Elastomer Insulated Cables are widely used in electrical installations. The insulation material of these cables offers resistance to heat and water. This makes them extremely durable in difficult working environments. For such reasons, they are commonly used in machines, building construction, power transmission lines, and portable electrical equipment.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has specified requirements under IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025 to ensure the quality of insulated wires. The Standard guarantees that the product meets the requirements related to conductor quality, insulation properties, mechanical strength, and electrical performance. The companies manufacturing these cables must obtain certification to maintain the quality of the product. This helps them to sell the elastomer cables to the Indian customers.
What is IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025
This is the Indian Standard for insulated cables designed for working voltages up to and including 1100 V. In order to ensure that the wires are safe for use, certain requirements must be met. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), cables are:
- Verified for conductor resistance
- Tested for insulation thickness
- Checked for elongation of insulation and sheath
- Assessed for high voltage withstand capability
- Evaluated for flammability
Eligibility for Elastomer Insulated Cables BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying insulated cables in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the elastomer wires are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the wires are BIS-certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified elastomer cables.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the safety of insulated wires, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025. This certification ensures that manufacturers maintain uniformity in product quality. It also ensures that the cables are safe for use in electrical applications up to and including 1100 V.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the high voltage cable are listed below:
Steps for Elastomer Insulated Wires BIS Approval
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the electrical cable meets the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for material, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish.
- 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: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all the above requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents Guide for IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025 Approval
| 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 |
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This representative will work with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and take care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains BIS Approval, the ISI Mark for Elastomer Cables must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. In addition to the ISI Mark, essential details must be printed such as the manufacturer’s identification, licence number (CM/L), etc. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 9968 (Part 1) |
| 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.
BIS License Validity for 1100V Elastomer Cables
| 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 | 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 |
Fee for Insulated Electrical Cables BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for insulated cable 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.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are directly payable to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Indian Standards has outlined the requirements for Elastomer Insulated Cables under IS 9968 (Part 1): 2025. The standard aims to ensure that the manufacturers meet the prescribed safety and quality standards for cables used in electrical systems up to 1100 V. It ensures standard performance across applications.
BIS certification not only helps manufacturers meet the regulatory requirements in India but also enhances customers’ trust. Manufacturing companies can legally sell the cables if they have obtained the BIS approval. EVTL India can assist such manufacturers in getting the certification for insulated cables. It offers help from documentation, application filing, and testing coordination, thus making the certification journey hassle-free.
