BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement: What is it and Why is It Important?

Ordinary cement isn’t always required for a construction project. White Portland Cement is used for decorative concrete, wall finishes, and other applications where appearance is important because of its colour and special properties.

But for the manufacture of white cement, suppliers or producers in India, it is not sufficient to produce white cement of uniform colour. White Portland Cement is covered by IS 8042:2015, which specifies the requirements for its manufacture, chemical and physical properties, testing, and marking. BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement also has a separate Product Manual under Scheme-I.

For manufacturers, BIS certification isn’t just about providing a laboratory report. It is important that products are well-tested, that manufacturing is well controlled, that quality-control arrangements are put in place, that technical documentation is prepared, and that the factory is assessed.

From product assessment to documentation, laboratory coordination, BIS application filing, and factory inspection preparation, UMSPCS supports manufacturers throughout the entire certification process.

What is White Portland Cement as Per IS 8042:2015?

IS 8042:2015 White Portland Cement Specification is the third revision of the Indian Standard for White Portland Cement. It includes requirements on product manufacture, chemical and physical properties.

This is done by intimately grinding Portland cement clinker with a suitable quantity of natural or chemical gypsum to produce White Portland Cement. The BIS compendium also indicates that limestone, dolomite, and marble can be used as performance improvers within the limits.

The standard deals with key parameters like:

•  Whiteness
•  Fineness
•  Setting time
•  Soundness
•  Compressive strength
•  Chemical composition
•  Chloride content
•  Insoluble residue
•  Loss on ignition
•  Sulphide, sulphur and other specified requirements.

BIS has also given a test procedure for measuring the whiteness of cement.

Why Does White Portland Cement Require BIS ISI Certification?

The use of BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement is frequently used in applications where performance and appearance are both critical. It is therefore preferable for the manufacturer and user to achieve consistency of whiteness, strength, setting properties, and other quality factors.

BIS certification offers a conformity system to establish conformity with the relevant requirements detailed in IS 8042:2015.

The certification by BIS can enable the manufacturers to:

•  Meet applicable mandatory certification requirements.
•  Demonstrate conformity with IS 8042:2015.
•  Increase contractors builders, and distributors’ confidence.
•  Enhance product believability and market acceptance.
•  Ensure uniform manufacturing and testing procedures.
•  Provide Buyers with BIS-compliant cement.

BIS’s Product Manual for White Portland Cement has validated that the certification is based on Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Who Needs BIS ISI Certification for IS 8042?

Manufacturers producing White Portland Cement covered by the applicable mandatory certification framework need to assess and fulfil the BIS certification requirements.

This generally includes:

•  Integrated cement plants.
•  Cement grinding units.
•  Private cement manufacturers.
•  Public-sector cement manufacturers.
•  White Portland Cement Manufacturers supply under their brand name.

Eligible foreign manufacturers who supply the product in India under the applicable BIS certification route.

The BIS ISI licence is tied to the manufacturing unit and the approved scope of products. Therefore, the manufacturers should have appropriate production, quality control, and testing systems in place before applying.

Where is White Portland Cement Commonly Used?

Usually, White Portland Cement is used for projects that need a smooth and uniform surface.

Common applications include:

•  Interior wall finishes.
•  Exterior wall finishes.
•  Architectural concrete.
•  Architectural panels.
•  Decorative concrete.
•  Terrazzo work.
•  Grouting and jointing of tiles.
•  Ornamental and precast products.

BIS has specifically mentioned some aesthetic uses of cement, like interior and exterior finishes and architectural panels, in its compendium.

Why Do Some BIS Applications for White Portland Cement Get Delayed?

The cement must be certified properly with the appropriate testing and quality control systems, and if it isn’t, then there is a chance of unnecessary delays.

Common reasons include:

•  Incomplete factory documentation.
•  Missing calibration records.
•  Inadequate testing facilities.
•  Failure to achieve conformance to applicable requirements in tests.
•  There is a lack of maintenance in laboratory records.
•  Lack of quality control in procedures.
•  Inconsistencies in product information.
•  Factory not ready for the BIS assessment.
•  Late answers in the context of BIS observations.

The BIS Product Manual gives specifications for testing equipment, calibration requirements, and maintenance of records, and the preparedness of the laboratory is a key element in the certification process.

Complete BIS ISI Certification Process for IS 8042:2015

In UMSPCS, the BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement is handled in a systematic manner to enable the manufacturers to prepare for each step of the process.

Step 1: Identification of Relevant Indian Standard

Step one involves identifying the relevant Indian Standard (IS code) for the product.

This phase involves the following steps:

• Analysis of Product Categories
• Finding the appropriate IS code
• Examining the requirements for compliance
• Gap analysis for the manufacturing process
• Leading the way in meeting BIS quality requirements

Step 2: Product Testing and Document Preparation

The product must be tested in a BIS-approved and NABL-accredited laboratory in order to satisfy the relevant standard.

The following actions are involved in this phase:

• Analysing the product sample
• Preparing technical documents
• Gathering manufacturing data
• Superior quality records
• Form preparation

Step 3: Filing of the BIS Application

After completing testing and documentation, the BIS application needs to be filed.

Steps involved in this phase include:

• Filing of BIS application
• Submittal of test report
• Submittal of factory information
• Government fee payment
• Initial scrutiny by BIS officers

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

An inspection at the manufacturing site is done by BIS authorities to ensure that all certification requirements are met.

