Thermoplastic hoses for water are flexible pipe components made of thermoplastic materials. They are used in irrigation systems, domestic water supply, gardening and fluid transfer in industries. These hoses are capable of delivering water easily and are flexible, thus they are suitable for use where hard pipes are not possible. The efficiency of these thermoplastic hoses depends on their wall strength, pressure strength, their ability to flex at different temperatures and their resistance to wear.
BIS compliance as per IS 12585:2023 indicates the minimum requirements to test their suitability in terms of their performance and quality. The tests conducted on the hose include burst pressure, dimensional stability, tensile strength, and leak resistance. It also ensures that these hoses are durable, homogeneous in nature, and safe to be used in applications where there is contact with water.
What is IS 12585: 2023?
This is the Indian Standard for Thermoplastic Hoses for Water used in domestic, agricultural, and industrial water applications. It specifies the quality and performance requirements to ensure safe and reliable water flow. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these hoses are:
- Assessed for water pressure resistance
- Tested for burst pressure
- Checked for dimensional accuracy
- Evaluated for flexibility
Textile Reinforced Water Hoses BIS License Eligibility
BIS authorisation under IS 12585: 2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Water Carrying Thermoplastic Hoses in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the irrigation hose to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified water delivery hose.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
According to the Indian Standards, the quality and performance requirements of Thermoplastic Hoses for Water are defined under the standards IS 12585: 2023. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce hoses with proper flexibility, pressure resistance, durability, and safe water flow performance for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Thermoplastic Hoses are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Dimensional Accuracy Test | Inside diameter, wall thickness, length, concentricity | Ensures hose dimensions are within prescribed tolerances |
| Tensile Strength Test | Strength of thermoplastic material under tension | Ensures hose can withstand mechanical stress during use |
| Elongation at Break Test | Stretching capacity before failure | Ensures flexibility without rupture under pressure |
| Ageing Resistance Test | Material performance after thermal ageing exposure | Ensures long-term durability under heat and environmental conditions |
| Mass Loss on Heating Test | Change in mass after controlled heating | Ensures thermal stability of hose material |
| Proof Pressure Test | Hose performance under specified working pressure | Ensures hose can safely withstand operating pressure without leakage |
| Burst Pressure Test | Maximum pressure before failure | Ensures safety margin against sudden pressure surges |
| Pressure at Elevated Temperature Test | Hose performance at 60°C under pressure | Ensures safe operation under hot water conditions |
| Change in Length Test | Expansion or contraction under working pressure | Ensures dimensional stability during use |
| Adhesion Test | Bond strength between layers (lining, reinforcement, cover) | Ensures structural integrity of multilayer hose |
| UV Resistance Test | Exposure to UV/Xenon arc light | Ensures resistance to sunlight degradation in outdoor use |
| Flexibility Test | Bending performance at standard temperature | Ensures ease of handling and installation |
| Low Temperature Flexibility Test | Flexing at low temperature conditions | Ensures hose does not crack in cold environments |
Certification Process for Thermoplastic Hoses under BIS
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the high-pressure water hose meets the required performance standards. 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 pressure resistance, dimensional accuracy, tensile strength, flexibility, ageing performance, burst strength and overall material durability.
- 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: A team from the BIS will conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Upon approval, the manufacturer shall be able to mark the product with ISI marking, together with the CM/L number.
List of Documents for IS 12585: 2023 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 must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for textile reinforced hose must be written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. The marking should also include key information, such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L). This ensures the textile-reinforced water hoses comply with all safety and quality standards. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 12585: 2023 |
| 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.
General Purpose Water Hoses BIS License Validity
| 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 |
| 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 |
Flexible Water Delivery Hoses BIS Approval Fee Breakdown
The cost of BIS license for a domestic water hoses 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 to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
IS 12585:2023 Thermoplastic Hoses for Water provides excellent reliability in a variety of applications such as water supply systems, irrigation systems and general utility applications. The specification confirms the critical qualities of hoses that include pressure handling capability, flexibility, dimensional consistency, and strength. The objective is to guarantee a safer operation of water flowing through the hose without any problems such as leakage, cracking or deterioration of the hose material. Certification through BIS is yet another factor that enhances the product's credibility by guaranteeing adherence to the national standards. EVTL India comes in handy for the applicants through its help in completing all the documentation process, conducting laboratory tests and even assisting in the whole process of certification.
