IBR (Indian Boiler Regulations) is the statutory framework governing boilers and steam pipelines in India. Administered by the Central Boilers Board under the Indian Boilers Act, 1923, it mandates design standards, material approvals, inspections, and certification for all boiler-grade materials and installations.

Form III-C is the mandatory material certificate under IBR Regulation 391. It certifies that boiler-grade steel conforms to an IBR-approved specification and was manufactured under supervision of an IBR-recognized Inspecting Authority. Without Form III-C, material cannot be used in IBR installations.

Which material specifications are IBR-approved?

IBR approves ASME Section II specifications including SA-106 (carbon pipe), SA-213 (alloy tubes), SA-192/SA-210 (boiler tubes), SA-335 (alloy pipe), plus selected IS standards like IS 6286. Check the current IBR schedule or consult your Inspecting Authority for the complete list.

Is Form III-C required for all steel pipe?

No. Form III-C is required only for materials used in IBR-controlled installations (boilers, steam pipelines). General structural steel, water pipes (IS 1239), and non-pressure piping do not require IBR certification. Always verify if your application falls under IBR jurisdiction.

How do I get Form III-C certification?

Order material from mills that manufacture under IBR Inspecting Authority supervision, or arrange third-party inspection by an IBR-recognized IA (Lloyd's Register, TÜV, Bureau Veritas, etc.). The IA witnesses manufacturing, verifies testing, and issues Form III-C. Specify "IBR Form III-C required" in your RFQ.

IBR — Indian Boiler Regulations (Form III-C requirements)

Last reviewed May 6, 2026

By Ajay Jaiswal · IS · 28 yrs

The Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR), 1950, are the statutory regulations promulgated under the Indian Boilers Act, 1923, governing the design, manufacture, construction, installation, operation, inspection, and repair of boilers and steam pipelines in India. IBR is not a material specification like ASTM or ASME standards — it is a comprehensive regulatory framework administered by the Central Boilers Board. The critical IBR requirement for procurement is Form III-C, the material certificate that proves boiler-grade steel meets approved specifications. IBR recognizes specific ASME, ASTM, BS, DIN, and IS specifications as approved for boiler use. Materials not listed in the approved schedule require explicit Central Boilers Board sanction. Every boiler tube, pipe, fitting, or pressure part used in an IBR-jurisdiction installation must carry Form III-C certification from an IBR-recognized Inspecting Authority.

What is Form III-C and why does it matter

Form III-C is the official material certificate required under Regulation 391 of IBR. It certifies that the material (steel, forgings, castings) conforms to an IBR-approved specification and has been manufactured under supervision of an IBR-recognized Inspecting Authority.

The Form III-C must include: specification reference (e.g., SA-106 Gr B, SA-213 T22), heat number, chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment details, and NDE results. It is signed by the Inspecting Authority's representative.

Without Form III-C, material cannot be legally used in IBR-controlled installations. Procurement officers must explicitly request "IBR Form III-C certification" in purchase orders. Standard EN 10204 3.1 certificates alone are insufficient for IBR boiler work.

IBR-approved material specifications

Seamless carbon steel: ASTM A106 Grade B/C (SA-106), ASTM A53 Type S, IS 6286
Alloy steel boiler tubes: SA-213 T11, T22, T91; SA-335 P11, P22, P91
Carbon boiler tubes: SA-192, SA-210 Grade A1/C
Stainless steel: SA-213 TP304H, TP316H, TP347H for high-temp superheaters
Pressure vessel plates: SA-516 Gr 60/70, IS 2002 Gr 2
Forgings and fittings: SA-105, SA-182 F11/F22/F91, IS 1875

Inspecting Authority checklist for IBR compliance

The IBR Inspecting Authority (IA) — typically Lloyd's Register, TÜV, BV, DNV, or Indian Boiler Inspection Department — verifies compliance throughout the manufacturing process.

Inspecting Authority verification points

Material specification approval: Verify the grade is listed in the current IBR schedule of approved materials
Steelmaking process: Check BOS/EOF or electric furnace with ladle refining; verify ingot/casting traceability
Chemical analysis: Witness sampling; verify C, Mn, P, S, Cr, Mo against specification limits
Mechanical testing: Witness tensile test and Charpy V-notch (if required); verify results meet minima
Heat treatment: Verify normalization/quenching/tempering cycles match specification and are recorded
Non-destructive examination: Review UT/RT records; witness testing where IBR requires
Dimensional inspection: Verify OD, wall thickness, ovality, and straightness per applicable standard
Marking and stamping: Verify heat number, specification marking, and IA stamp are applied
Form III-C preparation: Complete and sign certificate; register with Central Boilers Board if required

IBR-approved specifications for common boiler materials

IBR-approved specifications for common boiler materials
Application	IBR-approved spec	Form III-C required
Boiler tubes (carbon)	SA-106 Gr B, SA-192, SA-210	Yes
Boiler tubes (alloy)	SA-213 T11, T22, T91	Yes
Pipe fittings	SA-105, SA-182 F11/F22	Yes
Pressure vessel plates	SA-516 Gr 70, IS 2002 Gr 2	Yes
Water tubes (non-IBR)	IS 1239 (not approved)	No

Specifications

Specifications
Regulation	Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950 (under Indian Boilers Act, 1923)
Administered by	Central Boilers Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
Key regulation	Regulation 391 — Material certification (Form III-C)
Inspecting Authorities	Lloyd's Register, TÜV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas, DNV, Indian BID
Approved specs	ASME Section II-A, ASTM A106, A53, A192, A210, A213, A335; IS 6286, IS 2002
Certification	Form III-C mandatory for all boiler-grade materials
Traceability	Heat number, specification marking, IA stamp required
Documentation	Form III-C + MTC 3.1/3.2 per EN 10204
NDE requirements	Hydrotest, UT/RT per approved specification
Inspection frequency	Continuous supervision or lot inspection per IA agreement

Standards referenced

Reference standards cited on this page

Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950 — Complete regulations under the Indian Boilers Act, 1923 — Central Boilers Board, Government of India
Indian Boilers Act, 1923 — Act No. 5 of 1923 as amended (Government of India)
Form III-C — Certificate of Manufacture and Test of Boiler Pipes, Tubes, and Fittings (Central Boilers Board, Regulation 391)

Related standards

Frequently asked questions