BIS Certification for Tin Ingot IS 26 - Completed Overview

The Government of India (Ministry of Mines) is taking a strong step in enhancing industrial quality and safety standards via the TIN Ingot Quality Control Order (2025). The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a certifying body that is responsible for ensuring the BIS Certification for tin ingots for quality and safety standards.

BIS Certification under IS 26 is a requirement for manufacturers seeking to sell their tin ingots in domestic and/or foreign markets. Each certification guarantees consumers the highest equity standards and helps provide enhancements of reliability and trust in the product. This article will provide the reader with background on IS 26, an overview of the certification process, and how ERCS Pvt Limited can assist manufacturers in obtaining this important certification.

Overview of Tin Ingot Certification under BIS

Tin ingots are vital in various industries, including electronics, automotive parts, and packaging. It is imperative to standardize tin ingots to maintain product integrity and protect consumers. The BIS Certification under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for regulating the quality and standard of tin ingots, and refers to Indian Standard IS 26 throughout this process.

BIS is the statutory body for the regulation of the quality of manufacturing materials in India and publishes guidance that details specifications relating to tin ingots and documentation regarding quality standards. In addition, IS 26 further makes reference to other pertinent Indian standards and associated testing procedures that will assist manufacturers in the process of ensuring product standards.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Scope for Tin Ingot: IS 26

This standard specifies the requirements for virgin tin in the form of ingots. However, it does not address the BIS Certification requirements for refined secondary tin, which are covered in IS 4280: 1970, titled "Refined Secondary Tin (First Revision).

BIS Quality Control Order (QCO): Tin Ingot IS 26

According to the Bureau of indian standards quality control order for tin ingot, to be implemented in 2025, any tin ingot sold in India must have been manufactured by the Indian Standard IS 26:2024 and must display the BIS Standard Mark. This guarantees that the tin ingots meet certain quality standards and specifications to give consumers a level of assurance and to provide raw materials that can be relied on in various trade sectors.

This comes into effect after 6 months of being published in the E-Gazette. The conditions listed will not apply to any goods or articles designed for export. Stakeholders have 60 days to provide feedback. This has been issued under a license from Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, where BIS is both a certifying body and an enforcement authority for this order.

Some Key Features of IS 26: Tin Ingot - Specification

Let’s go through the ISI mark Certification key features for IS 26 and know more details:

1. Chemical Composition: The chemical composition of each grade is given in Table 1 of the standard. For example, the best grade is Sn99.99, which allows only 0.01% antimony and 0.005% bismuth as impurities. The chemical composition can be determined using the methods specified in IS 1940 or other approved instrumental techniques.

2. Manufacturing Process: The tin ingots may be manufactured using different methods, for example, fire refining, vacuum refining, and electrolytic refining. The standard provides for both primary ore and secondary materials to be used, so there is flexibility in choosing raw materials.

3. Shape & Mass of Ingots: IS 26 permits the supplier discretion in the shape and mass of the ingots, but if specific shapes and weights were agreed upon with the purchaser, then the supplier must meet that agreement. Typically, each ingot will weigh around 25 kg with a permissible tolerance of ± 1.5 kg.

4. Scope & Application: IS 26 covers refined tin ingots manufactured using any method of refining, including fire refining, vacuum refining, and electrolytic refining. IS 26 covers both primary and secondary sources of tin, whether from ingots or other forms, giving flexibility to the manufacturers.

5. Classification & Grade: The standard classifies tin ingots into six grades based on the tin-only content:

• Sn99.75
• Sn99.85
• Sn99.90
• Sn99.93
• Sn99.95
• Sn99.99

Quality Assurance & Testing Requirements for IS 26

Here you can get some key points for the Quality Assurance & Testing Requirements of IS 26. Let’s go through them and know more about the requirements as a manufacturer: 

1. The manufacturer should conduct inspections and testing according to the quality assurance plan. The manufacturer may also adopt the plan by level control, defined in the relevant Indian Standard.

2. Applicants must be licensed with a manufacturing level of quality that maintains a timetable of regular testing and in-process control.

3. Manufacturers are also expected to keep records of the test results when tests are undertaken to prove conformity, whether or not they are using shared test facilities, cluster-based facilities, or an in-house laboratory.

