BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Cement Sacks in India: Complete Compliance Guide

HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for 50 kg Cement Packaging are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Quality Control Order notified by the Government of India. From 6 October 2026, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS 11652:2017. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act 2016.

This guide covers the applicable standard, key quality parameters, the certification process, documentary requirements, and compliance considerations for manufacturers, processors, and importers.

📜 Applicable Indian Standard

• IS 11652:2017 — HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for 50 kg Cement Packaging — Specification (primary standard)
• International equivalent: Aligned with global woven sack standards for bulk cement packaging

🔬 Key Requirements Under IS 11652:2017

Products and alloy grades covered under IS 11652:2017:

• Plain HDPE woven sacks — for 50 kg Portland and blended cement
• Plain PP woven sacks — for 50 kg cement
• BOPP laminated woven sacks — with full-surface print branding for cement companies

📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process

1. Alloy & Grade InventoryList all alloy designations, tempers, and woven sack fabric dimensions in your product range. Each alloy/temper combination requiring certification must be identified.
2. Application FilingSubmit online on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers use the Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers apply via FMCS with an appointed AIR.
3. Sample TestingSubmit representative samples per alloy and temper to a BIS-recognised laboratory for chemical, tensile, and dimensional testing. Timeline: 4–6 weeks.
4. Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect the facility — melting furnaces, casting/rolling/extrusion equipment, heat treatment capability, in-house spectrometer, and tensile testing equipment.
5. Licence GrantBIS grants the ISI Mark licence. Apply the ISI Mark (stamp, label, or stencil) and alloy/temper designation to each product, bundle, or coil with reference to the licence number.
6. Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic market sample testing. Each shipment must carry a mill test certificate referencing IS 11652 parameters, heat/lot number, and BIS licence number.

📄 Documents Required

• Company incorporation / registration certificate
• Complete alloy, temper, and dimension product list
• Manufacturing process flow chart (melting, casting, rolling/extrusion, heat treatment)
• Aluminium ingot / billet supplier mill certificates
• In-house spectrometer and tensile testing equipment calibration records
• Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
• AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
• Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)

⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls

Common issues include breaking strength (warp or weft) below the IS 11652:2017 minimum for the specified sack weight, drop test failure (sack ruptures when filled and dropped from the specified height), UV stabilisation shortfall (strength retention after weathering exposure below minimum), and sack dimensions outside the specified width and length tolerances.

🏭 Special Considerations for Importers

HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for 50 kg Cement Packaging are imported from primary aluminium producers in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS FMCS certification — which includes an overseas factory inspection by BIS officers. Each import shipment must carry a IS 11652:2017-compliant mill test certificate with heat/lot traceability before customs clearance. Government and PSU infrastructure procurement contracts mandate the ISI Mark as a baseline supplier qualification.