In pursuance of Sub rule 1 of Rule 15 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Indian Standards for Tool Steels **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding Indian standards for tool steels, specifically addressing IS 3748:2022 and related standards. The notification establishes the 2022 version of IS 3748 (Tool Steels Specification) and specifies the concurrent validity and subsequent withdrawal of older versions (IS 3748:1990 and IS 7291:1981). This update appears to reflect an effort to align with international standards (ISO 4957:2018) and to update specifications for tool steels, affecting manufacturers, suppliers, and users of these materials in India. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the notification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) pertaining to Indian standards for tool steels. The analysis focuses on the information provided within the given document extract, aiming to inform affected industries about the updated standards and their implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification serves as an amendment and an update to existing standards related to tool steels. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to update and align Indian standards for tool steels with current technological advancements and international standards (specifically ISO 4957:2018). This ensures the quality, safety, and interoperability of tool steels manufactured and used in India. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification updates and supersedes older standards, suggesting that the previous standards (IS 3748:1990 and IS 7291:1981) were outdated and no longer adequately reflected current industry practices or international norms. The reference to ISO 4957:2018 indicates a move toward harmonizing Indian standards with global benchmarks for tool and die steels. This may be driven by a need to improve the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in international markets or to ensure the quality and reliability of tool steels used in critical applications. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces the following key changes related to the standards for Tool Steels: * **Introduction of New Standard:** IS 3748:2022 (Tool Steels Specification) is established. * **Concurrent Validity and Withdrawal:** IS 3748:1990 (Tool and Die Steels Specification Second Revision) will remain in force concurrently until 18 May 2023, after which it will be withdrawn. IS 7291:1981 (Specification for High Speed Tool Steels) is not assigned a withdrawal date in the provided text but its inclusion suggests an intention to possibly supersede it. * **Alignment with International Standards:** The introduction of IS 3748:2022 appears to align with ISO 4957:2018 (Tool and Die Steels Specification). * **Difference/Effect of Changes:** The main effect of these changes is to update the specification for tool steels used in India, incorporating advancements in materials and manufacturing processes. This will likely require manufacturers to update their processes and testing procedures to comply with the new standard. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Manufacturers of tool steels in India. * Suppliers and distributors of tool steels. * Users of tool steels in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and tooling. * Testing and certification bodies involved in assessing the quality and compliance of tool steels. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the responsible agency for implementing and enforcing these standards. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification specifies a withdrawal date (18 May 2023) for IS 3748:1990. Manufacturers need to ensure that their products meet the requirements of IS 3748:2022 by this date. The procedures for obtaining copies of the standards and purchasing/downloading them online are also mentioned. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes of these changes include: * Improved quality and reliability of tool steels manufactured and used in India. * Enhanced competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in international markets. * Better alignment with international standards for tool steels. * Updates in manufacturing processes and testing procedures to comply with IS 3748:2022. **9. Conclusion:** The notification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding Indian standards for tool steels signifies a commitment to updating and aligning standards with current technological advancements and international norms. The introduction of IS 3748:2022 and the subsequent withdrawal of older versions will have a significant impact on manufacturers, suppliers, and users of tool steels in India. Compliance with the updated standards is crucial for ensuring the quality, safety, and interoperability of tool steels and for enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector.

Key Entities Referenced