- BIS license is mandatory for quenched and tempered steel cylinders manufactured under IS 7285 (Part 2).
- Material’s yield strength must be less than 1100 MPa (160 ksi) with suitable heat treatment controls in place.
- An inspection of the factory and sample testing is required prior to the assignment of the ISI marking.
- Design changes require renewed approval and may require further testing.
- Maintained documentation and audits would require follow-on inspections to ensure compliance.
Introduction

I was recently contacted by a manufacturer in Pune with a short timeframe. Their largest customer had ordered quenched and tempered seamless steel gas cylinders with a tensile strength of less than 1100 MPa. The manufacturer found that these were classed in the BIS Certification for Refillable Seamless Steel Gas Cylinders Part 2 Quenched and Tempered Steel Cylinders with tensile strength less than 1100 MPa (112kgf/mm2) according to IS 7285 (Part 2), not wanting to confuse the manufacturing process with existing approvals through Part 1. Production was ready to go, but the documentation, factory inspections, and testing would be daunting. Bureau of Indian Standars
What is IS 7285 (Part 2)?
Indian Standard IS 7285 (Part 2):2017 is applicable to refillable, seamless, steel gas cylinders made with quenched and tempered steel which has a tensile strength of less than 1100 MPa (112 kgf/mm²). This standard addresses the design, manufacture, testing and certification of these cylinders prior to marketing and sale for use in India.

Key Points
- It is applicable to high-pressure cylinders designed for compressed, liquefied and dissolved gases.
- The sections of cylinders have a water capacity of up to 400 litres and there are specific heat-treatment criteria.
- Mandates mechanical properties so the tensile strength stays under 1100 MPa.
- Requires extensive inspection, destructive and non-destructive testing before approval.
- Licence under BIS Scheme-I is necessary to apply the ISI mark and commercially supply cylinders in India. ISI MARK
Why BIS Certification Mandatory for Refillable Seamless steel gas cylinders
Due to their inclusion on the mandatory product list under the BIS Act, 2016, refillable seamless steel gas cylinders are legally required to have BIS certification in India. As per gas safety regulations, cylinders must be tested and certified to prevent risks of leakages or explosion. This specifically allows only ISI-marked cylinders manufactured and handled under Indian Standards (such as IS 7285) to be legally manufactured and sold in India.
Key Points
- As gas cylinders are high-risk pressure vessels, enforcement of the conditions of public safety is mandatory under national regulations.
- BIS Act, 2016 mandates certification for products listed under Scheme-I, including cylinders.
- Without BIS marking, cylinders cannot be legally sold or supplied in the Indian market.
- Certification confirms compliance with material, testing and manufacturing requirements specified in IS 7285 standards.
- Continuous surveillance and auditing ensure ongoing safety and traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
Importance & Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance & Benefits | Impact on Manufacturer |
| Ensures product safety and reliability | Reduces failure risk and liability |
| Mandatory regulatory compliance | Legal permission to manufacture and sell |
| Standardized quality requirements | Consistent production and acceptance |
| ISI mark builds customer trust | Stronger brand credibility in market |
| Supports market expansion | Eligibility for tenders and wider supply chain |
Step by Step process of BIS Certification

