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- Records conformity of stainless steel flat products to IS 6911:2017.
- Necessary for domestic production and foreign import of the Indian market.
- Involves examination, sample testing, and verification of documents.
- Guarantees identification, mechanical properties, and resistance to rust.
- Provides easy access to large-scale buyers and government tendering opportunities.
Introduction
We were approached by a stainless steel service centre in Gujarat after their material was rejected by a major EPC contractor. The rejection was not because of any quality issue but because the sheets did not have BIS approval under IS 6911:2017. Their production was going well, they had orders ready, but due to the lack of certification, they were unable to dispatch their goods for almost three weeks. This requirement has led manufacturers and importers to obtain BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip so as not to have their supply interrupted and also to be secured for long-term business. Bureau of Indian Standards
What is IS 6911:2017?
The IS 6911:2017 standard distinguishes different levels of stainless steel (SS) products such as plates, sheets, and strips by giving the externally and internally requirements together with the chemical and mechanical properties of the products along with the dimensional allowances and markings. It ensures that flat-rolled stainless steel products meet consistent quality and performance expectations for industrial, structural, and engineering use.
Key points:
• Covers austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic stainless steel grades.
• Defines limits for elements like chromium, nickel, carbon, and molybdenum.
• Specifies tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness values.
• Includes tolerances for thickness, width, flatness, and edge condition. ISI MARK
• Requires proper marking, heat-number traceability, and documentation for each lot.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS certification is compulsory in order to guarantee that stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip that are imported or domestically produced in India are safe and perform well as per the requirement of IS 6911:2017 standards. The rule came into force as a measure against the supply of low-quality or chemically non-uniform materials that may pose a risk in sectors like the built environment, pressure vessels, transport equipment, and food-processing machinery.
Key reasons:
- Protects buyers from material failures caused by incorrect chemical composition or mechanical strength.
- Ensures traceability so every coil or sheet can be linked back to its heat and test reports.
- Prevents low-grade or mislabelled imported stainless steel from entering domestic projects.
- Supports uniform quality across manufacturers for government and PSU procurement.
- Reduces compliance risks for EPC contractors, OEMs, and fabricators who rely on certified input materials.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures material meets IS 6911:2017 quality standards | Fewer rejections and disputes during supply |
| Protects critical applications from failures | Wider acceptance by EPCs, OEMs, and PSUs |
| Prevents entry of sub-standard imported material | Eligibility for government tenders |
| Establishes traceability for every batch | Stronger customer confidence and brand credibility |
| Aligns production with mandatory Indian regulations | Stable market access and long-term compliance |
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification
Step1:Documentation
- Collect required business and product documents
- Ensure compliance with BIS standards
- Prepare technical files and product details
- Verify authenticity of all submitted records
Step2:Product Testing
- Send product samples to a BIS-recognized lab
- Conduct tests as per relevant Indian Standards (IS)
- Obtain an official test report
- Fix issues if the product fails and retest
Step3:Application Submission
- Fill out the BIS registration form online
- Upload documents and test reports
- Pay the required government fees
- Track application status on the BIS portal
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS reviews documents and test reports
- Factory inspection may be conducted (if applicable)
- Clarifications or additional documents may be requested
- Compliance is verified before approval
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS issues the registration certificate
- Unique R-number or license number is provided
- Manufacturer can affix the BIS mark on products
- Renewal required as per BIS validity timeline
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 Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip as per IS 6911:2017 is your business’s safety net against the compliance upheavals and a quality assurance tool for every batch. As purchasers become more stringent with their material selection criteria, certified products become a quicker choice in infrastructure, engineering, and OEM supply chains. Thus, for producers and importers who want to bolster their trustworthiness and be assured of continuous market access, conforming to IS 6911 is not merely a choice anymore, it is a practical requirement for sustainable progression.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is IS 6911:2017?
IS 6911:2017 is a standard established by India, setting out the chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements of stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip.
Do stainless steel flat products require mandatory BIS Certification?
Of course. BIS certification is necessary if you are a local manufacturer. Also, if you are a foreign company supplying stainless steel plate, sheet, or strip to the Indian market, you need to get BIS certification.
Under IS 6911:2017, who is required to obtain BIS Certification?
Those who manufacture and brand steel flat products, in addition to importing, trading, or distributing these products, must get the certification before the products are put up for sale.
How long is the BIS Certification process?
Usually, the time allocated for such a procedure is 20-30 days and it depends on how prepared the documentation is, the location of the test results, and the work done by the BIS.
What are the test requirements for IS 6911:2017 compliance?
Tests on chemical composition, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, hardness, dimension, and verification of marking.
What are the documents required for BIS Certification?
Business/legal documents, factory layout, list of machines, production flow, product specifications, test reports, and trademark details (if applicable).
Does the BIS perform factory inspections?
Yes. The BIS may carry out factory inspections to support the production capacity, the testing lab, and the traceability control system.
Can overseas manufacturers get BIS Certification?
Yes, but they require an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to handle the compliance and communication.
What is the duration of BIS Certification?
The permission is generally for 2 years after which it has to be renewed.
Upon approving a manufacturer, can he/she instantly label the products with BIS?
Yes. As soon as the license is granted, the manufacturer is permitted to affix the BIS Standard Mark along with the license number on the certified products.
