IS 12594 BIS Certification for Hot-dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
Hot-dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 12594 under an ISI mark licence (Scheme-I). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the licence.
About IS 12594
| Standard | IS 12594: 1988 |
|---|---|
| Title | Hot-dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement |
| Product covered | Hot-dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement |
| Category | Steel and Iron Products |
| Scheme | ISI mark licence (Scheme-I) |
| Notified under | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2020, S.O. 756(E), dated 14-02-2020 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 12594
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 12594:1988 Hot - Dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement - Specification | 31 Jul 1989 | Current, next review 1 Mar 2031 |
Amendments:First Amendment (2001). Test reports must reflect the standard with its amendments.
Marking fee for IS 12594
BIS charges an annual minimum marking fee for the ISI mark under IS 12594, set by unit size, plus a per-unit rate once production passes the minimum:
| Unit size | Minimum marking fee (per year) |
|---|---|
| Large | ₹48,000 |
| Medium | ₹39,000 |
| Small | ₹24,000 |
| Micro | ₹9,600 |
Unit rate: ₹3 per tonne. Source: BIS marking fee schedule for Scheme-I products, September 2026.
Sampling and key tests for IS 12594
From the BIS product manual for IS 12594, which BIS officers and applicants follow for certification:
Sample quantity:2 No.s of 2m length
Raw material requirements:
- Steel barsfor concrete reinforcement conforming to any of the grades among IS 2062, IS 432 Pt.1 & IS 1786. Zinc Ingots used for galvanizing shall confirm to any of the grades specified inIS 209 or IS 13229.
Tests BIS can carry out in a day during factory inspection:
- Mass of Zinc Coating, Freedom from defects, Adhesion of Zinc Coating, Chromating, Sheared Ends and Damaged Coating
The full type test covers every clause of IS 12594; the list above is what can be checked on site.
ISI licences under IS 12594
BIS records 3 operative licences (3 including deferred, cancelled or under stop marking). Most licensed factories are in Gujarat (2), Maharashtra (1).
Testing against IS 12594
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.
The test report has to cover every clause of IS 12594 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 12594 or replaces it with a new edition, existing licence holders move to the new edition by the date BIS sets in its notification.
How to get an ISI mark licence under IS 12594
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.
- Confirm the exact Indian Standard and the varieties to cover
- Get the product tested at a BIS-recognised lab (simplified procedure) or arrange BIS sampling
- Apply on Manak Online with factory, quality-control and test documents
- BIS factory inspection and sample verification
- Grant of licence, then marking with the ISI mark and CM/L number
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).
Mark. Certified products carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Frequently asked questions
What does IS 12594 cover?
IS 12594: 1988: Hot-dip Zinc Coating on Structural Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for hot-dip zinc coating on structural steel bars for concrete reinforcement.
Is BIS certification under IS 12594 mandatory?
Yes, for hot-dip zinc coating on structural steel bars for concrete reinforcement, under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2020, S.O. 756(E). The product needs a valid BIS licence (ISI mark) and must carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Where is a product tested for IS 12594?
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.
How long does IS 12594 BIS certification take?
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.
Other standards in Steel and Iron Products
- IS 277 Galvanized Steel Sheets ( Plain and Corrugated)
- IS 280 Mild Steel Wire for General Engineering Purposes
- IS 412 Expanded Metal Steel Sheets for General Purposes
- IS 432 2 products
- IS 513 2 products
- IS 648 Cold Rolled Non-oriented Electrical Steel Sheets and Strip-fully Processed Type (CRNO)
- IS 963 Chrome Molybdenum Steel Bars and Rods for Aircraft Purposes
- IS 1029 Hot Rolled Steel Strip (bailing)
- IS 1079 Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, Plate and Strip —
- IS 1110 Ferrosilicon
Source: BIS lists of products under compulsory certification (Scheme-I, Scheme-II), checked October 2026. See the full BIS product list or all Indian Standards.
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