A cement sack is more than just carrying the product. It needs to withstand filling, handling, transportation, and storage without compromising the cement inside. The quality and strength of HDPE/PP woven sacks are a key factor in cement packaging.
The Government of India has introduced the Quality Control Order (QCO) for the BIS certification of HDPE/PP woven sacks for the packaging of 50 kg Cement based on IS: 11652:2017, the relevant Indian Standard. The new amendment has designated 6 October 2026 as the date it will come into force.
The QCO imposes criteria for the covered products to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and be stamped with the BIS Standard Mark as per Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
It is an appropriate time for the manufacturers to examine their product specifications, test facilities, and preparation for BIS Certification. UMSPCS will support you at every stage of the certification process so you can easily obtain your certificates.
What is IS 11652:2017 on HDPE/PP Cement Sacks?
The requirements for the high-density polyethylene/polypropylene woven sacks used to package 50 kg of cement are outlined in IS 11652:2017. BIS covers the requirements related to material, construction, and performance. There are two types of standards: gusseted sack and pillow sack, and there are standards for the sack mouth/valve during cement filling.
The standard aims to ensure that the sacks are strong and perform as they should during the handling, storage, and transport of cement.
Why Is BIS Certification Important for Cement Packaging Sacks?
The QCO requires conformity with IS 11652:2017 for the products covered by the QCO.
BIS certification supports manufacturers in a variety of ways:
- Complete required QCO tasks.
- Show adherence to the IS 11652:2017 standard.
- Ensure consistent product quality.
- Minimise the risk of sack failure while handling.
- Educate cement manufacturers and buyers to increase their confidence.
- Provide covered products after the enforcement date.
The BIS QCO clearly specifies that the covered goods should comply with Indian Standards and should have the BIS Standard Mark in compliance with a BIS licence.
Who Needs BIS Certification for IS 11652:2017?
The requirement applies to manufacturers and businesses producing/using covered BIS certification for HDPE/PP woven sacks for the packaging of 50 kg of cement in India.
This may include:
- HDPE woven sack manufacturers
- PP woven sack manufacturers
- Cement packaging suppliers
- OEM/contract manufacturers
- Covered sacks are used by importers.
- Companies that provide sacks for cement production
The original QCO also states that it does not apply to goods meant for export.
What Are the Important Requirements Under IS 11652:2017?
Manufacturers should review their sacks for compliance with the appropriate technical aspects of the standard and its current amendments.
Important areas include:
- Raw material requirements
- Woven fabric
- The width and number of strands in a tape.
- Sack dimensions
- Ends and picks
- Sack mass
- Breaking strength
- Bottom seam strength
- Elongation
- UV resistance (where applicable)
- Ash content
- The minimum lamination and liner requirements.
- Capacity
- Valve requirements
The parameters that are being tested at BIS include fabric, dimension, ends and picks, mass, breaking strength, bottom seam, UV exposure, ash content, lamination, and capacity.
Manufacturers should use the latest applicable version and amendments when preparing for certification.
Why Do BIS Applications for Cement Sacks Get Delayed?
Oftentimes, there are delays in certification caused by the manufacturer’s product and factory not being ready for application prior to it.
Some typical problems include:
- Failure to understand the standard that is applicable.
- Incomplete technical documents
- Product specifications do not match the test samples.
- Inadequate testing facilities
- Missing calibration records
- Test failures
- Incomplete quality-control records
- Inadequate equipment inspection procedures at the factory.
- Slow responses following BIS observations
These issues can be detected in a proper Pre-assessment before the formal BIS process.
What Is the BIS Certification Process for IS 11652:2017?
To avoid delaying product approval and market access for manufacturers, the certification process should start well in advance of the implementation date. The following are the standard steps in the BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks process:
The following is a streamlined process:
Indian Manufacturers’ Process (ISI Mark Licence)
Submission of the Application
Ensure that your application form on the BIS Portal, which can be accessed via the Manak Portal, contains all information about your company and your product. You can attach any other forms as well.
Testing of the Product Samples
BIS provides you with instructions on how to dispatch the samples of your product to a lab approved by BIS. The testing involves checking jaw strength, size, material composition, and many other aspects according to IS 2028:2004 specifications.
Audit of the Factory
A representative of the BIS will come to your factory in order to inspect, in addition to many other things, your production process, quality control measures, and testing equipment.
Granting Permission
Once your product and factory meet the necessary requirements of BIS, an ISI Mark license will be issued by BIS based on another CM/L number.
Marking and Sales
Now you can sell and mark your pipe wrenches with the ISI Mark in India.
