Iron Oxide Pigments for Paints under IS 44:2025 are widely used in architectural coatings,
industrial uses, cement colourants, and protective coatings. These iron oxide pigments play an
important role in the formation of colours of various paints which is why quality control is a vital
requirement in the process. Variations in the composition of pigments may affect product
consistency and performance in the context of regulations in manufacturing facilities.
With respect to the BIS regulations, certification for iron oxide pigments for paints ensures that
the material meets the IS 44:2025 criteria, through tests on chemical, physical, and functional
characteristics. The certification process is based on systematic evaluation of test results,
validation of documentation and assessment for conformance. Companies manufacturing such
paints need to obtain the BIS certification to sell their product to the Indian customers.
BIS Standard IS 44:2025 for Iron Oxide Pigments for Paints
This is the Indian Standard for iron oxide pigments used in paints, coatings, and related
applications. It defines quality parameters, composition requirements, and testing methods to
ensure consistent colour, stability, and performance in paint formulations. According to BIS
guidelines, these pigments are:
- Assessed for chemical composition
- Evaluated for performance
- Tested for colour consistency
Who must obtain BIS Approval under IS 44:2025
BIS authorisation under IS 44:2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Iron Oxide Pigments for the paint industry in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the Iron oxide red pigment for
paints to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified pigment-grade iron oxide materials.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure colour uniformity and consistent paint performance, the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) has set standards for iron oxide for paints under IS 44:2025. These standards indicate that
the pigments used by manufacturers conform to quality requirements, including colour
properties.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Iron Oxide Pigments for Paints are listed
below:
End-to-End Process for IS 44:2025 Certification
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the iron oxide colour pigment meets the required
performance standards for commercial use. 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.
Documentation checklist for BIS License of iron oxide pigments for paints
| 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
Once the company acquires the BIS license, the ISI Mark for Iron Oxide Pigments must be
written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. Additional details are
provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 44: 2025 |
| 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.
how long is BIS License valid?
| 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 |
Fee for Pozzolanic Material BIS Approval
The BIS Approval cost for Iron oxide red pigment for paints 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
Iron Oxide Pigments for Paints as per IS 44:2025 by BIS certification ensures the compliance of
the products with standards set for purity, colour, fineness and stability in performance. This
assists in maintaining the standardization in the manufacturing of paints, and besides this, it
also assures quality and performance of colours in the manufactured products.
IS certification helps in increasing the credibility of the products, ensuring market acceptability,
and guaranteeing that the Indian Standard requirements are met in the construction,
automobile, and industrial coatings industries. The manufacturers will not only have lower
compliance risks but will also gain increased confidence from their customers because of the
assurance that comes from being certified. BIS consultants like EVTL India can provide all the
required support from document filing to lab tests and BIS certification.
