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BIS ISI Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies – IS 4985
BIS ISI certification is mandatory for UPVC pipes used for water supplies in India as per Indian Standard IS 4985:2021. In today’s competitive Indian market, it is difficult to survive without supplying standard quality and certified products. A valid BIS license is essential for manufacturers and importers to legally manufacture, import, and sell UPVC pipes for water supply applications in India.
IS 4985:2021 specifies comprehensive requirements related to material composition, dimensions, pressure ratings, mechanical strength, and testing of unplasticized PVC pipes. Certification ensures that UPVC pipes are durable, safe, and suitable for potable water supply and approved agricultural water conveyance systems.
BIS ISI Mark certification enhances market acceptance, ensures statutory compliance, and builds confidence among government bodies, infrastructure developers, and end users across India.
IS 4985:2021 – Key Quality & Performance Requirements for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies
- (i) Classification of pipes based on working pressure at 27°C
- (ii) Dimensional accuracy and uniform wall thickness
- (iii) Use of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride as base material
- (iv) Mechanical strength and resistance to external loads
- (v) Hydrostatic pressure performance requirements
- (vi) Resistance to heat reversion and external impacts
- (vii) Opacity and material quality compliance
- (viii) Mandatory marking, traceability, and product identification
Overview of ISI Mark Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies
IS 4985:2021 covers unplasticized PVC pipes intended for potable water supply, including plain-ended and socket-ended pipes, as well as pipes used with elastomeric sealing rings. The standard also applies to certain agricultural water supply applications.
This standard does not apply to UPVC pipes used for agricultural pump suction and delivery lines, which are covered separately under IS 12231. Pipes certified under IS 4985:2021 must be suitable for long-term service under specified temperature and pressure conditions.
The pipe material must primarily consist of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, with only approved additives used to achieve required strength, durability, and surface finish. Certified pipes must successfully pass prescribed type tests, acceptance tests, and routine quality tests before being approved for ISI marking.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies (IS 4985:2021)
To obtain the BIS ISI Mark for UPVC pipes for water supplies under Indian Standard IS 4985:2021, manufacturers must comply with the BIS Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I). This certification ensures that UPVC pipes meet mandatory requirements related to material quality, pressure performance, and durability before they are manufactured, imported, or supplied in the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for UPVC 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 UPVC pipe details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 4985:2021), factory address, manufacturing process, and machinery information.
- Testing Readiness: Ensure availability of testing facilities as required under IS 4985:2021, including checks for hydrostatic pressure, dimensional accuracy, reversion, opacity, and impact resistance.
- 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 4985:2021 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 UPVC pipes for water supplies.
Requirements to Obtain BIS ISI License for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies (IS 4985)
- Compliance of UPVC pipes with all material, dimensional, pressure, and performance requirements specified under IS 4985:2021.
- Availability of appropriate testing facilities for hydrostatic pressure, impact resistance, reversion, opacity, and dimensional verification.
- Appointment of qualified quality control personnel to ensure consistent product quality and conformity to the standard.
- Strict adherence to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and BIS ISI certification guidelines applicable to UPVC pipes.
To obtain BIS ISI certification for UPVC pipes for water supplies 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: UPVC pipe specifications, pressure class, dimensions, raw material details, additives used, and test parameters as per IS 4985:2021.
- Quality Control Personnel Details: Qualification, experience, and responsibilities of personnel overseeing quality assurance.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark ownership (if applicable), and authorization documents.
Cost of BIS ISI Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies (IS 4985)
The following are indicative government and related charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for UPVC 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 4985:2021 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 class, diameter, and testing scope.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies (IS 4985:2021)
Obtaining the ISI Mark for UPVC pipes under Indian Standard IS 4985:2021 offers important legal, commercial, and quality advantages. ISI certification confirms that UPVC pipes comply with prescribed Indian standards for material composition, pressure performance, and durability, making them legally approved for manufacture, import, and supply in the Indian market.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
UPVC pipes for water supply are regulated products in India, and ISI Mark certification under IS 4985:2021 is mandatory. Manufacturers and importers can legally sell certified pipes, while non-compliant products may face penalties, seizure, or restrictions.
2. Wider Market Acceptance
ISI-certified UPVC pipes are widely accepted in government projects, infrastructure developments, agricultural supply networks, and private construction. Certification ensures easier approval in tenders and procurement processes.
3. Assured Strength and Durability
ISI certification ensures that UPVC pipes meet prescribed requirements for hydrostatic pressure, impact resistance, dimensional stability, and long-term performance. Certified pipes offer reliable service life and resistance to environmental stress.
4. Enhanced Brand Credibility and Trust
Displaying the ISI Mark on UPVC pipes builds confidence among engineers, contractors, and end users. Certified products are recognized as compliant with national standards and quality benchmarks.
5. Competitive Advantage and Business Growth
ISI-certified UPVC pipes stand out in a competitive Indian market. Certification supports participation in government tenders, infrastructure contracts, and large-scale supply projects, promoting sustainable business expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS ISI Certification for UPVC Pipes for Water Supplies (IS 4985:2021)
1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for UPVC pipes in India?
Yes. UPVC pipes for potable water supply must comply with Indian Standard IS 4985:2021. BIS ISI Mark certification is mandatory before manufacturing, importing, or supplying these pipes in India.
2. Which Indian Standard applies to UPVC pipes for water supplies?
UPVC pipes used for water supply applications are governed by Indian Standard IS 4985:2021, which specifies requirements related to pressure rating, material composition, dimensions, and testing methods.
3. What are the pressure classes under IS 4985:2021?
Pipes are classified based on working pressure at 27°C, typically ranging from 0.25 MPa to 1.25 MPa, depending on the class of pipe specified under IS 4985:2021.
5. How long does the BIS ISI certification process take?
The certification process generally takes around 30 days for Indian manufacturers and up to 180 days for foreign manufacturers, depending on factory inspection schedules and laboratory testing timelines.
6. What tests are conducted under IS 4985:2021?
Testing includes hydrostatic pressure testing, dimensional verification, reversion test, opacity test, impact resistance test, and other mechanical and physical performance checks as specified under the standard.
7. What happens if non-ISI certified UPVC pipes are supplied in India?
Supplying non-ISI certified UPVC pipes for regulated applications may result in penalties, product seizure, cancellation of approvals, and legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
