BIS Certification for Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes | IS 613:2000 | BIS & ISI Mark Certification

Introduction

Copper rods and bars are widely used in electrical applications because of their high electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties and suitability for manufacturing electrical conductors and components. They are used in applications such as switchgear, panel boards, busway systems and high-current power-distribution equipment. BIS's summary for IS 613:2000 identifies copper rods and bars in round, square, hexagonal and rectangular forms and notes supply conditions including annealed, half hard and hard conditions.

In India, IS 613:2000 – Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes – Specification establishes requirements for these products. The current BIS Product Manual, PM/613/2 dated June 2024, provides guidance for certification under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

IS 613:2000 is also covered under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order. The current BIS compulsory-certification listing includes IS 613:2000 under the Copper Products category, while the 2024 QCO specifies implementation dates of 19 October 2024 for general manufacturers, 19 January 2025 for small enterprises and 19 April 2025 for micro enterprises.

Qualitance India provides end-to-end BIS Certification Consultancy for Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes as per IS 613:2000, including product scope assessment, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application support and factory inspection preparation.

What is IS 613:2000?

IS 613:2000 is titled:

“Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes – Specification”

It is the Indian Standard applicable to copper rods and bars intended for electrical purposes. The BIS Product Manual confirms that certification under this standard is operated under Scheme-I and that the manual may be used by prospective applicants seeking BIS certification.

The standard covers important requirements relating to:

Copper grade
Condition of material
Shape
Size
Chemical composition
Mechanical properties
Dimensions and tolerances
Electrical resistivity
Freedom from defects
Supply condition
Packing
Marking

The current BIS laboratory information for IS 613:2000 also lists testing against chemical composition, tensile strength, bend test, dimensions and tolerances, electrical resistivity, packing and marking requirements.

What are Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes?

Copper rods and bars are semi-finished copper products manufactured in different cross-sectional shapes and supplied in different mechanical conditions according to their intended electrical application.

According to the BIS Product Manual, the licence scope can include:

Round rods/bars
Square rods/bars
Hexagonal rods/bars
Rectangular rods/bars

The specified material grades are:

Cu-ETP
Cu-FRHC

The available conditions are:

O – Annealed
HB – Half Hard
HD – Hard

These parameters are important because the proposed BIS licence scope is determined according to grade, condition, shape and size.

Scope of IS 613:2000

The scope of the BIS licence for copper rods and bars can be defined by several product parameters.

The current BIS Product Manual identifies the following scope elements:

Material Grade

Cu-ETP
Cu-FRHC

Condition

O – Annealed
HB – Half Hard
HD – Hard

Shape

Round
Square
Hexagonal
Rectangular

Size

The licence scope may specify the applicable size range based on diameter, width across flat or thickness, depending on the shape of the product.

Correct scope planning is important because BIS grouping requirements require samples representing the relevant grade, condition, shape and size groups.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Copper Rods and Bars?

Yes. Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes under IS 613:2000 are covered under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order.

The Government's 2023 notification specifically included IS 613:2000 – Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes among the copper products covered by the QCO.

The subsequent Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 specifies that covered goods must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence in accordance with Scheme-I. The order provides the phased implementation dates for IS 613:2000.

The current BIS Scheme-I page continues to list IS 613:2000 under the Copper Products category and references the applicable QCO notifications and amendments.

Manufacturers should check the latest applicable QCO, amendment and exemption notifications before taking a regulatory decision.

Copper Products Quality Control Order

The Copper Products QCO covers several copper products, including:

Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications – IS 12444:2020
Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes – IS 613:2000
Copper Strip for Electrical Purposes – IS 1897:2008
Copper Rods and Bars for General Engineering Purposes – IS 4171:1983
Solid Drawn Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes – IS 1545:1994
Other specified copper products

The Government notification identifies BIS as the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods covered by the order.

Implementation Dates for IS 613:2000

Under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, the implementation dates for IS 613:2000 are:

Manufacturer Category	Implementation Date
General Manufacturers other than Micro & Small Enterprises	19 October 2024
Small Enterprises	19 January 2025
Micro Enterprises	19 April 2025

These dates are specified in the official 2024 QCO.

