**Executive Summary**
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Mumbai Branch Office held a "Manak Manthan-cum-Industry Meet" on April 24, 2026, to consult stakeholders on the fifth revision of Draft Indian Standard 694. The session addressed technical changes, testing requirements, and conformity assessment procedures for PVC insulated cables and cords rated up to 1100 V. The meeting aimed to facilitate ease of compliance, particularly for MSME units, and gather industry feedback to improve standardization and consumer safety.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Standard Overview and Technical Updates**
* The consultation focused on Draft Indian Standard 694 (Fifth Revision) regarding Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Unsheathed and Sheathed Cables/Cords with rigid and flexible conductors.
* Technical sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the draft standard and introduced key changes to existing protocols.
* The discussions detailed specific testing requirements and conformity assessment procedures necessary for compliance.
**Facilitation of Compliance and MSME Support**
* A primary segment of the programme focused on easing the compliance process to encourage wider participation in BIS certification.
* Specific emphasis was placed on facilitating MSME units to help them navigate the certification framework more effectively.
**Stakeholder Interaction and Feedback**
* The meet provided an open platform for industry stakeholders to exchange views directly with BIS officials.
* Participants discussed specific challenges faced during the implementation of standards.
* Industry members provided suggestions for improvements to the draft standard, focusing on quality assurance and practical application.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Industry Manufacturers (PVC Cable Sector)**
**Impact**
Manufacturers gained clarity on the updated technical specifications, revised testing protocols, and certification processes under the fifth revision of IS 694.
**Action Required**
Manufacturers must align their production and testing processes with the new requirements in the draft standard to ensure future compliance and certification.
**Stakeholder: MSME Units**
**Impact**
These units are expected to find the BIS certification process more accessible due to the initiative's focus on simplifying compliance procedures.
**Action Required**
MSMEs should engage with the eased compliance pathways and apply for BIS certification to enhance product quality and market competitiveness.
**Stakeholder: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)**
**Impact**
The organization received direct feedback on implementation challenges and suggestions for improving the draft standard.
**Action Required**
BIS must evaluate the industry suggestions and challenges raised during the meet to refine the standard and continue promotional initiatives for quality assurance and consumer safety.
Key Entities Referenced
Draft Indian Standard 694: The fifth revision of the standard for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) insulated cables/cords with voltages up to 1100 V, which is the subject of the stakeholder consultation.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The national standards body of India responsible for organizing the technical sessions, conformity assessments, and quality assurance consultations.
Manak Manthan-cum-Industry Meet: An initiative and platform used by the BIS to engage with industry stakeholders to exchange views on the implementation and improvement of standards.
MSME: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises specifically targeted to facilitate ease of compliance and encourage wider participation in BIS certification.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
BIS Mumbai conducts Stakeholder Consultation
on PVC Cable Standards in Mumbai
Posted On: 24 APR 2026 7:34PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 24 April 2026
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Mumbai Branch Office organised a Manak Manthan-cum-
Industry Meet today at the Western Regional Laboratory, Andheri (East), Mumbai on Draft
Indian Standard 694 — Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Unsheathed and Sheathed Cables/Cords
with Rigid and Flexible Conductor for Rated Voltages up to and including 1100 V (Fifth Revision).
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Adbhut Singh, Scientist ‘E’,
Western Regional Laboratory, BIS, followed by an inaugural address by Shri Anil Kapri, Head,
Western Regional Laboratory, BIS.
Technical sessions were delivered by Ms. Ragu Jyotsna Priya, Deputy Director and Shri
Rushikesh Ghodake, Deputy Director. The sessions covered an overview of Draft Indian
Standard 694, key changes introduced, testing requirements, and conformity assessment
procedures.An important segment of the programme focused on conformity assessment, aimed at
facilitating ease of compliance and encouraging wider participation of MSME units in BIS
certification.
The Industry Meet provided a platform for open interaction between BIS officials and industry
stakeholders, enabling exchange of views, challenges faced during implementation, and
suggestions for improvement of the standard.
The event concluded with positive feedback from participants, highlighting the usefulness of the
session in enhancing understanding of the standard, testing requirements, certification
processes, and overall awareness of Indian Standards. BIS remains committed to engaging with
industry through such initiatives to promote standardization, quality assurance, and consumer
safety.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane
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