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.
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.
BIS certification under this standard involves a rigorous conformity assessment process to ensure product quality and adherence to regulatory norms. The steps typically include:-
why BIS Certification matters
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.