The QCO also states that goods or articles manufactured domestically for export are outside the scope of the order, subject to the applicable provisions.

Who Needs BIS Certification for Copper Rods and Bars?

BIS certification is relevant to manufacturers producing copper rods and bars for electrical purposes within the scope of IS 613:2000.

This can include:

Copper Rod Manufacturers
Copper Bar Manufacturers
Copper Products Manufacturers
Electrical Copper Component Manufacturers
Copper Conducting Material Manufacturers
Busbar Material Manufacturers
Electrical Equipment Component Manufacturers
Industrial Copper Product Manufacturers
OEM Manufacturers
Contract Manufacturers

Businesses importing or trading covered products should separately verify their obligations under the applicable QCO and BIS framework.

BIS Certification Eligibility Requirements

A manufacturer applying for BIS certification should have suitable production, testing and quality-control arrangements.

These may include:

Manufacturing premises
Copper processing and forming machinery
Product drawings and specifications
Raw-material control system
Manufacturing process controls
Testing facilities
Measuring instruments
Calibration arrangements
Quality-control personnel
Inspection procedures
Production records
Testing records
Product identification system
Packing and marking arrangements

The final BIS requirements depend on the manufacturer's proposed product scope and available manufacturing and testing facilities.

BIS Certification Process for Copper Rods and Bars

Step 1 – Product Applicability Assessment

The manufacturer's copper rods or bars are first assessed against IS 613:2000.

The assessment includes:

Copper grade
Condition
Shape
Size
Manufacturing process
Intended licence scope

The current BIS Product Manual identifies Cu-ETP and Cu-FRHC grades, O/HB/HD conditions and round, square, hexagonal and rectangular shapes.

Step 2 – Product Scope Finalisation

The proposed BIS licence scope is finalised before selecting samples for testing.

This step is especially important because BIS grouping is based on grade, condition, shape and size groups.

Step 3 – Documentation Preparation

The manufacturer's technical, factory and quality-control documents are prepared.

Step 4 – Sample Preparation

The BIS Product Manual specifies a sample quantity of 6 m for IS 613:2000.

Representative samples should be selected according to the intended product scope.

Step 5 – Laboratory Testing

The samples are tested against the applicable requirements of IS 613:2000.

Step 6 – BIS Application

The manufacturer submits the BIS application with the required documents and supporting technical information.

Step 7 – Factory Assessment

BIS assesses the manufacturing facility, production process, testing arrangements and quality-control system.

Step 8 – Observation Closure

If observations or deficiencies are identified, the manufacturer takes corrective action and submits the required evidence.

Step 9 – BIS Licence Grant

After successful conformity assessment, BIS grants the licence for the approved product scope.

Step 10 – ISI Marking

The manufacturer can mark conforming products according to the applicable BIS Standard Mark requirements and licence conditions.

Testing Requirements for Copper Rods and Bars

Testing is one of the most important parts of BIS certification for IS 613:2000.

The BIS Product Manual identifies the following major testing requirements.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of copper is checked against the specified requirements.

The BIS Product Manual states that the copper raw material used for manufacture should conform to Cu-ETP or Cu-FRHC grades of IS 191:2007.

Where the raw material is already ISI marked and received with the manufacturer's test certificate, further product testing for chemical composition is not required under the specified condition.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is evaluated according to the applicable requirements.

Elongation

Elongation is checked as part of the mechanical-property assessment.

Hardness

Hardness is evaluated according to the specified condition and requirements.

Bend Test

The product is subjected to the applicable bend test.

Dimensions and Tolerances

The dimensions of the rods and bars are checked against the specified tolerances.

Electrical Resistivity

Electrical resistivity is a critical requirement for copper electrical products.

The BIS Product Manual identifies electrical resistivity testing as a routine test under the inspection and testing scheme.

Freedom from Defects

Manufacturers are required to maintain suitable in-process controls to ensure that the material is free from harmful defects.

The current BIS LIMS listing also identifies chemical composition, tensile test, bend test, dimensions and tolerances, electrical resistivity, packing and marking within the testing scope for IS 613:2000.

