BIS Draft QCO 2025 for Valves and Taps

Introduction to the BIS Draft QCO Regarding Valves and Taps

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued a Draft Quality Control Order (QCO), 2025, for valves and taps in the public interest.

This draft order is titled Valves and Taps (Quality Control) Order, 2025, and has been issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The Draft QCO aims to ensure quality, safety, and standardisation of valves and taps used for water supply and related applications in India.

Key Changes of the QCO You Should Know

As per the new QCO:

1. The specified valves and taps must comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS)
2. These products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark)
3. BIS certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4. BIS will act as the certifying and enforcing authority
5. Any violation of this order may attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016

Products Covered under the Draft QCO

The following valves and taps are covered under the Draft QCO and must conform to their respective Indian Standards:

• Foot valves, reflux valves or nonreturn valves, and bore valves to be used in suction lines of agricultural pumping systems – IS 10805:1986
• Plastic equilibrium float valves for cold water services – IS 12234:2021
• Cast copper alloy screw down bib taps and stop valves for water services – IS 781:1984
• Forged brass gate, globe, and check valves for water works purposes – IS 13114:1991
• Cast iron / S.G. iron / cast steel screw down stop valves for water works purposes – IS 9338:2013
• Resilient seated cast iron air relief valves – IS 14845:2000
• Sluice valves – IS 14846:2000
• Water fittings – copper alloy float valves – IS 1703:2000
• Foot valves – IS 4038:1986
• Landing valves – IS 5290:1993
• Swing check type reflux valves (single-door pattern) – IS 5312 (Part 1):2004
• Swing check type reflux valves (multi-door pattern) – IS 5312 (Part 2):2013
• Copper alloy gate, globe, and check valves – IS 778:1984
• Copper alloys single taps, stop valves, combination tap assembly, and single lever mixers – IS 8931:2021
• Pressure-reducing valves for domestic water systems – IS 9739:1981
• Flush valves and fittings for closets and urinals – IS 9758:1981
• Polyethylene floats for float valves – IS 9762:1994
• Plastic bib taps, pillar taps, angle valves, and stop valves for hot and cold water services – IS 9763:2000
• General purpose ball valves – IS 9890:1981
• Self-closing taps for water supply purposes – IS 1711:1984
• Pillar taps for water supply purposes – IS 1795:1982

Note: The latest version of the Indian Standards, including amendments issued by BIS from time to time, shall apply.

Exemptions to this QCO (Draft)

This Draft QCO shall not apply to:

1. Valves and taps manufactured domestically for export

Certification and Penalty

1. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall be the certifying and enforcing authority
2. Any person who contravenes this order shall be punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016

What is the date of Implementation?

The proposed implementation timeline under the Draft QCO is:

• General enterprises (other than micro and small):
  6 months from the date of publication of the final order
• Small enterprises:
  9 months from the date of publication
• Micro enterprises:
  12 months from the date of publication

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers and importers of valves and taps should:

• Check whether their products fall under the scope of this Draft QCO
• Identify the applicable Indian Standards for each product
• Review existing product designs and test reports for BIS compliance
• Plan for BIS certification under Scheme-I
• Monitor the final notification and implementation timelines carefully

Early preparation will help avoid compliance delays, penalties, and disruption in market access once the QCO is enforced.

Brand Liaison supports manufacturers and importers in implementing BIS QCO requirements for valves and taps, including BIS application filing, product-wise standard applicability analysis, test report coordination, documentation support, licence management, and regulatory liaison. With strong experience in BIS Quality Control Orders, Brand Liaison ensures smooth compliance and uninterrupted market access in India.