- BIS certification for Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and tubes ensures compliance with IS 17876:2022 and industrial safety standards.
- Manufacturers and importers must carry the BIS mark to sell in India.
- Quality certification prevents supply chain disruption and legal penalties.
- Brands like Jindal and Ratnamani lead compliant pipelines for critical sectors. Proper certification boosts buyer confidence and operational reliability.
Introduction
In early 2024, a Mumbai chemical plant halted operations after receiving a delivery of unmarked stainless‑steel welded tubes. Despite perfect physical quality, absence of BIS certification for Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and tubes triggered a regulatory stop-work notice. Production losses cost upwards of ₹35 lakh within hours. The supplier had overlooked IS 17876:2022, expecting contractors to verify the standards.
That incident underlines a critical reality: quality isn’t enough. In India, unless your stainless steel welded pipes show BIS conformity, they simply can’t enter regulated projects.
What Is BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and Tubes?
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates that all welded stainless‑steel pipes and tubes must conform to IS 17876:2022 before entering Indian infrastructure projects. This isn’t voluntary—it’s essential for usage in sectors like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and public utilities.

No matter if pipes are imported, locally produced, commercial, or industrial—they must bear the ISI mark and be listed on the BIS portal. Non-compliance can result in legal seizures and blacklisting.
BIS certification assures that pipelines meet India’s legal, technical, and safety benchmarks.
Stainless steel welded pipes are extremely important in various industries like construction, petrochemical, power generation, and water supply. Considering the above fact, it was necessary to channelize the quality and performance of these pipes and tubes when it was referred to by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with introduction to IS 17876:2022. This standard is for ensuring safety, durability, and efficiency across common service areas.
Overview of IS 17876:2022 Standards

IS 17876:2022 replaces the earlier 2008 version with sharper benchmarks to reflect modern industrial usage and global best practices. It governs:
- Chemical composition of stainless steel grades
- Mechanical strength, tension, yield & elongation
- Weld integrity, radiographic examination & metallographic inspection
- Hydrostatic pressure leak tests
- Dimensional accuracy for wall thickness and tolerances
- Marking & packaging guidelines to prevent mix-ups
IS 17876:2022 lays down the requirements for stainless steel welded pipes and tubes used in general services which therefore satisfy the criteria for quality and safety. The standard covers pipes and tubes manufactured by welding methods and includes dimensional control and testing on mechanical properties.
Why Indian Infrastructure Needs Proper Certification
- Regulatory Compliance: Government tenders and EPC contracts increasingly mandate certified pipelines.
- Safety & Quality Assurance: Prevents leaks or failures in systems carrying chemicals or steam.
- Legal & Financial Risk Reduction: Avoid penalties, work stoppages, or project blacklisting.
- Market Entry: Some metros and public utilities reject unmarked pipes at entry gates.
- Trust Consolidation: Clients like Reliance, HPCL, and ONGC prefer certified suppliers.
A Chennai refinery contractor was penalized ₹12 lakh due to weld failure traced to uncertified tubes. The root cause? Supplier didn’t adhere to IS 17876:2022 BIS tests.
BIS Standards: Key Testing Parameters Explained
Test Category | Requirement |
---|---|
Chemical Composition | Elements (C, Si, Mn, P, S, Cr, Ni, Mo) per spec |
Mechanical Strength | Tensile strength ≥ 520 MPa; Yield ≥ 205 MPa |
Weld Quality | Radiographic & penetration tests on welds |
Leak Test | Hydrostatic test @ 1.5× working pressure |
Dimensional Tolerance | Wall ± 10%, Length ± 50 mm, OD ± 2% |
Corrosion Resistance | Pitting test in ferric chloride solution |
Surface Finish | Smooth, free from scale, lamination, cracks |
Marking & Traceability | Heat batch, BIS licence mark, manufacturer ID |
Any deviation—even minor—can fail certification. Safety, after all, is never negotiable.
Advantages of Stainless Steel Welded Pipes under IS 17876:2022
- Corrosion Resistant: This makes it very suitable for applications that require durability in harsh environments.
- High Strength: It gives superior mechanical properties for applications in industries.
- Cost Effective: Welded pipes cost less as compared to seamless versions.
- Versatile Applications: Used for water distribution, structural frameworks, chemical processing, etc.
- Sustainable: Stainless steel is fully recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Mandatory Standards for Compliance and Certification
Under Indian regulations, the manufacturers and importers must obtain the BIS certification for stainless steel welded pipes and tubes conforming to IS 17876:2022. The certification ensures the following:
- Quality and standard compliance
- Trust and credibility in the market
- Market access without legal issues
- Consumer safety and reliability of the product
BIS Certification Becomes Mandatory – QCO 2025 Update
The Government of India has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) making it mandatory for all stainless steel welded pipes and tubes to be BIS certified. This means products must carry the ISI mark and comply with IS 17876:2022 to be sold or imported in India. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, port seizures, and market blacklisting.
From 2025, BIS certification under IS 17876:2022 is a legal must—not just a quality stamp.
BIS Certification Process For Stainless Steel Welded Pipes IS 17876:2022

