Tool and Die Steels BIS Certification

Who needs it

Any manufacturer making tool and die steels for the Indian market, and any importer bringing it in, needs the product covered by a valid BIS licence (ISI mark). The licence is granted to the manufacturer for a specific factory and product. Indian factories apply under Scheme-I; overseas factories apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and must nominate an Authorised Indian Representative.

Without it, the goods cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, distributed or stored for sale. Contravening Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016 can lead to imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of at least ₹2 lakh (₹5 lakh for repeat contraventions) that can reach ten times the value of the goods, or both.

How to get BIS certification for tool and die steels

1. Confirm the exact Indian Standard and the varieties to cover
2. Get the product tested at a BIS-recognised lab (simplified procedure) or arrange BIS sampling
3. Apply on Manak Online with factory, quality-control and test documents
4. BIS factory inspection and sample verification
5. Grant of licence, then marking with the ISI mark and CM/L number

Testing. BIS inspects the factory and has samples tested to the full Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory. After grant, the factory keeps testing production under the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, and BIS draws factory and market samples.

Timeline. BIS targets 30 days under the simplified procedure (applying with a recent lab test report) and 90 days under the normal procedure. Overseas factories under FMCS typically take around 6 months.

Fees. Application fee ₹1,000 and annual licence fee ₹1,000, inspection charges of ₹7,000 per man-day, testing charges, and an annual minimum marking fee set for each Indian Standard (with concessions for micro and small units).

Validity. Under the 2026 amendments to the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, licences can be granted for up to 5 years, with fees paid annually.