Indicating bolts are simple locking devices used in public bathrooms and lavatories to
show whether the door is occupied or vacant. These bolts help improve privacy and
convenience by clearly indicating the usage status from outside, making them
commonly used in public places like malls, offices, and railway stations.
To ensure the quality, durability, and proper functioning of these products, the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) provides certification as per IS 4621:1975. This certification
ensures that indicating bolts are manufactured with proper materials, accurate design,
and reliable performance for long-term use.
they offer excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, making them suitable for high-traffic environments. These bolts combine utility and aesthetic appeal, enhancing user convenience while maintaining hygiene and security in public facilities.
what is is 4621:1975
IS 4621:1975 is the Indian Standard for indicating bolts. It is a standard set by the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure these products are reliable and are of good
quality for regular use.
This standard ensures that the indicating bolts are:
- Reliable in indicating occupancy (vacant/engaged)
- Strong enough for regular use in public places
- Resistant to wear and environmental conditions
- Smooth and easy to operate
- Durable for long-term usage without frequent failure
- Consistent in size, design, and manufacturing quality
Testing and Inspection Requirements for Indicating Bolts
To ensure proper performance and efficient operation of these bolts, the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) has defined clear testing and inspection requirements, which are
carried out during manufacturing.
What are R and S?
- R (Required): Test must be done in the manufacturer’s own laboratory
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be done in a BIS-approved or external
laboratory
Physical and Quality Tests
- Visual Appearance Test (R) – Ensures bolts are free from defects, cracks, or
surface damage
- Dimension Test (R) – Checks correct size and design as per standard
- Workmanship and Finish Test (R) – Ensures smooth operation and proper
finishing
Material Tests
- Raw Material Quality Test (S) – Ensures materials like brass, aluminum, or zinc
alloys meet required standards
- Manufacturing Quality Check (R) – Verifies proper construction and assembly
of components
Performance and Functional Tests
- Operation Test (R) – Ensures smooth functioning of gear/displacement
mechanism
- Indication Accuracy Test (R) – Confirms correct display of occupied/vacant
status
- Durability Test (R) – Ensures long-term performance under repeated use
Surface and Coating Tests (For Aluminum Bolts)
- Anodizing Thickness Test (R) – Ensures proper coating thickness
- Colour and Appearance Test (R) – Verifies uniform finish and visual quality
- Corrosion Resistance Test (R) – Ensures resistance to rust and environmental
conditions
- Abrasion Resistance Test (R) – Checks resistance to wear (if required)
- Resistance to Crazing Test (R)—Ensures coating does not crack under stress
- Fastness to Light Test (S) – Ensures color stability under light exposure
- Light Reflection Test (S) – Checks visibility and clarity of indication
process of bis certification

The BIS certification process for Indicating Bolts for Use in Public Baths and Lavatories involves multiple steps, designed to thoroughly evaluate a product's compliance with the required standards. Here is a general overview of the certification process:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company
details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers
must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India.
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate electrical
safety, insulation resistance, heating efficiency, durability, and overall
performance as per requirements.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with laboratory test reports, technical
documents, manufacturing process details, and factory information. Foreign
manufacturers must also provide AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing unit to verify
production processes, quality control systems, safety measures, and compliance
with the standard.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the certification license under
Scheme-I, allowing the manufacturer to produce and sell certified products.
- Use of ISI Mark: After certification approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI mark
along with a CM/L number on the product, confirming compliance with the
standard.
Documents Required for IS 4621 Certification
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS certification:
| Basic Details | - GST Certificate
- Email ID & Contact Number
- Factory & Office Address
- Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Layout Plan of Factory
|
| 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
|
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for indicating bolts 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.
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 4621 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Alloy Information | Grade or designation of aluminium alloy used |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Validity of BIS licenses for indicating bolts
After obtaining BIS certification for the product, the license is valid for a fixed period and
must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| 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 |
| Surveillance | 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 |
cOST AND TIMELINE OF CERTIFICATION

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 / Inspection Fee | 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. |
to know the process in detail, please visit:
Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS
conclusion
The BIS certification for indicating bolts used in public baths and lavatories, as per IS
4621:1975, ensures that the product meets the required standards of quality, durability,
and performance for reliable use in public spaces. It also ensures that the bolts are
properly tested for material strength, smooth operation, finishing, and resistance to
wear, which make them suitable for frequent use while maintaining proper functionality.
With the support and guidance of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India,
manufacturers can complete the certification process smoothly, reduce errors, and
obtain faster approval for their products.