Household Electrical goods
IS 9968 (Part 1): Elastomer Insulated Cables (≤ 1100 V)
Strategic Recommendations – IS 9968 (Part 1): Elastomer Insulated Cables
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 9968 (Part 1) elastomer cables to ensure compliance and continued market access. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage ERA for support with testing, BIS application, and Product Manual documentation to streamline compliance. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get assistance with test planning, lab coordination, and certification processes. - Track QCO Amendments & Export Provisos
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor QCO amendments (notably S.O. 2604(E)) to understand export scenario exemptions and stay aligned with evolving requirements. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Affix ISI Standard Mark only after licence is granted. Maintain QA logs, batch traceability, and test documentation for audit readiness.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Elastomer Insulated Cables — Part 1: For Working Voltages up to and Including 1100 V |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 9968 (Part 1) — latest revision as per BIS database |
| Title of Indian Standard | Elastomer Insulated Cables (Part 1) for Working Voltages up to and Including 1100 V — Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 Feb 2003; subsequently amended via S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009), and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010) — 2010 amended the QCO proviso. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 17 February 2003 (effective date of QCO enforcement) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, flexibility, thermal endurance and flame resistance of elastomer insulated cables used in diverse low-voltage electrical installations. |
| Products Covered | Elastomer-insulated (e.g., rubber) cables with rated voltage up to 1100 V, including flexible cords, appliance leads, portable equipment cables. |
| Exemptions | Export-only consignments may be exempt under QCO proviso upon approval; no domestic exemption for sale without ISI mark. |
| Industries Impacted | Cable manufacturers, electrical accessory OEMs, appliance manufacturers, importers, retailers, distributors, construction & industrial equipment companies. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) certification required; ISI marking mandatory on cable and packaging; testing per Product Manual in BIS-recognised labs. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence (Scheme-I) for IS 9968 (Pt 1); conduct Product Manual testing; establish QA, traceability; update marking and procurement specs. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforcement under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018; authorised officers can inspect, seize and prosecute. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of goods, licence suspension/cancellation, monetary fines and prosecution under the BIS Act (including imprisonment for violations). |
| Conclusion | IS 9968 (Part 1) elastomer insulated cables have been under mandatory BIS certification since 17 Feb 2003; ISI marking is essential for market access. |
| References / Annexures | IS 9968 (Part 1) (latest revision entry in BIS); QCO S.O. 189(E) [17 Feb 2003] and amendments (S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E), S.O. 2604(E)). |
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Notification
Elastomer insulated cables (IS 9968 Part 1) were included under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, via S.O. 189(E) on 17 February 2003. The QCO was later amended by S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009), and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010), which updated the export-related proviso.
Enforcement Timeline
Mandatory compliance commenced on 17 February 2003, from which date manufacturing, importing, selling or distributing IS 9968 Part 1 cables in India requires BIS certification and ISI marking.
Overview
IS 9968 (Part 1) specifies requirements for elastomer-insulated cables operating up to 1100 V. These flexible cables are designed for durability, thermal resistance, mechanical flexibility and flame retardance in varied electrical applications.
Objective & Scope
The standard ensures a consistently safe, reliable and long-lasting performance of flexible elastomer cable products to protect installations and users.
Products Covered
Elastomer-insulated (e.g., rubber) flexible cables intended for low-voltage use up to 1100 V — including appliance leads, portable equipment cables, and flexible house wiring.
Exemptions Provided
Export-only consignments may qualify for QCO proviso exempt status (subject to Central Government approval); no domestic exemption applies without ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
Cable manufacturers, flexible cord producers, appliance manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and installation contractors.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
BIS Standard Mark (Scheme-I) certification is mandatory. Products must undergo testing in BIS-recognised labs per Product Manual; ISI marking must be present on the cable and packaging.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Apply for BIS licence; conduct Product Manual/type testing; set up QA and traceability; and ensure all documentation and marking comply before sale.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — enforcement includes inspections, seizure, prosecution and licence revocation by authorised officers.
Conclusion
Since 17 February 2003, IS 9968 (Part 1) elastomer insulated cables have required BIS certification and ISI marking to be legally marketed in India. Stakeholders must comply fully to avoid legal risks.
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.