What is BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement IS 455 and Why is it Mandatory?

Think of building a bridge, a hospital, a residential complex, or an industry using poor quality cement. The results could be catastrophic in terms of poor structure strength, safety hazards, financial losses, and even legal liabilities.

To avoid all these negative scenarios, the Government of India has made it compulsory for BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement (IS 455) based on the concerned Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The BIS ISI Certification guarantees that each manufacturer of Portland Slag Cement in India adheres to quality standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Irrespective of whether you are a manufacturer in India or you wish to supply cement from overseas countries to India, the BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement is essential from a compliance perspective as well as a market perspective.

In this blog post, UMSPCS elaborates on all the aspects of IS 455 Certification, from eligibility criteria, QCOs, certification procedure, documentation process, difficulties faced, and advantages of certification.

What is BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement (IS 455)?

BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement is a certification granted to products by the Bureau of Indian Standards under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The certification gives manufacturers the right to put an ISI Mark on Portland Slag Cement which meets Indian Standard IS 455: Portland Slag Cement – Specification.

An ISI Mark signifies that the cement has been produced by manufacturing using standardized raw materials and production process, and also passed through the required laboratory tests.

Without BIS ISI Certification, the manufacturing, storing, importing, distribution, and sale of Portland Slag Cement in the Indian market will not be legally permitted when a Quality Control Order is applicable to it.

Understanding Portland Slag Cement (PSC)

The Portland Slag Cement (PSC) is made by milling:

• Portland Cement Clinker
• Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
• Gypsum

Some of the benefits that can be attributed to PSC over Ordinary Portland Cement include:

• Better durability
• Sulphate and chloride resistance
• Low heat of hydration
• Good strength gain
• Better performance in marine and coastal applications
• Environment friendly process owing to the use of byproducts

Owing to the above-mentioned qualities, the Portland Slag Cement is extensively used for:

• Marine works
• Dams
• Bridges
• Industrial foundations
• High rise buildings
• Waste water treatment plants
• Coastal constructions

Why is BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement Mandatory?

India’s Government has made it necessary for various cement products to obtain BIS ISI Certification in India in order to safeguard consumer interest and to maintain quality through infrastructure construction.

This helps in:

• Ensuring structural safety
• Maintaining uniformity in quality of product
• Preventing poor quality cement in the market
• Increasing consumer trust
• Building quality infrastructure
• Adhering to quality manufacturing practice

Only manufacturers that have a valid license from BIS are allowed to use ISI Mark in Portland Slag Cement.

Basic Eligibility Requirements of BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement

For getting certified, the manufacturers need to have:

• A manufacturing unit
• A quality control lab
• Technical staff
• Production process conforming to IS 455
• Facility for product testing
• Quality management at factory level
• Testing instruments
• Manufacturing procedures

Key Requirements Under IS 455

The manufacturers have to abide by a range of quality criteria that are stipulated in the standard, such as:

• Physical properties
• Chemical properties
• Compressive strength
• Time of setting
• Soundness
• Fineness
• Slag content
• Control of quality during manufacturing process
• Packaging and labeling criteria

All product samples should meet the test requirements before certification.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification

Usually, the manufacturer should have:

• Data of the manufacturing plant and of the product line
• Proof of the manufacturing plant address (proof of ownership/lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)
• Trademarks (in case the brand name is registered)
• Manufacturing license/other statutory approvals (where applicable – pollution control approvals, etc.)
• Technical drawings/diagram of the product
• Capacity of the manufacturing facility
• Description of materials used and specifications
• Description of the machinery/equipment used in manufacturing
• Factory layout plan including the manufacturing facility, test facilities, and storage facilities
• Flow of the manufacturing process is provided in detail
• Test facility and calibration data within the manufacturing facility
• Information regarding the quality control staff
• Organizational chart of the factory

BIS may ask for other documents as per requirement.

Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process for Portland Slag Cement

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

For Portland Slag Cement, the manufacturers have to comply with IS 455.

 At this point, the manufacturer should:

• Understand the requirements of IS 455
• Manufacture the product according to BIS specifications
• Improve the production process, if needed, to meet the requirement

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation

The product needs to be tested in a BIS-approved and NABL-accredited laboratory.

At this point:

• The product is tested according to IS 455
• Technical documents are prepared
• Information about factories and manufacturing is collected
• BIS application forms are filled

Step 3: Application Submission

The manufacturer makes an application to BIS for certification, including all necessary documentation.

Application usually contains the following documents:

• Test reports of the product
• Information about the factory and manufacturing
• Government fees prescribed in the application form

After this, BIS scrutinizes the application and supporting documents.

Step 4: Inspection by BIS

BIS inspects the manufacturing unit for:

• Process of manufacturing
• Manufacturing facilities
• Quality control system
• Testing facilities in the factory

During the inspection, samples can be taken for independent testing.

