What Must You Know Before Applying for BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass?

Even though it seems like a strong piece of glass, how well will it hold up to sudden impacts, forces, or other accidental damage? In construction, the strength of glass used in doors and windows, as well as other parts of a building structure, is as important as how nice a building looks. That is the reason why manufacturers have to focus on product quality and regulatory compliance before supplying safety glass to the Indian market.

The specific requirements for safety glass have been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in IS 2553 (Part 1):2018, regarding its use in architectural, building, and general applications. When it comes to the relevant Quality Control Order (QCO), manufacturers are required to acquire a BIS licence and use the ISI Standard Mark before selling products that are covered by the order in India.

It involves more than just filling in an application to obtain certification; manufacturers must understand the relevant Indian Standard, the product classification, the testing requirements, the factory inspection, and the duty of continued compliance.

The blog outlines the key points concerning BIS ISI Certification for safety glass, providing both Indian and foreign manufacturers with the information they need to know before starting their certification process.

Why is BIS Certification Required for Safety Glass?

The Indian Government introduced the Safety Glass (Quality Control) Order of 2020 to set mandatory conformity requirements for certain safety glass products.

Subject to this order, products that are covered have to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and be marked with the BIS Standard Mark on the basis of a licence obtained through Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The BIS is the body that is responsible for certifying and enforcing the rules that apply to the products in question.

It means that manufacturers and importers cannot regard the ISI Mark as just an optional quality label in cases where their products are within the scope of the QCO.

The regulatory framework includes:

• The Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 2016.
• The BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations of 2018.
• The Safety Glass (Quality Control) Order of 2020.
• Further modifications to the Safety Glass QCO.
• IS 2553 (Part 1):2018, together with any applicable amendments.

The amendments to the standard also need to be taken into account. BIS issued implementation guidelines for Amendment No. 2, setting the deadline for implementation as 28 January 2025. The revised product manual was published in January 2025.

What Do Manufacturers Have to Prepare Before Applying?

When applying for BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass, manufacturers should first assess their production facilities, product specifications, and quality-control procedures.

The following requirements are worth paying attention to: 

• Defined product classification
• Manufacturing infrastructure
• In-house testing arrangements
• Quality management system
• Product consistency

What Tests are Important for Obtaining Certification of Safety Glass?

Product testing forms one of the most important phases of the BIS certification process in India, during which BIS checks safety glass against the requirements of IS 2553 (Part 1):2018.

Depending on the product category and applicable requirements, testing may include:

• Thickness and dimensional measurements.
• Squareness and shape accuracy.
• Inspecting visually and determining the defects.
• Fragmentation test.
• Flatness assessment.
• Resistance to shock.
• Resistance to human impact.
• Boil and bake tests.
• Fracture and adhesion tests.
• Edge displacement assessment.

The sample quantities set out in the revised BIS Product Manual, PM/2553 (Part-1)/3, of January 2025, are determined according to the type of glass and its thickness.

For instance, the manual gives different sample requirements for toughened glass that is 5 mm or thicker, for toughened glass that is less than 5 mm, and for laminated glass. It follows that manufacturers should not suppose that a single sample set will be suitable for all product categories.

The licence might also state the kind of glass, the nominal thickness range and any optional requirements that apply.

Documents Required Safety Glass for BIS ISI Certification

The documentation will show the manufacturer’s identity, his ability to produce the product, and the arrangements relating to compliance. Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting them:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• For example, a title deed indicating ownership or a utility bill could be provided 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

How is the BIS ISI Certification Process Carried Out?

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Determine the safety glass category that applies and the relevant requirements set out in IS 2553 (Part 1):2018.

• Determine the product category.
• Make sure the thickness and dimensional specifications are met.
• Review applicable quality parameters.

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation

Get the product samples and the technical documents needed for certification.

• Compile product specifications.
• Sort the records relating to manufacturing and quality control.
• Make some samples for testing in the laboratory.

Step 3: Application Submission

Make the application for certification via the BIS online portal by filling in the required details.

• Give details about the company and the factory.
• Indicate the product categories and the ranges of thickness.
• Upload the documents and pay the relevant fees.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

The officials from the BIS visit the manufacturing plant to check its production capabilities and the quality arrangements.

• Check the machinery and the production processes.
• Verify testing facilities.
• Review quality-control procedures.

