BIS Certification for Pressed Ceramic Tiles in India: IS 15622, Process and Requirements

Introduction

Pressed ceramic tiles are widely used in residential buildings, commercial spaces, offices, as well as a variety of industrial projects. For manufacturers and importers who are planning to supply these products in India, meeting the applicable quality and certification requirements is an important part of entering the market.

BIS certification for pressed ceramic tiles is associated with IS 15622:2017, Pressed Ceramic Tiles - Specification. This Indian Standard covers requirements mainly relating to tile dimensions, surface quality and physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics.

This guide explains the standard, tile classifications, testing requirements, application process, documents, costs and other important considerations for manufacturers and importers.

What is BIS Certification for Pressed Ceramic Tiles?

BIS ISI certification is a mandatory compliance requirement for notified product categories. It is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is India's national standards body. It establishes product standards and operates different BIS certification schemes to check whether products meet specified requirements.

Under the ISI Mark Scheme, eligible manufacturers apply for a BIS licence to use the authorised Standard Mark on products that have been covered by that licence. For pressed ceramic tiles covered by mandatory certification requirements, the applicable BIS licence must be obtained in accordance with the relevant QCO and its provisions.

Which Indian Standard Applies to Pressed Ceramic Tiles?

The key standard is IS 15622:2017 - Pressed Ceramic Tiles - Specification (First Revision).

It covers first-quality pressed ceramic glazed and unglazed tiles intended for floor and wall coverings, subject to the standard's scope and requirements. The standard mainly addresses several aspects of product conformity, including:

• Dimensions and dimensional tolerances
• Surface appearance and quality
• Physical and mechanical performance
• Water absorption and related characteristics
• Chemical resistance and other applicable properties
• Product marking and identification

The standard has undergone various amendments, so manufacturers should consult the top BIS certification consultant in India for the updated provisions.

Which Types of Pressed Ceramic Tiles Are Covered?

Pressed ceramic tiles are manufactured by pressing prepared ceramic material into a required shape before subsequent processing, including firing. Under IS 15622, classification and testing depend on the tile's characteristics and intended use. Common product distinctions include the following:

1. Glazed tiles: Tiles with a glazed surface finish.
2. Unglazed tiles: Tiles without a glazed surface layer.
3. Floor tiles: Tiles intended for flooring applications.
4. Wall tiles: Tiles intended for wall coverings.
5. Different water-absorption groups: Tile classifications based on the applicable absorption limits and requirements.

The certification scope may also depend on tile size, surface finish, product group and other characteristics. Manufacturers should not assume that one approved tile automatically covers every size, design or product group. The applicable product manual and licence scope determine the permitted coverage.

What Quality Tests Are Required Under IS 15622?

Testing generally checks whether pressed ceramic tiles meet the relevant performance requirements rather than relying only on their appearance. Depending on the product classification and applicable clauses, testing may cover the following parameters:

Getting in touch with top BIS consultants in India can ensure complete technical assistance for BIS compliance in the Indian market.

How to Apply for BIS Certification for Pressed Ceramic Tiles

The ISI mark certification process should begin with product identification and end with a licence covering the intended manufacturing scope. Here are the steps involved in getting a BIS ISI license:

Step 1: Confirm product eligibility

Identify the tile type, applicable Indian Standard, current QCO requirements, and any relevant exemptions regarding the product category.

Step 2: Define the licence scope

Determine the product groups, sizes, finishes and other variants proposed for certification. Check the grouping rules before deciding which samples are required.

Step 3: Prepare the factory

Make sure that manufacturing machinery, inspection procedures, testing arrangements and quality-control systems meet the applicable compliance requirements.

Step 4: Prepare the application

Prepare the prescribed application details, technical documents, factory information and supporting records.

Step 5: Submit the application to BIS

File the application through the applicable online BIS process and pay the prescribed fees.

Step 6: Complete factory assessment and product testing

BIS checks the manufacturing and quality-control capabilities. Product samples are tested according to the relevant standard and certification procedure.

Step 7: Resolve observations

If the application or test results raise concerns, the manufacturer must address the observations and provide any required information or corrective action.

Step 8: Obtain the licence

BIS will grant the licence after the applicable assessment and conformity requirements have been satisfactorily completed. The manufacturer must then use the ISI Mark only as authorised and maintain ongoing compliance.

