The localised corrosion resistance of 316L SS metallic implant due to H2SO4 treatment is being studied through electrochemical studies involving cyclic polarisation experiments and impedance studies. The efficiency of hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings on H2SO4 treated 316L SS is also been investigated through electrochemical studies and the dissolution characteristics of the coatings. The study reveal that 15% H2SO4 treatment was found to be efficient in the corrosion resistance of 316L SS and dissolution of alloy is considerably reduced in the hydroxyapatite coatings on 15% H2SO4 treated 316L SS. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.