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- BIS Certification for Water Meters (Bulk Type) ensures compliance with IS 2373:1981 for accuracy, durability, and safety.
- ISI Mark is mandatory for legal sale and tender participation in India.
- Diligence Certification offers end-to-end support — testing, documentation, and BIS licence renewal.
Introduction
Earlier this year, a well-known water meter manufacturer based in Ahmedabad lost a contract with a municipal water supply department. Despite having high-quality meters, their bid was rejected — the reason: lack of BIS certification under IS 2373:1981 for bulk type water meters, now mandatory under the latest Quality Control Order (QCO).
This case isn’t isolated. Across India, many manufacturers of mechanical water meters are facing the same issue — they aren’t aware that BIS Certification for Water Meters (Bulk Type) has become a legal prerequisite for manufacturing, importing, or supplying meters to government or industrial projects.
Under the BIS QCO, only ISI-marked water meters conforming to IS 2373:1981 are permitted for sale in India. This certification ensures that each meter meets standards for measurement accuracy, pressure resistance, and durability.
What is IS 2373:1981?
IS 2373:1981, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), specifies the requirements for bulk type water meters used in water supply systems, irrigation projects, and industrial applications.
It defines the design, performance, materials, and testing methods to ensure accurate measurement of large water volumes.
The objective of this standard is to maintain uniformity, precision, and safety in bulk water metering across India.
Key Provisions of IS 2373:1981
1. Material Requirements
- The body and components of bulk water meters must be made from corrosion-resistant materials such as brass, bronze, or cast iron.
- Non-toxic coatings are mandatory for potable water applications.
2. Design & Construction
- The standard defines sizes ranging from 50 mm to 300 mm nominal bore.
- The meter must have a robust structure to withstand high water pressure and flow rates.
- Readability of dials and protection against tampering are essential.
3. Performance & Accuracy
- Each water meter must pass tests for accuracy, leak tightness, pressure resistance, and repeatability.
- The accuracy class is generally maintained within ±2% of the true flow value.
4. Endurance & Pressure Testing
- Meters must operate correctly under continuous pressure of 1.6 MPa without leakage or mechanical failure.
5. Marking & Identification
- Every BIS-certified water meter must carry:
- The ISI mark,
- Manufacturer’s name or identification, and
- The nominal size and flow direction arrow.
In essence, IS 2373:1981 ensures that bulk water meters are safe, reliable, and capable of delivering precise readings under various operating conditions.
Why BIS Certification for Water Meters (Bulk Type) Matters
1. Legal Compliance
Under the BIS Act, 2016, and the Quality Control Order (QCO), all bulk type water meters listed under IS 2373:1981 must carry a valid ISI mark before sale or use.
Non-compliance can result in penalties, product seizure, or cancellation of tenders.
2. Accuracy and Reliability
BIS certification guarantees that every water meter undergoes strict performance and endurance testing.
Accurate measurement is essential for billing, resource management, and water conservation — BIS standards ensure exactly that.
3. Market and Tender Eligibility
Government departments, PSUs, and smart-city projects accept only BIS-certified meters.
Without certification, manufacturers lose access to high-value public contracts.
4. International Acceptance
The BIS mark signals quality and trust. For exporters, it simplifies acceptance by global buyers who recognize India’s quality control standards.
5. Customer Confidence
The ISI mark builds buyer confidence that the product is tested, durable, and consistent with Indian and international quality benchmarks.
Understanding the ISI Mark for Water Meters (Bulk Type)
The ISI mark on a bulk water meter indicates:
- Full compliance with IS 2373:1981.
- Successful testing by a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Ongoing factory surveillance by BIS auditors to ensure production consistency.
Only manufacturers holding a valid BIS licence can legally use the ISI mark.
From a customer’s standpoint, it’s a guarantee that the meter will perform accurately, resist corrosion, and operate safely under high flow conditions.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Benefit | Description |
| Safety and Accuracy | Prevents leakage, inaccurate readings, and mechanical failure under pressure. |
| Legal Compliance | Mandatory under BIS QCO and BIS Act, 2016. |
| Market Access | Required for tenders, exports, and PSU supplies. |
| Customer Trust | ISI mark enhances credibility and long-term confidence. |
| Avoids Penalties | Protects from fines and product bans. |
| Supports Make in India | Aligns domestic manufacturers with national quality initiatives. |
| Export Facilitation | BIS standards are globally recognized, simplifying overseas acceptance. |
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification
Manufacturers applying for BIS Certification for Water Meters (Bulk Type) under IS 2373:1981 must:
- Be a legally registered business (LLP, Company, or Proprietorship).
- Operate a fully functional manufacturing unit with assembly, testing, and calibration facilities.
- Maintain in-house quality control laboratories.
- Employ trained technical staff for testing and production.
- Allow BIS officers to inspect manufacturing and testing setups.
- Submit product samples for laboratory testing at a BIS-recognized facility.
Only Indian manufacturers or authorized Indian representatives of foreign brands can apply for the ISI licence.
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process
1. Identify Applicable Standard
Confirm that your product falls under IS 2373:1981 and matches the bulk-type design category.
2. Online Application
Register on the Manak Online Portal and submit details of your company, factory, and product.