Step 5: Product Testing & Lab Report Submission

The samples are sent to a laboratory authorized by BIS for testing. After the testing is complete, the Lab Test Report (LTR) is sent directly to BIS for evaluation.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities (If Any)

Where there are non-conformities found in the course of inspection/testing, the manufacturer has to:

• Take the necessary corrective action
• Submit modified documents where required
• Remove all issues of compliance before starting the process of certification

Step 7: Payment of Licence & Marking Fees

Following the successful evaluation, the manufacturer has to pay:

• Annual license fee
• ISI marking fee

as prescribed by BIS.

Step 8: Grant of ISI License

Once the inspection, testing, documentation and fee payment are successfully done, BIS will grant ISI License. The manufacturer will have the right to use the ISI mark in respect of the certified Portland Slag Cement.

Typical Timeline for Certification

Factors influencing the timeline include:

• Readiness of documentation
• Laboratory testing
• Factory readiness
• Inspection scheduling
• Review process at BIS

In general, the entire process for certification can be completed in 30 to 40 days; however, this is dependent on how complex the application is.

Common Challenges Faced by Manufacturers

Manufacturers face challenges like:

• Inaccurate documentation
• Laboratory testing delays
• Quality record problems
• Non-conformity to IS 455 standards
• Plant preparedness problems
• BIS queries response delays
• Testing equipment calibration mistakes

Professional advice can help avoid such delays.

Benefits of BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement

The following benefits will accrue from the BIS ISI Certification of Portland Slag Cement:

• Legal permission to trade in India
• Increased customer trust
• Improved credibility of product
• Market competitiveness
• Compliance with government rules
• Increased acceptability in infrastructural projects
• Minimization of chances of regulatory measures
• Better brand image
• Quality management systems

Validity of BIS ISI Certification

The BIS license continues to be valid according to the terms and conditions laid down by BIS and is subject to timely renewal and continued adherence to all relevant requirements.

Manufacturers need to continue maintaining:

• Quality of products
• Quality Control in factories
• Test reports
• Compliance requirements

Failure to adhere could lead to suspension or revocation of the license.

Why Manufacturers Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification

BIS Certification in India requires proper documentation, product testing, factory inspections, and constant coordination with BIS. Any error in documentation will delay the process.

UMSPCS offers full end-to-end solutions for both domestic and foreign companies.

With an experience of 6 years and having completed more than 600 product compliance projects, we have helped various firms in multiple sectors to receive regulatory approvals efficiently.

Our services include:

• Product standard identification
• IS code identification
• Documentation
• Laboratory testing
• Application
• Factory inspections
• Compliance
• Queries management
• Licence grant assistance
• Post certification compliance support

Why Is the ISI Mark so Important Nowadays?

The ISI Mark is not just a mandatory certification mark. The ISI Mark means quality, safety, and compliance with certain standards. In the rapidly evolving infrastructure industry, the certified cement plays an important role in providing durable and safe construction of various buildings, roads, bridges, dams and other industrial objects.

For manufacturers, the BIS ISI Certification of Portland Slag Cement means not only compliance with certain regulations but also establishment of long term trust with the customer and government buyers.

Conclusion

With the rapid development of India’s infrastructure industry, the importance of compliance with the standards of quality is increasing. BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement (IS 455) allows manufacturers to make sure that the product complies with all the safety and performance standards set and can be legally marketed in India.

Whether you need BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers or BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, it is important to know the specifics of the procedure.

UMSPCS is here to assist you with BIS Certification services through all phases of the process, from determining the relevant standard to getting the BIS license and compliance support.

Contact us at UMSPCS right away and start your journey towards BIS ISI Certification for Portland Slag Cement.

Read more also: How Can Manufacturers get BIS Certification for Masonry Cement

FAQs

1. Is BIS ISI Certification compulsory for Portland Slag Cement?

Yes, Portland Slag Cement governed by the Quality Control Order should have BIS ISI Certification before being manufactured, sold or imported into India.

2. What Indian Standard is applicable for Portland Slag Cement?

Portland Slag Cement is governed by IS 455 – Portland Slag Cement Specification.

3. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification?

Yes, Exporters of Portland Slag Cement to India should have BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers according to the FMCS scheme.

4. What is the time taken for the BIS Certification process?

It generally takes about 30-40 days depending on documentation, testing, factory inspection and BIS approval.

5. What are the required documents for BIS ISI Certification?

Some of the common documents are factory registration, manufacturing details, laboratory details, product test report, quality manual, machine details, calibration certificate, etc.

6. What will happen if Portland Slag Cement is not certified?

Manufacturing, importing or selling of cement products governed by the applicable laws and Quality Control Orders without BIS ISI Certification might result in regulatory action.

7. Why should manufactures engage a BIS consultant?

Consultant services can help to minimize the risk of mistakes in the documentation process, manage technical compliance, facilitate testing and inspection, and ensure quick approval.