BIS Certification for Carbon Papers, Handwriting IS 3450

Carbon papers meant for handwriting under IS 3450:2022 are crucial stationery items intended to create duplicate copies of hand or typewritten documents instantly using manual duplication without the use of electronic devices. They work on the principle of pressure-sensitive coating of ink on sheets such that impressions made on the surface are transferred to the sheet below. Thus, consistency in coating, transfer effectiveness, and paper uniformity is necessary to ensure proper functioning of these sheets.

From a certification point of view, BIS Certification for Carbon Papers Used for Handwriting under IS 3450:2022 ensures that the products meet requirements related to uniform coating, intensity of ink transfer, smear resistance and strength of paper. It involves systematic testing and conformity assessment processes within a laboratory setting, along with dimensional and performance evaluation of the items.

What is IS 3450:2022

IS 3450:2022 is the Indian Standard that covers carbon papers used for handwriting applications. The standard outlines the performance and quality criteria required to ensure clear impression transfer and reliable usability. Under BIS certification, these carbon papers are:

Examined for coating uniformity
Tested for durability during use
Verified for dimensional requirements
Assessed for transfer performance

Who can apply for BIS Certification

BIS authorisation under IS 3450:2022 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying carbon paper for handwriting in India.

Applicable to:

Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the Carbon Papers (Handwriting Use) to India.
Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified carbon papers.

Testing and Inspection Requirements

Indian Standards has come up with IS 3450:2022 for controlling the quality aspects of carbon paper used for handwriting purposes. This certification ensures that the product complies with the necessary standards in terms of impression property, coating property, endurance and other quality factors. Testing parameters for Handwriting Carbon Papers by BIS are as follows:

Test Group	What is Tested	Purpose
Base Paper Verification Test	Conformity of the base paper to prescribed standards	Ensures a suitable substrate is used for manufacturing carbon paper
Size Test	Length, width, and sheet dimensions	Verifies dimensional accuracy and consistency
Carbon Work Test	Ability to produce clear and legible impressions	Ensures effective transfer of writing onto subsequent sheets
Resistance to Curling Test	Tendency of sheets to curl under specified conditions	Ensures ease of handling, storage, and usage
Substance of Base Paper Test	Grammage and material composition of the base paper	Confirms compliance with specified paper quality requirements
Coating Test	Quantity and uniformity of carbon coating applied	Ensures consistent impression transfer and product performance
Durability Test	Number of impressions obtainable from the same spot	Evaluates the longevity and repeated-use capability of the carbon paper
Manifolding Test	Maximum number of readable copies produced simultaneously	Ensures adequate copying performance for multi-sheet applications
Keeping Quality Test	Stability of the product during storage over time	Verifies that the carbon paper retains its performance and usability throughout its shelf life

BIS Licensing Process

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the handwriting carbon paper meet the performance standards for reliable duplication and consistent ink transfer. 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 chemical composition, silica content, moisture content, fineness, compressive strength, and other physical performance parameters.
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: The Bureau of Indian Standards officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.

bis certification Documents required under is 3450:2022

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

The 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 takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.

Marking Requirements & License Validity

Marking Requirements

Following the grant of a BIS license to the manufacturer, the ISI Mark for the carbon sheet needs to be permanently marked either on its packing or on the actual item. This mark must also provide important details, including the identification number of the manufacturer and CM/L license number. Other details are as follows:

Requirement	Details
ISI Mark	Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards
Standard Number	IS 3450: 2022
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.

BIS License Validity and renewal details

particulars	Details
Initial 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	BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically
Annual Fees	Annual license fee must be paid regularly
Compliance	Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary
License Format	BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format
Non-Compliance Risk	May lead to suspension or cancellation of license

BIS Approval Fee structure for handwriting carbon papers

The cost of BIS Approval for a handwriting duplication paper 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

Certification of Carbon Papers under IS 3450:1994 will ensure that these papers have all the attributes of quality such as proper ink transferability and the ability to produce several clear copies. Certifications increase trustworthiness and make it possible for products to gain acceptance in the market. A standardized process of inspection and tests reduces the variability of different batches.

For producers and suppliers, certification by BIS will improve the credibility and competitive edge of the products in the Indian market. This can be achieved through an efficient process carried out by a BIS Consultant. EVTL India can assist in obtaining product approvals through its services.