What Is IBR Certification in Steel Plates?
IBR stands for the Indian Boiler Regulations, governed by the Central Boilers Board (CBB) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
In simple terms, IBR certification confirms that a boiler plate or pressure part:
- Meets Indian safety, thickness, testing, and design standards
- Is suitable for high-pressure steam applications
- Has passed inspection by a certified IBR authority
Why IBR-Certified Boiler Plates Are Essential
If you’re using the steel in:
- Steam boilers, economizers, superheaters, or heat exchangers
- Power plants, chemical plants, or refineries
…then IBR certification is legally mandatory for operation in India.
Failing to use IBR-certified materials can result in:
- Project shutdowns
- Legal penalties
- Safety risks due to rupture or explosion.
Which Grades Require IBR Certification?
IBR certification can apply to several grades used in pressure vessels and boilers:
- ASTM A516 Gr 60 / Gr 70
- ASME SA387 Gr 11 / Gr 22
- IS 2002 / IS 2041 / IS 2062
EN 10028 P265GH / P355NH
The key requirement is approval under IBR Form IIIA (or III, IIIC), usually endorsed by the Boiler Inspector.
IBR Certification Process – Step-by-Step
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Material selected from IBR-approved source |
| 2 | Inspection during production and rolling |
| 3 | Third-party testing (chemical, mechanical, UT) |
| 4 | IBR inspection and stamping at steel mill |
| 5 | Issue of IBR Form IIIA (Mill Test Certificate) |
| 6 | Plate dispatch with traceable IBR stamp |
Documents Included with IBR-Certified Plates
Every IBR-certified plate is supplied with:
✅ Form IIIA from approved IBR authorities
✅ 3.1 or 3.2 Mill Test Certificates
✅ UT + Impact + Hydro Test Reports
✅ CE or PED certificates (if required for export)
IBR Certification vs Non-IBR – What’s the Difference?
| Criteria | IBR-Certified Plate | Non-IBR Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Usage in Steam Service | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Required in India | ✅ Mandatory | ❌ Not accepted |
| IBR Stamping | ✅ Present | ❌ Absent |
| Legal Compliance | ✅ 100% | ❌ Illegal in steam lines |
| Price | Slightly higher | Lower |
Do Export Buyers Need IBR Plates?
Foreign EPC contractors or OEMs shipping to Indian steam plants must ensure compliance. Hindustan Steel offers both
- IBR-certified plates for Indian use
- EN / ASTM / DIN / PED-certified plates for export-based codes
How to Identify Fake or Non-IBR Plates?
Red flags include:
No Form IIIA
No IBR stamp on steel surface
No mention of IBR in heat number or MTC
Untraceable supplier
Always demand full IBR documentation and stamp verification.
Why Buy IBR Plates from Hindustan Steel Corporation?
We are among India’s most trusted IBR plate dealers, offering:
Ready stock of A516 Gr 70 / Gr 60 with Form IIIA
In-house cutting, bending, and marking
Tie-ups with IBR-approved mills like SAIL, JSPL, and imports
On-time delivery to pressure vessel fabricators, power plants, and EPCs
FAQs for IBR Certification Guide for Buyers
Is A516 Gr 70 plate IBR approved?
Yes, A516 Gr 70 can be IBR certified if tested and stamped under supervision of an IBR inspector.
Do I need IBR plates for a heat exchanger?
If it's a steam-based heat exchanger used in India, then yes—IBR plates are mandatory.
Can I export IBR plates?
Yes, we supply IBR-certified plates for Indian clients abroad or for projects shipping into India.
What’s the difference between Form IIIA and Form III?
Form IIIA is for mill-tested plates; Form III is for fabricated components. Plates must be supplied with Form IIIA.