Factory audits and testing of market samples
The BIS conducts regular factory visits and random testing of market samples. Continuous compliance is ensured by licence renewals. Read more BIS ISI Certificate for Indian Manufacturer.
For Importers (Certification Programme for Foreign Manufacturers)
Appointment of Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
In future dealings with BIS, the foreign companies are expected to appoint an AIR in India.
Filing the Application
The application has to be filed using the BIS FMCS App according to the product, company, and factory details.
Testing of Samples of the Product
Samples of the products are tested in laboratories authorised by BIS in India or elsewhere.
Inspection of the Foreign Manufacturing Units
Pre-inspection of the foreign manufacturing units is conducted by BIS before issuing the licence.
Issue of Licence
A licence is granted to import and sell the products in India. Read more BIS Certificate for FMCS
What Documents Are Required for BIS Certification?
The documents will vary by manufacturer depending upon the application/certification. However, there should be following documents available for manufacturers:
- For Indian Manufacturers
- Business Registration Certificate
- Certificate of GST Registration
- Layout of factory and proof of address
- Manufacturing Process and Flow Chart
- Testing facility and equipment
- Technical specifications and drawings according to IS 11652:2017
- Laboratory test report of NABL/BIS accredited laboratory
- Internal testing procedure and quality control policy
- Authorisation letter
For Importers / Foreign Manufacturers
- Documents of legal entities and company registration from the country of origin
- Letter of authorisation to appoint an Indian authorised representative (AIR)
- Technical drawings of the product and specifications
- Sample test reports
- Documents on manufacturing and quality assurance
- IEC code and import/export documentation
- Document on brand/trademark ownership
What Should Manufacturers Do Before 6 October 2026?
The government has recently notified 6th October 2026 as the date by which this QCO will be applicable.
Manufacturers should therefore:
- Check if their sacks shall be considered as QCO.
- Check the updated guideline for IS 11652:2017.
- Check applicable amendments.
- Review product specifications.
- Evaluate test equipment and calibration.
- Recognise the need for laboratory testing.
- Organise quality-control documents.
- Set up the factory for evaluation.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to begin the BIS application process.
Beginning early offers an opportunity to solve any testing or documentation problems before the enforcement date.
How Can UMSPCS Help With BIS Certification for IS 11652:2017?
UMSPCS helps the manufacturers by supporting them in the following areas of BIS certification for HDPE/PP woven sacks:
Our assistance includes:
- QCO applicability assessment
- IS 11652:2017 requirement review
- Assessing product and scope.
- Laboratory coordination
- Testing support
- Technical documentation
- BIS application filing
- Factory inspection preparation
- 600+ Certificates successfully provided to the manufacturer.
- BIS query assistance
- 6 years of experience in this industry.
- Licence support
We want manufacturers to get ready for the QCO but not to wait until the end of the process.
Conclusion
BIS certification under IS 11652:2017 becomes a key compliance priority for manufacturers of the covered BIS certification for HDPE/PP woven sacks for 50 kg cement packaging, with the enforcement date of 6 October 2026.
The standard has been amended over the years, and BIS laboratories have multiple testing requirements listed, so manufacturers should check their products and quality systems against the latest applicable requirements.
Earlier preparation for certification can assist in identifying gaps, filling in the testing and documentation process and minimising the possibility of last-minute compliance problems.
Looking for BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Cement Sacks?
UMSPCS can help in Product Assessment, coordinating tests, documentation, Filing of BIS applications and factory inspections for IS 11652:2017.
Talk to our BIS experts to make your BIS certification for HDPE / PP woven sacks ready for the new QCO requirements.
Read more also: BIS CRS Approval: Who Needs Registration, Why It Is Required
FAQs
- How can I get BIS certification for HDPE/PP woven sacks under IS 11652:2017?
The manufacturers can get their products tested, document the same, conduct a factory evaluation, and apply for a BIS certificate under the applicable scheme.
- When will I get BIS certification for 50 kg cement bags?
The QCO will come into effect from 6th October 2026 and manufacturers should plan for certification in good time.
- How much will BIS certification under IS 11652:2017 cost me?
The cost will depend on the testing requirements, scope of products, BIS fees, and requirements of the manufacturer regarding certification.
- Can I seek BIS consultancy for IS 11652:2017?
Yes, BIS consultancy can provide assistance for applicability analysis, testing, documentation, application filing, and factory preparation.
- Is UMSPCS able to facilitate BIS certification for IS 11652:2017 for manufacturers?
Yes, UMSPCS offers support for applicability assessment, testing, documentation, BIS application and Factory inspection preparation.
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