BIS Certification for Deep Groove Ball Bearings: IS 6455:2020 and the Bearings QCO 2025
Bearings are one of the most heavily imported engineering components in India, and they now come under compulsory BIS certification. The Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025 covers ten bearing types. The highest-volume of these is the single row deep groove ball bearing to IS 6455:2020, used in motors, fans, pumps, two-wheelers and appliances.
Standards Covered by the Bearings QCO
| Bearing type | Indian Standard |
|---|---|
| Single row deep groove ball bearings | IS 6455:2020 |
| Tapered roller bearings | IS 12102:1987 |
| Self-aligning roller bearings | IS 6454:1972 |
| Double row radial ball bearings | IS 6456:1972 |
| Single row cylindrical roller bearings | IS 6457:2024 |
| Double row cylindrical roller bearings | IS 6458:1972 |
| Ring type needle bearings | IS 4215:1983 |
| Thin-walled plain bearings | IS 10203:1982 |
| Thick-walled bushes, plain & flange type | IS 14478:1997 |
| Ring type thrust washers made from strip | IS 9764 (Part 1):2022 |
Implementation Timeline
The order applies in phases from its date of publication in the Gazette, with more time for small and micro enterprises. Published summaries of the phase lengths differ, so check your exact date against the Gazette text or the BIS QCO list before you plan shipments. Our QCO deadlines 2026 tracker lists the current dates.
What IS 6455:2020 Covers
- Boundary dimensions and dimensional series
- Tolerance classes for bore, outside diameter, width and running accuracy
- Radial internal clearance
- Requirements for shields and seals (open, ZZ and 2RS types)
- Designation and marking, including the Standard Mark
Exemptions to Know
Published summaries of the order describe exemptions for goods made only for export, for bearings imported as part of sub-assemblies, and for limited quantities brought in for R&D or testing. Exemptions usually require a self-declaration and record-keeping, so confirm the exact conditions against the Gazette text before you rely on one.
Certification Process for Foreign Bearing Makers
- Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Group bearing series by type, size range and seal variant to keep test samples to a minimum.
- Apply under FMCS, now fully online, with the factory documents and QC plan.
- BIS audits the factory overseas and draws samples.
- The samples are tested at a BIS lab or BIS-recognised lab in India.
- BIS grants the licence, and you mark each bearing or its packaging as the licence conditions require.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Gap analysis, AIR appointment & document prep | 2–3 weeks |
| Application under FMCS & scrutiny | 2–3 weeks |
| Overseas factory audit & sample drawal | 4–8 weeks |
| Independent testing in India | 3–6 weeks |
| Grant of licence | 2–4 weeks after test report |
Durations are indicative and depend on sample readiness, lab queues and audit scheduling. See our BIS certification cost and timeline breakdown for fee heads.
Common Mistakes
- Applying under IS 6455 for bearings that actually fall under another standard in the list
- Factory gauges and measuring instruments without traceable calibration
- Assuming spare-parts trade imports qualify for the sub-assembly exemption
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for ball bearings in India?
Yes. The Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025 brings ten bearing types under compulsory BIS certification, including single row deep groove ball bearings to IS 6455:2020, with phased timelines for MSMEs.
Which Indian Standard applies to deep groove ball bearings?
IS 6455:2020 covers single row deep groove ball bearings, including their dimensions, tolerances, internal clearance, shields and seals, and marking.
Are bearings imported inside machines covered?
Published summaries of the order describe an exemption for bearings imported as part of sub-assemblies, usually conditional on a self-declaration. Check the Gazette text for the exact conditions.
Can one BIS licence cover several bearing types?
No. Each Indian Standard needs a separate licence, so tapered roller bearings (IS 12102) and deep groove ball bearings (IS 6455) are licensed separately.
Get Certified with PCN India Global
PCN India Global handles BIS ISI mark certification end to end for Indian and foreign manufacturers: gap analysis, test planning at BIS-recognised labs, documentation, factory audit preparation, and post-licence surveillance. Call +91 80109 05029 or WhatsApp us to get a product-specific checklist and timeline.
