The ISI mark is used in many of the products, such as electronic appliances and other manufactured products, to ensure that the product can be trusted easily and that the quality of the product is excellent. Hence, in a major move, the Central Government of India has put upon gypsum building materials, the ISI mark. From now on, the ISI mark is to be regarded as a good sign by builders, producers, and finally, the consumers, i.e., homeowners and buyers.
What is the ISI Mark?
The ISI mark stands for Indian Standards Institute, now BIS. This mark is a mark of quality and trust, indicating that the product is in conformity with one of the Indian standards laid down by BIS. The presence of the ISI mark ensures that the product has been tested for safety, durability, and performance.
Probably you have seen this mark on electrical appliances, cement, and even on pressure cookers. The same trusted mark will now be proudly displayed on gypsum-based building materials.
Why Choose Gypsum-Based Building Materials?
Gypsum-based materials like gypsum board, plaster, and blocks have become indispensable materials in modern-day construction. They are used for a greater utility because they are lightweight, easy to work with, fire-resistant, and give a smooth finish. These materials find use in ceilings, partitions, and wall lining works in both commercial and residential buildings.
Not all gypsum finishes are alike. When low-quality gypsum is used, the following happens:
The wall gets cracks and damage, moisture-related issues, reduced fire safety, poor finish, and reduced durability. Hence, it is imperative to ensure that construction industries use only high-quality gypsum materials of high quality.
Steps Taken By the Government?
Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) through which gypsum-based building materials are mandated with the ISI mark. This means:
- Only BIS-certified products can be sold in the Indian market.
- The manufacturers are to adhere to the stringent guidelines issued by the BIS and get their products tested and approved by the BIS after following these guidelines.
- To the sale or use of gypsum materials of non-certified or substandard quality, the ban is enforced.
How Will This Help?
- Enhanced Safety: Gypsum materials with ISI certification will be safer to use for buildings, with enhanced fire resistance and structural integrity.
- Better Quality: Builders and customers can expect improved finishing quality, fewer defects, and longer viability of the structure.
- Consumer Protection: The end users should be able to trust that the materials used in their homes conform to national standards.
- Lift for Genuine Manufacturers: This will work in removing the scourge of inferior-quality/fake products from the market, which is definitely in favor of the manufacturers who stand for quality.
What Should Builders and Buyers Do?
Builders should see that gypsum-based materials are procured with ISI certification. Buyers/homeowners can request ISI-marked materials while discussing the construction or renovation work with the contractors. Manufacturers should apply for BIS certification and maintain all quality parameters to sell their products anytime.
Final Thoughts
This step is indeed a welcome move toward the upliftment of construction quality and safety in India. With gypsum-based materials with ISI marking becoming compulsory, builders and consumers alike can now trust the materials that constitute the foundation of their homes and buildings. Induce India upkeeps and supports the use of certified quality building materials toward a safer and stronger future.