Raw Material Requirements

Raw material is a major component of compliance for copper rods and bars.

The BIS Product Manual specifies that copper used to manufacture the product should conform to:

Cu-ETP / Cu-FRHC grades of IS 191:2007.

Manufacturers should maintain proper records for:

Copper grade
Raw-material supplier
Purchase details
Test certificates
Incoming inspection
Batch identification
Heat or lot identification
Material traceability

Where applicable ISI-marked copper with a manufacturer's test certificate is used, the Product Manual provides a specific provision regarding further chemical-composition testing.

Manufacturing Process for Copper Rods and Bars

Depending on the manufacturer's technology, production may involve processes such as:

Raw-material receiving
Raw-material inspection
Melting or charging
Casting
Rolling or forming
Drawing or sizing, where applicable
Annealing, where applicable
Straightening
Cutting
Dimensional inspection
Mechanical testing
Electrical resistivity testing
Final inspection
Packing
Marking

The actual process can vary according to the product shape, condition, size and manufacturing technology.

Manufacturers should maintain suitable process controls at each stage to ensure consistent conformity.

BIS Factory Inspection for Copper Rods and Bars

Factory assessment is an important part of the BIS certification process.

During inspection, BIS may assess:

Manufacturing Machinery

Machinery used for melting, casting, rolling, drawing, forming, sizing and finishing.

Raw Material Storage

Proper identification and traceability of incoming copper.

Production Process

Controls maintained during manufacturing.

Testing Facilities

The BIS Product Manual identifies equipment for tests including:

Chemical analysis equipment
Tensile testing machine
Vickers hardness testing machine
Bend-testing equipment
Micrometers
Vernier calipers
Measuring tapes and scales
Radius gauges
Straight edges
Kelvin double bridge or potentiometer for electrical resistivity testing

Calibration

Applicable measuring and testing equipment should be maintained under an appropriate calibration system.

Quality Control

Incoming, in-process and final inspection procedures should be implemented.

Test Records

Test records should be maintained as evidence of conformity.

In-House Testing Requirements

The BIS Product Manual requires manufacturers to implement a Quality Assurance Plan containing regular testing and in-process controls.

For large-scale manufacturers, an in-house laboratory with the applicable routine test facilities is required, although the manual also provides for use of shared testing facilities in specified circumstances. MSME manufacturers have additional flexibility to use common cluster facilities, shared facilities or recognised laboratories for routine tests according to the applicable BIS provisions.

The manufacturer is also expected to maintain test records for demonstrating conformity.

Product Grouping for IS 613:2000

Product grouping is particularly important for copper rods and bars because the licence scope can include different grades, conditions, shapes and sizes.

The Product Manual specifies that:

A sample of each Grade is to be drawn and tested.
A sample of each Condition is to be drawn and tested.
A sample of each Shape is to be drawn and tested.
Size groups are divided into specified ranges.

The size groups identified in the Product Manual are:

Group	Size Range
Group 1	Over 6 mm up to and including 10 mm
Group 2	Over 10 mm up to and including 12 mm
Group 3	Over 12 mm up to and including 50 mm
Group 4	Over 50 mm up to and including 90 mm
Group 5	Over 90 mm

One sample of an appropriate size from each applicable group may be used to cover the relevant sizes within that group, subject to the Product Manual's grouping requirements.

The scope of the licence is also restricted according to the manufacturing and testing facilities available at the factory.

Quality Assurance Plan

Manufacturers are expected to implement a Quality Assurance Plan covering regular testing and in-process controls.

The Product Manual recommends defining a control unit based on material grade, condition, shape and size manufactured from the same raw-material consignment under similar conditions on the same production line.

Routine controls identified in the Product Manual include:

Freedom from defects
Chemical composition
Tensile strength
Elongation
Hardness
Bend test
Dimensions
Electrical resistivity

The Product Manual specifies routine testing and control frequencies for the applicable parameters.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Typical documents may include:

Company registration documents
Factory address proof
Factory layout
Manufacturing process flow chart
Machinery list
Product drawings
Product specifications
Raw-material details
Copper grade details
Material test certificates
Supplier details
Testing equipment list
Calibration certificates
Quality Assurance Plan
Inspection records
Production records
Test reports
Product photographs
Packing details
Marking details
Authorised signatory documents
Trademark documents, where applicable

The final documentation requirement depends on the applicant, manufacturing setup and proposed BIS licence scope.

