Paper adhesives, including liquid gum and office paste types under IS 2257:1989, are frequently used in packaging industries, stationery production, in schools and offices and even in labelling processes where constant performance, application ease, and adhesion stability are necessary attributes. Paper adhesives are meant to provide consistent results when adhering to paper substrates without causing any kind of damage, surface curling or weak adhesion.
As far as BIS certification is concerned, certification as per IS 2257:1989 would mean that the paper adhesives comply with specific standards of physical properties, strength, stability, and usability in normal conditions of storage and use. The paper adhesive is required to undergo tests and formulation analysis in order to comply with the requirements.
What is IS 2257: 1989
This is the Indian Standard that specifies requirements for paper adhesives, liquid gum, and office paste used in stationery, packaging and general office applications. It mentions adhesive strength, viscosity, setting time and stability to ensure consistent performance during use. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these adhesive products are:
- Evaluated for drying time
- Tested for material uniformity
- Checked for bonding strength
- Assessed for application behaviour
Eligibility for IS 2257:1989 Certification
BIS authorisation under IS 2257:1989 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying office stationery adhesive in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the paper glue to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified paper glue and gum.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
The Bureau of Indian Standards has established performance standards for paper adhesives used in office, packing, and stationery purposes as per IS 2257:1989 to ensure their consistency in performance and safety in usage. This certification assures consistency in bonding power, stability and usability of the adhesives.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the paper adhesives and gum products are listed below:
How to get BIS Certification for Paper Adhesives Under IS 2257:1989
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the office paste and adhesive products meet the required performance standards. 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 adhesive strength, bonding performance, viscosity, drying time, pH level, stability, and overall usability as per IS 2257:1989 requirements.
- 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 visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once everything is sorted and all the compliance criteria fulfilled, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once the licensing is done, the manufacturer can mark the ISI label along with CM/L number.
IS 2257: 1989 Approval Documents List
| 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
The ISI mark for paper adhesives must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging once the BIS license is obtained by the manufacturer. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 2257: 1989 |
| 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.
Validity for IS 2257: 1989 Certification
| 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 Structure for BIS Approval of Office Paste and Adhesive Products
The cost of BIS Approval for a Liquid Adhesive Gum 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
BIS Certification of Paper Adhesives, Liquid Gum & Office Paste Type under IS 2257:1989 creates a standard benchmark of quality that guarantees effective bonding performance, constant viscosity throughout the various kinds of applications. Such regulation contributes significantly to maintaining high quality of products in the market for stationary needs and packaging requirements.
For business purposes, BIS certification adds credibility to the products, improves their acceptance at institutions, and ensures the adherence to the Indian Standard criteria for the products. In addition, there is no risk of ineffective operation, such as poor bonding or irregular drying during use. EVTL India, as a BIS consultant offer full assistance from preparing the necessary documents to performing tests and obtaining BIS Certification.
