Steel Wires or Strands, Nylon or Wire Ropes and Wire mesh
Braided Nylon Ropes for Mountaineering Purposes
Strategic Recommendations for Braided Nylon Ropes for Mountaineering (IS 6590:1972)
Begin BIS Certification Immediately
- Large & Medium enterprises: 1 Dec 2024; Small Enterprises: 1 Mar 2025; Micro Enterprises: 1 Jun 2025.
Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
- Partner with ERA Compliance Team for BIS licence applications, product testing, and ISI marking requirements.
Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp- Support for certification filing, QCO exemption clarifications, lab testing, and compliance readiness.
Track QCO Amendments & Updates
- Monitor Gazette notifications for corrigenda or clarifications; subscribe to ERA newsletter for updates.
Ensure Marking & Documentation
All mountaineering ropes must carry the ISI mark before sale/import; export-only products must have clear supporting documentation.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Braided Nylon Ropes for Mountaineering Purposes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 6590:1972 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Braided Nylon Ropes for Mountaineering Purposes – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Steel Wires or Strands, Nylon or Wire Ropes and Wire Mesh (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 2581(E), dated 3 July 2024 (published 4 July 2024); Supersedes QCO 2023 notified via S.O. 5022(E), dated 21 November 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | General (other than Micro & Small Enterprises): 1 December 2024; Small Enterprises: 1 March 2025; Micro Enterprises: 1 June 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, durability, and performance of braided nylon ropes used in mountaineering by mandating BIS certification and ISI marking under IS 6590:1972 |
| Products Covered | Braided nylon ropes specifically manufactured for use in mountaineering and climbing applications |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured domestically for export are exempt |
| Industries Impacted | Rope manufacturers, outdoor & adventure equipment suppliers, defence & paramilitary, sports/mountaineering institutions |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 6590:1972; ISI marking required; BIS licence under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence; test ropes in BIS-recognized labs; ensure ISI mark on all packs; segregate export goods; align operations with phased deadlines |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS; includes inspections, sampling, and certification controls |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods; suspension/cancellation of BIS licence; fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years |
| Conclusion | BIS certification is mandatory for mountaineering ropes by deadlines; 2024 QCO replaces 2023 Order, ensuring safety and reliability of ropes in life-critical applications |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2024: S.O. 2581(E) [3 July 2024, published 4 July 2024]; Superseded QCO 2023: S.O. 5022(E) [21 Nov 2023] |
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Notification
The product Braided Nylon Ropes for Mountaineering Purposes are covered under the Steel Wires or Strands, Nylon or Wire Ropes and Wire Mesh (QCO), 2024, notified via S.O. 2581(E) dated 3 July 2024 (published 4 July 2024). This Order supersedes the earlier 2023 QCO (S.O. 5022(E), dated 21 November 2023).
Enforcement Timeline
- General (other than Micro & Small Enterprises): 1 December 2024
- Small Enterprises: 1 March 2025
- Micro Enterprises: 1 June 2025
Overview
IS 6590:1972 specifies construction, breaking strength, elongation, abrasion resistance, and safety requirements for braided nylon ropes used in mountaineering. These ropes are designed for life-critical applications like climbing, rappelling, and rescue, demanding strict quality controls.
Objective & Scope
The QCO mandates BIS certification and ISI marking to ensure that all mountaineering ropes meet uniform quality and safety standards, protecting users in high-risk outdoor and defence environments.
Products Covered
Braided nylon ropes specifically manufactured for mountaineering and climbing purposes.
Exemptions Provided
The Order does not apply to goods manufactured domestically for export. Export-only production requires proper documentation.
Industries Impacted
Rope manufacturing industry,
Outdoor/adventure equipment suppliers,
Defence/paramilitary procurement agencies,
Mountaineering and rescue organizations.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers/importers must obtain a BIS licence under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and affix the ISI mark before manufacture, sale, import, or distribution.
Next Steps for Stakeholders​
- Apply for BIS licence,
- Conduct testing in BIS-approved labs,
- Update packaging and ensure ISI marking,
- Segregate export-only ropes,
- Align stock and production with phased deadlines.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS has powers to inspect, sample, suspend licences, or seize non-compliant goods. Penalties include fines, seizure, cancellation of licence, and imprisonment up to two years.
Conclusion
From 1 Dec 2024 / 1 Mar 2025 / 1 Jun 2025, depending on enterprise size, all braided nylon ropes for mountaineering must conform to IS 6590:1972 and bear the ISI mark. The 2024 QCO supersedes the 2023 Order, raising quality and safety requirements for critical-use mountaineering ropes.
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.