Step 5: Product Testing and Laboratory Report

Product samples are subject to prescribed testing to check that they comply with IS 2553 (Part 1):2018.

• Conduct applicable quality tests.
• Make sure the dimensions and the product’s performance are checked.
• Hand in the laboratory report to BIS.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities

The manufacturers have to deal with 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

You must fulfil the financial requirements that apply before the licence is granted.

Pay the licence fee that is prescribed.

Meet the minimum marking fee requirements.

Remove any relevant BIS fees.

Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence

When the requirements have been satisfactorily met, BIS will issue the licence.

• Get approval for the products in question.
• Use the ISI Mark as it is authorised.
• Make sure that the product quality is maintained and that continuous compliance with BIS is achieved.

Cost of BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass

The amount one has to pay in order to get BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass is determined by a number of factors, such as the kind of glass, the range of thicknesses, the need for laboratory testing, the manufacturing facilities, and the documentation required. The total cost may 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.

The real amount you have to pay for the certification may vary according to the product specifications, the testing requirements, and the relevant BIS charges.

How Long Does it Take to Get BIS Certification for Safety Glass?

The time needed to get BIS Certification for safety glass is determined by the readiness of the application, the results of the laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the time required to deal with any observations made by BIS.

For general planning, manufacturers can consider the following timeline:

The validity of the licence is that the first licence is usually given for a period of up to two years and can be renewed for up to five years, on the condition that the relevant BIS regulations, the licence conditions, and satisfactory compliance are met.

Common Challenges Manufacturers Should Anticipate for Safety Glass

Even those manufacturers who already have production facilities may face difficulties when it comes to certification.

Some common challenges include:

• Incorrect product classification
• Sample testing failures
• Inadequate testing facilities
• Documentation gaps
• Standard amendments
• Foreign manufacturer coordination

Carrying out preparation early on can help to cut down on delays that are unnecessary and increase the chances of a more seamless certification process. Read more also: Foreign Manufacturer Certification

How UMSPCS Helps Manufacturers Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass

It is important to understand the regulatory framework, but it can be difficult to carry out each requirement correctly, especially when manufacturers are applying for the first time.

With 6+ Years of Compliance Experience and exposure to 600+ product compliance requirements across multiple industries, UMSPCS helps manufacturers navigate certification requirements with a structured and product-specific approach.

Our support includes:

• Standard Identification
• QCO Assessment
• Documentation Assistance
• Laboratory Coordination
• Factory Audit Preparation
• Application Support
• Post-Certification Assistance

Conclusion

The BIS certification is an essential regulatory requirement for manufacturers who are supplying safety glass that is covered by the relevant Quality Control Order. When choosing the right Indian Standard and carrying out laboratory testing, factory inspection, and fulfilling the duties after certification, proper preparation is needed at every stage.

Before they submit an application, manufacturers should focus especially on product classification, the testing requirements, and the most recent amendments to IS 2553 (Part 1):2018.

UMSPCS will be able to help you, whether you are an Indian manufacturer or a supplier based overseas, to simplify your certification process by providing technical advice, assisting with the preparation of documentation, and offering full compliance support.

Connect with UMSPCS to find out about your certification requirements and to proceed with obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Safety Glass.

Read more also: Can Colombian Brand Get BIS Certificate for Furniture & Electronic

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have BIS ISI Certification for safety glass in India?

Correct so far, the safety glass provided under the Safety Glass (Quality Control) Order, 2020, has to meet the relevant Indian Standard and be marked with the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence.

2. What are the various kinds of safety glass included in IS 2553 Part 1?

The standard includes toughened (tempered) safety glass and laminated safety glass, such as the various flat and curved types of toughened glass.

3. Is it possible for a manufacturer to apply for BIS certification without having an in-house laboratory?

The manufacturer is required to set up the testing procedures, and if the applicable requirements allow them, the testing can be carried out by a laboratory that is recognized by BIS.

4. Is it possible for a foreign manufacturer to get BIS ISI Certification for safety glass?

Foreign manufacturers can apply for the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, provided that they undergo a factory inspection, testing, an AIR appointment, and any other relevant requirements.

5. What would occur if safety glass failed BIS laboratory testing?

If the samples do not satisfy the relevant requirements, the manufacturer had better deal with the non-conformities identified. The application might be postponed or rejected depending on the situation and the applicable BIS procedures.