What Should Cable Manufacturers Know Before Applying for BIS ISI Certification?

A cable may seem like a straightforward component, but its quality can have a direct bearing on the safety of the whole electrical installation. Poor insulation, conductor defects, and poor resistance to heat and fire can all present serious hazards to the safety of homes, offices, factories, and power systems. That’s why product compliance is a major issue for cable manufacturers who are either new to the Indian market or looking to expand their presence there.

Before you go any further with manufacturing, testing, or distribution, you need to know whether your cable is subject to mandatory BIS certification, which Indian Standard it falls under, and what you need to have in place prior to filing your application.

BIS ISI Certification for cables is of particular importance as a number of categories of cable fall within the scope of India’s mandatory quality control scheme. Manufacturers need to understand the requirements in this respect rather than just view certification as yet another box to tick.

In this blog, UMSPCS lays out the key requirements, the legal framework, the application process, the documentation, the testing, the timelines, the validity, and the common problems encountered in relation to BIS ISI certification in India.

Why is BIS ISI Certification Important for Cable Manufacturers?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body, and it runs product certification schemes under which manufacturers can obtain a licence to use the ISI Standard Mark on products that meet the relevant Indian Standard.

For cable manufacturers, certification means the product meets the relevant technical requirements, and it also demonstrates compliance with the relevant mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

As per the official BIS information on products falling under compulsory certification, the Central Government can require that products comply with the relevant Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.

Which Indian Standards Apply to Electrical Cables?

Not all cables are governed by the same technical specification. The relevant Indian Standard will vary according to the type of insulation, voltage rating, construction, and application.

The BIS product standard database and the Cables (Quality Control) Order list the relevant standards for the various cable categories covered.

This is an indicative list only and should not be taken as a substitute for checking the current standard, the amendments, the applicable QCO and the product scope. 

What Documents Should be Prepared Before Applying?

Incomplete documentation will delay the application review and the factory assessment. The exact checklist will, of course, vary depending on the standard, type of applicant, and the current BIS requirements, but manufacturers should be in a position to produce the following records.

• 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 very detailed manufacturing process flow is provided. A very detailed manufacturing process flow is given.
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organisational chart

How Does the BIS ISI Certification Process Work?

Step 1: Determining the Relevant Indian Standard

Check the applicable IS code and QCO of the cable category and ensure that the product specifications adhere to the relevant BIS standards.

Step 2: Product Testing and Record Keeping

Conduct product testing as per the relevant BIS procedure. Prepare technical specifications, records of tests done, and manufacturing details.

Step 3: Application Submission

Apply online for BIS registration along with the necessary documents, test reports (if needed), and factory information, along with the requisite fee.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officers will be looking at the manufacturing facility, the production processes, the quality control systems, and the testing capability.

Step 5: Laboratory Testing and Report

Cable samples are tested in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard, and the lab then submits the test report to BIS for assessment.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities

Sort out any issues identified during the test/inspection. If required, submit any corrective evidence or revised documentation.

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

Pay the relevant licence and marking fees in accordance with the current BIS fee schedule.

Step 8: Grant of ISI Licence

The BIS looks at the application, the test results, and the inspection findings. Once it’s approved, the manufacturer can then use the ISI Mark on the cables covered by the licence.

BIS ISI Certification Fees for Cables

The cost of BIS ISI Certification for cables depends on several factors, including:

• Cable category and applicable Indian Standard
• Product testing requirements
• Factory size and inspection requirements
• Documentation complexity
• Number of cable varieties covered
  

Estimated Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification

The time taken for BIS ISI certification in India will depend upon the completeness of the application, the product testing, the factory inspection, and the closure of any non-conformities.

• For Indian manufacturers: approx. 30 – 40 working days.
• For foreign manufacturers: it can take up to 180 days or longer depending on factory inspection, testing and documentation.

The validity of a BIS licence is governed by the applicable certification scheme and the licence conditions. Under Scheme I, an initial licence may be issued for a period of up to two years, with renewal being available for a period of up to five years as per the prescribed requirements. Manufacturers should apply for renewal before expiry in order to maintain their certification for the covered products.

What Problems Can Delay Cable Certification?

Manufacturers can reduce the delays by identifying the potential problems prior to submission of the application.

• Identifying the Correct IS Code
• Product Testing Failures
• Incomplete Documentation
• Factory Readiness Issues
• Complex Compliance Requirements
• Delays in Laboratory Testing
• Cost Management
• Foreign Manufacturer Compliance
• Closing Non-Conformities
• Licence Renewal and Ongoing Compliance

The objective is not merely to get a licence; it’s to establish a repeatable process for making compliant cables.

How can UMSPCS Help Cable Manufacturers?

UMSPCS can help businesses with their product BIS certification and regulatory requirements. Having 6+ years of experience in compliance and having previously dealt with over 600 product compliance requirements across a wide range of industries, we can assist manufacturers in putting their cable certification projects in order.

Our support may include:

• Standard identification
• QCO applicability review
• Documentation support
• Testing coordination
• Application assistance
• Factory-readiness guidance
• Foreign manufacturer support
• Post-application coordination

The exact assistance will depend on the product, the location of the factory, and the certification pathway. The BIS will have the prerogative regarding testing, assessment, and certified licenses. Moreover, any consultancy assistance would not imply getting on the safe side for the approvals.

Conclusion

The point of view of the cable producers must be that the BIS Certification for cables is not just a simple piece of paperwork, but an exercise in terms of compliance with the quality management and compliance of products.

The right Indian Standard, the relevant QCO that needs to be known, and the technical documentation that should be presented are elements of a much more organized approach to the application process.

Whether you are an Indian manufacturer that looks for the first ISI license or a foreign company that wants to enter the Indian market, preparation beforehand will be quite helpful. It will allow being sure about avoidance unnecessary delays and compliance challenges.

Do you wish to obtain BIS ISI certification for your cables?

If so, get in touch with UMSPCS for expert help with the standard identification, documentation, and coordination of tests and the certification process.

Read more also: Do Products with Antiperspirant Activity Require CDSCO Approval

FAQs

1. Is the BIS ISI certification mandatory for all the electrical cables in India?

No, this depends on the type of cable and the Quality Control Order applicable. The producer needs to check the current QCO and Indian Standard for their product.

2. What is the IS Code for PVC insulated electrical cables?

The IS code is IS 694:2010, which relates to PVC insulated exclusive or sheathed cables and cords (having rigid or flexible conductors) up to the voltage of 1100V. Always ensure you are referring to the most recent edition and its amendments.

3. Can an Indian importer apply for BIS certification on behalf of a cable manufacturer abroad?

Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer has to apply for the manufacturing licence. An eligible Authorised Indian Representative can assist in the prescribed process but does not in any way take the place of the manufacturer as the applicant.

4. What tests are carried out for BIS cable certification?

Tests are governed by the relevant Indian Standard and can include electrical performance, conductor resistance, insulation, mechanical properties, ageing and flame performance (where applicable).

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

No, a manufacturer must have the appropriate licence and must comply with the terms and conditions of that licence before using the Standard Mark on any covered product.