Water storage systems need accurate flow control to avoid overflow, minimize losses, and maintain a continuous supply of the stored water. In residential apartments, commercial complexes, and industries, the float operated valves are very important as they automatically regulate the water level in the tanks and reservoirs. The Indian Standard for BIS Certification for Diaphragm Type (Plastic Body) Float Operated Valves for Cold Water Services gives an outline in which the functionality of such valves can be verified prior to their use in the market.
As these components operate all the time during the period of their use, it becomes necessary to keep the designs of the valve products uniform and functional. The compliance with IS 13049:1991 requires a series of tests and checks for product evaluation in order to ascertain that the products conform to the stipulated standard. The certification will not only indicate conformity to the standard but also improve buyer confidence in such products.
What is IS 13049:1991
This is the Indian Standard that covers diaphragm type (plastic body) float-operated valves used in cold water storage systems, where automatic water level control is essential. These valves help prevent overflow and ensure steady water regulation in tanks and reservoirs. As per BIS standards, these valves are:
- Tested for material strength and durability
- Checked for leakage resistance
- Evaluated for operational accuracy
- Assessed for long-term performance reliability
Eligibility for IS 13049:1991 BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 13049:1991 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Float Operated Valves in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export Diaphragm Type Float Valves for Water Supply to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Cold Water Float Operated Valve Systems.
Testing and Inspection Requirements under IS 13049:1991
To regulate water levels efficiently in storage tanks and distribution systems, IS 13049:1991 specifies performance requirements for diaphragm-type (plastic body) float-operated valves.
This certification ensures proper flow control, leak prevention, and long-term operational reliability in cold water services.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the float-operated valves are listed below:
BIS Registration Process for Diaphragm Type Float Operated Valves
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that Diaphragm Type Float Operated Valves (Plastic Body) for Cold Water Services meet the required standards for safe, reliable and efficient operation as per IS 13049:1991. This process is defined 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: Tests on product samples of float-operated valves are conducted in laboratories recognised by BIS as per IS 13049:1991. The tests conducted include hydraulic pressure tests, shut-off tests, flow tests, cycling tests, construction tests and anti-siphoning tests.
- 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 visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Following approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Technical Documentation for IS 13049:1991 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 |
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.
ISI Mark Guidelines for IS 13049:1991
As soon as the producer receives the license from the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 13049:1991, the BIS Standard Mark should be appropriately and permanently affixed to each valve/its packaging. It should include certain information, such as the producer's name and the licence number (CM/L) issued by BIS. More information is given below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 13049:1991 |
| 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.
Validity of BIS Certification for Diaphragm Type Float Operated Valves
| 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 |
Total Cost of BIS Certification under IS 13049:1991
BIS Certification cost for float operated valves under the diaphragm type would consist of application charge, product testing fee, factory inspection fee, license fee and marking fee. 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
The durability of water management structures largely depends on the consistent functioning of the elements used. IS 13049:1991 is an important step towards ensuring that manufacturers meet quality criteria concerning the manufacture of diaphragm type (plastic body) float operated valves that ensures reliable functioning within cold water systems.
With quality standards increasing across different industries, manufacturers of Diaphragm Type (Plastic Body) Float Operated Valves for Cold Water Services (IS 13049:1991) may receive an important competitive edge by obtaining certification from the BIS. EVTL India provides assistance in terms of completing necessary documentation, test scheduling, certification planning, and other related aspects.
