386/2022-2023

Aizawl, the 31st March 2023: To ensure the availability of quality High Strength Deformed Steel/Iron rods in the market for purchase, the Legal Metrology Department, Government of Mizoram notified prescription for strict compliance, as shown below.

As per Section 6.1 of ISI 1786:2008 (High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement- Specification), the prescribed nominal sizes of High Strength Deformed Steel of Indian Standards are 4 mm, 5mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12mm, 16 mm. 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm, 36 mm and 40 mm only and any other sizes may be supplied by mutual agreement only. The size of each of these standard iron bars are manufactured in such a way that a certain weight range is prescribed for each of them.

Under BIS Act 2016, The High Strength Deformed Steel/Iron rods are subjected to Compulsory Certification and only prescribed standards shall be manufactured by BIS license holder.

It is observed that undersized and corresponding underweight iron bars are prevalent in the local market in contrast to the specified standards. The customers often purchase undersized iron bars which can adversely affect the strength of the concrete structure. It is also learned that iron bars are often sold by piece without weighing. In such cases the dealers declare that the weights of iron rods are maximum in the prescribed weigh range while the actual weights are much lesser.

In view of the current situation and in the interest of public service, the Government of Mizoram has now notified that iron bars which are to be sold in Mizoram must be only BIS Standard sizes of 4 mm, 5mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm, 36 mm and 40 mm and such iron rods must be sold only by weighing using only Electronic Weighing Machine duly verified by the Legal Metrology Wing, FCS&CA Department.

However, if for any special purpose, iron rods other than the sizes specified above are required by a customer, the same can be manufactured and supplied only after a written mutual agreement between the customer and the BIS certified manufacturer is made and signed by both the parties specifying the amount to be used as well as the purpose for such manufacturing.

Any breach of this notification will amount to penalty under BIS Act 2016 and provisions under CrPC Act 1973.This notification will come into force with immediate effect.