BIS/ISI Certification for Paving Blocks - Complete Guide
Paving blocks are widely used in the construction of footpaths, roads, and driveways. However, it is important to ensure that they are durable, safe, and fit for long-term use. For this purpose, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has a set of guidelines and performance standards for paving blocks. The manufacturers and importers of the paving blocks must ensure compliance with these sets of standards to maintain the quality and durability of the paving blocks.
Obtaining a BIS certificate for paving blocks ensures high quality, and durability and avoids legal troubles. This blog discusses the importance, testing standards, and process of obtaining ISI marks for Paving Blocks in detail.
Overview of BIS/ISI certification for paving blocks
The BIS certification of Paving Blocks is governed under IS15658:2021. Manufacturers must adhere to the standards of the same and get their paving blocks certified to ensure easy market access, legal regulation of the paving blocks, enhanced consumer satisfaction, and brand reputation. Obtaining the BIS certificate for interlocking bricks includes testing for these according to the standards of strength, abrasion, water absorption, and dimensional accuracy.
The rigorous testing ensures that the paving blocks are fit to be used in various commercial and residential settings. When the product conforms to the standards of the BIS, the BIS/ISI mark logo is granted to the businesses. This certification also helps customers to make better choices and increases their confidence in the brand. Non-compliance with these standards could invite legal penalties for the manufacturers.
What is the importance of BIS/ISI certification for paving blocks?
Considering the regular and increased usage of paving blocks, getting them certified by the BIS/ISI has become a mandatory condition. Without doing so, a manufacturer cannot enter the market with its products as they will not be reliable or safe to use. Below are the reasons why acquiring BIS for interlocking bricks is important:
Credibility of Manufacturers
BIS-certified products or paving blocks in this case. Gain easy market access and instill consumer trust in the manufacturers. This promotes the growth of the business and builds the reputation of the brand.
Standard products
Paving blocks or interlocking bricks that are certified by the BIS/ISI go through the same testing procedures based on the parameters of strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance, etc. This ensures a standard high-quality product is regulated in the market, phasing out low-quality and unsafe products.
Freedom from legal penalties
As businesses must get the ISI mark for paving blocks, no businesses, manufacturers or importers can enter into a market without getting it certified. Doing so can attract legal penalties, fines, and discontinuation of their products.
Sustainable manufacturing
The BIS standards require that the paving blocks are manufactured without harming the environment. The choice of raw materials such as cement and water is done accordingly. When the manufacturing practice is free from harmful substances and toxicity, sustainable business practice is enhanced.
Consumer’s confidence and retention
Regulation of BIS-certified products means that the product is reliable, durable, and safe for long-term use. It provides consumers an opportunity to make informed decisions and builds their trust toward repeated purchases which as a result, provides business growth.
New business opportunities
Following BIS standards for manufacturing, importing, and selling paving blocks increases confidence among consumers as well as enhances their market credibility. This drives new and international business opportunities for the manufacturers.
Testing standards of paving blocks
As per IS 15658:2021, there are certain standards and specifications of the paving blocks for testing requirements. The specifications include:
Raw materials used in the manufacturing of the paving blocks must be cement, admixtures, and aggregates.
The paving blocks must meet the strength requirements based on the usage of pathways, medium-traffic roads, and heavy-duty roads.
The water absorption should be more than 6% of the total weight of the paving blocks when submerged in it for 24 hours.
To ensure uniformity in the paving blocks, they must comply with dimensional accuracy including thickness, and size.
The paving blocks must also be able to withstand wear and tear in daily use due to traffic which is specified in the abrasion resistance specifics.
Process for obtaining a BIS/ISI certification for paving blocks
Step 1: The first and foremost step is to understand the relevant standards i.e., IS 15658:2021, and comply with the requirements of the same.
Step 2: The manufacturer must have their products tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory according to the testing requirements under BIS to proceed with the application process and obtain a BIS mark for paving blocks.
Step 3: Once the tests are done and the manufacturers receive the test reports, they can then apply on the portal BS online along with the relevant documents. They must check the documents thoroughly before applying. The documents include proof of the manufacturing unit’s address, trademark registration copy, product specifications, details of the machine, etc.
Step 4: The BIS will then carry out a factory inspection and verify the documents. The inspection will include verifying the raw materials used, quality control measures, storage standards, and production process.
Step 5: Once the BIS is satisfied with the inspection and documents, the BIS/ISI certification will be granted to the manufacturers along with the ISI mark label.
Validity of BIS/ISI certification for paving blocks
The validity of the BIS/ISI certification is one to two years. The manufacturers must make sure to renew their registration before the expiry date to continue a smooth flow of business and compliance with the standards.
Conclusion
To supply high-quality products in the market, manufacturers need to obtain BIS/ISI certification for paving blocks that comply with the standards of IS 15658:2021. Doing this requires guidance and help as the process could be a bit confusing, especially for new businesses. But, in the presence of an expert BIS consultant like Brand Liaison, it has never been easier. Let us help you in obtaining the BIS/ISI certificate to streamline your business in the Indian market.