Essential Guide to BIS Certification for Hot-Dip Galvanized/Galvannealed Steel in Automotive Applications

INTRODUCTION

In the automotive industry, selecting the right materials is crucial for vehicle safety, performance, and durability. Hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets, plates, and strips are key components due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. To ensure these materials meet automotive standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established the IS 18385 standard. This article explores IS 18385, the BIS certification process, and how Absolute Veritas helps manufacturers achieve compliance.

INDIAN STANDARD IS 18385

IS 18385 outlines the specifications for hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets, plates, and strips used in automotive applications. This standard ensures materials meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

Key aspects of IS 18385

• Material Specifications: Specifies the necessary chemical composition, mechanical properties, and coating thickness for galvanized and galvannealed steel, ensuring optimal strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.

• Product Grades: Classifies steel into various grades based on performance characteristics and intended applications, helping manufacturers choose the right material for automotive components.

• Coating Types: Differentiates between galvanized and galvannealed coatings, specifying minimum coating mass and adherence to ensure effective corrosion protection.

• Mechanical Properties: Details essential properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation, crucial for the structural integrity of automotive parts.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Requires rigorous testing, including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and coating weight determination, to ensure compliance with specified requirements.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Requires rigorous testing, including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and coating weight determination, to ensure compliance with specified requirements.

DRAFT QUALITY CONTROL ORDER

The Technical Division of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has proposed a draft order making it mandatory for hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets, plates, and strips used in automotive applications to carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standard Mark. This requirement applies to both domestically produced and imported products, necessitating a valid BIS license.

BIS CERTIFICATION FOR IS 18385

BIS offers a certification scheme to ensure steel and steel products meet Indian standards. This process involves rigorous evaluation and testing to verify compliance with specified standards. Successful products receive BIS certification, signifying quality and regulatory adherence. This certification boosts market acceptance and competitiveness by highlighting reliability and trustworthiness.

The IS 18385 certification process is detailed and comprehensive, covering chemical composition, particle size, and other key parameters. For manufacturers, achieving BIS certification is a mark of their dedication to quality and excellence. However, the process can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of standards and careful preparation.

EXPERT GUIDANCE FROM ABSOLUTE VERITAS

Absolute Veritas offers comprehensive support for BIS certification, assisting manufacturers with:

• Application Submission: Ensuring all applications are complete and accurate.

• Factory Inspection: Preparing for BIS inspections through effective quality control.

• Sample Testing: Coordinating with BIS labs to confirm compliance.

• Grant of Licence:Facilitating certification upon successful testing.

For Foreign manufacturers, Absolute Veritas provides:

• Nominating Authorized Indian Representatives

• Signing Agreements: Drafting and executing necessary BIS agreements.

• Performance Bank Guarantees

• Regular Monitoring: Conducting audits to ensure continuous compliance.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING ABSOLUTE VERITAS

Partnering with Absolute Veritas

• Expertise: Extensive regulatory knowledge.

• Time and Cost Savings: Streamlined certification processes.

• Performance Bank Guarantees

• Assurance of Compliance: Reduced risk of rejection.

• Continuous Support: Ongoing assistance for maintaining compliance.

CONCLUSION

The IS 18385 standard for hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets, plates, and strips is crucial in the automotive industry, ensuring materials meet high safety, durability, and performance standards. Obtaining BIS certification under this standard showcases a manufacturer's commitment to quality and enhances their market reputation.

The certification process involves thorough testing, inspections, and adherence to quality management systems, which can be complex for manufacturers. Absolute Veritas is essential in this process, providing expert guidance and support to streamline the certification journey. With their expertise, manufacturers can navigate the BIS certification process efficiently, ensuring compliance with IS 18385 and gaining market acceptance.