What Is Masonry Cement?
The quality of building materials used in the construction industry is also of great value in safety and stability of any structure. One of such materials is masonry cement which finds extensive application as a brickwork cement, block work cement, plastering cement and as a general masonry cement. Masonry cement is specially formulated to provide a better workability, better water retention and better bonding unlike ordinary Portland cement. But with numerous brands in the market, a buyer would not be guaranteed of the quality. This is where BIS Certification on Masonry Cement, IS 3466:1988 is required.
What is IS 3466:1988?
A special Indian Standard has been created by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that is called IS 3466:1988, which is the Indian Standard of masonry cement. This standard outlines clearly the technical standards, quality standards, and testing standards which each and every masonry cement product should satisfy in order to be sold in India. Parameters that are dealt with in the standard are fineness, soundness, compressive strength, setting time and air content of mortar. Since its initial introduction in 1967 and subsequent revision in 1988, this standard has been the quality reference benchmark about masonry cement in India over the decades.
Any manufacturer intending to sell masonry cement in India should make sure that his product meets the requirements of IS 3466:1988 and valid licence is BIS ISI Mark.
What Is the Reason BIS Certification is a requirement for Masonry Cement?
BIS certification is now a mandatory requirement of masonry cement by the Government of India as a part of BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. This implies that no manufacturer, importer or trader will be allowed to sell masonry cement in India without a valid BIS licence as per IS 3466:1988. This is simply because bad quality masonry cement may result in a weak wall, broken plaster and even fatal structural failure. The quality of cement is a national issue in a country such as India where millions of structures are made annually. Through the implementation of IS 3466:1988, BIS will ensure that all the products in the market are of a minimum level of safety and performance.
The major Technical Requirements According to IS 3466:1988
In order to obtain BIS certification to masonry cement, manufacturers should undertake and pass a number of technical tests. The cement should have the minimum of compressive strength of the cement at 7 days and 28 days as required in the standard. The lowest setting time should not be below 90 minutes and the maximum setting time should not be more than 24 hours. The cement quality which can be determined by the method of Le Chatelier is to remain within reasonable boundaries. Mortar made with this cement is also tested on air content to make sure that its workability is good at construction sites. All of them are done in the BIS approved or NABL accredited laboratories and the results should always be in accordance with IS 3466:1988 in order to get or hold the licence.
Application to BIS Certification to the IS 3466:1988
There are several significant steps of obtaining the BIS ISI Mark of masonry cement. The manufacturer is required to make a first application in the BIS Online Portal and provide the information with the documents like plant details, manufacturing process flow, records of quality control and laboratory test reports. BIS would then send an officer to inspect the manufacturing unit to ensure that the unit has the appropriate infrastructure, equipment and quality control systems. BIS awards the ISI Mark licence after the inspection and passing of any product samples through all necessary tests. This licence lasts one year and has to be renewed on a regular basis. BIS also performs surprise checks and market audits to make sure that the manufacturers continue keeping up to quality standards despite certification.
The advantages of BIS Certification
The BIS certification as per IS 3466:1988 is not only mandatory as per the law, but also a prudent business move. The BIS ISI Mark gives a product immediate credibility with the buyers, contractors and government agencies. Indian government tenders often require that the construction material be marked with ISI Mark thereby certification is a direct access to increased business opportunities. It further assists the producers in establishing a good brand image, mitigating the risk of product liability and enhancing the internal quality procedures.
How Induce India Can Help You?
The process of obtaining BIS certification may be complicated and more so in the case of first time applicants. Induce India is a reputable certification advisory firm which offers full assistance to have BIS ISI Mark certification according to IS 3466:1988. Induce India handles all this from document preparation, coordination of lab tests, factories audit support, and renewing of your licenses so that you can concentrate on your business. Their professional team will make sure that your product and manufacturing unit are all ready by the time the BIS inspection is conducted, therefore, saving you time, effort and cost.
Conclusion
In case you are a manufacturer of masonry cement and would like to venture into the Indian market in a legitimate and fear-free manner, contact Induce India today and have your BIS certification done in a manner that is both very professional and safe.
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