A new notification of the Bureau of Indian Standards, dated 13 January 2025, deals with the revision of standards relating to forged steel rolls and other metallurgical materials. Such revisions are designed to enhance product quality from Indian premises. It means that the BIS will try to make sure that the manufacturing firms comply with the new standards set by this agency so that the products will be safe and reliable. It is a step in the direction of ensuring people trust the products of different sectors. Changes are to help keep the manufacturing sector strong and competitive.

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Overview of the Standards

The amendments are established under Sub-rule (1) of Rule (15) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018. These amendments are primarily directed at updating references and certification marking requirements so that standards continue to be relevant and effective in guiding the manufacturers. These amendments cover all standards containing the following: 

1. IS 3445:1992 - Forged Steel Rolls Specification (First Revision)
2. IS 12549:1988 - Specification for Iron Nickel Cobalt Sealing Alloy
3. IS 12836:1989 - 36-Nickel Iron Soft Magnetic Rods Specification
4. IS 12882:1990 - 48-Nickel Iron Soft Magnetic Strip Specification

Importance of Amendments to these Standards

The revised Indian Standards (IS) incorporate modifications to ensure that products become safer, more reliable, and more up-to-date with modern practices. The following are five essential points:

• Regular upgrades: The new references make sure the standards remain recent and in tune with the newest developed industry norms and innovations. Without updating, the standards may become obsolete and ineffective.
• Safety and quality: It means that products are going to have higher safety and quality standards because of the new rules. This ensures that products will be more dependable and longer lasting, and it reduces the number of failures and accidents.
• Less ambiguity: The clearer language and instructions make it easier for all to understand and interpret them, and this will naturally reduce errors and misinterpretations.
• Certification marks: The amendments focus on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark. Products bearing this mark give consumers the assurance that they have passed the required quality checks, thus instilling confidence in Indian products.

Also Read: BIS Rolls Out Updated Specifications: Key Reforms in IS 537:2025 and IS 1460:2025

Key Amendments of the Standards

1. IS 3445: 1992 Forged Steel Rolls (Specification) 

References: Updated references of glossary of terms related to forging. Glossary is defined by IS 1956 (Part 6). The general requirements for metallurgical materials have been defined by IS 1387: 1993. This ensures that the latest standards are being implemented in the industry, making every individual aware of what the current standards are.
Certification marking changes: It introduces the mark of the BIS Certification. This will be used for products, which are deemed to meet the requirements of a standard, through the conformity assessment schemes of BIS. 
Revision of clause references: A few clauses are revised for accuracy and clarity. For example, the year has been dropped while referencing IS 1956 (Part 6). Similarly, the reference to IS 1387 is changed from its earlier version of 1967 to its current version of 1993. 

2. IS 12549: 1988 Specification For Iron Nickel Cobalt Sealing Alloy 

New references clause: A new clause is introduced under standard IS 12549:1988 regarding sealing alloys iron-nickel-cobalt. In clause 16 references, it is written that the following standards are very essential to be referred to. These are as follows:

• IS 1387:1993 - General requirements for metallurgical materials.
• IS 1586 (Part 1):2018/ISO 6508-1:2016 - Rockwell hardness test methods.
• IS 1608 (Part 1):2022/ISO 6892-1:2019 - Tensile testing methods at room temperature.
• IS 3410:1993 - Determination of linear thermal expansion.

Clause replacements: These are several clauses that, according to standardization, have been updated:

• Clause 2 now refers to IS 1387:1993 instead of the older version from 1967.
• Clause 8 substitutes IS 3410 for its previous version from 1965.
• Clause 10 updates to IS 1586 (Part 1), replacing the earlier version from 1968.
• Clause 11 now cites IS 1608 (Part 1) instead of the version from 1972.

Certification marking: The certificate has updated its clause on certification marking. Products complying with these requirements can be given a certification mark under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act concerning quality requirements. 

3. IS 12836: 1989 36-Nickel Iron Soft Magnetic Rods (Specification) 

References: The standard contains a reference to other crucial standards. Methods for the chemical composition of steels, such as carbon and manganese content, include the Vickers hardness test method. These must be followed according to the latest versions to obtain accurate results.
Revisions in clauses: There is evidence of clause-wise updates, like IS 1387 updated from the earlier 1967 edition, and IS 1501 Part 1 revised from the year 1984 to the current edition.
Certification marking: Products that meet the standards can get a BIS certification mark. This mark indicates that the product has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards' rules for quality and safety.

4. IS 12882: 1990 48-Nickel Iron Soft Magnetic Strip (Specification)

References: IS 12882:1990, Standard Specification for 48-Nickel Iron Soft Magnetic Strip. References have been updated to include new editions of chemical analysis methods for steels. The methods included are IS 228 Parts 1, 2, 5, and 9 on the determination of carbon, manganese, nickel, and sulphur. The general requirements for metallurgical materials have been revised to IS 1387:1993.
Clause changes: In clause 3.1, the reference to IS 1387 has been updated from the 1967 version to the current one. Clause 8.1 has replaced the old version of IS 1501 with the latest IS 1501 (Part 1):2020/ISO 6507-1:2018.
Certification marking: A new clause 12.3 has been added that pertains to BIS Certification Marking. The products now qualify for certification under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and get marked with this mark. Quality assurance for the consumers as well as the manufacturers is guaranteed in this manner.

Also Read: BIS IS 17373: 2020 Geosynthetics: Geogrids used in Reinforced Soil Retaining Structures

Implementation Timeline

The new rules start on January 10, 2025. This means that from that date, everybody has to follow the new standards. However, the old rules would still be okay to use up until July 9, 2025. That is to give the companies time to learn and adjust to the changes. The key here is for the manufacturers to know what is different and how they will meet new requirements. The more time that is taken in preparation, the smoother everything will be when the new rules are completely in place. This way, everybody will be safe and the new standards will be met on time.

Conclusion

The Bureau of Indian Standards makes its products safer and better with new standards and its certification marks in this update. It keeps the manufacturing sector steady, and people start trusting these products even more. Having simple and understandable rules limits errors and makes sure all members are subjected to the same regulations. The effective date is January 10, 2025, however, business operators have ample time to transition till July 9, 2025. As a result, this provides high-quality goods to all individuals.