Welding rods and electrodes are consumables, but the structural welds they produce are permanent — a substandard electrode can compromise the integrity of everything from pipelines to structural steel frames. BIS brought this category under mandatory certification via the Welding Rods and Electrodes (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 3153(E), dated 14 July 2023), notifying 2 Indian Standards covering the two dominant welding processes used in India's fabrication industry.
For welding consumable manufacturers and importers, this guide lists both notified IS standards, explains what BIS certification verifies, and walks through the ISI licensing process, documentation, timeline and common pitfalls.
🎯 What Is BIS ISI (Scheme-I) Certification?
BIS Scheme-I is the classical Indian Standards Institution (ISI) mark scheme — India's original and most rigorous product certification route. Unlike the self-declaration model used under CRS for electronics, Scheme-I certification requires the manufacturer to hold a BIS licence granted only after laboratory testing and a physical BIS audit of the factory's manufacturing process and quality control system. The ISI mark on a product is a direct assurance that both the product and the process producing it meet the notified Indian Standard.
📌 Process-specific standards: manual metal arc welding electrodes (IS 814) and gas shielded arc welding rods (IS 6419) are tested under different criteria — confirm which process your product is designed for.
📄 The Governing Quality Control Order
This category is notified under the Welding Rods and Electrodes (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 3153(E), dated 14 July 2023). Amended by an Amendment in the Quality Control Order, S.O. 777(E), dated 13 February 2026.
📜 All 2 IS Standards Covered Under This QCO
The Welding Rods and Electrodes (Quality Control) Order notifies the following 2 Indian Standards:
| Sr. | IS Number | Product / Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IS 814:2004 | Covered Electrodes for Manual Metal Arc Welding of Carbon and Carbon Manganese Steel |
| 2 | IS 6419:1996 | Welding Rods and Bare Electrodes for Gas Shielded Arc Welding of Structural Steel |
⚙ What BIS ISI Certification Verifies
BIS testing for welding rods and electrodes evaluates weld metal chemical composition, mechanical properties of the deposited weld (tensile strength, elongation, impact toughness), coating/flux consistency for covered electrodes under IS 814, and shielding-gas compatibility performance for the gas shielded arc welding consumables covered under IS 6419.
📋 Step-by-Step: BIS ISI (Scheme-I) Licensing Process
Scheme-I is a test-and-audit certification, more rigorous than the self-declaration route used for CRS-scheme electronics. The sequence is:
- Identify the applicable IS standard(s)Confirm which of the notified Indian Standards under this QCO apply to your exact product variant and specification.
- Test at a BIS-recognised laboratorySubmit representative samples for testing against the applicable IS standard. The test report is the foundation of the ISI licence application.
- Prepare documentationCompile factory details, quality control records, product technical data, and — for foreign manufacturers — the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) nomination under FMCS.
- File the online applicationSubmit the application on the BIS Manak Online portal with the test report, factory details, and supporting documents.
- Factory auditUnlike the CRS self-declaration route, Scheme-I (ISI) certification involves a physical BIS assessment of the manufacturing unit and its quality control system.
- Grant of licence and ISI markBIS reviews the application and audit findings and grants the licence with a unique licence number, allowing use of the ISI mark on the product.
- Surveillance, renewal and market samplingLicensees remain under periodic BIS surveillance, including market sample testing, and must renew the licence on schedule.
📂 Documents Required
A complete file at the outset shortens both the review and audit stages. You will typically need:
- Test report from a BIS-recognised laboratory against the applicable IS standard
- Factory registration, business incorporation and address proof
- Product technical specifications, drawings and bill of materials
- In-house quality control and testing facility details
- Manufacturing process flow chart and machinery list
- Trademark / brand authorisation documents
- For foreign manufacturers: Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) nomination under FMCS
- Marking / label artwork showing the IS standard and ISI licence number
- Authorised signatory details and application declarations
⏱ Timeline & Renewal
Because Scheme-I combines laboratory testing with a factory audit, timelines run longer than the self-declaration CRS route. Once granted, the BIS ISI licence remains subject to ongoing surveillance, including unannounced market sampling, and must be renewed on schedule to stay valid.
⚠ Common Mistakes That Delay ISI Licensing
- Applying one licence across both welding processes — manual metal arc electrodes (IS 814) and gas shielded arc welding rods (IS 6419) each require their own testing and licence.
- Overlooking the February 2026 amendment — confirm the current in-force version of this actively regulated QCO before every application.
- Treating it like CRS self-declaration — Scheme-I requires a factory audit in addition to testing; manufacturers who plan only for lab testing are caught off guard by the audit stage.
- Foreign manufacturers skipping AIR appointment — an Authorised Indian Representative is required under FMCS before a foreign manufacturer's application can proceed.
- Letting surveillance and renewal lapse — an expired or surveillance-failed licence stops the ISI mark from being used, even mid-production run.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for welding rods and electrodes?
Yes. Both notified IS standards under this QCO are mandatory — covered welding consumables cannot be manufactured, imported or sold in India without the corresponding BIS ISI licence.
What is the difference between IS 814 and IS 6419?
IS 814 covers coated electrodes for manual metal arc (stick) welding, while IS 6419 covers rods and bare electrodes for gas shielded arc welding — different processes with different testing criteria.
Does this QCO cover stainless steel welding electrodes?
No. This QCO specifically covers electrodes and rods for carbon and carbon-manganese steel welding; stainless and other alloy welding consumables fall outside this specific notification — confirm scope with BIS.
How recently was this QCO notified?
The original Order was notified in July 2023, making it one of the more recently introduced Scheme-I categories, with an amendment in February 2026.
How long does ISI certification take for welding consumable manufacturers?
Timelines vary by product line; budget several months including mechanical/chemical testing and factory audit scheduling.
Do foreign welding electrode manufacturers need an Indian representative?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers must obtain certification via the applicable FMCS route and appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) resident in India.
⭐ Why Choose Global Approbation
- Standard mapping — we identify exactly which notified IS standard(s) apply to your product variant.
- Lab & factory-audit coordination — testing at BIS-recognised laboratories and audit readiness, managed end to end.
- AIR for foreign manufacturers — we act as your Authorised Indian Representative under FMCS and hold the India compliance interface.
- Complete documentation — quality control manuals, process charts and application filing handled for you.
- Surveillance & renewal tracking — so your ISI licence stays valid and market-sample-ready.
- One compliance partner — ISI/Scheme-I alongside CRS, BEE, WPC, TEC and EPR where your product needs them.
Welding Rods & Electrodes BIS ISI Partner
Global Approbation manages the complete BIS ISI (Scheme-I) licensing process for welding rods and electrodes — current with the February 2026 amendment.
BIS ISI Certification Services Talk to Our Team