Copper Products
Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications
Strategic Recommendations for IS 12444:2020 (Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications)
- Begin BIS Certification Early
Manufacturers and importers should start the BIS certification process immediately to meet enforcement deadlines—19 Oct 2024 (General), 19 Jan 2025 (Small), and 19 Apr 2025 (Micro). - Consult Compliance Experts (ERA)
Partner with ERA’s compliance team for support with BIS application filing, product testing in approved labs, and ISI marking to ensure smooth certification. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
ERA provides guidance on certification, exemption clarifications, testing readiness, and deadline planning. - Monitor QCO Amendments & Updates
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette notifications, compliance amendments, and enforcement timelines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Documentation
All copper wire rods must bear the ISI mark with a valid BIS licence number before sale or import, while exporters should maintain proper documentation for exemption claims.
- Begin BIS Certification Early
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 12444:2020 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 – as amended by Copper Product (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 4595(E) dated 17 October 2023 – Copper Products QCO, 2023 (superseded)- S.O. 1801(E) dated 25 April 2024 – Copper Products QCO, 2024 (current principal order)- S.O. 884(E) dated 19 February 2025 – Copper Product QCO Amendment, 2025 (import exemption provision for specific product category) |
| Final Enforcement Date | - General (other than Micro & Small Enterprises): 19 October 2024- Small Enterprises: 19 January 2025- Micro Enterprises: 19 April 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, electrical conductivity, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical performance of copper wire rods used in electrical applications through BIS certification |
| Products Covered | Copper wire rods manufactured or imported for use in electrical applications, including power cables, conductors, and electrical machinery |
| Exemptions | - Products manufactured domestically for export only- Temporary exemption (till 31 March 2025) for Wrought Copper Tubes for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Purposes imported by manufacturers within the 25% value limit (as per 2025 amendment) |
| Industries Impacted | - Electrical cable & conductor manufacturers- Electrical equipment producers- Power transmission and distribution sector |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Conformance to IS 12444:2020- BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018- ISI mark to be displayed on product or packaging before sale |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification- Conduct product testing in BIS-approved labs- Align production and procurement to ensure compliance before applicable enforcement date |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016; BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of goods, fines, license cancellation, and/or imprisonment up to 2 years under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Conclusion | From the respective enforcement dates, all copper wire rods for electrical applications sold in India must comply with IS 12444:2020 and carry BIS certification. Early compliance is recommended to avoid disruption in sales and imports. |
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.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
The product Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications is regulated under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT) via S.O. 1801(E) dated 25 April 2024, in supersession of the 2023 QCO. The regulation mandates compliance with IS 12444:2020 – Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications – Specification. The Order was further amended through S.O. 884(E) dated 19 February 2025, which introduced a temporary import exemption for a different copper product category (wrought copper tubes for refrigeration and air-conditioning purposes).
Â
Enforcement Timeline
- General (other than Micro and Small Enterprises): 19 October 2024
- Small Enterprises: 19 January 2025
- Micro Enterprises: 19 April 2025
Overview
Copper wire rods are semi-finished products primarily used in the manufacturing of power cables, conductors, and electrical machinery. High conductivity, mechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy are critical for their performance in electrical applications. The Indian Standard IS 12444:2020 specifies requirements for chemical composition, surface finish, electrical conductivity, tensile properties, and dimensional tolerances, ensuring consistent product quality across manufacturers and suppliers.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 12444:2020 is to maintain high electrical performance and reliability in copper wire rods by enforcing uniform quality standards. It safeguards end-use efficiency in power transmission, distribution systems, and electrical equipment manufacturing.
Products Covered
Copper wire rods intended for electrical applications, including:
- Power and control cables
- Overhead and underground conductors
- Electrical motor and transformer windings
Exemptions Provided
- Products manufactured domestically exclusively for export are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Electrical Cable & Conductor Manufacturers
- Electrical Equipment & Component Producers
- Power Transmission & Distribution Sector
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Conform to IS 12444:2020.
- Obtain BIS certification under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Affix the ISI mark clearly on product or packaging before sale in India.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification well ahead of the enforcement deadline.
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories to verify compliance.
- Update procurement and production systems to ensure only BIS-certified rods enter the supply chain.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The regulation is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with the Bureau of Indian Standards as the designated certifying and enforcement authority.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties include:
- Seizure of non-compliant goods.
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license.
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.
Conclusion
From the respective enforcement dates, all copper wire rods for electrical applications sold in India must comply with IS 12444:2020 and bear the ISI mark. This ensures high-quality, reliable performance in critical electrical infrastructure. Stakeholders are advised to complete certification in advance to avoid supply disruptions.
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.