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BIS ISI Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage – IS 3589
BIS ISI certification is mandatory for steel pipes used for water supply and sewage applications with outside diameters ranging from 168.3 mm to 2540 mm, as per Indian Standard IS 3589. These pipes are widely used in water distribution systems, wastewater management, industrial pipelines, and large-scale civil infrastructure projects.
IS 3589 specifies the essential requirements related to material grade, mechanical properties, dimensions, tolerances, testing, and surface quality of steel pipes. Compliance with this standard ensures long-term durability, pressure resistance, and safe transportation of potable water and sewage.
BIS ISI Mark certification under IS 3589 enables manufacturers and importers to legally sell steel pipes in India, enhances acceptance in government and municipal projects, and builds confidence among infrastructure authorities and end users.
IS 3589 – Key Quality & Performance Requirements for Steel Pipes for Water and Sewage
- (i) Manufacture of steel pipes from mild steel or BIS-approved steel grades suitable for water and sewage applications
- (ii) Outside diameter range from 168.3 mm to 2540 mm with specified tolerances
- (iii) Compliance with tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation requirements
- (iv) Mandatory hydrostatic pressure testing to ensure leak-proof performance
- (v) Surface quality free from cracks, laminations, or harmful defects
- (vi) Corrosion protection through suitable surface treatment such as coating or galvanization
- (vii) Proper end finish, welding quality, and dimensional accuracy
- (viii) Mandatory ISI marking, traceability, and batch identification
Overview of ISI Mark Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
BIS ISI certification for steel pipes for water and sewage under IS 3589 is compulsory to ensure that pipes used in potable water supply and sewage systems meet national quality and safety standards. These pipes are designed to withstand high internal pressure, external loads, and harsh environmental conditions.
Certified steel pipes are extensively used in municipal water pipelines, sewage networks, industrial fluid transport, and large infrastructure projects. The certification process verifies compliance with material, manufacturing, and testing requirements before allowing ISI marking.
BIS grants certification only after successful product testing, factory inspection, and assessment of quality control systems. Pipes that meet all IS 3589 requirements are authorized to carry the ISI Mark, indicating conformity with Indian Standards and suitability for critical water and sewage applications.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
To obtain the BIS ISI Mark for steel pipes used for water supply and sewage applications under Indian Standard IS 3589, manufacturers and importers must comply with the BIS Product Certification Scheme (BIS Product Certification Scheme (Scheme-I)). This certification ensures that steel pipes meet mandatory requirements related to material quality, mechanical strength, dimensions, pressure performance, and durability before being manufactured, supplied, or imported into the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for steel pipes for water and sewage generally takes around 30–45 days for Indian manufacturers and 5–6 months for foreign manufacturers, subject to factory readiness, inspection scheduling, and laboratory testing.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
- Product Identification: Identify steel pipes intended for water and sewage applications within the outside diameter range of 168.3 mm to 2540 mm.
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application through the Manak Online portal with product details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 3589), factory address, manufacturing process, machinery, and production capacity.
- Testing Readiness: Ensure availability of testing facilities for chemical analysis, tensile and yield strength, elongation, hydrostatic pressure test, flattening and bending tests, and dimensional verification as prescribed under IS 3589.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection to verify raw material controls, welding quality, corrosion protection methods, testing infrastructure, and compliance with the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
- Sample Drawing and Testing: Steel pipe samples are drawn during inspection and tested in BIS-recognized laboratories as per IS 3589 requirements.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon satisfactory inspection and successful test results, BIS grants the Certification Marks License (CM/L), authorizing the use of the ISI Mark on steel pipes for water and sewage.
Requirements to Obtain BIS License for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
- Compliance of steel pipes with material, dimensional, mechanical, and performance requirements specified under IS 3589.
- Use of mild steel or BIS-approved steel grades suitable for water and sewage applications.
- Availability of testing facilities for hydrostatic pressure, mechanical properties, chemical composition, and dimensional accuracy.
- Proper welding procedures, corrosion protection systems, and surface quality controls.
- Appointment of qualified quality control personnel and strict implementation of the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
To obtain BIS ISI certification for steel pipes for water and sewage under Product Certification Scheme-I, manufacturers are required to submit documents broadly classified into the following categories:
- Administrative Details: Company incorporation documents, factory address proof, GST registration, and statutory approvals.
- Technical Details: Pipe specifications, outside diameter, wall thickness, grade of steel, manufacturing and welding process, surface treatment, and test parameters as per IS 3589.
- Quality Control Details: In-house testing facilities, calibration records, quality control procedures, and personnel qualifications.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark registration (if applicable), and authorization documents.
Cost of BIS ISI Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
The following are indicative government and related charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for steel 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 size & laboratory |
| 4 | Marking Fee | As per actual | Based on BIS fee structure |
Important Note: Product testing as per IS 3589 is a critical stage in the BIS ISI certification process. BIS may conduct a factory pre-assessment to evaluate manufacturing and quality control readiness. Charges may vary depending on pipe diameter, grade, welding type, and testing scope.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
Obtaining the ISI Mark for steel pipes used in water supply and sewage systems under Indian Standard IS 3589 provides significant legal, commercial, and quality advantages. ISI certification confirms that steel pipes meet prescribed Indian standards for material quality, mechanical strength, pressure performance, and dimensional accuracy, making them legally approved for use in critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects across India.
1. Mandatory Regulatory Compliance
Steel pipes for water and sewage applications covered under IS 3589 are regulated products in India. ISI Mark certification is mandatory for lawful manufacturing, supply, or import of these pipes for municipal, industrial, and infrastructure use.
2. Acceptance in Municipal & Infrastructure Projects
ISI-certified steel pipes are widely accepted by water authorities, municipal corporations, public utilities, and EPC contractors. Certification simplifies approvals in government tenders and project inspections.
3. High Strength, Pressure Resistance & Durability
Certified pipes are tested for tensile strength, yield strength, hydrostatic pressure, bending, flattening, and dimensional accuracy, ensuring long-term performance in water distribution and sewage networks.
4. Enhanced Trust & Brand Credibility
The ISI Mark builds confidence among engineers, consultants, water boards, and project authorities. Certified steel pipes are recognized as compliant with national quality and safety standards.
5. Competitive Advantage in Government Tenders
ISI-certified steel pipes gain preference in large-scale water supply, sewage treatment, smart city, and infrastructure projects, enabling manufacturers to access regulated and high-value markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS ISI Certification for Steel Pipes for Water & Sewage (IS 3589)
1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for steel pipes used for water and sewage?
Yes. Steel pipes intended for water supply and sewage applications must comply with Indian Standard IS 3589. BIS ISI Mark certification is mandatory before manufacturing, supplying, or importing these pipes in India.
2. Which Indian Standard governs steel pipes for water and sewage?
Steel pipes used for water supply and sewage systems are governed by Indian Standard IS 3589.
3. What diameter range is covered under IS 3589?
IS 3589 covers steel pipes with outside diameters ranging from 168.3 mm to 2540 mm, suitable for large-scale water and sewage infrastructure applications.
5. What tests are conducted under IS 3589?
Testing includes chemical composition analysis, tensile and yield strength tests, hydrostatic pressure test, flattening and bending tests, dimensional checks, and visual inspection.
6. What are the consequences of supplying non-ISI certified steel pipes?
Supplying non-ISI certified steel pipes for regulated water and sewage applications may result in penalties, rejection in government projects, product seizure, and legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
