Cables
Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables
Strategic Recommendations for Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables – IS 17048:2018
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 17048:2018 in advance. Conduct flame retardancy, smoke density, and halogen content tests at BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance specialists for documentation, product testing, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance for BIS licensing, testing schedules, and exemption handling for HFFR cables. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Cables (QCO), 2020 — including S.O. 280(E) and related BIS/DPIIT orders. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current cable specifications with IS 17048:2018 requirements for conductor quality, flame retardancy, and smoke emission limits.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 17048:2018 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 280(E) dated 21 January 2020 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 August 2020 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, flame retardancy, low smoke emission, and halogen-free properties in power cables, enhancing human safety and equipment protection in fire incidents. |
| Products Covered | Single-core and multicore copper/aluminium conductor cables insulated and sheathed with halogen-free, flame-retardant thermoplastic compounds. Rated for up to 1100 V, designed for reduced toxic emissions during fire. |
| Exemptions | Products meant exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification. |
| Industries Impacted | Electrical cable manufacturers, construction, industrial plants, metro/rail infrastructure, oil & gas facilities, data centres, and safety-critical buildings. |
| Mandatory Compliance |
Must conform to IS 17048:2018, BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory, ISI mark must be affixed on product and packaging. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct BIS-approved tests for flame retardancy, halogen content, smoke density, and insulation resistance; prepare documentation; apply for BIS licence; ensure ISI marking before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with powers to inspect, sample, and suspend/cancel licences for violations. |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may result in seizure of stock, licence suspension or cancellation, fines, prosecution, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 1 August 2020, all HFFR cables sold in India must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked to ensure compliance with safety standards and minimize hazards during fire. |
| References/Annexures | - Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – S.O. 280(E) [21 Jan 2020] |
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
Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables are regulated under the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued via S.O. 280(E) dated 21 January 2020 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) under the BIS Act, 2016. Compliance with IS 17048:2018 is mandatory for manufacturing, import, and sale in India.
Overview
HFFR cables are designed to limit fire spread, produce minimal smoke, and emit no halogen gases during combustion, ensuring safety for people and protection for sensitive equipment in case of fire.
Objective & Scope
The standard ensures flame retardancy, low toxicity, and high insulation integrity in cables for up to 1100 V applications, making them ideal for safety-critical environments.
Products Covered
Copper or aluminium conductor cables (single or multicore) insulated and sheathed with halogen-free, flame-retardant thermoplastic materials, suitable for fixed installations in buildings, industrial facilities, transport hubs, and other locations requiring enhanced fire safety.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the BIS certification requirement.
Industries Impacted
Cable manufacturing, infrastructure projects, energy plants, oil & gas facilities, transport systems, telecom/data centres, and safety-compliant building projects.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 August 2020, all such cables must:
- Conform to IS 17048:2018
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-I
- Bear the ISI mark on the cable and packaging
Enforcement Timeline
Effective 1 August 2020 for all manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Conduct BIS-approved testing for flame retardancy, smoke emission, and insulation performance
- Prepare technical documentation
- Apply for BIS licence before enforcement date
- Ensure ISI marking prior to distribution
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
BIS enforces the order under the BIS Act, 2016, with powers to inspect premises, collect samples, and take enforcement action.
Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of stock
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
Since 1 August 2020, BIS certification and ISI marking have been mandatory for all HFFR cables sold in India, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards and minimizing hazards during fire incidents.
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.