BIS QCO for Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board
IS 1848(Part 2):2018
CONCERN MINISTRY: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Dear Viewer,
Important update regarding the Indian Standard applicable to all existing licence holders, new applicants, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of Writing and Printing Papers — Specification Part 2: Air Mail/Manifold, Cartridge Drawing and Cartridge White, Duplicating Absorbent and Duplicating Semi-absorbent and Poster Machine Glazed Types.
Writing and Printing Papers QCO Overview
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the draft Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Quality Control) Order, 2025. [cite: 46]
Under this notification, Writing and Printing Papers covered under IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements. [cite: 47]
As per the notification, manufacturers of Writing and Printing Papers shall ensure that their products conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-ll of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. [cite: 48]
What is IS 1848 (Part 2):2018?
IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 is the Indian Standard for Writing and Printing Papers - Specification Part 2: Air Mail/Manifold, Cartridge Drawing and Cartridge White, Duplicating Absorbent and Duplicating Semi-absorbent and Poster Machine Glazed Types. [cite: 50]
The standard specifies the requirements relating to raw materials, physical properties, dimensions, grammage, brightness, opacity, absorbency, surface characteristics, testing methods, inspection procedures, marking, packaging, and quality control requirements for various grades of writing and printing papers. [cite: 51]
The standard ensures that these paper products meet prescribed quality, durability, printability, writing performance, absorbency, appearance, and functional requirements for use in offices, educational institutions, printing applications, artwork, duplicating processes, postal communication, publishing, and commercial documentation. [cite: 52]
Implementation Dates Under QCO
The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:
| Category | Implementation Timeline |
| General (Other than Micro and Small Enterprises) | 6 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette [cite: 55] |
| Small Enterprises | 9 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette [cite: 55] |
| Micro Enterprises | 12 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette [cite: 55] |
Key Requirements Under the QCO
- Products must comply with the requirements specified under IS 1848 (Part 2):2018. [cite: 57]
- Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market. [cite: 58]
- Certified products must bear the ISI Mark. [cite: 58]
- BIS will act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products. [cite: 59]
- Non-compliance may result in penalties under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016. [cite: 60]
Exemptions Under the Order
The QCO does not apply to:
- Products manufactured domestically for export purposes. [cite: 63]
- Up to five tonnes of products imported annually for research and development purposes, subject to conditions specified in the Order. [cite: 64]
Certification and Enforcement Authority
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Writing and Printing Papers covered under this Quality Control Order. [cite: 66]
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Any person or manufacturer violating the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. [cite: 68]
| Title | Issue Date | View Order |
| QCO Order | 08/07/2025 | View |
Bureau of Indian Standards
Manak Bhawan 9, B.S. Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002
Important Disclaimer
The contents provided in this update are solely meant for general informational purposes. Before you make decisions or take action based on the information provided, it is advised to seek professional legal consultation.