4. Manufacturers are also expected to keep records of the test results when tests are undertaken to prove conformity, whether or not they are using shared test facilities, cluster-based facilities, or an in-house laboratory.

5. MSME manufacturers can utilize the cluster-based facilities with guidance for the use of cluster-based test facilities by MSMEs.

6. They can also benefit from the parts related to sharing of testing facilities or testing from one of the BIS recognised/empanelled laboratories or any other laboratory that has valid NABL accreditation based upon IS/ISO/IEC 17025.

7. The Standard Mark as provided in the sublicense Schedule shall be legibly and permanently marked on every ingot, slab, tile, or plate, or shall be a label affixed to each ingot, slab, tile, or plate.

8. The marking would also be on the test certificate accompanying each consignment of ingots, slabs, tiles, or plates, provided the material so marked conforms to each of the specification requirements.

9. Any production, which is conforming to the Indian Standard and falls under the scope of this licence will be marked with the Standard Mark. Any non-conforming product will be disposed of.

BIS Certification Process for Tin Ingots as Per IS 26

Obtaining BIS Certification under IS 26 is an important step as a manufacturer of tin ingots. The BIS certification process in India involves various stages. Let’s go through them one by one:

1. The process begins with the submission of an application on the BIS portal. Manufacturers have to provide key information about a product, quality control measures, and more.

2. BIS officials conduct a complete inspection of manufacturing facilities to ensure that the production process meets the required standard.

3. The BIS team will assess the manufacturing environment, quality control system, and raw materials to ensure product quality.
Samples of Tin Ingots are sent to BIS-authorised labs for testing.

4. Once the sample passes the test and factory inspection is done by BIS, they grant a license to manufacturers.

5. This license permits the manufacturer to place the BIS Standard Mark on their tin ingots, indicating compliance with IS 26.

What are the Required Documents for the Product Certification of Tin Ingot as per IS 26? 

Manufacturers require some important documents for getting BIS Certification for their product. Let’s go through the list of documents required:

• Premises Documentation
• Machinery List
• GST Certificate
• Production Process Description
• Udyam Aadhar (MSME Certificate)
• List of Raw Materials
• Process Flow Chart
• Factory Location
• Owner Identification
• Plant Layout
• Trademark Certificate/Brand Name

How BIS Certification Ensures Quality & Compliance of Tin Ingot?

Here are some of the key features of Product Certification for BIS QCO of Tin Ingots:

• Standardization for Quality: Guarantees that purity levels are met according to the requirements of downstream industries.
• Consumer Acceptance: The BIS mark gives confidence to purchasers and end-users.
• Market Access: BIS Certification is required to sell or bring products into the domestic market.
• Ready for Export: It improves standing in international markets.
• Regulatory Compliance: It can help avoid fines and decrease the risk of product liabilities

Is BIS certification compulsory for Tin Ingot?

Yes, as per the Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025, along with the manufacturers and importers, the manufacturers and importers must acquire BIS certification under IS 26 and BIS registration before manufacturing, importing, or selling Tin Ingots in India.

What are the grades in IS 26?

IS 26 outlines tin ingots in six grades with classifying the minimum Tin content. Sn99.7 -Sn99.8 -Sn99.9 -Sn99.9 -Sn99.9 -Sn99.9 Each of the grades specifies permissible limits for corresponding impure materials such as antimony, arsenic, bismuth, copper, lead, iron, which must not be exceeded, and beyond which it does not classify as a tin ingot.

What is the valid period for BIS certification?

The first certification is valid for two years. After renewal, the valid period can last up to five years.

Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) & the foreign manufacturers must nominate. An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must apply for certification on the foreign manufacturer's behalf and fulfill the other conditions of BIS requirements.

Final Thought

The 2025 QCO has made Tin Ingot a mandatory certified product by BIS under IS 26. This ensures that the quality and standardized products will enter the Indian market.  This standard covers all of the necessary issues of production and includes grade classification, chemical composition, and inspection procedures. All manufacturers or importers must adhere to BIS standards before they can sell or market tin ingots legally.

ERCS, as the best BIS Consultant, makes the certification process easier at all points of the certificate, from documentation to grant of license, ensuring compliance with BIS norms in a timely way. Contact us to have your tin ingots BIS-certified and market-ready! With BIS certification and the extensive experience of ERCS, manufacturers can deliver superior product tin ingots and mature quality assurance in India and the world.