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BIS ISI Certification for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems – IS 15328
BIS ISI certification is mandatory for unplasticized non-pressure Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-U) pipes used in drainage and sewerage systems in India as per Indian Standard IS 15328:2003. These pipes are widely used for conveyance of domestic sewage, industrial effluent, and surface water (other than potable water). Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the applicable Indian Standard to legally manufacture and supply these products in the Indian market.
IS 15328:2003 was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards after approval by the Civil Engineering Division Council and finalization by the Plastic Piping System Sectional Committee. The standard provides detailed guidance for the manufacture, selection, and performance of PVC-U pipes intended for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage applications.
BIS ISI Mark certification ensures statutory compliance, improves acceptance in municipal and infrastructure projects, and builds trust among engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities across India.
IS 15328:2003 – Key Quality & Performance Requirements for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems
- (i) Use of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) as base material
- (ii) Nominal outside diameters ranging from 110 mm to 630 mm
- (iii) Pipes with plain ends or integral sockets for solvent-cement welding or elastomeric sealing ring joints
- (iv) Ring stiffness classification and resistance to external loads
- (v) Vicat softening temperature and thermal stability requirements
- (vi) Resistance to external blows and impact under specified conditions
- (vii) Leak tightness under positive and negative pressure conditions
- (viii) Mandatory marking, traceability, and batch identification
Overview of ISI Mark Certification for UPVC Drainage & Sewerage Pipes (IS 15328)
IS 15328:2003 covers unplasticized non-pressure PVC-U pipes intended for underground drainage and sewerage systems. These pipes are used for gravity flow applications such as domestic soil and waste discharge, industrial effluent conveyance, and surface water drainage, excluding potable water supply.
The standard specifies requirements for pipes with plain ends or pipes equipped with integral sockets suitable for solvent-cement welding or elastomeric sealing ring joints. Pipes must meet prescribed dimensional, mechanical, and performance criteria to ensure long-term serviceability in underground installations.
The pipe material shall primarily consist of polyvinyl chloride, with only necessary additives added to facilitate manufacture and ensure durability, strength, opacity, and surface finish. The compound must contain a minimum of 0.3% rutile-grade titanium dioxide. Products are subjected to type tests, acceptance tests, and routine tests before being approved for ISI marking.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems (IS 15328:2003)
To obtain the BIS ISI Mark for unplasticized non-pressure PVC (PVC-U) pipes used in drainage and sewerage systems under Indian Standard IS 15328:2003, manufacturers must comply with the BIS Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I). This certification ensures that PVC-U pipes meet mandatory requirements related to material composition, mechanical strength, ring stiffness, and durability before being manufactured or supplied in the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for non-pressure UPVC drainage and sewerage pipes generally takes around 30 days for Indian manufacturers and up to 180 days for foreign manufacturers, depending on factory preparedness, inspection scheduling, and product testing requirements.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application through the Manak Online portal by providing PVC-U pipe details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 15328:2003), factory address, manufacturing process, and machinery information.
- Testing Readiness: Ensure availability of testing facilities as required under IS 15328:2003, including tests for ring stiffness, Vicat softening temperature, resistance to external blows, and leak tightness.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection to verify manufacturing infrastructure, raw material controls, quality control systems, and compliance with the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
- Sample Drawing and Testing: UPVC pipe samples are drawn during inspection and tested in BIS-recognized laboratories as per IS 15328:2003 requirements.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful inspection and satisfactory test results, BIS grants the Certification Marks License (CM/L), authorizing the use of the ISI Mark on non-pressure UPVC pipes for drainage and sewerage systems.
Requirements to Obtain BIS ISI License for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems (IS 15328)
- Compliance of PVC-U pipes with all material, dimensional, mechanical, and performance requirements specified under IS 15328:2003.
- Use of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride with approved additives and a minimum 0.3% rutile-grade titanium dioxide content.
- Availability of testing facilities for ring stiffness, impact resistance, Vicat softening temperature, and leak tightness tests.
- Appointment of qualified quality control personnel to ensure consistent conformity to IS 15328 requirements.
- Strict adherence to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and BIS ISI certification guidelines applicable to drainage and sewerage pipes.
