Understanding IS 8043 Compliance: BIS ISI Mark for Hydrophobic Portland Cement

Cement is commonly known as a grey powder; however, hydrophobic Portland cement is a different type of cement and behaves differently in the presence of moisture. The water-resistant properties of this type of cement help preserve it during storage, making it ideal for use in humid places.

However, manufacturers want more than just the effectiveness of this product because, as mentioned, the IS 8043 standard undergoes the process of mandatory BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement, meaning that to get approval for production or sale of the cement in India, the manufacturers must get a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. Current certification includes IS 8043:1991 – Hydrophobic Portland Cement in Scheme-I (the ISI Certification Scheme).

Therefore, any business that plans to enter the cement market in India needs to consider every aspect of acquiring the BIS ISI Certification on the part of Indian manufacturers, including testing, readiness of the factory, documentation, and continuous monitoring. 

What Does Hydrophobic Portland Cement Mean Under IS 8043?

The specifications for Hydrophobic Portland Cement set out the required standards. As stated in BIS’s compendium of cement standards, this type of cement is produced by grinding Portland cement clinker together with gypsum and a small amount of a hydrophobic agent, which gives the cement water-repelling properties. The hydrophobic property is meant to be destroyed by wet attrition, for example, during mixing.

The standard is particularly relevant for applications and storage conditions where moisture exposure is a concern, including:

• Coastal and tropical regions
• Humid climatic conditions
• Damp basements
• Water-prone substructures
• Construction projects requiring improved storage resistance against moisture

The current standards information provided by the BIS lists the second revision as IS 8043:1991 and also includes an entry for a third revision of Hydrophobic Portland Cement to be issued in 2026. Manufacturers must therefore check the appropriate current standard as well as the BIS product-specific requirements before submitting an application.

Why is BIS ISI Certification Required for Cement that Conforms to IS 8043?

The cement types, such as IS 8043, are included in the list of products that must be certified under BIS Scheme-I. According to the BIS system, any product that is subject to compulsory certification must comply with the relevant Indian Standard and be marked with the Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.

Any manufacturers who intend to produce or sell in India should get the appropriate BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement from India.

For foreign producers, the appropriate route is usually the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), through which the BIS issues licences for eligible foreign manufacturing sites.

What Does the IS 8043 Standard Cover?

Compliance does not end with getting a certificate; the cement has to meet the relevant chemical, physical, and performance requirements.

Key requirements include:

• Fineness
• Soundness and setting time
• Compressive strength
• Hydrophobicity
• Chemical requirements

Testing Requirements for IS 8043 Certification

Testing plays a central role in the BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement; manufacturers may be required to show that their product conforms by means of chemical, physical, and performance tests, according to the relevant BIS product manual and the testing scope.

Commonly relevant testing areas include:

• Fineness
• Soundness
• Initial and final setting time
• Compressive strength
• Chemical composition
• Hydrophobicity
• Other applicable requirements under the current standard
• Transverse strength, where applicable/required

The current entry in the BIS laboratory database includes the laboratory of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials in Faridabad for IS 8043 testing; the charges and scope listed for the tests may differ depending on the laboratory and the tests chosen.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification

The exact documentation depends on the applicable BIS requirements, but manufacturers should generally prepare:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• Evidence of the manufacturing unit’s address (for example, a deed showing ownership or a utility bill, etc.)
• 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 specification
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A thorough account of the manufacturing process flow is provided.
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organisational chart

Foreign manufacturers also need to have the additional FMCS documentation and the AIR-related documents.

Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process for IS 8043

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Identify IS 8043 and understand the product, testing, and manufacturing requirements that apply.

Manufacturers should:

• Review BIS requirements.
• Set production in accordance with the standard.
• If necessary, improve the quality-control practices.

Step 2: Product Testing & Documentation

For the certification process, prepare the product samples and the necessary technical documents.

This includes:

• Product testing
• Technical documents
• Factory details
• Manufacturing and QC records

Step 3: Submit BIS Application

Send in the BIS application online together with the required documents, the test reports, and the relevant government fees. Then the BIS will review the information that has been submitted.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility to verify:

• Production process
• Machinery and infrastructure
• Quality-control system
• Testing facilities
• Samples can also be taken for testing

Step 5: Sample Testing & LTR

The samples are sent to the approved laboratory for testing, and the Laboratory Test Report (LTR) is then submitted to BIS for evaluation.

