In situations that involve regulated manufacturing of chemicals, certification by BIS for
Phosphorous Pentachloride becomes a necessity. This ensures that the product conforms to
high levels of purity and safety before it is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products.
Phosphorus Pentachloride is a moisture-sensitive chlorinating agent utilised in organic
synthesis. It is a yellow-coloured crystalline solid forming fumes in a moist atmosphere and
should be kept under controlled conditions.
The IS 11744:2020 outlines strict quality norms for chlorine-free content, phosphoric oxychloride
impurities, moisture sensitivity and residue characteristics. These are important as the slightest
deviation can change the reaction path in industrial applications.
Key Details of IS 11744:2020
This is the Indian Standard that mentions the requirements for Phosphorous Pentachloride used
in chlorination processes, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing
industries. The standard outlines quality benchmarks to maintain product consistency, chemical
strength, and safe industrial application. Under BIS certification, Phosphorous Pentachloride is:
- Assessed for insoluble matter
- Evaluated for moisture sensitivity compliance
- Verified for chemical quality
- Tested for phosphorus content
Who requires BIS Certification for Phosphorous Pentachloride
BIS authorisation under IS 11744:2020 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Phosphorus chloride compound in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the PCl₅ chemical to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors -Should only sell certified Industrial phosphorus pentachloride.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
For any chemicals that undergo chlorination, agrochemical synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the need for controlled purity and chemical stability is crucial. As per IS 11744:2020, certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards guarantees that Phosphorus Pentachloride complies with the required specifications. BIS test requirements for Phosphorous Pentachloride are as follows:
Online Application Procedure for BIS License

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the chlorinating agent meets the required quality
and purity standards for reliable industrial 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.
Documents required for bis certification of 11744:2020
| 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 manufacturer acquires the license from BIS, the ISI mark for Technical grade
phosphorus pentachloride must be clearly stated permanently either on the packaging or on the
product itself. The mark will also contain other important information like the manufacturer’s
identification along with the license number (CM/L). The following details can be found below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 11744:2020 |
| 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.
License Validity and renewal process under IS 11744:2020
| 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 |
Cost Breakdown for indian and foreign manufacturers
The cost associated with BIS Approval of Industrial phosphorus pentachloride comprises
application, inspection, licensing, testing, and labelling charges. All the above-mentioned fees
are payable to BIS under Scheme I rules.
| 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
Non-compliance with BIS Certification for Phosphorus Pentachloride may lead to serious
problems such as exothermic reactions not being stabilized, contamination of subsequent
chemical processes, etc. As Phosphorous Pentachloride is used as an important chlorinating
agent in industrial chemical manufacturing, compliance with BIS standards is important to
maintain the product efficacy and safety.
BIS Certification for Phosphorous Pentachloride helps to ensure that a product is compliant with
set chemical standards as tested by a laboratory inspection process. At this point, professional
assistance becomes essential for getting accurate documentation, coordination in tests and
preparation for regulatory inspections. EVTL India offers professional services to assist clients in
getting their products BIS certified.