Steel wire for spokes is a type of metal wire used to make spokes in wheels such as bicycles, motorcycles, and other vehicles. These wires connect the hub to the rim and help in maintaining the shape, balance, and strength of the wheel. They must be strong, flexible, and durable to handle load, tension, and continuous movement without breaking.
To ensure the quality and reliability of this wire, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides certification as per IS 6902:1973. BIS certification ensures that the steel wire meets the required standards for strength, durability, and proper finish, making it safe and suitable for use in wheel spokes.
what is is 6902:1973 ?
This is the Indian Standard for steel wire used for spokes, which are commonly used in wheels of bicycles, motorcycles, and similar vehicles. It is a standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that the wire is safe, reliable, and suitable for use in wheel applications.
This standard ensures that the wire is:
- Strong enough to handle tension and load in wheel spokes
- Flexible to withstand continuous movement without breaking
- Resistant to wear and mechanical stress
- Properly finished with a smooth surface to avoid defects
- Durable for long-term use in different conditions
- Consistent in size, quality, and manufacturing standards
testing and inspection requirements
To ensure proper strength, flexibility, and reliability of the product, the standard defined
by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifies clear testing and inspection
requirements during manufacturing.
What are R and S?
- R (Required): Test must be done in the manufacturer’s own laboratory
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be done in a BIS-approved or external
laboratory
Material Quality Tests
- Chemical Composition Test (R) – Ensures correct levels of carbon,
manganese, sulphur, and phosphorus
- Raw Material Verification (R) – Confirms input material meets required
standards
Mechanical Performance Tests
- Tensile Strength Test (R) – Checks the wire’s ability to handle tension without
breaking
- Bend Test (R) – Ensures the wire can bend without cracking during use
Coating and Surface Tests
- Galvanized Coating Test (R) – Ensures proper zinc coating for corrosion
resistance (if applicable)
- Freedom from Defects Check (R) – Ensures wire is free from harmful defects
like cracks or rough edges
Dimensional and Physical Tests
- Wire Diameter Check (R) – Ensures correct size as per standard
- Tolerance Verification (R) – Confirms uniformity in wire thickness
- Coil Inspection (R) – Ensures consistency within each coil
process of bis certification

The BIS certification process for Specification for Steel Wire for Spokes IS 6902: 1973—involves multiple steps designed to thoroughly evaluate a product's compliance with the required standards. Here is a general overview of the certification process:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak Online Portal by
submitting company details, factory information, and product specifications.
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
in India.
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in
BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate electrical safety, insulation resistance,
heating efficiency, durability, and overall performance as per requirements.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with laboratory test
reports, technical documents, manufacturing process details, and factory
information. Foreign manufacturers must also provide AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the
manufacturing unit to verify production processes, quality control systems, safety
measures, and compliance with the standard.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the
certification license under Scheme-I, allowing the manufacturer to produce and
sell certified products.
- Use of ISI Mark: After certification approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use
the ISI mark along with a CM/L number on mineral filled sheathed heating
elements, confirming compliance with the standard.
documents required for bis certification
| Basic Details | - GST Certificate
- Email ID & Contact Number
- Factory & Office Address
- Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Layout Plan of Factory
|
| 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
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
| Management Details | - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
|
| 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
|
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS License, the ISI Mark for aluminium extruded round tubes and hollow sections must be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as shown in the table below ,this ensures product meets to all quality and safety standard.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 6902 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Alloy Information | Grade or designation of aluminium alloy used |
| 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 licenses for steel spoke wires
After obtaining BIS certification for the product, the license is valid for a fixed period and
must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| 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 |
| Surveillance | 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 |
cOST AND TIMELINE OF CERTIFICATION

The cost of BIS certification includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
cost breakdown
Indian Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1 | BIS Fees | Application Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Audit / Inspection Fee | INR 7,000 | — |
|
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | Discount as per MSME |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual | Depends on product type and factory location. |
Foreign Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1. | BIS Fees | Application Fee | USD 15 | Payable via SWIFT to BIS. SAARC countries can pay INR with 18% GST. |
|
| Audit Charges | USD 3,200 – 5,900 | Depend on Country |
|
| License Fee | USD 15 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | — |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual
| Based on product and manufacturing location. |
to know the process in detail, please visit:
Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS
conclusion
BIS certification for steel wire for spokes as per IS 6902:1973 ensures that the product
must meet the required standards for strength, flexibility, and reliability in wheel
applications. It also ensures that the wire is properly tested for tensile strength, bending
performance, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy, making it suitable for safe and
long-term use.
With the support and guidance of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India,
manufacturers can complete the certification process smoothly, reduce errors, and
obtain faster approval for their products.