BIS Certification for Ferrosilicon – Specification IS 1110 : 1990


 

  • BIS Certification under IS 1110:1990 is mandatory for ferrosilicon in India.

  • Strict chemical composition limits must be met for approval.

  • Factory audit and BIS lab testing are compulsory steps.

  • Documentation gaps often cause delays in licensing.

  • A valid BIS licence ensures legal sale and smooth import clearance.

Introduction

Not​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ long ago, a ferrosilicon producer from Meghalaya reached out to us in a desperate


situation. Their most recent shipment was a Customs hold. The Customs officials demanded a BIS certificate issued by IS 1110:1990 as proof. The material was good, but the consignment had to be at a standstill because there was no licence. Such situations have become frequent as India has been more and more strict in its alloy products enforcement.Ferrosilicon is one of the most essential raw materials in steelmaking, and the quality of it makes the stability of the furnace and the metallurgical performance vary. This is the reason for the existence of the BIS certification system—to make sure that every batch sold or imported meets the same chemical and physical standards. For manufacturers, it has become necessary to understand IS 1110:1990 if they want to keep their businesses running without any interruptions, be it supplying domestic steel plants or clearing imported ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cargo.
Bureau of Indian Standards

What is IS 1110:1990?

IS 1110:1990 is the Indian Standard Specification for Ferrosilicon, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The norm details the quality, chemical composition, physical properties, the method of sampling, and the testing procedure of the ferrosilicon material which is either made domestically or imported into India. In other words, IS 1110:1990 is a quality standard that acts as a safety net for the users of ferrosilicon in steelmaking and foundry processes, it keeps the product consistent and at an industry-approved quality level. Manufacturers must comply with this standard to obtain a BIS certification and legally be able to use the ISI Mark on their ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌products.

Key points

  • It is the Indian Standard for Ferrosilicon issued by BIS.

  • Specifies chemical composition limits for silicon, aluminium, carbon, and impurities. ISI MARK

  • Defines physical properties and particle size requirements.

  • Includes sampling and testing methods for quality verification.

  • Mandatory for BIS certification and ISI marking of ferrosilicon in India.

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory 

BIS Certification is mandatory for ferrosilicon because the government regulates it under compulsory quality control orders. The standard ensures that every batch entering or sold in India meets the safety, purity, and performance requirements defined in IS 1110:1990. This protects steel plants from inconsistent chemistry and prevents low-quality imports from disrupting industrial processes.

Key Points

  • Required under BIS Quality Control Orders for legal sale and imports.

  • Ensures uniform chemical composition and impurity control.

  • Protects steelmakers from quality failures during melting and deoxidation.

  • Helps authorities stop substandard or unsafe material at ports.

  • Allows manufacturers to use the ISI Mark, which buyers demand for credibility.

Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification

Importance

Benefits

Ensures compliance with mandatory IS 1110:1990 standards.

Enables legal sale and import of ferrosilicon in India.

Maintains strict quality and safety requirements.

Provides consistent product performance for steel plants.

Controls impurities and stabilises metallurgical quality.

Reduces rejections, defects, and furnace issues.

Required by major steel manufacturers and procurement teams.

Improves market acceptance and strengthens supplier credibility.

Enforces traceability and verified testing.

Builds trust and strengthens long-term customer relationships.

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

Consistent​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ chemistry, disciplined testing, and traceable quality are the main factors for a reliable supply chain in the steel and alloy sector. This is exactly what BIS Certification for Ferrosilicon – Specification IS 1110:1990 provides. Manufacturers that early align with the standard have smoother audits, faster approvals, and stronger acceptance by big steel plants. A local producer or an importer of industrial ferrosilicon should keep BIS compliance to be safe from regulatory hurdles and to increase the trust of customers. If you require detailed assistance, our team is there to support you at every stage—from documentation to testing and licence ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌maintenance.


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