Spiral Welded Pipes are commonly used in the transportation of water in large amounts, as well as in the transportation of oil and gas products. The spiral design of these pipes is developed by making metal strips spiral. They have a good pressure resistance ability and a large diameter. Such pipes are mainly used in infrastructure and industrial projects where strength and durability are essential.
To guarantee efficient operation of the spiral pipes, BIS Certification is important. According to IS 5504: 2025, the manufacture of spiral-welded pipes is supposed to comply with the required quality standards. The certification includes testing for dimension and material properties. Manufacturers meeting the Indian standard help them to maintain reliability and support the safe use of spiral pipes.
What is IS 5504: 2025?
This is the Indian Standard for Spiral Welded Pipes used in the industrial sector. It mentions a few criteria, such as strength and welding quality, to ensure the pipes are reliable under various operating conditions. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), pipes are:
- Evaluated for weld integrity
- Measured for dimensional accuracy
- Inspected for surface finish
- Assessed for non-destructive testing
- Monitored for overall durability
Eligibility Criteria for Welded Pipe BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 5504: 2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying welded pipes in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Industrial Pipes are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export spiral pipes to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified industrial welded pipes.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the safety of pipes used in structural or industrial settings, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 5504: 2025. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the performance standards for welded pipes.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the spiral pipes are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Chemical Composition Tests | Carbon, Sulphur, Phosphorus and other elements (ladle & product analysis) | Ensures material meets specified chemical requirements for strength and durability |
| Tensile Tests | Yield Strength (YS), Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Elongation (%EL) | Ensures pipe can withstand tensile loads without failure |
| Flattening Tests | Deformation behavior under compressive load (for ERW pipes) | Ensures pipe integrity under external pressure and resistance to cracking |
| Weld Strength / Bend Tests | Submerged Arc Weld (SAW) bend tests | Ensures weld joint strength and reliability of welded sections |
| Hydrostatic Pressure Tests | Pressure resistance using water under high pressure | Ensures pipe can withstand internal pressure without leakage or failure |
| Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) | Internal/external defects using NDT methods (optional) | Detects hidden flaws without damaging the pipe |
| Dimensional Tests | Length, diameter, thickness, ovality | Ensures pipes conform to specified size tolerances |
| Surface Finish Tests | External and internal surface condition | Ensures absence of defects affecting performance or coating |
| Coating Tests (if applicable) | Protective coating on outer surface | Ensures corrosion resistance and longer service life |
| Durability & Performance Tests | Combined performance via tensile, hydrostatic, weld, and ageing-related checks | Ensures long-term performance under operational conditions |
How to Get BIS License for Spiral Welded Steel Pipes?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the spiral steel pipes meet 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 weld integrity, hydrostatic pressure resistance and dimensional accuracy.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with relevant test reports, technical documents, and factory details. For foreign manufacturers, AIR-related documents must be submitted.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all the above requirements are successfully 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 Guide for IS 5504: 2025 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 are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person 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 a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for Spiral Pipes 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 performance standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 5504: 2025 |
| 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 for Welded Pipes BIS License
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| 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 Industrial Pipes BIS License
The cost of BIS Approval for a welded pipe 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 paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Spiral welded pipes are very important for the transportation of fluids. The pipes must be as per BIS under IS 5504: 2025 meeting all quality standards. It improves the reliability of the product and builds customers’ trust in the product. It also ensures long-term efficiency across various infrastructural projects. Obtaining BIS approval is important for pipe manufacturers to ensure legal compliance. In addition, the compliance helps in easier entry into the Indian market. EVTL India assists manufacturers with the BIS certification process by providing proper guidance, documentation support, and coordination for testing and approval.
