Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is widely used in industries such as the textiles industry, paper industry, detergents industry, etc. The main reason behind the utilization of caustic soda is its property to purify substances and maintain the right pH due to its alkaline nature and reactivity. Caustic soda is present in both solid and liquid forms as required.
Since caustic soda is widely used in sensitive industrial applications, it is necessary to strictly control its composition and quality. IS 252:2013 has laid guidelines in respect of the production and testing of the product to use it commercially. The standard ensures the stability of chemical properties and the purity of the material produced through proper checking of quality and testing processes.
What is IS 252: 2013?
This is the Indian Standard for caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), a highly alkaline industrial chemical widely used in soap manufacturing, paper production, textiles, water treatment and more. It mentions the composition limits and quality parameters to ensure safe handling and consistent industrial performance. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), caustic soda (NaOH) is:
- Assessed for impurity levels
- Checked for sodium hydroxide content
- Evaluated for concentration stability in solution form
- Tested for compliance with handling requirements
Who is eligible for Steel Hinge BIS Approval?
BIS authorisation under IS 252: 2013 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Technical Grade Caustic Soda in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Caustic Alkali is 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 Industrial Sodium Hydroxide.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure safe industrial performance of caustic soda used across chemical processing, textile, soap, paper, and water treatment industries, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 252: 2013. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce caustic soda with a controlled chemical composition and high purity levels. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the caustic soda are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Relative Density Test | Density or concentration of caustic soda lye | Ensures proper concentration and product consistency |
| Sodium Carbonate Test | Carbonate content in caustic soda | Ensures chemical purity and controlled composition |
| Sodium Hydroxide Test | Percentage of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) content | Ensures required chemical strength and grade compliance |
| Chlorides Test | Presence of chloride impurities | Ensures controlled impurity levels for safe industrial use |
| Sulphate Test | Sulphate content in the material | Ensures chemical quality and process suitability |
| Silicate Test | Quantity of silicate impurities | Ensures product purity and prevents contamination issues |
| Iron Content Test | Presence of iron traces | Ensures low metallic contamination and product quality |
| Copper Content Test | Copper impurity level | Ensures suitability for sensitive industrial applications |
| Manganese Test | Amount of manganese present | Ensures controlled trace element levels |
| Chlorates & Perchlorates Test | Presence of chlorate and perchlorate compounds | Ensures chemical safety and stability |
| Matter Insoluble in Water Test | Insoluble particles or foreign matter | Ensures cleanliness and purity of caustic soda |
| Total Mercury Test | Mercury contamination level | Ensures safety from hazardous heavy metal contamination |
How to apply for Caustic Soda Lye BIS License?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Caustic Solution meets the required standards for proper and 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 chemical purity, sodium hydroxide concentration, chloride content, iron impurities, carbonate levels, and overall quality compliance.
- Application Submission : The manufacturer submits the BIS application along with required test reports, technical specifications, and factory-related documents. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials carry out an on-site inspection of the manufacturing unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After successful verification of all compliance and testing requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once the licence is granted, 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 Guide for IS 252: 2013 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 |
The Foreign manufacturers must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for the Industrial Chemical must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, important details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be mentioned. This ensures the product complies with all safety and quality standards. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 252: 2013 |
| 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.
Caustic Soda Flakes BIS Approval Validity 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 | 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 Approval Cost for Sodium Hydroxide
The cost of BIS Approval for an industrial-grade caustic soda 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 industrial sectors which depend on chemical processes need chemicals that ensure stable compositions and reliable performance during regular use. BIS Certification IS 252:2013 means that the chemical sodium hydroxide has undergone a thorough examination based on specified technical standards prior to marketing. Certified chemicals are usually better for processes requiring stability and control in terms of chemical processing conditions. Certification of industrial chemicals usually requires elaborate paperwork and testing in addition to compliance with various standards. For this reason, companies may consider partnering with EVTL India for assistance in BIS certifications, documentation, and other activities.
