CPVC pipes for water distribution are plastic pipes made from chlorinated polyvinyl
chloride, designed to carry hot and cold water in residential, commercial, and industrial
systems. These pipes are known for their corrosion resistance, smooth inner surface,
and ability to handle high temperatures and pressure features. They are commonly
used in plumbing networks, drinking water supply lines, and building water systems due
to their durability and long service life
To ensure these pipes meet required safety and performance standards, the Bureau of
Indian Standards has established guidelines under IS 15778:2007. Manufacturers must
obtain BIS certification before selling CPVC pipes in the Indian market, which confirms
that the product meets specified requirements for quality, strength, and safe water
distribution use.
What is IS 15778: 2007?
This is the Indian standard that defines the requirements for CPVC pipes used in hot
and cold water distribution systems. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to
ensure that these pipes are:
- Made from proper CPVC material to handle temperature and pressure conditions
- Suitable for use in domestic and commercial water supply systems
- Manufactured with accurate size, wall thickness, and pressure ratings
- Resistant to corrosion, scaling, and chemical effects in water
- Properly tested for strength, hydrostatic pressure, and overall performance
Who Needs BIS Certification for CPVC Pipes
BIS certification under IS 15778:2007 is required for all businesses involved in
manufacturing and supplying CPVC pipes for water distribution in India.
It applies to:
- Manufacturers – Need to obtain BIS certification for CPVC pipes produced in
India before selling them
- Importers – Must ensure that imported pipes meet BIS standards and are
certified
- Suppliers/Distributors – Should deal only in BIS-certified pipes for market
compliance
BIS Testing & Quality Standards for CPVC Pipes
To ensure safe and reliable performance in water distribution systems, the Bureau of
Indian Standards has defined detailed testing and inspection requirements under the
standard.
What are R and S
- R (Required): Tests to be performed in the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Tests that can be conducted in BIS-approved or
NABL-accredited external labs
Raw Material Verification
- CPVC Resin Quality Check (S): Ensures resin meets required chemical
composition standards
- CPVC Compound Testing (S): Verifies properties like chlorine content, density,
and material consistency
- Material Source Verification (S): Confirms uniform quality when raw material
source or composition changes
Dimensional and Physical Checks
- Diameter and Wall Thickness (R): Ensures pipe dimensions are within
specified limits
- Pipe Length and End Finish (R): Checks proper size and finishing for jointing
- Visual Inspection (R): Ensures pipes are free from cracks, bubbles, or surface defects
- Opacity Test (S): Confirms pipe does not allow light penetration beyond limits
Thermal and Physical Performance Tests
- Reversion Test (R): Checks dimensional stability under heat
- Vi cat Softening Temperature (S): Measures resistance to high temperature
- Density Test (R): Ensures uniform structure and material quality
- Effect on Water Test (S): Ensures no harmful substances affect potable water
Mechanical Performance Testing
- Hydrostatic Pressure Test (R/S): Confirms pipe can withstand internal pressure
at different temperatures
- Thermal Stability Test (S): Evaluates long-term performance under pressure
and heat
- Resistance to External Impact (R): Checks pipe strength against external
blows
- Flattening Test (R): Ensures pipe maintains shape under load
- Tensile Strength Test (R): Measures resistance to pulling forces
How to Get BIS License for CPVC plumbing pipes

To obtain the license, the BIS certification process ensures that these water supply
pipes meet the required standard for proper and efficient operation as defined by the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The process includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company
details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers
must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India.
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate pressure
strength, dimensional accuracy, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and overall
performance for safe hot and cold water supply applications.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with laboratory test reports, technical
documents, manufacturing process details, and factory information. Foreign
manufacturers must also provide AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing unit to verify
production processes, quality control systems, safety measures, and compliance
with the standard.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the certification license under
Scheme-I, allowing the manufacturer to produce and sell certified products.
- Use of ISI Mark
After certification approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI mark
along with a CM/L number on the product, confirming compliance with the
standard
BIS Documents checklist for cpvc water supply pipes
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval for water
supply pipes:
| Basic Details | - GST Certificate
- Email ID & Contact Number
- Factory & Office Address
- Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Layout Plan of Factory
|
| 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
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
| Management Details | - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
|
| 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 manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative
(AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance
requirements in India.
Marking Requirements and ISI Labeling
After obtaining the BIS license, the ISI mark for CPVC pipes must be clearly and
permanently applied on the product or its packaging. Other required details are provided
in the table below. This ensures the product is compliant with applicable quality and
safety standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 15778
|
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (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 should be done using stamping, tags, or permanent printing so the product can
be easily identified during handling, storage, and transport, as per BIS requirements.
BIS License Validity for cpvc pipes for plumbing systems
After getting BIS certification, the license is valid for a limited period. Manufacturers
must follow BIS rules and maintain product quality to keep the license active.
License Validity Details
| 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 |
| Surveillance | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
BIS Approval Cost for water supply CPVC pipes
The cost of BIS certification 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 / Inspection Fee | 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 applicable | As applicable |
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.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME
benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-approved laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
CPVC pipes covered under IS 15778:2007 are widely used in plumbing systems for hot
and cold water distribution. The standard ensures that these pipes are made from
suitable materials, produced with correct dimensions, and tested for strength, pressure
resistance, and safety for potable water use.
With the right support, the certification process becomes easier to manage. Guidance
from an experienced consultant like EVTL India helps handle documentation, testing
coordination, and compliance, ensuring quicker approval and smooth entry into the
market.