3. Product Testing
Send product samples to a BIS-approved lab for all mechanical, accuracy, and pressure tests.
4. Factory Inspection
BIS officers visit your plant to verify infrastructure, testing facilities, and quality procedures.
5. Review & Evaluation
BIS examines both lab test results and inspection reports to confirm conformity with IS 2373:1981.
6. Grant of Licence
Upon approval, BIS issues a licence to use the ISI mark on your products.
7. Renewal
The licence is valid for two years and must be renewed periodically by submitting updated documents and test reports.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Documents Required |
| Company Documents | Incorporation Certificate, GST, and MSME/Udyam Registration |
| Factory Details | Layout Plan, Equipment List, Manufacturing Process Flow |
| Quality System | Internal test reports, calibration records, quality manuals |
| Product Testing | Lab test reports for IS 2373:1981 |
| Technical Data | Design drawings, specifications, coating details, and bill of materials |
Proper documentation and early preparation significantly reduce processing time and avoid application rejections.
Validity and Renewal of BIS Licence
| Aspect | Details |
| Initial Validity | 2 years from licence issuance |
| Renewal Period | Up to 5 years (based on compliance) |
| Renewal Timeline | Apply at least 3 months before expiry |
| Renewal Requirements | Updated lab test reports, production data, renewal fee |
| Inspection During Renewal | BIS may re-inspect manufacturing facilities |
| Post-Renewal | Continuous usage of ISI mark allowed |
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted compliance and eligibility for tenders or supply contracts.
Common Challenges During BIS Certification
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing factory or testing details can delay approval.
- Non-conformance in Testing: Failure in endurance or pressure tests leads to re-testing.
- Inspection Errors: Lack of standard quality records can cause rejection.
- Lab Delays: High testing volume at BIS-approved labs often increases turnaround time.
- Renewal Neglect: Ignoring renewal dates can result in licence suspension.
- Limited Technical Knowledge: Misinterpretation of IS 2373:1981 clauses leads to non-compliance.
Engaging a professional BIS Certification Consultant like Diligence Certification ensures a smoother and faster approval process.
Cost of BIS Certification
| S.No | Cost Component | Details |
| 1 | Application Fee | Payable during online submission |
| 2 | Product Testing Fee | Depends on size and type of meter tested |
| 3 | Factory Inspection Fee | Covers BIS officer’s travel and inspection cost |
| 4 | Licence Fee | Based on production capacity and licence duration |
| 5 | Renewal Fee | Payable every two years for continued certification |
Costs may vary depending on production scale, lab location, and test complexity.
Why Choose Diligence Certification
Diligence Certification is a trusted BIS Certification Agency in India, guiding manufacturers through every stage of compliance — from testing to renewal.
Expert Guidance
We manage end-to-end BIS certification under IS 2373:1981, including documentation, testing, and coordination with BIS officials.
Fast Turnaround
Our direct partnerships with BIS-recognized labs help clients achieve certification faster.
Accurate Documentation
We prepare complete factory dossiers, test reports, and compliance files for seamless approval.
Technical Support
Our engineers evaluate design and testing data in advance to prevent rejections.
Trusted by Industry
Leading water meter and mechanical equipment manufacturers rely on us for their BIS licences.
Post-Certification Assistance
We handle renewals, audits, and inclusion of new models efficiently.
Conclusion
Obtaining BIS Certification for Water Meters (Bulk Type) under IS 2373:1981 is more than a compliance requirement — it’s a strategic investment in product credibility, safety, and growth.
For manufacturers, it opens the doors to government contracts, export markets, and long-term brand reliability.
Partnering with Diligence Certification ensures a smooth, transparent, and technically compliant process — from the first application to the final audit.
Book a Consultation Today and make your water meters BIS-certified under IS 2373:1981 — a mark of quality, safety, and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Certification for Water Meters?
BIS Certification allows a water meter to demonstrate conformity to the standards for accuracy, safety, and durability of the specifications of IS 2373:1981.
Is BIS Certification required for water meters in India?
Yes, BIS QCO currently requires that any bulk-type water meter is ISI-marked before it is sold legally in India.
Which standard applies to bulk type water meters?
BIS standards say bulk-type water meters must comply with IS 2373:1981.
Who can apply for BIS Certification for water meters?
Only a registered manufacturer or an authorized Indian representative of a foreign brand, can apply for this certification.
How long does a BIS licence last?
BIS licences are valid for 2 years. They can be renewed for up to 5 years if you are compliant.
What documents do I need for the BIS Assessment for water meters?
Company registration, a factory layout, product testing reports, and product design details are needed for a BIS certification.
How much does BIS certification cost for water meters?
The cost will depend on the type of meter, testing fees, and factory inspection fees.
Why use Diligence Certification for BIS certification?
Diligence Certification can help you navigate the certification process, and usually processes faster, plus provide full, documents, and approvals.
What happens if the manufacturer sells meters without BIS Certification?
Manufacturers risk penalties, product seizure, and tender disqualification if they sell any meter, or any type of equipment, while uncertified or without a current BIS certification.
How can Diligence Certification help with licence renewal?
They handle renewals, audits, and testing updates to ensure uninterrupted BIS compliance.
