- BIS Certification for Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets ensures compliance with IS 459:1992.
- The ISI mark confirms strength, weather resistance, and long-term safety for roofing and walling material
- Diligence Certification supports manufacturers from product testing to BIS license approval and renewal.
Introduction
In 2024, a roofing materials manufacturer in Coimbatore lost a government housing contract because their Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets lacked BIS Certification under IS 459:1992.
Despite meeting in-house quality tests, their bid was disqualified — the tender committee cited the BIS Act, 2016, which mandates ISI-marked products for all public construction works.
This case isn’t rare. Many manufacturers realize the importance of BIS certification only after facing rejections or penalties.
Having BIS Certification for Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets allows legal manufacturing, sale, and export across India, proving compliance with India’s safety and quality benchmarks.
Diligence Certification provides end-to-end support — from product testing and factory audits to license issuance and renewals under IS 459:1992.
What is IS 459:1992?
IS 459:1992 is the Indian Standard published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which outlines the requirements, tests, and quality requirements for Corrugated and Semi-Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets used in roofing, cladding, and walling applications.
These sheets are made to be durable, watertight, and thermally insulated, particularly in tropical and semi-urban situations of habitation.
Key Technical Parameters of IS 459:1992
- Material Composition:
Sheets must be manufactured using a mixture of asbestos fibers, cement, and water, ensuring strength and flexibility. - Dimensions and Tolerances:
The standard defines the length, width, pitch, and depth of corrugations for both corrugated and semi-corrugated types to ensure interchangeability. - Mechanical Strength:
Sheets are tested for bending strength, load-bearing capacity, and impact resistance to withstand environmental stresses. - Water Absorption and Weathering Tests:
Mandatory tests ensure resistance against moisture, ultraviolet rays, and temperature variations. - Marking and Identification:
Every certified sheet must bear the ISI mark, manufacturer’s code, and batch number for traceability. - Workmanship:
The surface should be smooth, free from cracks, bulges, or foreign particles to ensure proper installation and longevity.
Why BIS Certification for Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets is Essential
1. Legal Compliance under BIS Act, 2016
Manufacturers cannot produce or sell asbestos cement sheets without a valid BIS license as per IS 459:1992.
Violation can result in penalties, confiscation, or factory closure under Section 17 of the BIS Act.
2. Assurance of Safety and Durability
BIS-certified sheets undergo mechanical and weathering tests to ensure long-term structural safety under India’s varied climatic conditions.
3. Tender and Market Access
Government departments, housing boards, and infrastructure projects procure only ISI-marked asbestos cement sheets, making BIS certification a must for public tenders.
4. Brand Reputation and Customer Confidence
The ISI mark represents credibility, compliance, and product trust, boosting acceptance among distributors and construction firms.
5. Export Potential and Global Recognition
BIS-certified products are internationally accepted as proof of quality, enabling access to overseas markets.
Understanding the ISI Mark for Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets
The ISI Mark is a symbol of trust, safety, and standardization.
For asbestos cement sheets, it guarantees that every batch complies with IS 459:1992 in the following parameters:
- Dimensional uniformity and corrugation accuracy
- Load and bending strength
- Water absorption and impact resistance
- Visual appearance and surface finish
- Traceability through batch marking and license number
Each ISI-marked sheet can be traced back to its licensed manufacturer, ensuring complete quality accountability.
