Cast Iron Products
Cast Iron Manhole Covers & Frames
Strategic Recommendations for Cast Iron Manhole Covers & Frames
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification and initiate testing of cast iron manhole covers and frames as per IS 1726:1991 well before enforcement deadlines. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Leverage the ERA Compliance Team to manage BIS licence filing, coordinate product testing, and handle exemption documentation under the Cast Iron Products QCO, 2024. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For assistance with BIS certification, exemption criteria, documentation readiness, and tender alignment. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for compliance alerts, enforcement reminders, and BIS process changes. - Do a Gap Assessment
Conduct SKU-wise and contract-wise review of manhole covers and frames. Identify non-compliant stock, declare legacy/exempted products where applicable, and ensure ISI marking is implemented before the phased enforcement dates.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cast iron man hole covers and frames. |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1726:1991. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Cast iron man hole covers and frames. |
| Quality Control Order | Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (supersedes Cast Iron Products QCO, 2023). |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 2287(E), dated 13 June 2024; superseded order: S.O. 3806(E), dated 24 August 2023. |
| Final Enforcement Date | General: 1 Sep 2024; Small Enterprises: 1 Dec 2024; Micro Enterprises: 1 Mar 2025. |
| Objective & Scope | To mandate BIS certification and Standard Mark for cast iron products, ensuring conformity of manhole covers and frames to IS 1726:1991 under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Products Covered | Cast iron man hole covers and frames under IS 1726:1991. |
| Exemptions | (a) Goods manufactured domestically for export; (b) Domestic manufacturers registered on Udyam with ≤ ₹25 lakh plant & machinery/equipment (original cost) and ≤ ₹2 crore turnover (previous FY), both certified by a CA; (c) R&D imports up to 200 kg/year by manufacturers (not for sale; to be scrapped; year-wise records to Govt.). |
| Industries Impacted | Foundries and CI casting units; municipal bodies/urban local bodies; road & sewer infrastructure EPCs; drainage hardware distributors; civil contractors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 1726:1991; Standard Mark (ISI) under BIS licence as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence; complete product testing; implement ISI marking on products/packaging; assess eligibility and maintain documentation for any exemptions; align supply contracts to enforcement dates. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying authority; violation punishable under the Act. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Seizure of non-compliant goods • Suspension or cancellation of licence • Fines or imprisonment up to two years, or both |
| Conclusion | ISI marking under BIS licence is mandatory for manhole covers and frames per the phased dates. The 2024 Order replaces the 2023 QCO for this category. |
| References / Annexures | Cast Iron Products (QCO), 2024 – S.O. 2287(E) (13 Jun 2024); Cast Iron Products (QCO), 2023 – S.O. 3806(E) (24 Aug 2023). |
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Notification
Cast iron man hole covers and frames have been notified under the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 2287(E) dated 13 June 2024 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016. This Order supersedes the 2023 QCO (S.O. 3806(E) dated 24 August 2023).
Enforcement Timeline
 Compliance deadlines are phased:
- All Manufacturers (General) – 1 September 2024
- Small Enterprises – 1 December 2024
- Micro Enterprises – 1 March 2025
Overview
Cast iron man hole covers and frames are essential infrastructure products widely used in sewerage, drainage, and road safety applications. Their load-bearing performance and durability are critical for public safety, urban development, and municipal projects.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of IS 1726:1991 is to regulate the quality and performance of cast iron man hole covers and frames by mandating BIS certification. The standard specifies requirements for design, dimensions, mechanical strength, load classification, and durability to ensure safety, interchangeability, and longevity.
Products Covered
All cast iron man hole covers and frames manufactured and sold in India under IS 1726:1991.
Exemptions Provided
As per the 2024 Order, the following categories are exempt:
- Goods manufactured domestically for export only,
- Domestic manufacturers registered on Udyam, with investment in plant & machinery ≤ ₹25 lakh and turnover ≤ ₹2 crore (previous FY), certified by a Chartered Accountant,
- Imports up to 200 kg per year for R&D purposes by manufacturers, subject to scrapping post-use and record maintenance.
Industries Impacted
- Foundries and CI casting manufacturers,
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and municipal corporations,
- Sewerage, drainage, and road infrastructure EPC contractors,
- Civil engineering contractors and distributors.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 Products must conform to IS 1726:1991 and bear the ISI Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence (Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018). The ISI mark must be clearly embossed/marked on the covers and packaging.
Next Steps for Stakeholders​
 Manufacturers should:
- Apply to BIS for licensing,
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs,
- Implement ISI marking on products and packaging before deadlines,
- Document exemption eligibility (if any),
- Align supply contracts and municipal tenders with compliance obligations.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforceable under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the authority.
Non-compliance may result in seizure of goods, suspension or cancellation of licence, monetary fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
 From 1 September 2024 onwards (with extended timelines for MSMEs), all cast iron man hole covers and frames must conform to IS 1726:1991 and carry a BIS licence with ISI marking. The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order, establishing a strict regulatory framework for quality, safety, and durability in critical public infrastructure components.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.