Stage 1: Submission of Application
The submission of BIS application lies with the manufacturer by Manak Online portal providing the relevant details concerning the product and process of manufacture.
Stage 2: Submission of Documents
The essential documents for obtaining BIS certification include:
- Certification of business registration
- Details of manufacturing unit
- Test reports NABL accredited laboratories
- Quality control measures
- Production-process details/Factory layout
- Sample authorized signatory details
- Sources of Raw Material
- Product Drawings & Specifications
- In-house testing and the quality assurance plan
Step 3: Testing and Inspection of the Product
BIS does all this testing to see whether the stainless steel welded pipes and tubes conform to IS 17876:2022. Some of the tests are:
- Chemical Composition analysis: Right alloy mix
- Mechanical Testing: Tensile strength, yield strength, elongation
- Dimensional Inspection: Outer diameter, wall thickness, and also the length
- Hydrostatic Testing: Pressure resistance
- Corrosion Resistance Testing: Resistance to the deterioration of a material under harsh environmental conditions.
Stage 4: Factory Inspection
The officials of BIS visit the manufacturers’ unit to check the production facilities, quality control measures, and product quality compliance with the standard set.
Step 5: Granting Certification
All the tests, inspections, and submissions are completed and satisfied, and the BIS issues a certificate, which ultimately allows marking products with the ISI logo.
Required Documents For Stainless Steel Welded Pipes
To obtain BIS certification for IS 17876:2022, manufacturers must submit the following documents:
- Business Registration Certificate – Proof of company registration.
- Manufacturing Unit Details – Information about the production facility.
- Test Reports – Reports from NABL-accredited labs verifying product compliance.
- Quality Control Measures – Documents outlining in-house quality control procedures.
- Factory Layout and Production Process – Blueprint and details of manufacturing processes.
- Authorized Signatory Details – Authorization letter for the person handling certification.
- Raw Material Procurement Details – Source and composition of raw materials used.
- Product Drawings and Specifications – Technical designs, dimensions, and material details.
- In-House Testing Capabilities – Details of internal testing equipment and procedures.
Important Points For IS 17876:2022
- Mandatory BIS Certification: No manufacturer may sell stainless steel welded pipes and tubes unless he has the requisite BIS certificates.
- Comprehensive Testing Protocol: All products must be completely tested to see how much quality and durability they are capable of.
- Cross-Sector Applicability: Essential for all oil and gas, as well as water supply and construction projects.
- Product Marking Requirement: Certified products will carry the ISI mark with the manufacturing details.
- Periodic Audits: Regular inspections are conducted by BIS to ensure its full compliance.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications for Your Products
Technical knowledge and regulatory knowledge are needed to traverse through BIS certification processes. Diligence Certifications provides end-to-end assistance in IS 17876:2022 certification by providing:
- Expert advice on compliance requirements
- Application and documentation assistance
- Coordination with BIS authorities for smooth approval
- Factory inspection guidance and preparation
- Testing and quality assessment support
With industry experience, we have a smooth certification process in mind, saving you precious time and resources with the assurance of compliance to Indian standards.
Conclusion
In 2025, securing BIS certification for stainless steel welded pipes and tubes is not just a compliance checkbox—it’s a business-critical safeguard. With infrastructure sectors demanding accountability, the ISI mark ensures that your pipes stand up to both regulation and real-world performance.
Skip the uncertainty. Partner with trusted names. Meet IS 17876:2022 without stress. And if you need guidance—Diligence certifications is ready.
Need help with BIS certification? Contact Diligence certifications for consultation and compliance assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS certification for stainless steel welded pipes and tubes?
BIS certification confirms that pipes comply with IS 17876:2022, meeting India’s safety, mechanical, and quality standards. It's mandatory for legal sale or import
Is BIS certification compulsory for all stainless steel welded pipes?
Yes, under the QCO by DPIIT, it's mandatory for all manufacturers and importers to comply with IS 17876:2022 to sell pipes in India.
What tests are required under IS 17876:2022?
Tests include chemical composition, tensile strength, hydrostatic pressure, weld integrity, and dimensional accuracy as per BIS protocols
How can I verify if a pipe is BIS certified?
Check for ISI marking, license number on the pipe, and verify on the BIS portal
How long does it take to get BIS certification for pipes?
Typically, 4–8 weeks depending on test results, audit readiness, and factory compliance. Labs and documentation delays can extend timelines
What happens if I import pipes without BIS certification?
Pipes may be seized at Indian ports, and importers can face legal penalties, including blacklisting and monetary fines under BIS law.
Can MSMEs apply for BIS certification?
Yes. MSMEs can apply via simplified application pathways. BIS even offers fee concessions under government support schemes.
Is BIS certification the same as ISO?
No. ISO is international. BIS is India’s national compliance body, and its certifications are legally binding under Indian law
Where can I get help with BIS documentation and testing?
You can connect with Diligence certifications for expert support or consult BIS-recognized consultants for lab coordination and audit preparation