PVC-insulated cables are widely used for the transmission and distribution of power in
residential and commercial areas. These cables are designed to operate efficiently at working
voltages up to and including 1100V. The high load-bearing capacity of these cords makes them
suitable for wiring systems. In addition, the use of PVC in making these cords ensures durability.
To maintain uniform quality of the sheathed cables, the Bureau of Indian Standards has outlined
the requirements under IS 694: 2010.
The Indian Standard drafts requirements, such as conductor properties, insulation quality, and electrical performance, to ensure safety. The PVC cord manufacturers must obtain BIS certification to legally sell their products in the Indian market.
What is IS 694: 2010?
This is the Indian Standard for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated cords used for rated voltages up to and including 1100 V. It mentions essential criteria to ensure the cables are safe for use in electrical wiring. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards),
insulated cables are:
- Tested for electrical conductivity
- Evaluated for flammability
- Checked for insulation resistance
- Verified for sheath thickness
- Examined for flexibility and elongation
Who is eligible for PVC Sheathed Cables BIS Approval?
BIS authorisation under IS 694: 2010 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying rigid conductor PVC cable in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the insulated cables are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the electrical cords are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors -Should only sell certified flexible conductor cable.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure safe performance of heavy-duty electric cables, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 694: 2010. This certification ensures that manufacturers maintain consistent safety parameters as per the standard. It also ensures that the cables provide effective insulation and stable performance even when exposed to heat and moisture.The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the insulated 1100V electric cables are listed below:
Steps for Flexible Conductor PVC Cords BIS Approval
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the sheathed 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 required for IS 694: 2010 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 694: 2010 |
| 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.
PVC Sheathed cables BIS License Duration
| 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 structure for flexible conductor cable BIS license
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
BIS certification under IS 694: 2010 ensures that PVC insulated cables meet the safety standards for use up to and including 1100 V. This Indian standard ensures that the sheathed cables meet the quality standard. Manufacturers must meet the requirement such as electrical performance, insulation integrity to comply with the regulatory parameters. As a result, only certified cables are allowed to legally sell the products in the market.
Obtaining a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards helps manufacturers to gain customers' trust in the product. EVTL India provides guidance to manufacturers in obtaining BIS certification for polyvinyl chloride-insulated cables.
