BIS Certification for Polyethylene Bags for General Purposes (IS 9738:2025) is an important requirement introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This standard regulates the quality and safety of plastic bags that are used for storage and transportation of non-hazardous goods. The quality requirements for polyethylene bags under this standard include proper material composition, proper thickness, adequate sealing strength and adequate load bearing capacity. Polyethylene bags made of materials like LDPE and HDPE fall under the BIS IS 9738 category. Tests such as tensile strength, elongation, and tearing/leakage resistance are performed during the BIS registration for Polyethylene Bags. In addition, visual inspection for any defects, such as punctures or weak seals, is also carried out during the BIS approval process.
BIS for IS 9738:2025 ensures that polyethylene bags manufactured as per the BIS guideline are strong and reliable to use. Thus, the BIS ISI Mark helps demonstrate consistent product quality and compliance with the applicable requirements.
What is IS 9738:2025?
This is the Indian Standard issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for polyethylene bags used for general packaging purposes. It defines the requirements to ensure that plastic bags are safe, consistent in quality, and suitable for handling, storage, and transport of non-hazardous goods. As per BIS, polyethylene bags covered under IS 9738:2025 are -
- Tested for tensile strength and elongation
- Checked for thickness uniformity
- Verified for load-bearing capacity
- Inspected for seal strength and leakage resistance
- Ensured for dimensional accuracy and weight consistency
Eligibility for BIS Approval under IS 9738:2025
The ISI Mark Certification under IS 9738:2025 applies to organizations involved in manufacturing or supplying polyethylene bags for general-purpose use in the Indian market.
Applicable To:
- Indian Manufacturers - Required to obtain a BIS ISI Mark for Polyethylene Bags if the product falls under mandatory certification or an applicable BIS QCO for Polyethylene Bags.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Foreign Manufacturers must obtain the applicable BIS Certification/ License when it is mandatory for the product before selling it in India.
- Importers - Importers should ensure that imported products meet the applicable BIS requirements before distribution or sale in India.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Polyethylene Bags
BIS ISI Mark for Polyethylene Bags offers multiple benefits for manufacturers, sellers and end users. Some of the benefits are mentioned below:
- Ensures consistent product quality and strength
- Improves customer trust and brand value
- Helps meet regulatory and market requirements
- Reduces risk of product failure during use
- Increases acceptance in retail and industrial sectors
BIS Testing Requirements for Polyethylene Bags
Testing under BIS for IS 9738:2025 ensures that polyethylene bags meet required quality and performance standards before approval. Depending on the requirement, testing may include the following -
- Dimensional Tests: Check the length, width, thickness, and tolerance of bags to ensure correct sizing, uniformity, and compliance with standard specifications.
- Appearance Tests: Inspect surface quality, transparency, printing clarity, and visible defects to ensure a clean finish and acceptable product appearance.
- Water Leak Tests: Test the leakage resistance of sealed bags to ensure they do not leak during normal use and handling.
- Printing Ink Adhesion Tests: Perform tape adhesion tests to check the bonding strength of printed ink and ensure the printing does not peel or fade during use.
- Drop Tests: Conduct free-fall tests from the specified height to evaluate the bag's durability and resistance to impact during transport and handling.
- Seal Strength Checks: Check the strength of bottom, side, or centre seals to ensure the bags remain securely sealed under normal conditions.
- Load-Bearing Tests: Assess the weight-holding capacity of filled bags to ensure they can safely carry the intended load without tearing or deforming.
Process to Obtain BIS License for Polyethylene Bags under IS 9738:2025
The BIS registration process for polyethene bags helps manufacturers demonstrate compliance with the requirements of IS 9738:2025. The BIS Approval process is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and involves the following steps -
- Online Registration: Manufacturers apply for registration through the BIS Manak portal after providing information about their company, factory, and products. Foreign manufacturers have to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Samples of the products are tested in BIS approved laboratories for specifications like tensile strength, seal strength, uniform thickness and load bearing capacity.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, manufacturing details, and required technical documents. Foreign applicants must also include AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officers inspect the manufacturing facility for production procedures, quality checks and handling of raw materials.
