Although a glass sheet may appear clear when viewed with the naked eye, its quality depends on a great many factors beyond simple transparency. Differences in thickness, surface flaws, optical distortion, and dimensional accuracy can all influence its suitability for use in a variety of applications such as mirrors and glazing, as well as in the production of photographic plates and safety glass.
Hence, for manufacturers, it is not merely a question of keeping up their production standards to meet the required quality criteria but also one of complying with the product certification requirements which apply in India. The BIS Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass provides a formal system by which it can be shown that the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and is entitled to carry the ISI mark under a valid BIS licence.
It doesn’t matter whether you are running a glass manufacturing plant in India or are exporting flat, transparent sheet glass to the Indian market; it is essential to understand the certification requirements. So, exactly what is needed in order to obtain this licence? Let’s look at the relevant standard, the regulatory framework, the certification process, the testing requirements, and the main points to take into account for both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Understanding BIS Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards organisation in India and has the responsibility of preparing standards as well as carrying out the administration of product conformity assessment schemes.
The Indian Standard that applies to flat transparent sheet glass is IS 2835:1987 – Flat Transparent Sheet Glass – Specification.
This standard specifies requirements, sampling procedures, and testing methods for flat transparent sheet glass used in applications such as:
- The production of photographic plates and projection slides.
- Producing silvered glass mirrors.
- Producing toughened and laminated safety glass.
- Glazing and framing applications.
The standard covers the key product characteristics, such as dimensional tolerances, thickness uniformity, transparency, and the allowable surface defects.
According to the relevant Quality Control Order (QCO), products that are covered are required to comply with the prescribed Indian Standard and to have the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence.
What Quality Criteria Must Flat Transparent Sheet Glass Satisfy?
Getting ISI Mark Certification for glass sheets involves more than just sending in a sample of the product; the manufacturer has to show that its product consistently meets the technical specifications of IS 2835:1987.
The standard classifies flat transparent sheet glass into four quality categories:
| Quality category | Classification |
| AA Quality | Special Selected Quality (SSQ) |
| A Quality | Selected Quality (SQ) |
| B Quality | Ordinary Quality (OQ) |
| C Quality | Greenhouse Quality (GQ) |
The BIS product manual includes specific guidelines for grouping in this case; when testing is carried out, separate samples should be used for each quality, and the maximum and minimum thicknesses should be taken into account when obtaining coverage for the range of thicknesses.
Key product parameters include:
- Dimensional accuracy
- Thickness uniformity
- Visual characteristics
- Defect distribution
Such requirements enable manufacturers to ensure consistent product quality and to show conformity when undergoing a BIS assessment.
Basic Eligibility Requirements Before Applying
Prior to beginning the Process of BIS Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass, manufacturers should evaluate their production capabilities and readiness with regard to compliance.
The primary requirements include:
- Manufacturing facility
- Standard compliance
- Testing arrangements
- Quality control system
- Product identification
- Documentation
The BIS product manual also gives a sample size of four pieces, each measuring 1 metre by 1 metre.
Complete Process of BIS Certification for IS 2835:1987
Domestic manufacturers can get the certification by enrolling in BIS Scheme-I (the ISI Mark Scheme).
The process generally involves the following stages:
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
- Determine the appropriate quality category.
- Check the requirements regarding thickness and dimensions.
- Review product quality parameters.
Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation
Get product samples ready and write technical documents.
- Compile product specifications.
- Sort the records relating to manufacturing and quality control.
- Make some samples for testing in the laboratory.
Step 3: Application Submission
Send the application via the BIS online portal.
- Give us the information about the company and the factory.
- Indicate the range of product quality and thickness.
- Send the needed papers and payments.
Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection
The officials from the BIS visit the manufacturing facility.
- Check the machinery and the production processes.
- Verify testing facilities.
- Review quality control arrangements.
Step 5: Product Testing and Laboratory Report
Samples are tested to meet IS 2835:1987 requirements.
- Conduct prescribed quality tests.
- Check for thickness and surface defects.
- Send the test report to BIS.
Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities
Sort out any problems found during the inspection or testing.
- Rectify product defects.
- Improve manufacturing procedures.
- Send more documents or samples if needed.
Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees
Fill in the BIS fee requirements that apply.
- Pay the licence fee.
- Pay the required minimum marking fee each year.
- Pay applicable marking charges.
Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence
The licence is granted by the BIS following a successful assessment.
- Get a licence for approved products.
- Put the ISI mark in accordance with authorization.
- Make sure that the product quality is maintained and that continuous compliance is achieved.
Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification for Sheet Glass
Accurate documentation is an essential aspect of the BIS ISI Certification for the Flat Transparent Sheet Glass process, and the documents will differ according to the applicant’s manufacturing location and business structure.
