BIS Certification
CDSCO
CPCB
LMPC
WPC Approval
Global Approvals
TEC
ARAI
BEE
ISO Certification
Drone Registration
NOC For Steel
Business Registration
Legal Services
Trademark Registration
Copyright Registration
Patent Registration
- Mandatory Certification: Portland Pozzolana Cement cannot be legally sold in India without the ISI Mark under IS 1489 (Part 2).
- Quality Assurance: The mark demonstrates compliance to BIS standards such as fineness, strength, setting time, and pozzolanicity.
- Market Access: Usually, the ISI Mark is required for government tendering, large construction, and retailing trust.
- Brand Credibility: Cement products without the ISI mark lack safety and reliability, thus impact your business credibility.
- Compliance Process: Manufacturers must make an application to BIS. The BIS will come to inspect the factory and test some cement samples in a laboratory. Upon satisfactory results, the BIS will grant a licence.
Introduction
BIS Certification for Portland Pozzolana Cement IS 1489 (Part 2) is one of the most popular cements in India due to its durability, strength, and eco-friendly manufacturing. PPC cannot be legally sold without the ISI Mark, as per BIS standards according to IS 1489 (Part 2). This is a quality assurance program that ensures every bag of PPC meets the standards for fineness, compressive strength, safety, etc. One has no choices in order to work with PPC, which is mandated in government and private associations/projects.
What is Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)?
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) – Part 2 is produced by a mix with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and pozzolanic constituents such as calcined clay, shale, or some naturally occurring pozzolans in lieu of fly ash. This type of PPC has a satisfactory durability, greater resistance to sulphates, and lowered heat of hydration making it suitable for marine works, sewage structures and mass concrete application. It is in conformance with IS 1489 (Part 2): 2015 in India.
IS Standards Under BIS for Cement:
| IS Code | Cement Type / Specification |
| IS 12330 | Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement |
| IS 12600 | Low Heat Portland Cement |
| IS 1489 (Part 1) | Portland Pozzolana Cement – Part 1 (Fly-ash based) |
| IS 1489 (Part 2) | Portland Pozzolana Cement – Part 2 (Calcined clay based) |
| IS 269 | Ordinary Portland Cement |
| IS 3466 | Masonry Cement |
| IS 455 | Portland Slag Cement |
| IS 6452 | High Alumina Cement for Structural Use |
| IS 6909 | Super Sulphated Cement |
| IS 8041 | Rapid Hardening Portland Cement |
| IS 8042 | White Portland Cement |
| IS 8043 | Hydrophobic Portland Cement |
| IS 8229 | Oil Well Cement |
| IS 16415:2015 | Composite Cement – Specification |
| IS 16993:2018 | Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement – Specification |
| IS 15895:2018 | High Alumina Refractory Cement |
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
BIS Certification for Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Part 2 – Pozzolana Based confirms that the cement produced meets the quality criteria under IS 1489 (Part 2): 2015 in full. This is crucial for the producer/manufacturer, contractors, and end-users.
Advantages:
Legal Compliance – It is illegal in India to sell PPC, Part 2 – Pozzolana Based cement without ISI certification.
Quality Guarantee – Verify compliance for critical quality parameters including fineness, compressive strength, setting time, and pozzolanic content.
Purchasing Consideration – Mandated for all governmental tenders, especially core infrastructure projects and procurement undertaken by institutional buyers.
Consumer Assurance – The ISI mark provides customers confidence that cement purchased/concrete produced will be reliable and durable.
Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing – Manufacturing Portland Pozzolana Cement involves using pozzolanic materials such as calcined clay or volcanic ash meaning it results in a lower environmental impact.
Why ISI Mark for Portland Pozzolana Cement Matters
- Legal Requirement – As per BIS guidelines, selling PPC without ISI certification is illegal in India.
- Market Trust – Buyers, whether large contractors or retail customers, instantly recognise the ISI Mark as proof of quality.
- Government Projects – Tender documents for infrastructure projects clearly mandate ISI-marked cement.
- Brand Reputation – A bag without ISI looks suspicious in the marketplace.
- Consumer Protection – The mark assures end-users of safety, strength, and consistency.
Applicable Standard: IS 1489 (Part 2): 2015
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates PPC under IS 1489 (Part 2).
Key Requirements of IS 1489 (Part 2):
- Fineness: Minimum 300 m²/kg (Blaine’s air permeability)
- Compressive Strength: ≥ 33 MPa after 28 days
- Pozzolanic Content: 15–35%
- Setting Time: Initial ≥ 30 minutes, Final ≤ 600 minutes
- Soundness: Must not exceed 10 mm expansion
- Packaging: Bags must display manufacturer details, batch number, date, and ISI Mark
Process of Getting BIS ISI Mark for Portland Pozzolana Cement
Here’s how most cement manufacturers proceed:
Step 1 – Application to BIS
File application through the Manak Online portal with factory details, test reports, and documents.
Step 2 – Sample Testing
BIS officers draw cement samples, which are tested in BIS-recognised labs as per IS 1489 (Part 2).
Step 3 – Factory Inspection
BIS team inspects the plant’s testing facilities, production quality, and records.
