The BIS Certification for Welded Steel Wire Fabric for General Use (IS 4948:2020) is important for manufacturers wishing to manufacture, import or sell the welded steel wire fabric in the Indian market. Welded steel wire fabric is used in construction, industrial fencing, reinforcing works, infrastructure projects and engineering applications. This is because of their strength and dimensional stability. Since these products are important from a structural performance and safety perspective, they must conform to the quality requirements laid down in IS 4948:2020. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifies the products which satisfy the specified requirements in terms of material quality, strength of welding, mechanical properties, and dimensions.
It is mandatory to comply with the applicable BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) and obtain BIS certification wherever applicable. The ISI mark on welded steel wire fabric confirms the quality, safety and performance of the product as per Indian Standards.
What is IS 4948:2020 for Welded Steel Wire Fabric?
IS 4948:2020 provides the requirements of the welded steel wire fabric that can be used for general engineering and construction purposes. Quality criteria have been defined in this standard to guarantee uniformity in mesh formation. According to BIS, the welded steel wire fabric is tested for -
- Wire diameter and material quality (MS/SS wires)
- Mesh size and spacing of longitudinal and transverse wires
- Weld shear strength and joint integrity
- Dimensional tolerances of sheets or rolls
- Surface finish and corrosion resistance
Who requires BIS License for Welded Steel Wire Fabric?
BIS Certification based on IS 4948:2020 is compulsory for all manufacturing and supply companies dealing in welded steel wire mesh in India. This process guarantees that only standardized products are available in the market. Applicable to -
- Indian Manufacturers - Must obtain BIS certification before selling under QCO requirements
- Foreign Manufacturers - Required to obtain BIS approval before exporting to India
- Importers - Must ensure BIS-certified products for legal distribution in India
Importance of ISI Mark Certification for Welded Steel Wire Fabric
The ISI Mark for Welded Steel Wire Fabric serves as a quality assurance mark, assuring that the product conforms to the standards specified by IS 4948:2020.
- Complies with BIS standardization for the steel wire mesh material
- Increases the strength of the weld and the durability of the material
- Provides dimension accuracy of the mesh and spacing
- Increases the durability in building constructions and reinforcements
- Increases acceptability in governmental and infrastructural constructions
- Builds up the reputation of the product due to ISI certification
- Decreases the probability of structural defects
- Ensures compliance with the BIS QCO standards
- Stabilizes the production quality in manufacturing units
- Increases competitiveness in the market
BIS Testing Requirements for Welded Steel Wire Fabric
To maintain the quality, strength, and reliability of the welded steel wire fabric, minimum testing requirements have been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which are mentioned in IS 4948:2020. Such testing guarantees the production of welded steel wire fabric in compliance with the standards concerning material quality, welding, dimensions, and mechanical properties. In addition, it assures the suitability of this product for general use purposes. The BIS Testing Parameters and Quality Checks of Welded Steel Wire Fabric for General Use are mentioned below -
BIS ISI Mark Certification Process for IS 4948:2020
The BIS certification procedure guarantees that welded steel wire mesh adheres to the Indian standards before it hits the market. The BIS licensing scheme is done through Scheme I of BIS. The steps are mentioned below -
- 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 measurement accuracy, electrical performance and insulation strength.
- 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 satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark - Once approved, the manufacturer can affix the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents List for IS 4948:2020 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 | Agreement with AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), Aadhaar Card of AIR, AIR Nomination Form, Required Undertakings, Scope of License |
Foreign manufacturers need 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.
ISI Marking Requirements for Welded Steel Wire Fabric
After the BIS gives its approval, it is mandatory that the ISI mark for Welded Steel Wire Fabric for General Use as per IS 4948:2020 shall be marked permanently on the item, bundle, tag or package, as applicable. Apart from the ISI mark, certain details like the name of the manufacturer, CM/L number, and other prescribed marks should also be indicated. The marking indicates that the item is in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard. Some other details have been given below -
Note - Marking is typically done through stamping, labeling, or printing on sheets or packaging for durability and traceability.
Validity of BIS Certification for General Use Welded Steel Wire Fabric
Cost of BIS Certification for Welded Steel Wire Fabric
The fee structure for obtaining BIS Certification for Welded Steel Wire Fabric for General Purpose (IS 4948:2020) includes application fees, factory inspection fees, licence fees, testing fees and marking fees. The mentioned fees shall be paid to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in accordance with the provisions of Scheme I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations.
| 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 to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Penalty for Non-Compliance under BIS IS 4948:2020
Failure to meet the BIS standards of Welded Steel Wire Fabric as per IS 4948:2020 leads to a breach of the BIS Act, 2016, and will lead to stringent measures being taken against such acts.
- Suspension/cancellation of the BIS license for Welded Steel Wire Fabric
- Seizure/withdrawal of products failing to conform to the standards
- Ban on using the BIS ISI mark on Welded Steel Wire Fabric
- Penalties as prescribed under the BIS Act, 2016
- Litigation/prosecution in case of serious violation
- Ban on manufacture/sale of certified products
Conclusion
Welded Steel Wire Fabric for General Use is very crucial in construction and infrastructure-related applications wherein strength, durability and accuracy are significant. Compliance with IS 4948:2020 will help manufacturers comply with all Indian Standards that govern the materials used, welding capacity, and overall mechanical properties. The BIS Certification and ISI Mark prove that the product passes all tests and conforms to all safety and quality standards.
The process of obtaining BIS Certification not only helps manufacturers establish their brand but also opens up avenues for work in the government and private sectors. In order to obtain BIS Certification in an easier way, manufacturers can get professional help. EVTL India has the required expertise to help manufacturers in completing the entire process in a very easy manner and in accordance with all the specifications of IS 4948:2020.