Packing and Marking Requirements

The Product Manual specifies that the BIS Standard Mark is to be incorporated legibly and indelibly on each package, attached metal tag and/or the test certificate, provided the marked material conforms to the specification.

Packing and marking are to be carried out according to the applicable Indian Standard.

For each consignment of BIS-certified material conforming to the specification, a test certificate is required containing details such as the Standard Mark, lot number and relevant test results.

Common Reasons for BIS Certification Delays

Manufacturers may face delays because of:

Incorrect product classification
Wrong grade selection
Incorrect condition declaration
Incorrect product shape
Improper product grouping
Incorrect size scope
Incomplete technical drawings
Raw-material non-conformity
Chemical-composition failure
Tensile-test failure
Bend-test failure
Electrical-resistivity failure
Dimensional non-conformity
Inadequate testing facilities
Missing calibration records
Poor traceability
Incomplete quality records
Incorrect samples
Factory not ready for assessment
Incorrect marking or packing

A detailed product and factory assessment before applying can help reduce avoidable certification delays.

BIS Certification Cost for Copper Rods and Bars

There is no single fixed BIS certification cost for every copper rods and bars manufacturer.

The total cost may depend on:

BIS application fees
Laboratory testing charges
Product grade
Condition
Shape
Size groups
Number of samples
Factory assessment
Testing equipment
Calibration
Documentation
Retesting, if required
Consultancy charges

Current BIS LIMS listings show that laboratory charges for IS 613:2000 vary between laboratories. For example, current listings show total testing charges such as ₹6,700, ₹9,000, ₹9,500, ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, depending on the laboratory and scope of testing.

These laboratory figures should not be treated as the complete BIS certification cost because the overall project can include additional BIS, factory, equipment, documentation and consultancy expenses.

BIS Certification Timeline

The certification timeline can vary depending on:

Product scope
Grade and condition
Shape and size
Documentation readiness
Sample availability
Laboratory testing
Test results
BIS application scrutiny
Factory readiness
Factory assessment
Closure of observations

Manufacturers can reduce delays by finalising product grouping and technical documentation before the application and testing stage.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Copper Rods and Bars

Regulatory Compliance

Helps manufacturers meet applicable BIS and QCO requirements.

ISI Mark

Allows eligible manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark according to the licence conditions.

Electrical Performance

Testing of electrical resistivity helps demonstrate conformity with the applicable electrical-performance requirements.

Consistent Product Quality

Regular mechanical, dimensional and electrical checks support consistent manufacturing.

Customer Confidence

BIS certification can strengthen customer confidence in the quality and conformity of copper rods and bars.

Market Acceptance

Certification supports legal market access where BIS certification is mandatory.

Better Quality Control

The BIS inspection and testing framework encourages systematic quality assurance.

Business Credibility

A valid BIS licence can improve credibility with electrical equipment manufacturers, industrial buyers and institutional customers.

Why Choose Qualitance India?

Qualitance India provides professional BIS Certification Consultancy for manufacturers seeking BIS and ISI Mark certification.

For Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes as per IS 613:2000, our consultancy support can include:

Product applicability assessment
IS 613:2000 requirement review
Grade assessment
Condition assessment
Shape and size assessment
Product grouping guidance
Documentation preparation
Sample selection guidance
Laboratory testing coordination
BIS application assistance
Factory inspection preparation
Quality Assurance Plan support
Testing equipment guidance
Observation closure support
BIS licence assistance

Our support is designed to help manufacturers manage the complete BIS certification process from initial product assessment through laboratory testing, application and factory assessment.

Contact Qualitance India

Phone: +91 93106 15170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: qualitanceindia.com

BIS Certification Process – Quick Flow

Product Identification ↓ IS 613:2000 Requirement Review ↓ Grade & Condition Assessment ↓ Shape & Size Assessment ↓ Product Grouping & Scope Finalisation ↓ Documentation Preparation ↓ Sample Preparation ↓ Laboratory Testing ↓ BIS Application ↓ Application Scrutiny ↓ Factory Assessment ↓ Observation Closure ↓ BIS Licence Grant ↓ ISI Mark on Approved Products

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is IS 613:2000?

