What is IS 4984:2016?
IS 4984:2016 is the Indian Standard for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for water supply. Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), it specifies material, dimensions, performance and marking requirements. It is the reference standard for BIS licensing of HDPE water pipes in India.
Material grades covered
The standard covers pipes made from PE 63, PE 80 and PE 100 compounds. Each grade has a defined Minimum Required Strength (MRS): 6.3 MPa for PE 63, 8.0 MPa for PE 80, and 10.0 MPa for PE 100. Higher MRS enables thinner walls for the same pressure rating.
Pressure ratings (PN)
PN 2.5, PN 4, PN 6, PN 8, PN 10, PN 12.5 and PN 16 are defined — representing nominal pressure in kg/cm² at 20°C over 50 years of service. PN 6 and PN 10 are the most common for water supply distribution.
Dimensional tolerances
The standard specifies OD tolerances, wall thickness tolerances and ovality limits (Table 4). Always cross-check dispatched material against these tolerances — pipes outside tolerance are non-compliant and rejectable.
Performance tests
Hydrostatic pressure test (short & long term per IS 12235), MFI, density, carbon black content and dispersion, oxidation induction time (OIT), thermal stability, reversion, elongation at break and tensile strength. All must pass for BIS certification.
Marking requirements
Every pipe must carry manufacturer name, grade, OD, wall thickness, PN, IS 4984:2016, date/shift and BIS licence number — printed at intervals of not more than 1 m. Missing or inconsistent marking is grounds for rejection.
Buyer’s cross-verification checklist
Verify BIS licence on the BIS Care portal (careapp.bis.gov.in). Check that the licence covers the required OD range, grade and PN. Ask for the batch MTC. Have a random pipe tested by CIPET or an accredited lab. Confirm marking is legible and complete at every metre.
