Carbon Papers for Typewriters are specifically made to give good duplications of impressions when typing manually. In such cases, where the accuracy of documentation is very important, carbon paper plays a very important role. They are mainly found in offices, billing departments, and administration, where it is needed to provide copies of documents without the use of electronic copying techniques.
Certification according to BIS IS 1551:1991 is concerned with the performance and quality of carbon papers to ensure their good duplication capacity. The tests include measurement of clarity of impressions made, strength of ink transfer, uniformity of coating on the surface, and adhesiveness of coating on the surface.
What is IS 1551: 1991
This is the Indian Standard for carbon papers used in typewriters for producing duplicate impressions during typing. It mentions the requirements for coating quality, transfer efficiency, and durability to ensure clear and consistent copies. As per BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), carbon papers are:
- Evaluated for smudge resistance
- Assessed for impression clarity
- Verified for coating uniformity
- Tested for dimensional stability
Who can apply for Carbon Copy Paper BIS License?
BIS authorisation under IS 1551: 1991 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Typewriter Copying Sheets in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Carbon Copy Paper Sheets are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Carbonized Copy Paper.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
For smooth impression transfer and consistent writing performance, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 1551: 1991. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce carbon papers with suitable coating quality, proper material composition, and dependable transfer characteristics for clear and durable duplication work. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the carbon paper are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Size Verification Test | Length, width, and dimensional accuracy of carbon paper sheets | Ensures standard sizing and proper usability in typewriters |
| Carbon Work Test | Transfer quality and clarity of typed impressions | Ensures effective carbon transfer and readable copies |
| Resistance to Curling Test | Curling tendency of sheets under specified conditions | Ensures flatness and smooth handling during typing operations |
| Substance of Base Paper Test | Weight and substance of the base paper material | Ensures consistency and compliance with specified paper standards |
| Coating Quality Test | Coating uniformity and application quality on carbon paper | Ensures proper ink transfer performance and durability |
| Durability Test | Number of impressions obtainable at the same spot | Ensures long-lasting usability and repeated typing performance |
| Manifolding Test | Number of clear copies produced simultaneously | Ensures effective multi-copy typing capability |
How to Get BIS Licence for Carbon Papers for Typewriters?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Carbon Transfer Paper meets the required standards for efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for size accuracy, base paper quality, coating uniformity, carbon transfer efficiency, curling resistance and durability.
- Application Submission : The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site evaluation of the manufacturing unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License : Upon satisfactory compliance with all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After obtaining approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents Checklist for IS 1551: 1991 Approval
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| 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, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| 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 Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is responsible for handling all regulatory, compliance, and communication requirements related to product certification in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once the manufacturer obtains the BIS licence, the ISI Mark for Typewriter Carbon Sheets must be clearly and permanently displayed on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, important details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be mentioned. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 1551: 1991 |
| 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 is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Carbon Copy Paper Sheets BIS Licence Validity Explained
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
BIS Licensing Cost for Carbon Impression Paper
The cost of BIS Approval for Carbon Interleaving Sheets includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The carbon papers are readily available for typewriters to make instant duplicate copies for manual documentation purposes and office purposes. IS 1551:1991 certification indicates that these carbon papers have met particular quality specifications for coating quality, printing quality and other aspects of usage. Certified carbon papers produce clear images, prevent smudging, and ensure efficient copying of documents on several sheets of paper. Professional services by EVTL India can be availed by companies seeking BIS Certification for Carbon Papers for Typewriters (IS 1551:1991). They provide assistance in the preparation of technical documents, carrying out the testing of products in BIS-approved laboratories, and processing of applications according to BIS guidelines.
