The effectiveness of a fire extinguisher depends entirely on the parts that trigger the firefighting
operation inside the extinguisher. The BIS Certification for Gas Cartridges for Use in Fire
Extinguishers becomes very crucial because a malfunctioning gas cartridge means that the fire
extinguisher will not work in case of an emergency. Gas cartridges are filled with compressed
gas which is used to eject the extinguishing agent from the fire extinguisher when it is activated
either manually or automatically.
In order to regulate gas cartridges and make sure that they meet all the requirements, the
Bureau of Indian Standards formulated IS 4947:2006. The certification process includes testing
of various parameters such as manufacturing standards, material specifications, dimensions,
pressure standards, etc. To get ISI marking, a manufacturer has to prove its conformity by
testing and inspection of its products.
Safety Requirements for IS 4947:2006
IS 4947:2006 is the Indian Standard that specifies the requirements for gas cartridges used in
fire extinguishers. The standard ensures that cartridges provide reliable discharge pressure,
maintain safety during storage, and perform effectively during emergency fire-fighting
operations. As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), these gas cartridges are:
- Evaluated for leakage
- Assessed for internal pressure resistance
- Checked for dimensional requirements
- Tested for burst strength
Who can apply for BIS Certification in India
BIS authorisation under IS 4947:2006 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Fire Safety Gas Cartridge in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Pressure Vessel Gas Cartridge are
covered under QCO.
- 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 Fire Extinguisher Components.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure that the performance of fire extinguishers is safe during emergencies, standards have
been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards for the gas cartridge as per IS 4947:2006. The
standard confirms the reliability of gas cartridges used in fire extinguishers from all aspects.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Gas Cartridges for use in Fire
Extinguishers are listed below:
Certification Process for Gas Cartridges for use in Fire
Extinguishers
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Fire Safety Gas Cartridge meet the required
standards for 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 chemical composition, silica content, moisture content, fineness, compressive strength, and other physical performance parameters.
- 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 Bureau of Indian Standards officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents required for IS 4947: 2006 License
| 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 are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once the manufacturer is licensed with the BIS, the ISI Mark for Industrial Gas Cartridge needs
to be stamped either on the package or directly on the item itself. Information about the
manufacturer’s identification and license number (CM/L) also needs to be indicated in the
stamping. Additional information is provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 4947: 2006 |
| 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.
is 4947:2006 gas cartridge License Validity
| 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 |
Fee details for is 4947 bis certification in india
The cost of BIS Approval for micro silica 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
Firefighting equipment is supposed to function flawlessly during emergencies. The Indian
Standard IS 4947:2006 defines a quality standard that helps in determining the integrity,
pressure capacity, dimensional specifications and efficiency of the cartridges used in the fire
extinguishing equipment. The BIS Certification for Gas Cartridges for Use in Fire Extinguishers
guarantees manufacturers that their products comply with the recommended quality standards.
Companies may seek the support of EVTL India for assistance in the different aspects involved
in the certification process of fire extinguishers. These include documentation, submission of the
necessary documentation, provision of testing services and making ready the factory premises
for the certification audit process.