Commonly required documents include:
- Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
- For instance, a title deed which shows ownership or a utility bill could be given as proof of the address of the manufacturing unit.
- Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
- Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
- control and industry-specific approvals)
- Product drawings/design schematics
- Installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials used, and specifications
- Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
- The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
- A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
- In-house test equipment and calibration information
- Information about the quality control personnel
- Factory organisational chart
Cost of BIS Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass
The amount one has to pay in order to get BIS ISI Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass is determined by a number of factors, such as the quality grade of the glass, the range of thicknesses, the need for laboratory testing, the manufacturing facilities involved, and the documentation required. The total cost will also differ according to whether the applicant is an Indian or a foreign manufacturer.
The table below gives an approximate breakdown of the costs for general planning purposes; however, these figures must not be regarded as the official BIS fee schedule for flat transparent sheet glass.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| BIS Application Fees | ₹1,000 |
| Laboratory Testing Charges | ₹15,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Factory Inspection Charges | ₹7,000 |
| Annual Licence Fees | ₹1,000 |
| ISI Marking Fees | As per BIS norms and production |
| UMSPCS Consultancy Charges | ₹50,000 |
Estimated Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification
The time needed to get BIS Certification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass is determined by the extent of documentation readiness, the product testing, the factory inspection, and the closure of any observations made by BIS.
- The certification timeline that has been estimated could be between 30 – 40 working days, depending on how ready the application is and whether the requirements are completed.
- Extra time might be needed if the samples fail the tests, the documents are incomplete, or the factory inspection finds any non-conformities.
- Applications from foreign manufacturers may be slower because of factory inspections carried out overseas, the transport of samples, and the FMCS formalities.
- The first BIS licence is usually given for a period of up to 2 years and may be renewed for up to 5 years, provided that the relevant BIS requirements are met.
Common Challenges Causing the Certification Process to be Delayed
Even those manufacturers who already have production facilities can face difficulties when undergoing certification.
Some commonly observed challenges include:
- Incorrect quality classification
- Thickness variation
- Surface defects
- Inadequate testing facilities
- Documentation gaps
- Scope-related issues
Carrying out a compliance assessment that is specific to the product before applying can help to minimise these problems. Read mors also: BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacture
How UMSPCS Helps You Secure BIS ISI Certification for Transparent Sheet Glass
To get a BIS licence, there are a number of related activities, including identifying the right Indian Standard and getting the manufacturing facility ready for inspection.
UMSPCS, benefiting from more than 6+ years of experience in the field of compliance and having been exposed to over 600 product compliance requirements in a number of different industries, assists businesses in meeting certification requirements by means of a systematic and product-specific method.
Our support includes:
- Standard Identification
- Application Assistance
- Documentation Support
- Testing Coordination
- Factory Audit Preparation
- FMCS Assistance
- Post-Certification Support
Conclusion
If manufacturers wish to obtain the BIS Certification for flat transparent sheet glass, they should prove that the product is compliant and has equipped itself with relevant testing facilities. They should also provide the required documents and pass the BIS evaluation.
Indian producers looking to manufacture the product in India, or foreign companies seeking to enter the Indian market, should understand the IS 2835:1987 standard and related QCO before starting the certification process.
Appropriate compliance support can help reduce the documentation shortfalls and avoid the risk of delays and setbacks in preparing the factory for the BIS evaluation.
Contact UMSPCS for assistance in matters of BIS certification and organization of product testing and obtaining necessary approvals.
Read more also: What Is the Process of BIS ISI Certification for Electric Toys India
FAQs
- Is it necessary to have BIS ISI Certification for flat transparent sheet glass in India?
The products in question must comply with IS 2835:1987 and also be marked with the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence in accordance with the Flat Transparent Sheet Glass (Quality Control) Order, 2021.
- Which Indian Standard applies to flat transparent sheet glass?
The one that concerns this is IS 2835:1987, Flat Transparent Sheet Glass – Specification.
- Can the foreign manufacturer obtain BIS ISI Certification for flat transparent sheet glass?
Foreign manufacturers are eligible for FMCS, subject to them complying with BIS requirements and also having an AIR nomination.
- What are the four types of quality visualized in IS 2835:1987?
Flat transparent sheet glass has been classified into four categories: AA-special selected quality, A-selected quality, B-ordinary quality, and C-greenhouse quality.
- What types of tests need to take place regarding BIS certification for flat transparent sheet glass?
The product assessment includes the measurement of the dimensions and the thickness, a nd the distribution of allowable defects as per IS 2835:1987.
- Could an importer in India apply for BIS certification on behalf of a foreign glass manufacturer?
No, under the FMCS system, the foreign manufacturer has to apply for the licence and name an eligible Authorised Indian Representative.
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