- Grant of BIS License: On meeting all the criteria successfully, BIS issues the license certificate under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark along with the CM/L number on polyethylene bags, confirming compliance with IS 9738:2025.
List of Documents for BIS IS 9738:2025 Certification
To obtain ISI Certification for General Purpose Polyethylene Bags, manufacturers need to submit several documents. Some of the important documents include -
- Product Technical Specifications (TDS)
- GST Registration Certificate
- Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
- Factory Address Proof (Ownership/Rent Agreement/Lease Deed)
- List of Testing Equipment
- Company Registration Documents
- Product Drawings and Dimension Details
- Factory Layout Plan
- Calibration Certificates of Testing Equipment
- List of Manufacturing Machinery
- Quality Control Plan / Inspection Procedure
- Raw Material Test Certificates
- List of Raw Materials with Supplier Details
- QC/Lab In-charge Details and Qualification
- Product Marking and Packaging Details
- Annual Production Capacity Details
- Trademark / Brand Authorization Documents (if applicable)
- BIS Test Report from Recognized Laboratory
- Authorization Letter for Authorized Signatory
- BIS Undertakings and Declarations
For Foreign Manufacturers -
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Agreement
- AIR Nomination Form
- AIR Identity Documents
- Scope of License and Required Undertakings
BIS ISI Marking Requirements for Polyethylene Bags
Once the BIS License for Polyethylene Bags is received, manufacturers must follow the applicable ISI marking requirements specified under the certification scheme. Additional details are mentioned below -
| Requirement | Details |
| ISI Mark | Indicates BIS-certified product |
| Standard Number | IS 9738:2025 |
| CM/L Number | Certification licence number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name or registered trademark |
| Batch Details | Production batch or date for traceability |
Validity of BIS Licence for IS 9738:2025
| Particulars | Details |
| Validity | Usually 1 to 5 years depending on BIS approval |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry with updated documents |
| Surveillance | Regular inspections and sample testing by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous adherence to BIS standards required |
| Risk | Non-compliance may lead to suspension or cancellation |
BIS Approval Fee Structure for Polyethylene Bags
The cost to obtain a BIS License for Polyethylene Bags includes application cost, testing cost, inspection cost of the factory, marking cost, and license cost. This cost varies according to the volume of production and whether the firm is an Indian company or a foreign company.
| 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 paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
Why Choose EVTL India as Your BIS ISI Mark Consultant for IS 9738:2025?
A professional BIS ISI Mark Consultant helps manufacturers complete the BIS certification process and avoid any delays. EVTL India is a trusted BIS Consultant for Polyethylene Bags, offering full assistance to get the BIS License for IS 9738:2025
Having 12+ years of experience, our team make it easier for manufacturers to comply with all BIS standard requirements. As a top BIS certification consultant in India, we offer services that include -
- Technical Document Preparation: Assists in preparing product specifications, manufacturing details, quality documents, and other required BIS records.
- Laboratory Test Coordination: As a BIS Agent for IS 9738:2025, EVTL India supports sample testing through BIS-approved laboratories and helps review test reports.
- Quality System Guidance: Provides guidance for maintaining quality control processes, inspection procedures, and manufacturing records as required by BIS.
- BIS Application Management: Helps with online application submission, document uploading, and communication with BIS authorities.
- Complete Certification Assistance: EVTL India, one of the best BIS ISI Mark Consultants for Polyethylene Bags, provides support to obtain the BIS License and ISI Mark approval.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Polyethylene Bags for General Purpose guarantees that all packaging products conform to safety and durability standards. BIS licence for General Use Polyethylene Bags assures that the manufacturer has followed all the necessary guidelines while manufacturing the bags.
Having a BIS ISI Mark for Polyethylene Bags will help to build consumer trust and enhance brand value. The BIS Registration for General Purpose Polyethylene Bags becomes much easier with help from an expert BIS consultant for Polyethylene Bags. EVTL India, with more than 12 years of experience, guides manufacturers to obtain the ISI Certification for Polyethylene Bags.
If you are looking for a BIS agent for Polyethylene Bags, connect with EVTL India for professional support and guidance.