To obtain BIS ISI certification for non-pressure UPVC pipes for drainage and sewerage systems under Product Certification Scheme-I, manufacturers are required to submit documents broadly classified into the following categories:
- Administrative Details: Business registration documents, factory address proof, GST registration, and statutory approvals.
- Technical Details: PVC-U pipe specifications, nominal diameter, stiffness class, jointing method, raw material composition, and test parameters as per IS 15328:2003.
- Quality Control Personnel Details: Qualification, experience, and responsibilities of personnel managing quality assurance.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark ownership (if applicable), and authorization documents.
Cost of BIS ISI Certification for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems (IS 15328)
The following are indicative government and related charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for non-pressure UPVC drainage and sewerage pipes under Product Certification Scheme-I. All statutory fees are payable directly to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
| S. No. | Particular | Amount (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application Fee | ₹1,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 2 | Inspection / Audit Fee | ₹7,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 3 | Product Testing Fee | As applicable | Depends on pipe diameter & laboratory |
| 4 | Marking Fee | As per actual | Based on BIS fee structure |
Important Note: Product testing as per IS 15328:2003 is a critical stage in the BIS ISI certification process. BIS may conduct a factory pre-assessment to evaluate readiness prior to inspection. Charges mentioned above are indicative and may vary depending on pipe size, stiffness class, and testing scope.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems (IS 15328:2003)
Obtaining the ISI Mark for unplasticized non-pressure PVC (PVC-U) pipes under Indian Standard IS 15328:2003 offers important legal, commercial, and quality advantages. ISI certification confirms that PVC-U drainage and sewerage pipes comply with prescribed Indian standards for material composition, mechanical strength, and durability, making them legally approved for manufacture and supply in the Indian market.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
Non-pressure UPVC pipes used for drainage and sewerage applications are regulated products in India. ISI Mark certification under IS 15328:2003 is mandatory, and non-compliant products may face penalties, seizure, or rejection in projects.
2. Acceptance in Municipal & Infrastructure Projects
ISI-certified UPVC drainage and sewerage pipes are widely accepted by municipal corporations, urban local bodies, infrastructure authorities, and EPC contractors for underground drainage works.
3. Proven Structural Strength & Ring Stiffness
ISI certification ensures that pipes meet prescribed requirements for ring stiffness, resistance to external loads, impact resistance, and long-term underground performance.
4. Enhanced Brand Credibility & Trust
Displaying the ISI Mark on drainage and sewerage pipes builds confidence among engineers, consultants, and project authorities. Certified products are recognized as compliant with national quality benchmarks.
5. Competitive Advantage & Business Growth
ISI-certified UPVC drainage pipes gain preference in government and municipal tenders. Certification helps manufacturers expand into large-scale sewerage, stormwater, and infrastructure projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS ISI Certification for Non-Pressure UPVC Pipes for Drainage & Sewerage Systems (IS 15328:2003)
1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for UPVC drainage and sewerage pipes?
Yes. Non-pressure UPVC pipes used for drainage and sewerage systems must comply with Indian Standard IS 15328:2003. BIS ISI Mark certification is mandatory before manufacturing or supplying these pipes in India.
2. Which Indian Standard applies to non-pressure UPVC drainage pipes?
Non-pressure UPVC pipes intended for underground drainage and sewerage applications are governed by Indian Standard IS 15328:2003.
3. What applications are covered under IS 15328?
IS 15328 covers PVC-U pipes used for gravity flow applications such as domestic sewage, soil and waste discharge, industrial effluent, and surface water drainage, excluding potable water supply.
5. How long does the BIS ISI certification process take?
The certification process typically takes around 30 days for Indian manufacturers and up to 180 days for foreign manufacturers, depending on inspection schedules and testing timelines.
6. What tests are conducted under IS 15328:2003?
Testing includes ring stiffness, Vicat softening temperature, resistance to external blows, leak tightness under positive and negative pressure, and other type and acceptance tests specified under the standard.
7. What happens if non-ISI certified drainage pipes are supplied in India?
Supplying non-ISI certified UPVC drainage and sewerage pipes may lead to penalties, product seizure, rejection in municipal projects, and legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
