Use of Block Boards in furniture making, doors, partitions, shelving and other interior works is quite common due to the strength, stability and durability offered by them. Due to the wide range of uses of these items in various buildings such as residential, commercial and institutional, it is important that the products conform to the standards of quality. Manufacturers must follow the requirements outlined in BIS IS 1659:2004 regarding Block Boards.
The specifications in BIS IS 1659:2004 include criteria relating to raw materials, manufacturing process, sizes, bonding, workmanship and performance of the Block Boards. Fulfilment of the required BIS Quality Conformity Objective (QCO) and obtaining the BIS ISI Mark shows that the product complies with the Indian Standards. The ISI Mark enhances the credibility of the Block Boards.
What is IS 1659:2004 for Block Boards
This is the Indian Standard for block boards used in furniture, doors, wardrobes, partitions, and interior applications. It sets performance requirements and manufacturing standards to ensure structural stability, durability, and long service life under regular usage conditions. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these block boards are:
- Evaluated for moisture resistance
- Checked for core alignment
- Assessed for bending strength
- Tested for surface quality
What is IS 1659:2004?
This is an Indian Standard issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards that defines the
requirements for block boards. It provides guidelines on how these boards should be
manufactured, bonded, and tested before being sold in India.
- This standard ensures that these products are:
- Have proper bonding and strong core structure
- Meet required strength and durability
- Maintain stability without warping or bending
- Follow defined quality and performance requirements
Benefits of BIS Certification for Block Boards under IS 1659:2004
BIS certification of Block Boards under IS 1659:2004 ensures that the material conforms to some parameters of quality, durability, strength and performance expected from furniture products and interiors. Certification by the BIS ISI mark ensures quality, safety, and improved acceptance of such products in the residential, industrial, and institutional markets.
- Compliance with Regulations: Guarantees compliance with BIS standards as well as QCOs.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction of the customers like architects, builders, and the final consumers of the Wood-Based Panel Boards.
- Quality of Construction: Conformity with the standard required for the construction and performance.
- ISI Marking: The ISI marking certifies the product after testing and marking.
- High Market Acceptability: The market acceptability of the Solid Core Block Boards will be increased significantly.
- Failure Proof: It ensures regular testing of the strength, bonding and stability of the block boards.
BIS Certification Eligibility for Block Board under IS 1659:2004
BIS authorisation under IS 1659:2004 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying block boards in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the interior grade block boards are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the decorative block boards to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified partition boards.
BIS Certification Process for Block Boards
The BIS certification process ensures that these products meet the requirements of the
standard for proper and efficient performance. This process is defined by the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration - Manufacturers register on the BIS portal by submitting basic details of the
company, factory, and product models. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Product Testing - Samples of products are tested in BIS-recognized or accredited laboratories as
per IS requirements.
- Application Submission - The application is submitted with test reports, product drawings, technical
specifications, and factory details.
- Factory Inspection - BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to check the production process,
testing facilities, and quality control systems.
- Grant of BIS License - After successful verification, BIS grants the license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark - Once approved, manufacturers can use the ISI mark with a CM/L number on the
items, showing compliance with BIS standards.
Documents Required for IS 1659 Certification
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS certification:
| Basic Details | - GST certificate
- Contact details
- Factory address
- Lease / ownership proof
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Factory layout
|
| Raw Material Details | - List of Raw Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
| Testing & Quality Control | - List of Testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC / Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification
|
| Production Details | - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
|
| Product & Packaging Details | - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
| Management Details | - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
|
| Brand & Certification Documents | - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
| Additional Documents | - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Document (if applicable)
- Relaxation Letter (if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Document
|
Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative
(AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance
requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for block boards must be
applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI
Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as
specified in the table below. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety
standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 1659 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability
|
Note: Marking should be applied using durable methods such as stamping, tagging, or
permanent printing for long-term visibility.
BIS Certification Cost for Block Boards
The cost of BIS certification includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing,
and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
Cost Breakdown :
Indian Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1. | BIS Fees | Application Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | — |
|
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | Discount as per MSME |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual | Depends on product type and factory location.
|
Foreign Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1. | BIS Fees | Application Fee | USD 15 | Payable via SWIFT to BIS. SAARC countries can pay INR with 18% GST. |
|
| Audit Charges | USD 3,200 – 5,900 | Depend on Country |
|
| License Fee | USD 15 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | — |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual | Based on product and manufacturing location.
|
Note: Additional costs such as pre-testing or factory pre-inspection may apply. The total cost may vary depending on product type, testing requirements, and current BIS.
Conclusion
BIS certification for block boards as per IS 1659:2004 ensures that the boards meet the
required quality and safety standards set in India. It ensures the product has been
properly tested for strength and performance, making it suitable for use in furniture and
interior fittings. With the help of a reliable BIS consultant like EVTL India, manufacturers
can follow a smooth certification process, reduce mistakes, and get approval without
unnecessary delays.
