Steel wire ropes are integral to
modern infrastructure, playing a vital role in applications that demand both
strength and flexibility. These ropes are composed of multiple strands of steel
wires twisted into a helical structure, forming a robust, versatile cable that
can withstand heavy mechanical stress. Whether in construction cranes,
elevators, offshore platforms, or industrial hoisting equipment, steel wire
ropes are engineered to perform in some of the most demanding environments.
To ensure that only high-quality and
safe wire ropes are used across these critical sectors, the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) mandates conformity to Indian and international specifications. The
standard that governs steel wire ropes in India is IS/ISO 2408:2017, a harmonized adoption of the international ISO
2408 standard, titled “Steel Wire Ropes –
Requirements.”
In 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced the Steel Wire Ropes, Strands, Ring Net Panels,
Rope Net Panels and Rolls (Quality Control) Order, which will make BIS
certification mandatory for steel
wire ropes manufactured or imported into India under this standard. This move
emphasizes quality assurance, safety, and consistency across industries relying
on wire ropes.
The IS/ISO 2408:2017 standard sets
forth comprehensive requirements for the design,
manufacture, testing, packaging, and marking of steel wire ropes. The
standard applies to both round strand
ropes and compacted strand ropes,
in either uncoated (plain) or metal-coated forms, such as galvanized
(zinc) or Zn-Al alloy coatings. The ropes covered by this standard are
generally used in a wide array of lifting and load-bearing applications,
including:
However, the standard excludes ropes specifically used in mining, aerial ropeways, aircraft
controls, funicular railways,
and elevator ropes covered by other
specialized standards.
Steel wire ropes manufactured under
IS/ISO 2408:2017 are typically made from non-alloy
carbon steel with a carbon content between 0.4% and 0.95%, allowing for high tensile strength and fatigue
resistance—two properties crucial for safety in dynamic and high-load
applications.
The scope of IS/ISO 2408:2017 includes
detailed technical parameters such as:
This standard ensures that ropes are
not only manufactured to precise dimensions but also consistently perform under
mechanical stress, resist environmental degradation, and retain structural
integrity over long operational cycles.
Under the Quality Control Order (QCO) 2025, steel wire ropes falling within
the scope of IS/ISO 2408:2017 must be certified by BIS before they can be sold
or distributed in the Indian market. BIS certification is conducted under Scheme I of BIS (Conformity Assessment)
Regulations, 2018, which requires thorough assessment and surveillance of
the manufacturing process.
To qualify for BIS certification,
manufacturers—both domestic and international—must undergo:
Upon approval, the manufacturer is
granted the right to use the Standard
Mark (ISI mark) on certified products, which serves as an assurance of
quality and safety to end-users and regulatory bodies.
BIS certification under this standard
involves a rigorous conformity assessment process to ensure product quality and
adherence to regulatory norms. The steps typically include:
To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:
● Application form
● Manufacturing process details
● Quality control plan
● Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories
● Factory layout and equipment details
● Proof of business registration
● Product specifications and technical details
● Declaration of conformity to Indian standards
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.
Steel wire ropes are often used in
load-bearing and safety-critical applications. A failure in these components
can lead to catastrophic consequences—ranging from equipment damage to loss of
life. Ensuring that these ropes meet international quality standards is therefore
not just a regulatory requirement, but a necessity for industrial safety.
BIS certification under IS/ISO
2408:2017 is a testament to a product’s structural integrity, manufacturing
quality, and suitability for demanding environments. For engineers, contractors,
and procurement officers, the ISI mark on steel wire ropes offers peace of mind
that the product complies with a rigorously tested and globally aligned
standard.
As India continues to develop its
infrastructure, industrial base, and logistics capabilities, the demand for
high-quality steel wire ropes will only grow. By aligning domestic
manufacturing with IS/ISO 2408:2017,
and enforcing BIS certification through the Quality Control Order, 2025, the government is taking a proactive
step in raising safety and performance benchmarks.
Manufacturers and importers looking to
supply steel wire ropes in India must act now to ensure compliance with BIS
regulations. Early certification not only helps avoid legal complications but
also strengthens market credibility and opens doors to government and private
infrastructure projects.
EVTL India offers complete compliance
solutions—from documentation and product testing to audit coordination and BIS
license acquisition. With over a decade of experience in Indian regulatory
systems, we help you achieve certification with speed, accuracy, and full
transparency.
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