Plain hard-drawn steel wire is widely used in prestressed concrete structures. The wires are
produced by using the method of cold drawing. This increases the strength of the wires and is
mainly used in bridges, poles and similar applications. The wires undergo special treatments to
eliminate the stresses that arise during production.
Obtaining the BIS certification ensures that the wire meets the technical requirements specified
in IS 1785 (Part 1):1983. The process of obtaining the BIS Certification involves many different
kinds of tests, including tensile strength test, elongation test, relaxation test, diameter testing
test, and others. Manufacturers must obtain the BIS certification to sell the steel wires to the
Indian customers.
What is IS 1785 (Part 1): 1983?
This is the Indian Standard for Plain Hard-Drawn Steel Wire for Prestressed Concrete - Cold
Drawn Stress-Relieved Wire. It mentions the quality and mechanical properties to ensure safe
use of steel wires in prestressed concrete applications. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian
Standards),
wires are:
- Tested for tensile strength
- Checked for elongation
- Inspected for dimensional accuracy
- Monitored under quality assurance
Stress Relieved Steel Wire BIS License
Eligibility Guide
BIS authorisation under IS 1785 (Part 1): 1983 is required for businesses involved in
manufacturing, importing, or supplying cold-drawn stress-relieved wire in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the prestressing steel wires 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 steel wire.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the reliability of plain hard-drawn steel wire used in prestressed concrete applications,
the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 1785 (Part 1):
1983. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the strength and durability standards of
the steel wires.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Cold Drawn Stress Relieved Wire are
listed below:
How to Get BIS License for Cold Drawn Steel Wire?

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the prestressed concrete stress-relieved wire 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 required safety and performance parameters, including electric strength, insulation resistance, and mechanical integrity.
- 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: Officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conduct an inspection of the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once the license is granted, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
complete Documents list for IS 1785(Part 1): 1983 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 |
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the BIS approval, the ISI Mark for prestressed wire must be clearly and permanently
marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, essential details such as
the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) are required. This ensures the
product complies with all safety and quality standards. More details are mentioned below: :
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 1785(Part 1): 1983 |
| 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 Details for stress relieved steel BIS License
| 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 Cold drawn stress relieved steel BIS License
The cost of BIS Approval for a coir felt sheet 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
Cold drawn stress-relieved steel wire plays a significant role in improving the load-bearing
capacity of prestressed concrete structures. IS 1785 (Part 1):1983 is one such certificate that
suggests that the material has been thoroughly tested and meets certain levels of performance
and reliability. Use of this wire can minimize the possibility of structural weaknesses. This will
also assist in better performance of the projects subjected to changing environmental
conditions.
EVTL India provides technical help to businesses that wish to obtain BIS certificates for plain
hard-drawn steel wires. They provide technical support in matters of documentation, product
testing coordination and other such aspects. With structured technical support, businesses can
manage certification requirements more efficiently and avoid delays in the process.