Step 6: Address Non-Conformities

The manufacturer has to carry out corrective action and have to submit the documents or evidence required for closure if any defects are found.

Step 7: Pay Applicable Fees

Once compliance has been achieved, the manufacturer pays the fees for the relevant BIS licence and marking.

Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence

When the various requirements have been fulfilled, BIS will issue the licence, and the manufacturer can apply the ISI Mark to the certified Hydrophobic Portland Cement within the approved scope.

Cost of BIS ISI Certification in India

The price for BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement is determined by the testing needed, the factory assessment, the documentation, and the consultancy services.

The costs are only indicative and could differ in accordance with the relevant BIS requirements.

Timeline & Validity For BIS ISI Certification

• The estimated time frame is between 30 and 40 working days, depending on the results of testing, inspection, and queries to BIS.
• Foreign manufacturers: The process may take more time because of extra assessment requirements.
• The licence granted by BIS is governed by the relevant BIS terms and the requirements for renewal; manufacturers have to renew it within the specified time frame if they are to be allowed to use the ISI Mark legally.

Common Challenges in IS 8043 Certification

Manufacturers may face difficulties because of:

• Incorrect identification of the applicable standard
• Inadequate testing facilities
• Missing calibration records
• Gaps in quality-control procedures
• Failure to meet physical or chemical parameters
• Inconsistent hydrophobicity performance
• Documentation deficiencies
• Factory inspection non-conformities
• Delayed responses to BIS queries
• Incorrect licence scope
• Difficulties managing renewal and surveillance requirements

A product that meets the technical requirements may still have delays if the factory and the documentation are not ready for certification.

What Makes UMSPCS the Choice for BIS ISI Certification?

We provide manufacturers and businesses with full coverage of the product compliance requirements, including assistance with BIS ISI Certification in India, factory documentation, the coordination of testing, and support with the submission of BIS applications.

UMSPCS assists manufacturers in treating certification as a structured compliance process rather than merely a documentation exercise, drawing on its experience of more than six years and covering over 600 product compliance requirements.

For IS 8043 certification, UMSPCS can assist with:

• Applicability assessment
• IS 8043 requirement analysis
• Product and manufacturing process review
• Documentation preparation
• BIS application support
• Laboratory coordination
• Testing requirement mapping
• Factory inspection preparation
• BIS query handling
• Non-conformity response support
• Licence scope and marking guidance
• Renewal and ongoing compliance support
• AIR-related coordination

Conclusion

Hydrophobic Portland cement IS 8043 is intended for use in situations where it is important to have resistance to moisture during storage and handling, but the manufacturers have to show that it conforms to the relevant BIS requirements.

To meet the requirements of IS 8043, the process of obtaining certification goes beyond just testing the product; manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, testing capability, documentation, factory inspection, product conformity, and ongoing surveillance are all important.

If you are an Indian manufacturer who wants to obtain BIS ISI Certification, or if you are a company based overseas looking into getting BIS Certification for manufacturers in other countries, carrying out compliance planning early on can help reduce delays that could have been avoided.

Looking into getting the BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement? 

Connect with UMSPCS to have the product’s suitability assessed, to obtain the necessary documentation, to coordinate the testing, and to receive end-to-end BIS certification support.

Read more also: BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Products: Complete 2026

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have BIS certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement?

The BIS currently includes IS 8043 Hydrophobic Portland Cement in its Scheme-I list of cement that must be certified.

2. What standard applies to hydrophobic Portland cement?

The standard in question is Hydrophobic Portland Cement – Specification (IS 8043). The BIS at present lists IS 8043:1991 as well as an entry for the third revision in 2026; therefore, manufacturers should check to confirm the current applicable requirements.

3. What does IS 8043 test?

Tests can be carried out to examine fineness, soundness, setting time, compressive strength, chemical requirements, and hydrophobicity, as well as other relevant parameters.

4. Is it possible for a foreign manufacturer to get BIS certification for IS 8043?

Foreign manufacturers who are eligible may apply via BIS’s Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

5. Do foreign manufacturers need an AIR?

Foreign manufacturers who apply under the FMCS must name an Authorized Indian Representative as specified by BIS.

6. What would occur if the product failed the tests?

The manufacturer will have to carry out an investigation to find the cause, put into effect the necessary corrective measures, and then go through the relevant retesting or compliance procedure before certification can move forward.