
BIS ISI Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies – IS 4984
BIS ISI certification is mandatory for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes used for potable water supplies in India as per Indian Standard IS 4984:1995. HDPE pipes play a crucial role in drinking water distribution systems due to their superior durability, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and chemical stability. Without a valid BIS ISI license, manufacturers and importers are not legally permitted to manufacture, import, or sell HDPE pipes for potable water applications in India.
IS 4984:1995 ensures that HDPE pipes meet stringent quality and safety requirements through rigorous testing of parameters such as density, tensile strength, elongation at break, hydrostatic pressure resistance, impact strength, and environmental stress cracking resistance. These tests ensure long-term performance and safe delivery of drinking water under varying pressure and environmental conditions.
BIS ISI Mark certification enhances product credibility, ensures statutory compliance, and builds confidence among government authorities, water supply boards, infrastructure developers, and end users across India.
IS 4984:1995 – Key Quality & Performance Requirements for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies
- (i) Use of virgin High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) raw material
- (ii) Classification based on pressure ratings and service conditions
- (iii) Dimensional accuracy, wall thickness, and ovality control
- (iv) Density and melt flow rate requirements
- (v) Tensile strength and elongation at break performance
- (vi) Hydrostatic pressure resistance at specified temperatures
- (vii) Resistance to impact and environmental stress cracking
- (viii) Mandatory marking, traceability, and identification details
Overview of ISI Mark Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies
IS 4984:1995 specifies the requirements for High Density Polyethylene pipes intended for potable water supply under pressure. The standard applies to pipes manufactured from virgin polyethylene materials to ensure non-toxicity and complete safety for human consumption.
The standard lays down detailed specifications covering classification, dimensions, physical and mechanical properties, pressure ratings, and performance testing. HDPE pipes certified under IS 4984 must demonstrate consistent quality and reliability for long-term service in drinking water distribution networks.
IS 4984:1995 also prescribes guidelines for marking, packaging, and labeling to ensure product traceability and integrity. Compliance with this standard reflects a manufacturer’s commitment to public health, water safety, and regulatory excellence in India’s potable water infrastructure.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies (IS 4984:1995)
BIS ISI Mark certification is mandatory for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes used for potable water supplies in India as per Indian Standard IS 4984:1995. Manufacturers must comply with the BIS Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I) to ensure that HDPE pipes meet stringent quality, safety, and performance requirements before they are manufactured, imported, or supplied in the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for HDPE pipes generally takes around 30 days for Indian manufacturers and up to 180 days for foreign manufacturers, depending on factory preparedness, inspection scheduling, and laboratory testing requirements.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application through the Manak Online portal by providing HDPE pipe details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 4984:1995), factory address, manufacturing process, and machinery information.
- Testing Readiness: Ensure availability of testing facilities as prescribed under IS 4984:1995, including tests for density, tensile strength, elongation at break, hydrostatic pressure, impact resistance, and environmental stress cracking.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection to verify manufacturing infrastructure, raw material controls, in-house testing facilities, and compliance with the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
- Sample Drawing and Testing: HDPE pipe samples are drawn during inspection and tested in BIS-recognized laboratories as per IS 4984:1995 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 HDPE pipes for potable water supplies.
Requirements to Obtain BIS ISI License for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies (IS 4984)
- Compliance of HDPE pipes with all material, dimensional, pressure, and performance requirements specified under IS 4984:1995.
- Use of virgin polyethylene raw material suitable for potable water applications and free from toxic additives.
- Availability of in-house or third-party testing facilities for hydrostatic pressure, tensile strength, elongation, impact resistance, and environmental stress cracking tests.
- Appointment of qualified quality control personnel to ensure consistent conformity to IS 4984 requirements.
- Strict adherence to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and BIS ISI certification guidelines applicable to HDPE pipes.
To obtain BIS ISI certification for HDPE pipes for potable 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: HDPE pipe specifications, pressure rating, dimensions, raw material grade, manufacturing process, and test parameters as per IS 4984:1995.
- Quality Control Personnel Details: Qualification, experience, and responsibilities of personnel responsible for quality assurance.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark ownership (if applicable), and authorization documents.
Cost of BIS ISI Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies (IS 4984)
The following are indicative government and related charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for HDPE 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 4984:1995 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 diameter, pressure rating, and testing scope.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies (IS 4984:1995)
Obtaining the ISI Mark for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes under Indian Standard IS 4984:1995 offers significant legal, commercial, and quality advantages. ISI certification confirms that HDPE pipes meet prescribed Indian standards for potable water safety, pressure performance, and long-term durability, making them legally approved for manufacture, import, and supply in the Indian market.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
HDPE pipes used for potable water supply are regulated products in India. ISI Mark certification under IS 4984:1995 is mandatory. Manufacturers and importers can legally sell certified pipes, while non-compliant products may face penalties, seizure, or market bans.
2. Acceptance in Government & Infrastructure Projects
ISI-certified HDPE pipes are widely accepted by government water supply departments, municipal bodies, infrastructure authorities, and large EPC contractors. Certification simplifies approval in tenders and public procurement.
3. Assured Potable Water Safety
IS 4984 certification ensures that HDPE pipes are manufactured from virgin, non-toxic polyethylene material, making them safe for drinking water applications without risk of contamination.
4. Proven Strength, Flexibility & Durability
Certified HDPE pipes are tested for hydrostatic pressure resistance, tensile strength, elongation at break, impact resistance, and environmental stress cracking, ensuring long service life even under demanding conditions.
5. Enhanced Brand Credibility & Business Growth
The ISI Mark enhances trust among engineers, consultants, and end users. Certified HDPE pipes gain a competitive advantage in the Indian market and support participation in large-scale water infrastructure and government projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS ISI Certification for HDPE Pipes for Potable Water Supplies (IS 4984:1995)
1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for HDPE pipes in India?
Yes. HDPE pipes used for potable water supply must comply with Indian Standard IS 4984:1995. BIS ISI Mark certification is mandatory before manufacturing, importing, or supplying these pipes in India.
2. Which Indian Standard applies to HDPE pipes for potable water?
HDPE pipes intended for potable water supply under pressure are governed by Indian Standard IS 4984:1995, which specifies material, dimensional, mechanical, and performance requirements.
3. What pressure ratings are covered under IS 4984?
IS 4984 classifies HDPE pipes based on pressure ratings (PN classes) suitable for potable water supply systems, depending on pipe size, wall thickness, and application conditions.
5. How long does the BIS ISI certification process take?
The BIS ISI certification process generally takes around 30 days for Indian manufacturers and up to 180 days for foreign manufacturers, depending on inspection scheduling and laboratory testing timelines.
6. What tests are conducted under IS 4984:1995?
Testing includes density, melt flow rate, tensile strength, elongation at break, hydrostatic pressure resistance, impact resistance, and environmental stress cracking resistance as prescribed under IS 4984:1995.
7. What are the consequences of supplying non-ISI certified HDPE pipes?
Supplying non-ISI certified HDPE pipes for potable water applications may lead to penalties, product seizure, cancellation of approvals, and legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
