ISO 23499
ISO 23499:2020 is an internationally recognized standard that specifies the design requirements and specifications for iron ore direct reduced feedstocks intended for steelmaking. This standard ensures the chemical composition, physical characteristics, and quality of iron ore materials used in direct reduction processes. ISO 23499 helps improve product consistency, minimize waste, and enhance downstream processing in the iron and steel industry.
By achieving ISO 23499 certification, organizations demonstrate their commitment to product quality, international compliance, and operational efficiency in mineral processing and metallurgy.
65% Cost Reduction
60% Sustainability
Customer Attraction
Increase Your Competitive Edge
What is ISO 23499?
ISO 23499:2020 outlines technical guidelines for determining the characteristics and requirements of iron ore materials used as feedstock in direct reduction (DR) processes, particularly for the production of sponge iron. The standard covers:
- Size distribution
- Metallurgical properties
- Chemical composition
- Physical integrity and moisture content
This certification is essential for mining companies, iron ore pellet manufacturers, and DR-grade iron ore suppliers who wish to export or supply consistent, high-quality materials that align with international expectations.
Why is ISO 23499 important?
With growing demand for low-emission steel production, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) methods are becoming more prominent. ISO 23499:2020 supports this industry transition by ensuring raw materials used in DRI processes are standardized, high-quality, and efficient in metallurgical performance.
Certification under ISO 23499 not only validates material quality but also facilitates smoother international trade, reduces client-side inspection efforts, and aligns your operations with green steel manufacturing goals.
This standard is especially important in an evolving market where sustainable and cost-effective steel production is a top priority.
What are the benefits of ISO 23499?
- Ensures standardized quality and consistency in iron ore feedstock
- Reduces material variability and enhances production efficiency
- Complies with international benchmarks for DRI-based steelmaking
- Enhances credibility with clients, OEMs, and international buyers
- Supports supply chain reliability in iron and steel production
- Minimizes waste, errors, and delays due to raw material inconsistency
- Facilitates regulatory and export compliance in mineral industries
What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 23499?
1.Enhanced Global Market Access
Certification proves your material meets international standards, making exports and overseas partnerships more seamless.
2.Improved Buyer Confidence
Clients are more likely to trust and choose certified suppliers for large-scale contracts.
3.Streamlined Operations
Reduces raw material-related rejections and improves efficiency in steel production.
4.Brand Differentiation
Establishes your company as a quality-first, internationally aligned supplier in a competitive market.
5.Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions due to non-conformity or quality issues.
6.Sustainability & Green Goals Alignment
Contributes to cleaner production initiatives by supporting high-efficiency, low-emission steelmaking.
Top Tips on making ISO 9001 effective for you.
#1
Top management commitment while practicing and accomplishing the standard is the key to success.
#2
Keeping staff informed about the ongoing practices, a well-communicated plan would increase the motivation and zeal of working in them.
#3
Making sure that the various departments of the organization work as a team for the benefit of the organization and customers as well.
#4
Review systems, policies, processes, and procedures for a smooth working of QMS.
#5
Speaking to customers & suppliers while getting feedback & working on improvements.
#6
Training staff carrying out the internal audits with the opportunity for improvement.
#7
Celebrate your achievement and use the QualityAsia Assurance Mark on your literature, promotional material, and website.
#8
Ensure continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating your quality management practices.
#9
Promote a culture of quality by encouraging innovation, accountability, and employee involvement at every level of the organization.
Why QualityAsia?
QualityAsia always vanguard in the auditing and governing of internationally acclaimed standards practices. At QualityAsia, we focus on driving the success of our clients through creating excellence with our trained professional auditors. The content of our service provision, comply with international certification rules defined by the accreditation bodies without burning a hole in your pocket. We will take you through the journey of audits with our best kept audit practices, viz.:
Initial Certification – Stage 1 (Preparatory Phase)
- Thorough documented information review.
- Exchange of information with staff through online or onsite presence.
- Identification of key performances, processes & objectives as per the standard requisites.
- Analysis of facilities, infrastructure, systems and processes in regard with the requested certification scope with a resource allocation review.
Initial Certification – Stage 2 (On-site Audit)
- Measurement, reporting & reviewing the performances against key performances objectives.
- Reviewing the suitability of the system meeting the legal, regulatory & contractual requirements.
- Operational control of processes, internal audits & management reviews while understanding the responsibilities for the policies.
- Conclusion based on prescriptive requirements, policy, performance objectives, staff skill, operations, procedures, internal audits, etc.
Surveillance & Certification Renewal
Drawing out the scrutiny on various aspects of the previously done audits on effectiveness while reviewing the various processes and control of the operations in the QMS and finally going for the recertification.