A top BIS ISI certification consultant helps with complete BIS compliance assistance for the Indian market.

Documents Required for Ceramic Tile BIS Certification

The exact document checklist depends on the applicant and applicable certification procedure. Commonly required information includes:

• Business registration and applicant details
• Factory address and manufacturing-unit information
• Product specifications and technical details
• Manufacturing process flowchart
• List of manufacturing machinery
• Testing equipment and testing arrangements
• Quality-control and inspection procedures
• Details of technical and quality-control personnel
• Raw material and production information
• Sample and testing-related documents, where required
• Proposed product groups and licence scope
• Authorised signatory documents
• Authorised Indian Representative details, where applicable to a foreign manufacturer

Understanding the BIS ISI certification in detail and the required documents should be consistent across the application, product specifications, and factory records. 

BIS Certification Cost for Pressed Ceramic Tiles

The total BIS certification cost generally depends on the number and type of product groups, testing requirements, factory assessment, as well as the applicable BIS fees. Typical cost components usually include:

• Application and processing fees
• Product testing and laboratory charges
• Factory inspection-related expenses
• Licence and marking fees, as applicable
• Professional consultancy fees, if external assistance is engaged

Testing expenses can vary according to the tile classification and required test parameters. Additional product groups or testing requirements may increase the overall budget.

Therefore, for an accurate estimate, businesses can get in touch with the best BIS certificate consultant in Delhi and ensure a planned approach for BIS compliance in India.

How Long Does BIS Certification Take?

There is no single guaranteed timeline for every pressed ceramic tile application. Processing usually depends on document completeness, product grouping, sample testing, factory readiness, inspection scheduling and responses to any observations raised during the application.

Manufacturers can reduce avoidable delays by finalising product specifications, preparing the factory's quality-control records and checking testing requirements before submitting the application.

If the application and all relevant documents are submitted within the prescribed timeframes, on average, a BIS ISI certification for pressed ceramic tiles can be obtained within 25-40 working days for Indian manufacturers and 5-6 months for foreign manufacturers, at BIS technical discretion.

BIS Certification for Imported Ceramic Tiles

Foreign manufacturers who intend to supply pressed ceramic tiles to India should verify the applicable certification route before shipping regulated products and thoroughly understand the regulations and eligibility criteria for BIS certification for imports in India.

Foreign manufacturers may need to apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), depending on the product and scheme. The process can involve overseas factory assessment, product testing, manufacturing documentation and an Authorised Indian Representative where required.

Indian importers should verify the manufacturer's licence, approved factory and product scope before placing orders. A certificate for a different tile category, factory or product group should not be treated as automatic approval for the proposed shipment.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay Ceramic Tile Certification

Manufacturers as well as importers can avoid unnecessary compliance problems by paying attention to these issues:

• Applying under an incorrect Indian Standard or product group.
• Using an outdated version of IS 15622.
• Assuming every tile size or finish is automatically covered by one licence.
• Submitting incomplete technical documents.
• Overlooking factory testing and quality-control requirements.
• Sending samples that do not represent the proposed production scope.
• Assuming that an overseas supplier's certificate automatically satisfies Indian requirements.
• Using the ISI Mark without valid authorisation.
• Missing applicable renewal or ongoing compliance requirements.

A product-specific eligibility assessment before submitting the BIS application helps establish the correct certification route and required preparation.

How Brand Liaison Supports Ceramic Tile Manufacturers and Importers

Brand Liaison, a top BIS consultant, helps Indian and foreign manufacturers, importers and businesses understand and manage product certification requirements for the Indian market.

For pressed ceramic tile projects, support can include identifying the applicable standard, reviewing documents, coordinating product testing, preparing for factory assessment, responding to certification queries and assisting with post-certification requirements.

With over a decade of experience, 5,000+ certificates, 1,000+ BIS projects and 500+ FMCS projects, Brand Liaison works with businesses to make regulatory requirements easier to understand and manage.

Call our team of expert consultants today and obtain a hassle-free BIS ISI certificate compliance consultation.

Conclusion

BIS certification for pressed ceramic tiles requires businesses to understand the scope of IS 15622, the applicable product classification, testing requirements, as well as the current regulatory orders. Taking professional compliance assistance can be beneficial for businesses dealing with notified product categories in the regulated market.