Step1:Documentation
- Prepare technical drawings, QC procedures and product specifications
- Ensure traceability records for raw materials and manufacturing batches
- Collect mandatory compliance documents such as test and calibration reports
- Organize files as per BIS checklist to prevent observations during review
Step2:Product Testing
- Select a BIS-recognized or BIS/NABL-approved testing laboratory
- Submit representative samples as per BIS standard requirements
- Conduct required safety and performance tests before inspection
- Review results internally to ensure compliance prior to application
Step3:Application Submission
- Apply through the official BIS online portal with complete details
- Upload test reports, manufacturing records and required forms
- Pay government certification fees, including inspection charges
- Track application status and respond quickly to queries
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS officer evaluates documents for compliance with the relevant IS standard
- Factory audit conducted to verify production capability and QC systems
- Equipment calibration, testing facilities and ISI marking methods are checked
- Any gap identified must be closed with corrective actions and proof submission
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS issues certification once all standards and processes meet compliance
- Product allowed to carry the ISI mark as per approved scope
- Manufacturer receives a unique licence number and validity period
- Ongoing surveillance audits ensure continuous quality and safety
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Document Required | Purpose |
| Product drawings and specifications | Confirms design parameters and compliance with IS standard |
| Raw material test certificates | Traceability and verification of steel chemical/mechanical properties |
| Internal quality control procedures | Evidence of standardized manufacturing and inspection process |
| Test reports from BIS/NABL-approved lab | Demonstrates product performance and safety compliance |
| Manufacturing process flow chart | Shows controlled production stages and heat treatment |
| Factory licence and company registration | Validates legal manufacturing status |
| Calibration certificates of equipment | Ensures accuracy of testing and inspection tools |
| Authorized Indian Representative documents (for foreign manufacturers) | Mandated for applicants based outside India |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines:Typically 4–8 weeks depending on testing duration and inspection readiness
- Costs:Govt. fees, testing charges, inspection costs and marking fees vary by product scope and plant size
- Validity:BIS Licence remains valid for 2 years initially
- Renewal:Renewable every 1–2 years with updated documents, surveillance compliance and fees
Why choose Diligence Certifications
- End-to-end assistance with BIS documentation, testing coordination and licence approval
- Strong expertise in IS 7285 standards and pressure vessel compliance requirements
- On-site guidance to prepare the factory for BIS inspection and close observations quickly
- Faster certification timelines through proactive planning and issue resolution
- Dedicated single-point contact for smooth communication and reliable project tracking
- Proven client results with successful approvals and long-term surveillance support
Conclusion
Having BIS Certification for Refillable Seamless steel gas cylinders Part 2 under IS 7285 enables you to know your cylinders are safe and legally approved for high pressure gas usage in India. The right manufacturers go through an easier audit, get approvals faster, and have no chance of being rejected from the market. The ISI mark provides additional confidence with large gas suppliers, industrial customers, and safety authorities. With the right experts like Diligence Certifications providing documentation reliability, testing and inspection readiness, it is all done very efficiently and with little hassle. Your business can deliver high-quality cylinders with the quality and safety requirements India expects and can plan for longevity and growth in the long term.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is IS 7285 (Part 2) certification?
IS 7285 (Part 2) is a compulsory certification offered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding quenched and tempered seamless steel gas cylinders for the utilization of gas not greater than tensile strength of 1100 MPa. This certification regards the design, manufacturing and testing of diverse gas cylinders.
Is BIS certification required for manufacturing seamless steel gas cylinders in India?
Yes, BIS Certification is compulsory, in accordance with the BIS Act, 2016. A seamless steel gas cylinder shall not be manufactured or sold unless it has met IS7285 testing and has the ISI Mark.
What type of cylinders are covered under IS 7285 (Part 2)?
Refillable seamless steel gas cylinders for storage and transport of water capacity not over 400 litres. A tank for the storage and transport of liquid gas that has either nitric, liquefied or in a dissolved condition.
Typically, how long does it take to receive BIS Certification per IS 7285 (Part 2)?
BIS Certification does not take that long and typically takes about 4 to 8 weeks depending on how fast the Manufacturer can get the inspection set at the factory, and about how long testing will take on the samples.
What tests are done as part of IS 7285 (Part 2)?
IS 7285 (Part 2) has wanted all mechanical testing to be done, and also has specifications pertaining to continuous capacity.
Are manufacturers allowed to begin production prior to obtaining certification?
No. In India, the manufacturing and/or commercial distribution of cylinders is prohibited until there is an ISI marking.
What happens if there is a design change after certification?
If there is a design change, a new BIS approval process will need to be done. It may also require testing additional samples.
What documents need to be submitted with a BIS application?
The product drawings, material certificates, QC procedures, a manufacturing flow chart, calibration records, test reports, and the legal documents of registration.
How long is a BIS licence for a product valid?
The original licence is good for 2 years and can be renewed every 1-2 years with appropriate documentation of compliance.
Why should manufacturers work with a professional BIS consultant?
The consultants do the paperwork for the application, handle the testing if needed, and prepare the factory so that the application process can be completed quickly without delays or rejection.
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