Flexible rubber tubing used in conveying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the gas distribution network is a critical component to guarantee the safety of the distribution process for both domestic and industrial purposes. The tubing is designed to withstand pressure while remaining flexible, leak-proof, and durable. Malfunction of the tubing due to poor quality of materials, thin walls or any other weakness leads to safety risks that can cause leakage and failure of the system. Therefore, it is important for the tubing to perform its intended task to guarantee the safety of the process of transporting LPG.
The BIS Certification of Flexible Rubber Tubing for LPG according to IS 10908:2023 ensures that the product has met specifications like pressure resistance, material, ageing properties and safety performance. It is a way of ensuring that the tubing meets the required standards to perform effectively under normal operating conditions.
What is IS 10908:2023
This is the Indian Standard for flexible rubber tubing used for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) applications in domestic and controlled industrial environments. The standard outlines essential safety, material and performance requirements to ensure safe gas flow and prevent leakage or failure during usage. As per BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), flexible LPG rubber tubing is:
- Tested for pressure resistance
- Evaluated for leakage prevention
- Assessed for material strength
- Checked for ageing resistance
Who can apply for BIS Certification
BIS authorisation under IS 10908:2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying flexible rubber tubing for LPG use in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval before selling LPG rubber tubing in the Indian market.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified LPG tubing complying with IS 10908.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
For safe use of rubber flexible tubes for LPG service, BIS has laid down stringent criteria under IS 10908:2023. The certification process makes sure that the tubing conforms to certain important safety criteria, including pressure tolerance, flexibility, non-leakage property, and toughness in normal operations.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Flexible Rubber Tubing for LPG are listed below:
Certification Process for Flexible LPG Rubber Tubing in India
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the flexible gas hoses meet the required safety and performance standards. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: The manufacturers are required to register on the BIS Manak portal through the submission of their company information, factory information and product information. The foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for pressure resistance, leakage performance, dimensional accuracy, material strength, flexibility, ageing characteristics, ozone resistance and burning behaviour.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: The BIS officials inspect the factory for their process of manufacturing, safety procedures and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once all compliance issues have been met satisfactorily, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: The ISI Mark can be used on the product along with a proper CM/L number once the product is certified by the BIS.
Documents Required for BIS Certification under IS 10908:2023
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements under IS 10908:2023
Once the company obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for LPG flexible rubber tubing should be printed either on its packing or on the item itself. This is to ensure that all safety requirements have been met. For more information, refer to the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 10908:2023 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Renewal and Surveillance under BIS Scheme
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
BIS Approval Fee for LPG Flexible Rubber Tubing
The cost of BIS Approval for rubber tubing for LPG includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
A Flexible Rubber Tubing for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, according to the standard IS 10908:2023, ensures the safe transport of LPG through domestic and commercial applications of LPG. This is due to the rigorous quality standards set forth for dealing with pressure, resisting leaks and the strength of the material. The certification prevents potential hazards and makes the products safe for consumers, both domestic and industrial. Following the standards set forth by BIS leads to achieving a high level of quality and reliability in manufacturing products. In this case, EVTL India offers manufacturers of flexible rubber LPG tubing a number of services aimed at obtaining BIS certification efficiently and quickly.