IS 613:2000 is the Indian Standard for Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes – Specification.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for copper rods and bars?

Yes. IS 613:2000 is included under the Copper Products Quality Control framework and is listed in the BIS compulsory-certification scheme.

3. Which copper grades are covered?

The BIS Product Manual identifies Cu-ETP and Cu-FRHC grades.

4. What conditions are covered?

The licence scope identifies O – Annealed, HB – Half Hard and HD – Hard conditions.

5. Which shapes are covered?

The BIS Product Manual identifies round, square, hexagonal and rectangular rods and bars.

6. What is the BIS sample quantity?

The Product Manual specifies a sample quantity of 6 metres.

7. What tests are required for IS 613:2000?

Testing can include chemical composition, tensile strength, elongation, hardness, bend test, dimensions and tolerances, electrical resistivity and freedom from defects, along with applicable packing and marking requirements.

8. What raw material is required?

The copper used to manufacture the product should conform to Cu-ETP or Cu-FRHC grades of IS 191:2007, subject to the provisions of the Product Manual.

9. Is factory inspection required?

Factory assessment forms part of the BIS Scheme-I certification process.

10. What testing equipment is required?

The BIS Product Manual identifies equipment such as chemical-analysis equipment, tensile testing machine, Vickers hardness machine, bend-testing equipment, micrometers, vernier calipers, radius gauges and electrical-resistivity equipment.

11. What is product grouping for IS 613:2000?

Grouping is based on grade, condition, shape and specified size groups. Samples are drawn to represent the applicable groups intended for the licence scope.

12. What are the implementation dates for IS 613:2000?

Under the 2024 Copper Products QCO, the dates are 19 October 2024 for general manufacturers, 19 January 2025 for small enterprises and 19 April 2025 for micro enterprises.

13. How much does BIS certification for copper rods and bars cost?

The total cost depends on the product scope, testing, BIS fees, factory assessment, equipment, documentation and consultancy. Current BIS LIMS listings show different laboratory charges by laboratory.

14. How long does BIS certification take?

The timeline depends on documentation, product scope, testing, application scrutiny, factory assessment and closure of observations.

15. Can Qualitance India help with IS 613:2000 certification?

Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for product assessment, documentation, sample selection, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

Related BIS Certification Services

BIS Certification for Copper Wire Rods – IS 12444:2020
BIS Certification for Copper Strips – IS 1897:2008
BIS Certification for Copper Rods and Bars for General Engineering Purposes – IS 4171:1983
BIS Certification for Copper Tubes – IS 14810:2000
BIS Certification for Copper Wires – IS 4412:1981
BIS Certification for Steel Products
BIS & ISI Mark Certification
BIS Factory Inspection Assistance
BIS Testing Coordination
BIS Certification Consultancy

Conclusion

IS 613:2000 – Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes establishes requirements for copper rods and bars used in electrical applications, including requirements relating to copper grade, mechanical properties, dimensions, electrical resistivity and freedom from defects. The current BIS Product Manual identifies Cu-ETP and Cu-FRHC grades, annealed, half-hard and hard conditions, and round, square, hexagonal and rectangular shapes within the licence framework.

IS 613:2000 is included under the Copper Products Quality Control Order, and the BIS compulsory-certification listing continues to identify the standard under the Copper Products category. The 2024 QCO specifies phased implementation dates for general, small and micro enterprises.

For manufacturers, correct product grouping, raw-material control, testing facilities, calibration, Quality Assurance Plan, technical documentation and factory readiness are important before applying for BIS certification.

Qualitance India provides end-to-end BIS Certification Consultancy for Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes as per IS 613:2000, including product assessment, scope and grouping guidance, documentation, sample selection, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application support and factory inspection preparation.

For BIS Certification and ISI Mark Consultancy for Copper Rods and Bars, contact Qualitance India today.

Phone: +91 93106 15170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: qualitanceindia.com