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What is IBR material?
Short answer
IBR material is pipe, tube, plate or fittings certified under India's boiler regulations for use in boilers and steam piping in India. The grade is unchanged; IBR certification is the inspection and documentation attached to a specific consignment, so material must be ordered as IBR from the start.
What IBR certification is
For regulated boiler and steam-pipe components, material must be produced and certified under the IBR procedure, typically with inspection and certification by a recognised inspecting authority and the relevant forms accompanying the material. A106 Grade B pipe, P11/T11, P22/T22 and P91/T91 are commonly ordered as IBR.
IBR vs non-IBR
The steel grade can be identical. The difference is the certification route and paperwork. Non-IBR material can't be used where IBR applies, even if the chemistry is the same.
Regulatory transition
India enacted the Boilers Act, 2025, replacing the Boilers Act, 1923, with commencement by government notification. Check with your inspecting authority which regime and forms apply at the time of supply.
How to order
State "IBR" clearly on the enquiry and purchase order, along with the required forms and inspecting authority, and allow for inspection time in the schedule.
Products commonly ordered as IBR
- Carbon steel pipe and tube such as A106 Gr B
- Cr-Mo pipe and tube such as A335 P11, P22, P91 and A213 T11, T22, T91
- Boiler-quality plate
- Fittings and flanges for steam lines
Regulatory update
The Boilers Act, 2025 replaces the 1923 Act, with provisions coming into force by notification. Read what buyers should check.
Materials in this guide
Related guides, comparisons and articles
Frequently asked questions
Is IBR material more expensive?
Yes, slightly, because of the inspection and documentation involved.
Is IBR needed for export projects?
No. IBR applies to boilers in India; export projects follow the destination's codes, such as ASME or EN.
Is ASTM A106 Grade B automatically IBR-approved?
No. IBR status depends on certification of the specific material consignment, not the grade.
What information speeds up a quotation?
Grade and specification, product form and size, quantity, tests and certificates, destination and required date. See our RFQ checklist guide.