What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Get BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses?

An LPG rubber hose is nothing more than a flexible tube on the surface, but its ability to perform under operating conditions and safely convey LPG is a very important safety item. A hose that doesn’t meet the required specification can present a real danger in terms of gas leakage, fire, and damage to equipment. That’s why product quality and compliance with regulations are absolutely vital for any manufacturer of LPG rubber hoses in India.

Manufacturers, importers, and overseas firms eager to penetrate the Indian market should familiarise themselves with the BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses. This certification is compulsory under the Rubber Hoses for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Quality Control) Order of 2020. The procedure consists of identifying the relevant Indian Standard, carrying out testing of the product, arranging for the manufacturing facilities, and applying for the BIS license.

This blog describes the entire certification process, including standards, documentation, eligibility, timelines, validity, and problem areas. UMSPCS is also mentioned as a companion in this process.

Understand the BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the Indian national standards body. The product certification scheme provided by the BIS gives approval to manufacturers to use the ISI Standard Mark for products complying with the Indian Standard. 

For LPG rubber hoses, the appropriate standard will be application-dependent.

The Rubber Hose for LPG (Quality Control) Order dates to January 28, 2020, and mandates compliance of specified products with the relevant Indian Standard along with having the more so called ‘Standard Mark’ under a BIS license. The order came into effect from August 1, 2020, and does not apply to the products that are meant for export. 

It is important for the manufacturer to refer to the latest standards in force, modifications, and laid-down requirements before submitting an application.

Who Needs BIS Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses?

The requirement is particularly relevant to:

• Indian manufacturers of LPG rubber hoses for industrial, domestic and commercial use.
• Foreign manufacturers who intend to supply covered LPG rubber hoses to the Indian market.
• Businesses intending to launch new brands or new product variants within the scope of the applicable standard.
• Companies looking to put in place compliant manufacturing and quality control processes before commercial production.

For foreign manufacturers, the BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers route is normally via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), subject to BIS’s applicable procedures.

What Are the Basic Requirements for LPG Rubber Hoses Certification?

Before commencing the application, manufacturers should assess their readiness against the following requirements.

• Applicable Indian Standard
• Product conformity
• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Testing facilities
• Technical documentation
• Inspection readiness

These requirements are intended to establish whether the manufacturer can in fact consistently produce compliant LPG rubber hoses rather than just submit a sample that happens to pass the test.

Complete Process to Get BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

The first step is to establish the appropriate Indian Standard for the LPG rubber hose in relation to its application.

Manufacturers must:

• Determine whether IS 9573 (Part 1) or IS 9573 (Part 2) applies.
• Understand the product specifications and the requirements for conformity.
• Adjust the manufacturing processes as required to meet the applicable standard.

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation

Manufacturers have to get the product ready for testing and arrange the technical documentation required for BIS certification.

At this stage:

• Arrange product sample testing via the approved BIS-recognised laboratory.
• Prepare the product specs and technical documentation.
• Compile the factory, manufacturing, and quality control details.
• Complete the relevant application forms.

Step 3: Application Submission

Submit the BIS application via the prescribed procedure together with the requisite supporting documentation and the relevant government fees.

The application generally includes:

• Product test reports where required at the relevant stage.
• Factory and manufacturing-unit information.
• Technical documentation and relevant declarations.
• Prescribed application fees.
• BIS will review the application and may ask for further information or clarification.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officers will be visiting the manufacturing unit to check whether the manufacturer is in a position to produce LPG rubber hoses in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard.

The inspection may cover:

• Manufacturing processes and production equipment.
• Quality control procedures and inspection records.
• Testing facilities and equipment.
• Availability of technical personnel and manufacturing records.
• Product samples can also be taken during the inspection for further testing if required.

Step 5: Product Testing and Laboratory Report Submission

Samples are tested against the relevant requirements of IS 9573 via the prescribed laboratory arrangements, and the laboratory report is part of the BIS certification assessment.

The test results will go some way to establishing whether the LPG rubber hoses meet the required specification and performance requirements.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities, If Any

If any deficiencies are found during document review, factory inspection or product testing the manufacturer must rectify them prior to certification being granted.

Corrective actions may include:

• Rectifying product or manufacturing defects.
• Submitting revised documents or further evidence.
• Improving the quality control (or testing) arrangements.
• Completing any further assessment or testing as may be required by BIS.

Step 7: Payment of Applicable Licence and Marking Fees

Once the applicable certification requirements have been met, the manufacturer will be required to pay the prescribed licence-related fees and marking charges as per the current BIS fee structure.

These could be the applicable licence fee, any renewal-related charges, and any marking fees as appropriate to the licence and its terms.

Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence

Once all the necessary documentation, testing, inspection, and other relevant formalities have been satisfactorily completed, BIS may issue the licence for the approved product scope.

