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- BIS Certification for stainless steel tubes used in food and beverages follows IS 6913:1973 standard.
- This Indian Standard ensures food safety, corrosion resistance, and durability.
- Required for manufacturers and importers under BIS Quality Control Orders.
- Documents include lab reports, tube dimensions, and quality procedures.
- Certification includes audits, testing, and renewal every 2 years.
Introduction
In 2023, a bottling company in Gujarat faced unexpected rejection from an international food franchise. The issue? Their tubing, although functional, lacked BIS Certification under IS 6913:1973. The base material used in their stainless steel tubes hadn’t been verified for food-grade compliance. The result? A 3-month delay in onboarding and the cost of replacing an entire production line.
This scenario is becoming more common as India tightens quality norms. Whether you’re a small-scale OEM or an exporter, if your stainless steel tubes contact food or beverages, they must comply with IS 6913:1973. Here’s how to get your BIS Certification right the first time.
Overview
The equipment used for Food and Beverage Industry must be of very high standards in terms of durability, hygiene, and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel tubes are among the main components that are used in this business. These tubes significantly contribute to the quality of Food and Beverage processing, transit, and storage. To maintain the quality and safety levels, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) established IS 6913: 1973 which specifies the requirements of stainless steel tubes for the food and beverage industries.
Through Diligence Certification, certified to IS 6913: 1973, companies will be assisted in obtaining BIS certification for stainless steel tubes to ensure the reliability and quality of the products for market acceptance.
What is BIS and Why It Matters?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. BIS certification assures consumers and buyers that the product meets safety, performance, and hygiene requirements.
Why IS 6913:1973 for Stainless Steel Tubes?
- Covers stainless steel sheet, strip, and plate used in forming tubes and utensils
- Ensures food-grade safety, non-reactive surfaces, and anti-corrosion properties
- Forms the raw material compliance base for food and beverage tubing
If your tubes are made from non-compliant sheet/strip, you’re non-compliant by default.
BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Tubes: IS 6913:1973 Scope
Who Needs It?
- Manufacturers of tubes used in food, dairy, brewing, or beverage industries
- Importers sourcing stainless steel sheet or tubing for food-contact applications
IS 6913:1973 isn’t just for utensils. It’s for any steel surface that touches food.
BIS QCO for Miscellaneous Steel Products (Stainless Steel Tubes for the Food and Beverage Industry)
To assure improved quality control and standard compliance, the Bureau of Indian Standards has published the Quality Control Order (QCO) for steel products, including stainless steel tubes designated for Food and Beverage Industry. To prevent the entry of low-quality goods, the QCO restricts the production and sale of stainless steel tubes to registered producers only.
Key Features of BIS QCO
Registration is required: All manufacturers of stainless steel pipes must get a BIS certification before they can release their products into the market.
- Strong Quality Standards: To supply safe and high-quality stainless steel tubes, compliance with IS 6913: 1973 is required.
- Market management: This regulation establishes a suitable system of quality and limits the introduction of products of lower quality.
- Legal impact: Companies who violate the BIS QCO face penalties, suspension from their operations, and legal action.
- Consumer Assurance for Safety: The safety consumer assurance technology of QCO ensures hygienic and safe stainless steel tubes in the food and beverage industry.
The major role that a BIS QCO plays in ensuring customers’ confidence in the manufacture of stainless steel tubes is vigilantly enforcing compliance with safety and quality specifications.
Types of Stainless Steel Tubes Used in the Food and Beverage Industry
In the case of the food and beverage industry, the pipes that use stainless steel come in many formats suitable for many different uses. The following are more common types of stainless steel tube, which include
- Seamless stainless steel tube: Used for high pressure – High strength and durable.
- Welded stainless steel tube: Used in normal food processing and beverage industry.
- Electropolished stainless steel tube: Have ultra-smooth surfaces to prevent bacteria from flourishing and contamination.
- Sanitary stainless steel tube: Made strictly according to hygiene and cleanliness norms.
Applications of Stainless Steel Tubes in the Food and Beverage Industry
Stainless steel tube accommodate numerous uses in the food and beverage industries for the making of:
- Milk and dairy processing – For pasteurizing plants, milk processing lines, dairy processing plants, and more.
- Beverage Production – Essential for brewing, soft drinks and juice.
- Food Processing Plant – Consumed in conveying systems, steam pipelines, and storage tanks.
- Meat and Poultry Processing – Used for processing, cleaning, and refrigeration.
- Bakery and Confectionery – Used for dough-mixing machines, cooling systems, and food-packaging lines.
Tests Done in Stainless Steel Tubes for the Food-and-Beverage Industry
A full range of tests is conducted on stainless steel tube for chemical, physical, and mechanical characterization in the context of quality assurance. BIS-recommended tests include the following:
1. Chemical Composition
This test verifies that the stainless steel used conforms to the chemical composition specified in IS 6913: 1973. It checks for the presence of elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and carbon for corrosion resistance and strength. Proper chemical composition is further necessary to avoid contamination of food.