BIS assesses during the inspection:

• Manufacturing process
• Production facilities
• Quality assurance systems
• Testing facilities in-house
• Consistency in the products

Step 5: Sample Testing and Laboratory Evaluation

Samples of the product can be taken during the inspection and verified independently.

This phase consists of:

•  Sampling by BIS officers
• Laboratory tests on the samples
• Technical evaluation of the results
• Submission of Lab Test Reports (LTR)

Step 6: Closure of Observations

In case there are any observations made through the inspection or testing, remedial actions will have to be taken.

This may involve:

• Addressing BIS observations
• Taking corrective action
• Updating technical documentation
• Submission of proof of compliance
• Closing of observations

Step 7: Payment of License and Marking Fees

After compliance verification is successful, it is important to pay the required BIS charges.

The following are some of the charges that need to be made:

• Annual Licence Fee Payment
• ISI Marking Fee Payment
• Compliance with the BIS Licence Conditions

Step 8: Issue of BIS Licence

On successful completion of all the processes, the BIS issues the licence certificate.

Once the licence is issued:

• The ISI mark can be put on the licensed products
• The products will be able to be sold in India.
• Ongoing compliance will be required by the manufacturers.
• UMSPCS gives complete assistance during every phase of the BIS certification process for manufacturers in Rajasthan.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification for IS 8042 

However, the specific documents needed will vary depending on the product and the certification scheme.

The list of generally required documents includes:

• Basic information about the product segment and the manufacturing facility
• Proof of the manufacturing Address of the unit, such as a utility bill, lease, or property ownership deed
• The brand name’s trademark certificate 
• Manufacturing licences and any applicable statutory clearances 
• Design specifications and product drawings
• Manufacturing capacity installed
• List of materials used and their specifications
• Information about the equipment and machinery used in manufacturing
• The factory’s floor plan, including the production, test, and storage areas
• Included is a thorough manufacturing process flow.
• Internal test apparatus and calibration data
• Information on quality control personnel
• The factory’s organisational chart

BIS ISI Certification Cost for IS 8042 

A lot of manufacturers enquire about the cost of certification. The total cost would depend on:

• Product type
• Indian standard applicable to the product
• Number of models
• Testing requirements
• Factory audit requirements
• Government BIS fees
• Requirements for consultant services

Validity of BIS Certification

The validity of the certificate is dependent on the certificate system.

• Validity of ISI License: Generally valid till the period prescribed in BIS license.
• Validity of CRS Registration: Valid for 5 years.
• Certification of Foreign Manufacturers: Valid according to BIS license.

It becomes necessary for the manufacturers to renew the certificates in time so as to continue their production and sales without any interruption.

How Can UMSPCS Help with BIS ISI Certification for White Portland Cement?

To get the BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement it is required to coordinate between the manufacturing unit, laboratory and BIS authorities.

UMSPCS offers help with:

•  Product applicability assessment.
•  IS 8042:2015 requirement identification.
•  Technical documentation preparation.
•  Laboratory coordination.
•  Product testing support.
•  BIS application filing.
•  Factory inspection preparation.
•  BIS query handling.
•  Corrective-action support.
•  Post-certification compliance guidance.

UMSPCS has successfully completed 600+ certifications and has 6+ years of industry experience, assisting manufacturers to work through their certification needs in a structured way. Also get to know more about BIS ISI Certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement.

Conclusion

IS 8042:2015 specifies the properties of White Portland cement, such as physical, chemical and whiteness properties. BIS has its own Product Manual for certification under Scheme-I and has formed the Testing and assessment requirements for the manufacturers for obtaining a BIS licence.

To get manufacturers to successfully certify, more than just a test report is required. The production process, raw materials, testing facilities and resources, calibration, quality-control system and technical documentation should be appropriately matched to the applicable requirements.

Compliance with the Market, from the beginning of the certification process through the preparation of the Factory and the Assessment of the product, can help to reduce the possible delay and contribute to smoother compliance with the Market.

Need Help With BIS ISI Certification for White Portland Cement?

In case you are manufacturing or intend to supply White Portland Cement as per IS 8042:2015, UMSPCS can help you in assessing your product, testing, preparing the documents, filing an application for BIS certification and preparing for factory inspection and providing assistance after the factory inspection.

Talk with our BIS experts about your BIS ISI Certificate for White Portland Cement needs.

Read more also: BIS Certification for Electrical Goods in India: Why Is It Required?

 FAQs

• Is there a need for BIS Certification for White Portland Cement?

There is a requirement of BIS Certification for White Portland cement. This is because White Portland Cement is included in the IS 8042:2015 BIS Certification scheme.

• What is IS 8042:2015?

IS 8042:201

• What tests are conducted for White Portland Cement?

Testing comprises applicable physical and chemical parameters: fineness, setting time, soundness, compressive strength and specified chemical parameters. 

• Is the whiteness value evaluated according to IS 8042:2015?

Yes, it provides the method for measuring the whiteness value of White Portland Cement.

• Does BIS visit the plant?

Yes, in the case of Scheme-I, there is an evaluation of the manufacturing facility’s processes.

• How does the UMSPCS help in getting the BIS certification?

UMSPCS helps in product evaluation, document preparation, laboratory assistance, BIS application, and plant inspection.