The manufacturer can then use the ISI Standard Mark on the certified LPG rubber hoses, subject to the licence conditions, the marking requirements, and the ongoing BIS compliance obligations.

Documents Required BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

The exact list of documents will vary according to the manufacturer, the route of administration, the product, and the current BIS requirements. Commonly relevant records include:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• Proof of manufacturing unit address (ownership/lease deed, utility bill, etc.)
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
• control and industry-specific approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• List of materials used, and specification
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organizational chart

Foreign applicants may also be subject to additional requirements under FMCS. The final checklist should be checked against the most up-to-date BIS guidance, as it won’t necessarily be the same for all applicants.

BIS ISI Certification Fees for LPG Rubber Hoses

The cost of BIS ISI certification for LPG rubber hoses will vary depending on the relevant Indian Standard, the laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the documentation required.

Estimated Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

The time frame to obtain the BIS certification for LPG rubber hoses varies based on the completeness of the application, the time frame of testing the products, the time frame of inspecting the plant, and the time required for remediation of non-compliance issues.

• The time frame for obtaining the BIS ISI certification is around 30 to 40 days, depending on the method of execution and the application made.
• Foreign manufacturers: The entire process may require several months as per the criteria of the FMCS and inspection processes at the factories, even stretching for about 180 days and beyond.
• Licence validity: BIS licences are granted for the period specified in the licence and may be renewed according to the applicable BIS regulations.

Common Challenges During Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

Even manufacturers with production facilities already in place can run into problems during the application process.

• Incorrect standard selection
• Testing failures
• Incomplete records
• Factory-readiness gaps
• Foreign manufacturer coordination

Getting these issues sorted prior to submitting the application will make the whole thing a lot easier.

How UMSPCS Helps with BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses

At UMSPCS, we help businesses to understand and manage their product regulatory requirements. Our approach is to look at the applicable standard, the documentation, the manufacturing readiness, and the BIS certification process.

UMSPCS brings 6+ years of compliance experience and has handled 600+ product compliance requirements across a range of industries. The exact level of support required will, of course, vary depending on the product, where it’s being manufactured, and what stage the application is at.

For BIS ISI Certification for LPG Rubber Hoses, our support can include:

• Identifying the relevant Indian Standard and the relevant QCO requirements.
• Reviewing the product scope and the available technical documentation.
• Assisting with the organization of application docs and manufacturer information.
• Co-ordinating the certification process and the relevant testing requirements.
• Supporting factory readiness reviews and responses to technical queries.
• Helping foreign manufacturers to understand the FMCS route and the additional requirements that go with it.
• Guiding licence scope, marking obligations, and ongoing compliance.

We aim to assist businesses in understanding their obligations and in putting together a proper certification plan, without missing any of the key compliance steps.

Conclusion

Getting BIS ISI certification for LPG rubber hoses is more than just filling in an application. The manufacturer has to identify the correct part of IS 9573, prove conformance of the product, have appropriate manufacturing and testing arrangements in place, and meet the relevant BIS assessment requirements. It is equally necessary that they continue to meet the terms of the license after their acceptance.

A proper approach would certainly help in getting rid of any discrepancies in the documentation and avoid delays in adhering to appropriate regulations in the future.

Planning to manufacture or import LPG hoses in India? Connect with us to learn more about the regulations, documentation, assessment, production readiness, and obtaining BIS endorsement.

Read more also: Do Copying Machines Require BIS CRS Certification India

FAQs

1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for LPG rubber hoses in India?

Yes, the Rubber Hose for LPG (Quality Control) Order, 2020 requires covered LPG rubber hoses to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and carry the BIS Standard Mark under a licence as per the provisions of the Order.

2. Which Indian Standard applies to LPG rubber hoses?

IS 9573 (Part 1):2017 covers industrial LPG rubber hoses, and IS 9573 (Part 2):2017 covers domestic and commercial LPG rubber hoses. Always check the latest notified requirements before use.

3. Can an importer apply for BIS certification of LPG rubber hoses?

The licence in question is linked to the manufacturer and the manufacturing premises. Importers should be in a position to work with the manufacturer to establish what the correct certification route is rather than assume that an importer-held document would in any way substitute for the manufacturer’s licence.

4. Can foreign manufacturers get BIS ISI certification for LPG rubber hoses?

Foreign manufacturers can apply via the appropriate BIS procedure (generally FMCS for this product). They will of course have to meet the relevant product, factory, documentation and assessment requirements.

5. What happens if an LPG rubber hose fails BIS testing?

The manufacturer must investigate the failure, determine the root cause and put in place the necessary corrective action. Further testing or other action may be required in accordance with the relevant BIS procedure prior to certification being awarded.

6. Can a manufacturer use the ISI mark before obtaining the BIS licence?

No, the manufacturer must have the appropriate BIS licence and comply with its marking conditions before using the ISI Standard Mark on covered products.