Benefits of BIS Certification
Benefit | Description |
Legal Compliance | Mandatory as per BIS Act, 2016 |
Tender Eligibility | Required for all government and housing projects |
Weather Resistance | Tested for rain, sunlight, and environmental stress |
Market Credibility | Builds customer trust and brand value |
Consumer Safety | Assures safe roofing for residential and industrial use |
Export Qualification | Recognized by international buyers |
Business Growth | Enables entry into large infrastructure tenders |
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification
To apply for bis for asbestos cement sheets IS 459:1992, manufacturers must:
- Have a registered business entity (Company/LLP/Proprietorship)
- Operate a fully functional production unit with quality control systems
- Maintain in-house facilities for mechanical and water absorption testing
- Employ qualified technical staff
- Allow BIS inspection of factory and records
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process
- Identify the Standard:
Confirm your product falls under IS 459:1992 – Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets. - Online Application Submission:
Apply on the Manak Online BIS portal, providing manufacturing details, plant address, and equipment list. - Sample Testing:
Send samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for strength, water absorption, and weathering tests. - Factory Inspection:
BIS officers visit the factory to verify production systems, raw material quality, and testing equipment. - License Grant:
On satisfactory test results and inspection, BIS issues a Certification Mark License (CM/L). - License Validity & Renewal:
- Initial validity: 2 years
- Renewal: Up to 5 years, based on product performance and testing reports

Documents Required for BIS Certification
Category | Documents Required |
Company Details | Incorporation Certificate, GST, Udyam/MSME Registration |
Factory Details | Layout Plan, Process Flowchart, Machinery List |
Product Testing | BIS-recognized Lab Test Report (IS 459:1992) |
Quality System | Internal Test Records, Calibration Certificates |
Technical Data | Raw Material Composition, Strength Test Results |
Validity and Renewal
- Initial Validity: 2 years
- Renewal Period: Up to 5 years
- Renewal Application: Apply at least 3 months before expiry
- Requirement: Updated test report and production records
- Note: Failure to renew may lead to license suspension or cancellation.
Common Challenges Manufacturers Face
- Incomplete documentation (e.g., missing calibration reports)
- Product failures in strength or water absorption tests
- Non-compliance with BIS audit parameters
- Delay in test results due to lab backlogs
- Lack of expert guidance leading to application rejections
Cost of BIS Certification
Cost Component | Details |
Application Fee | Payable via BIS Portal |
Testing Fee | Charged by BIS-Recognized Lab |
Inspection Fee | For BIS Official Factory Visit |
License Fee | For ISI Mark Usage |
Renewal Fee | Payable every 2 years |
The total cost depends on production capacity, plant location, and testing requirements.
Diligence Certification provides transparent cost estimation before filing.
Why Choose Diligence Certification
Diligence Certification is a leading BIS Certification Consultant in India, specializing in building materials and roofing products under IS 459:1992.
Our Strengths
- End-to-End Support — from testing to license approval
- Decade-long expertise in BIS certification for asbestos cement sheets
- Fast documentation and audit coordination
- Nationwide reach across all industrial zones
- Reliable renewal and license maintenance assistance
Conclusion
Obtaining BIS Certification for Corrugated and Semi–Corrugated Asbestos Cement Sheets (IS 459:1992) isn’t just about compliance — it’s a mark of quality and trust.
The ISI mark signifies that your product meets India’s highest construction safety standards and qualifies for government tenders and exports.
With the expert guidance of Diligence Certification, manufacturers can streamline every stage — from testing and audit to renewal — and establish themselves as a trusted brand in India’s expanding construction and infrastructure market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Certification for Asbestos Cement Sheets?
It is a certification that ensures asbestos cement sheets meet the requirements as per IS 459:1992 for quality, safety, strength, and durability.
What is the reason BIS Certification is a requirement?
As per the BIS Act 2016, no asbestos cement sheets can be sold or used in any public works without the ISI mark.
What is IS 459:1992?
It is the Indian Standard that lists minimum requirements for quality, strength, and weather-resistance of corrugated and semi-corrugated sheets.
Who is BIS Certification issued by?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides the Certification Mark License, or the CM/L, after testing and inspecting the factory.
How long is the BIS Certification valid?
It is valid for a minimum of 2 years, but can continue for up to 5 years if compliant with standards and testing requirements.
What tests does a producer have to meet in order to get BIS Certification?
They would have to submit their sheets to a BIS-recognized lab for mechanical strength testing, water absorption, impact resistance and weathering tests.
Can BIS Certified sheets be used for government works tendered?
Yes. ISI-marked sheets are the only acceptable for public construction and housing works.
What supporting documents are necessary in order to get BIS Certification?
The producer will have to submit Company registration, factory layout, testing reports, raw materials specifications, and records from their quality assurance system.
What is the purpose of the ISI mark?
The ISI mark helps establish quality control, traceability, and assurance of the product's compliance with IS 459: 1992, the Indian Standard for asbestos cement sheets.
How can Diligence Certification help?
They provide end-to-end support, including testing, documentation, license approval, and renewals.