Step 4 – Grant of Licence
If all tests pass, BIS grants a licence, and the manufacturer can use the ISI Mark on PPC bags.
Step 5 – Renewal & Surveillance
BIS conducts surprise inspections and market sampling to ensure continuous compliance.
Benefits of BIS ISI Mark for Portland Pozzolana Cement
- Business Expansion: Enables entry into institutional and government supply chains.
- Competitive Advantage: ISI logo differentiates genuine cement brands from unlicensed ones.
- Customer Confidence: Increases trust among end-users.
- Regulatory Compliance: Safeguards against penalties or product seizures.
- Sustainability: Shows commitment to quality and eco-friendly production.
Common Challenges in Getting ISI Mark
- Non-uniform test results – Fly ash content variations often lead to failed tests.
- Documentation errors – Many SMEs struggle with BIS’s strict paperwork.
- Factory setup gaps – Lack of proper lab equipment delays approval.
Documents Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) under IS 1489 (Part 2)
To apply for ISI Mark for PPC, a manufacturer needs:
- Factory registration certificate
- Manufacturing process flowchart
- Test reports of raw materials and finished cement
- Quality control manual
- Calibration records of lab instruments
- BIS application form (via Manak Online portal)
Cost for BIS ISI Mark Certification of PPC (IS 1489 Part 2)
The cost mainly covers four components:
- Application Fee – charged during submission of BIS application.
- Testing Fee – for laboratory evaluation of PPC as per IS 1489 (Part 2).
- Licence Fee – annual charges for maintaining the ISI licence.
- Marking Fee – calculated on the production volume of PPC under ISI Mark.
Overall cost depends on plant capacity, production scale, and BIS compliance requirements.
Why Choose Diligence Certification?
For compliance and credibility, Diligence Certification is much more than a simple checklist — it provides true confidence in your business.
Diligence Certification encompasses all facets of making sure your business is ethical, responsible, and aligned with laws and industry best practices. It examines your company’s legal, financial and operational status — meaning that you are not just certified, but trusted.
Here’s why businesses rely on Diligence Certification:
- Stronger Risk Protection
It helps you spot hidden legal, financial, or operational risks early — so you can fix problems before they become threats. - Earn Stakeholder Trust
From investors to customers, people want to work with businesses that play by the rules. Diligence Certification proves you’re one of them. - Stay Legally Aligned
It makes sure your company is complying with laws not just regarding your products, but also labor laws, environmental laws, tax laws, and more. - Enhance Your Brand Reputation
Consumers respect ethical, transparent businesses. Diligence Certification shows the world that you operate with integrity.
Stand Out from Competitors
In a crowded market, credibility is your biggest edge. Certification helps position your brand as reliable and responsible — not just another name.
Conclusion
Getting BIS ISI certification for PPC cement is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is also a sign of reliability and trustworthy use. It assures customers that they will receive quality, durability and safety of product range and benchmarks the product in the industry. BIS ISI certification requires documentation, testing and sign off – however, with proper preparation and guidance, it is possible for manufacturers to achieve certification in a easy fashion. Ultimately this accreditation builds credibility for the brand, increases confidence for customer benefits and opens diversification for the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISI Mark compulsory for Portland Pozzolana Cement in India?
Yes. Under the BIS act, PPC cannot be manufactured, sold, or imported, which is not ISI certified under IS 1489 (Part 2), in India.
What's the difference between IS 1489 Part 1 and Part 2?
Part 1 is for fly ash based PPC, Part 2 is for pozzolana based PPC, which may include calcinated clay, or volcanic ash, etc.
What is the duration of BIS ISI licence for PPC?
The first ISI licence is given for one year and will be renewed yearly, subject to compliance audits and payment of fees.
Can small-scale cement manufacturers apply for ISI Mark?
Yes, both large and SME cement manufacturers can apply. Though both will be expected to have a proper lab setup and quality controls.
How do contractors check if the brand cement is certified by ISI?
Contractors check the ISI licence number printed on the cement bag, and cross-check on the BIS portal.
What tests are conducted before granting ISI Mark for PPC?
BIS conducts laboratory tests as per IS 1489 (Part 2), including fineness, compressive strength, setting time, soundness, and pozzolanic activity. Only when samples meet all requirements is the licence approved.
What is the time frame for receiving BIS ISI Mark for PPC?
The certification takes normally 90-120 days. in which duration depends on factory preparedness, test results, and accuracy of documentation. You can expect delays in the timeline if the lab delays are due to incomplete equipment or records.
What happens if a manufacturer sells PPC without ISI Mark?
Selling uncertified PPC is a violation of the BIS Act. Authorities can seize products, impose heavy penalties, and even stop the manufacturing licence of the company.
Is ISI Mark only required for cement sold in India?
Yes. ISI Mark is mandatory for PPC sold domestically. However, for exports, buyers may demand international certifications like ASTM or EN standards, depending on the destination country.
What details must be printed on an ISI-certified PPC bag?
Each PPC bag must carry the ISI Mark logo, licence number (CM/L), manufacturer’s name, batch number, net quantity, date of packing, and BIS standard reference IS 1489 (Part 2).
