On March 3, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This order is aimed at ensuring that Plain Gypsum Plaster Boards manufactured, imported, or sold in India meet stringent quality standards, thereby enhancing safety, durability, and compliance with Indian Standards. 

If you are involved in the manufacturing, selling, or importing of gypsum-based building materials, this new order will directly impact your business. The government, after consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has implemented this regulation in the public interest under the BIS Act, 2016. 

Key Provisions of the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

 The order is officially titled the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The following timelines apply: 

·   The order becomes effective for medium and large-scale industries six months after its publication in the Official Gazette (6th September 2024). 

·   For small enterprises, the compliance timeline is extended to nine months from the date of publication (6th December 2024). 

·   Micro enterprises have the longest lead time, with the order becoming mandatory twelve months after its publication (6th March 2025).  

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

The core requirement of this order is the compulsory use of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark). The gypsum-based building materials, including plain gypsum plaster boards, must conform to the Indian Standard IS 2095 (Part 1):2011 and carry the BIS certification. 

·  Manufacturers must obtain a BIS license to affix the ISI Mark, ensuring their products meet the required quality benchmarks. 

·   This mandate applies only to products manufactured for domestic use; gypsum-based building materials produced solely for export are exempt from this rule.  

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the sole certifying and enforcement body for this order. Their responsibility is to ensure manufacturers adhere to the stipulated quality standards and that only certified products bearing the BIS Standard Mark are sold in India. 

 4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Non-compliance with the Gypsum-based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024 can result in severe penalties. Any person or entity that violates the provisions of this order will face penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This regulation aims to act as a strong deterrent to manufacturers and sellers attempting to bypass the new quality requirements.  

This order is a significant step towards improving the quality and safety of gypsum-based building materials in the Indian market, ensuring that products meet established standards for the benefit of consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the guidelines of the industry!

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for General (Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises): 6th September 2024

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 6th December 2024.