2. Dimension and Tolerance
Stainless steel tube must comply with precise tolerances and regulations in the food and beverage sector. This tests some parameters, including diameter, thickness, and straightness, to guarantee production consistency. An established dimension allows the tubes to be easily incorporated into food processing equipment.
3. Finish
The tube finish has a major influence on food applications. This test investigates the smoothness and absence of defects, such as cracks, pits, or rough surfaces. Well-finished surfaces avoid supporting microbial growth; therefore making it easier to clean.
4. Surface Finish
Smooth surface quality is necessary to avert contamination and prevent bacterial growth. This test picks up surface quality to guarantee compliance with hygiene standards. It contains roughness measurement techniques and an examination of polishing methods employed in the manufacturing.
5. Corrosion Resistance Test
Food acids, cleaning chemicals, and moisture make stainless steel tube prone to corrosion. Thus the tubes ought to have a very good corrosion resistance. This test measures the ability of a material to resist such conditions. Inadequate corrosion resistance may cause leaching of metals into food products, thus endangering food safety.
6. Hygienic Condition
Food-grade stainless steel tube should not interact chemically with food substances. In addition to verifying that food or drink transported show no evidence of contamination, it needs to determine the absence of bacteria, fungi, and any other harmful microorganisms in the tubes.
7. Tensile Test
The tensile strength test of the stainless steel tube tests for their ability to resist mechanical, pressure, and loading stresses experienced in the food processing industry. This ensures that the tube will be able to keep its integrity under a variety of conditions.
Required Documents for BIS Certification
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Factory Registration | GST, incorporation certificate, location layout |
| Raw Material Test Reports | As per IS 6913:1973 chemical composition norms |
| Quality Manual | SOPs, production line QA, internal audit structure |
| Surface Finish Certificates | Proof of mirror/dull finish suitable for hygiene |
| In-House Lab Reports | Calibration & validation of measuring/testing tools |
| Purchase Invoices | For SS sheets/strips used in tube manufacturing |
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process (IS 6913)
- Online Application via BIS Manak portal
- Document Scrutiny for technical compliance
- Preliminary Inspection of manufacturing site
- Product Sample Testing in BIS or recognized labs
- Grant of Licence for 2 years upon successful review
- Surveillance Audits to ensure ongoing compliance
Key Highlights of IS 6913: 1973
| Parameter | Requirement |
| Material Composition | Specific grades of stainless steel |
| Dimensions | As per standard tolerances |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, free from defects |
| Hygiene Standards | Non-reactive with food & beverages |
| Mechanical Strength | Must pass tensile and load-bearing tests |
Benefits of Obtaining the ISI Mark for Stainless Steel Tubes
The benefits of getting ISI Mark certification under IS 6913:1973 for stainless steel tube to manufacturers and businesses include the following:
- Regulatory Compliance – To ensure adherence to national and international quality standards.
- Enhanced Credibility – To enhance trust among food & beverage stakeholders.
- Market Acceptance – ISI-marked tubes are widely accepted in domestic and export markets.
- Product Reliability – Assuring that tubes will last with durability, corrosion resistance, and hygiene.
- Consumer Safety – Anything that is not going to contaminate the food or beverages.
- Competitive Advantage – Giving an advantage over noncertified competitors in that industry.
- Operational Efficiency – High-grade stainless steel tube improve the operational efficiency and service life of food processing equipment.
- Cost Saving – The long-lasting, corrosion-resistant tubes will reduce the cost of maintenance and replacement over time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re supplying tubes for milk processing or food packaging, using IS 6913:1973-compliant stainless steel is now non-negotiable. BIS certification for stainless steel tubes for food and beverages ensures your products meet India’s highest safety benchmarks.
Avoid costly delays, penalties, and brand damage—get BIS certified and stay ahead. At Quickranks, we help manufacturers streamline documentation, testing, and liaison with BIS officers.
Get a FREE consultation with our BIS experts today to understand timelines, lab setups, and compliance requirements specific to your product line.
Diligence certification expert advice support for the BIS certification process without hassle . Call us today to get your stainless steel tube secure against industry standards!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification under IS 6913 mandatory?
Yes, for food-grade SS used in utensils, tubes, and containers. It ensures compliance with India’s safety and hygiene standards.
Who can apply for BIS certification?
Only manufacturers, not traders or stockists. The factory must be operational at the time of application.
Can imported SS sheets be certified under IS 6913?
Yes, if tested and certified per Indian norms. BIS may demand proof of traceability to the foreign mill.
What is the time frame to get BIS certification?
Typically 4–8 weeks from application to licence. MSMEs may qualify for a fast-track process.
What happens if you skip BIS certification?
Fines, product seizure, and loss of export rights. You may also face blacklisting from government buyers.
Can SS tube fabricators get BIS certified?
Yes, if using IS 6913-compliant raw materials. You'll need to maintain traceability for every batch.
Do BIS audits include lab checks?
Yes, internal labs and external reports are reviewed. Calibration records are especially scrutinised.
Is IS 6913 limited to utensils only?
No, it covers any sheet/strip steel used in food applications. This includes tubing, vessels, and processing surfaces.
