Protective clothing for heat and flame is designed to protect individuals working in areas with exposure to open flames, sparks or hot surroundings. They are common in places such as welding facilities, steel mills, casting facilities, petroleum refineries, and fire safety management operations. Such clothes are made from special materials that have been treated to protect against fast ignition and heat absorption.
To ensure these products offer reliable protection for users, it becomes important to certify them according to the requirements specified by BIS. In accordance with the provisions of IS 15748: 2022, the testing includes assessment related to flame propagation properties, thermal protection ability, seam strength, etc. This will help ensure that the quality of the FR clothing is maintained so as to meet safety standards in each lot.
What is IS 15748: 2022
This is the Indian Standard for protective clothing designed to safeguard users against heat and flame exposure. It outlines the performance criteria to ensure effective protection in hazardous working environments such as firefighting, industrial heat operations, and similar high-risk applications. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these protective clothing items are:
- Evaluated for heat transmission properties
- Tested for flame resistance
- Assessed for thermal protective performance
- Checked for material strength
Who can obtain BIS Approval for Flame-Resistant Clothing
BIS authorisation under IS 15748: 2022 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying heat protective workwear in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export heat-resistant clothing to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified FR garments.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable protection in high-risk working environments, the Bureau of Indian Standards specifies minimum requirements in IS 15748: 2022/ ISO 11612: 2015 for protective clothing designed against heat and flame exposure. Such certification is vital in ensuring that the manufacturer produces clothes with the required flame resistance, thermal insulation, strength, and durability to perform safely.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the protective clothes are listed below:
BIS License Steps for Heat & Flame Protective Clothing
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Flame Resistant Safety Wear meet the required standards for safe and effective performance. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and involves 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 flame resistance, heat transfer performance, thermal stability, mechanical strength and seam integrity.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. In the case of foreign manufacturers, AIR-related documentation must also be provided.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once all requirements and compliance criteria are successfully fulfilled, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, indicating compliance with BIS standards.
IS 15748: 2022 Certification Complete Documents
| 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
After clearance from BIS, the ISI mark of protective clothing should be placed either on the product or its packaging. The marking should also contain some other important information, like the name of the manufacturer along with the licence number (CM/L). Additional information is given below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 15748: 2022 |
| 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 Licence Valid for Fire Resistant Workwear
| 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 |
BIS Approval Fee for Flame-Resistant Safety Wear in India
The cost of BIS Approval for Heat and Flame Protective Apparel 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
Protective clothing against heat and flame is important protective equipment for the reduction of work-related risks in sectors where thermal exposure is unavoidable. Using certified materials guarantees higher performance in case of sudden contact with flame or constant heat conditions. Products meeting IS 15748: 2022 standard would not only boost the confidence of employees but also promote a safer working environment.
Manufacturers who need assistance regarding the process of obtaining certification, EVTL India offers help along the way. The company will provide appropriate help during the preparation of documents and testing the product to fulfill all necessary regulations. Such cooperation ensures smoother procedures when obtaining certification and avoids possible problems with the process.
