avoid mistakes.
What tests are required for BIS certification?
Salt spray performance test, load-bearing capacity and dimensional tolerances are some of the main ones.
Does BIS certification have an expiry date?
Yes. The BIS license must be renewed periodically and is subject to surveillance audits.
