Gypsum-Based Building Materials Quality Control Order Notification for Micro and Small Enterprises

Introduction to the Gypsum-Based Building Materials QCO

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), regulates construction as well as a variety of building materials under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, in order to ensure structural safety, durability, as well as absolute quality in the construction ecosystem. Gypsum-based building materials are extensively used in interior construction, false ceilings, partitions, as well as wall systems, making standardisation all the more essential for performance consistency and fire & safety compliance.

In order to bring these products under a uniform quality framework, the Central Government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has notified the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024, while providing graded compliance timelines for micro and small enterprises in order to ease the compliance for these business entities in the Indian market.

Key Changes You Need to Know

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently issued the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024, through a notification dated 06 March 2024.

The order introduces the following requirements that must be followed for legal compliance in the market:

1. There should be mandatory compliance of gypsum-based building materials with notified Indian Standards, including:
   1. IS 2095 (Part 1):2011: Gypsum Plaster Boards
   2. IS 17400:2021: Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum Panels
   3. IS 2692:1989: Coated/Laminated Gypsum Plaster Boards
   4. IS 2095 (Part 3):2022: Reinforced Gypsum Plaster Boards and Ceiling Tiles
2. The Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a BIS license must be compulsorily used.
3. BIS certification must be obtained as per Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
4. Products that are manufactured domestically for export purposes are exempted from this notification.
5. Special compliance relaxations are provided through this Order, especially for Micro and Small Enterprises.
6. BIS is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for ensuring compliance with this notification.
7. Penalties are applicable for violations under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What is the Date of Implementation?

• General Enterprises: After expiry of six months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette
• Small Enterprises: After expiry of nine months from the date of publication
• Micro Enterprises: After expiry of twelve months from the date of publication

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers of gypsum-based building materials should first identify the applicable Indian Standards for each product variant that they are dealing with in the Indian market. Consequitively, it is important to plan for laboratory testing, process documentation, as well as factory readiness in order to meet BIS requirements within the deadlines mentioned by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

With 10+ years of compliance experience, Brand Liaison supports manufacturers through simplified documentation, technical assistance, testing coordination, as well as complete support for factory audit preparation. Backed by in-depth industry knowledge as well as expert consultancy, Brand Liaison enables smooth BIS certification while minimising compliance delays for micro and small enterprises.