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
- Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement consists of very small particles that can easily fill in microscopic cracks and defects.
- It has excellent bonding properties, considerably enhancing the resistance to damage and improving durability.
- The cement is most commonly used for grouting, sealing leaks and good on-site P4 precision repairs.
- It has a fast set time, low shrinkage, and develops high early strength, which make it ideal for time-critical projects.
- It is manufactured under IS 16993:2018 standards to ensure the same level of assurance of quality and safety.
Introduction
Cement quality has a direct impact to constructing a building’s strength and life in Indian conditions. The ISI Mark for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement provides the evidence that it complies with stringent ISI standards for fineness, initial and final setting times as well as strength specifications. With ultra-fine particles providing a better bond, lower cracking potential while providing a smooth finish ISI-marked microfine OPC has become the trusted product in the high-performance plastering, RCC and finishing work around India.
What is Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement?
Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement is much like normal Portland cement, but smaller rounder particles. Because it has smaller particles it aids in mixing with sand, and water, it fills in larger voids in construction, it has better adhesion to surfaces, and ultimately it produces smoother walls, less rotational cracking, and better overall strength in the structure.
What is ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark is a quality certification provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to products that successfully meet a number of safety and performance tests. It gives consumers assurance that the product is safe, reliable, and manufactured to Indian Standards.
Standards for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement and Why They Matter?
In India, microfine OPC must meet IS 16993:2018 standards from the Bureau of Indian Standards. This is to make sure the cement has clean acceptable quality tests for fineness, strength, setting time and chemical composition etc. Meeting this standard helps guarantee the performance of the microfine OPC for critical repairs and grouting as well as obtaining the ISI Mark, to Provide confidence to buyers and regulators alike.
Why ISI Mark is Mandatory for Microfine OPC?
The ISI Mark is mandatory for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) because it’s the only way to guarantee the cement is strong, safe, and manufactured according to BIS specifications. This type of cement is used in critical construction applications and any failure could result in cracks or weak buildings. The ISI mark tells a builder or a homeowner, their cement has been properly tested for quality, giving them peace of mind, knowing the structure may last a lot longer.
Indian Standards for Cement Types
| 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 |
Process to Get ISI Mark for Microfine OPC
- Application Submission to BIS – Start by applying online on the BIS portal for ISI Mark certification under IS 16993:2018.
- Prepare All Documents – Include details of your manufacturing process, quality control system, and recent lab reports.
- Factory Inspection – BIS officials will visit your plant to check if production meets required standards.
- Sample Testing – Cement samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for fineness, strength, and other parameters.
- Grant of License – If you pass all checks, BIS issues a license allowing you to use the ISI Mark on your Microfine OPC bags.
Testing Requirements for ISI Certification of Microfine OPC
To get the ISI Mark for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement, manufacturers must pass strict BIS testing standards under IS 16993:2018. These include:
1. Physical Tests
- Fineness – Ensures cement particles are ultra-fine for better bonding.
- Setting Time – Checks initial and final setting periods for reliable workability.
- Soundness – Confirms the cement won’t expand and crack after setting.
- Compressive Strength – Measures the load-bearing capacity after curing.
2. Chemical Tests
- Lime Saturation Factor (LSF) – Maintains balance between lime, silica, alumina, and iron oxide for durability.
- Magnesium Oxide Content – Controls expansion risks.
- Sulphur Content – Prevents long-term deterioration in structure.
3. Quality Control Measures During Production
- Continuous in-house testing of raw materials.
- Monitoring kiln temperature and grinding process.
- Batch-wise inspection before packaging.
Validity and Renewal of ISI Certification for Microfine OPC
The ISI license for Microfine OPC is typically valid for 1 year and can be renewed by the submission of updated documents, recent lab reports, and successfully passing the BIS audits. Manufacturers must continue to keep their quality and submit for lab testing (as required) in order to keep the license status alive.
Benefits of ISI Mark for Manufacturers, Consumers & Government
For Manufacturers – Opens access to regulated markets, builds customer trust, and allows premium pricing due to certified quality.
For Consumers – Assures tested quality, safety, and longer-lasting construction.
For Government – Ensures standardized infrastructure quality across projects, reducing failures and maintenance costs.
Common Challenges in Getting the ISI Mark
- Failure in Test Parameters – Products may not meet BIS standards for strength, fineness, or chemical composition.
- Incomplete Documentation – Missing technical details, factory records, or lab reports can delay approval.
- Weak Quality Control Systems – Lack of proper in-house testing and process monitoring often leads to rejection during inspection.
Conclusion
Choosing the ISI Mark for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement isn’t just technical—it’s professional reassurance. Finer grains, certified quality, smoother finishes, and resilient builds define elevated workmanship. Talk to your procurement budget clincher today, specify ISI-marked microfine in your next RFP, and let your projects stand stronger and sleeker. Get in touch to assess your cement sourcing—because your clients deserve craftsmanship that lasts.
Role of Diligence Certifications in ISI Mark Approval
Professional BIS consultants like Diligence Certifications help manufacturers get ISI approval faster by handling documentation, avoiding testing errors, and ensuring full compliance before factory inspections. This saves time, reduces rejection risk, and speeds uxp market entry for Microfine OPC.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ISI Mark for Microfine OPC?
It is a BIS quality certificate which indicates the cement meets IS 16993:2018 specifications for safety and usage performance.
2. Is ISI Mark mandatory for selling Microfine OPC in India?
Yes, under BIS requirements, every manufacturer or seller needs ISI Mark to sell Microfine OPC in the market or for government projects.
3. How long period is ISI License valid?
It is for 1 year, and renewal will be given when all BIS compliance are met.
4. Can a manufacturer sell without ISI certification?
No, if not ISI approved, the penalty may include fine and confiscation of products.
5. What tests are carried out prior to certification?
For physical tests, BIS will check fineness, strength and for chemical tests will check LSF, magnesium oxide and sulphur content.
6. How long will it take to get ISI certification?
Typically 30-90 days depending on factory preparedness and testing.
7. Who issues ISI Mark?
The Bureau of Indian Standards will issue ISI Mark after the inspection and testing of the factory and products.
8. Can BIS revoke ISI license?
Yes, BIS may rescind if the manufacturer does not maintain quality as per their license specifications or in case of violations or discrepancies against BIS norms.
9. What is IS code for Microfine OPC?
The IS code is IS 16993:2018.
10. How can Diligence Certifications assist with ISI approval?
Diligence Certifications may manage documentation, testing and compliance which may fast track the process for you.
