BIS Certification for Safety Matches in Boxes (IS 2653:2004) ensures that the safety matches manufactured meet the standards with respect to quality, performance and safety. Used extensively at many places, starting from homes, hotels, churches and commercial organizations, there should be a proper ignition property with minimal hazards associated with accidental ignition, breakage or poor burning properties of matches.
Due to the hazardous nature of the material used, it becomes important that appropriate controls need to be exercised on the quality of raw materials, manufacturing process, packaging, as well as performance criteria. The Indian Standard 2653:2004 specifies the dimensions, lighting properties, splint quality, match box manufacture and packaging of safety matches. Through standard test and certification procedures, BIS helps provide assurance about safety matches available in the market.
What is IS 2653:2004?
This is the Indian Standard for safety matches packed in boxes and intended for domestic and commercial use. It specifies the quality, performance, packaging, and safety requirements to ensure reliable ignition and safe handling during use and storage. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), safety matches in boxes are:
- Evaluated for striking efficiency
- Assessed for damp-proof characteristics
- Verified for matchbox construction quality
- Checked for safety
- Tested for ignition performance
Who Needs BIS Certification for Safety Matches?
BIS authorisation under IS 2653:2004 is required for businesses that manufacture, import, or supply safety matches in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the matchstick boxes to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that safety matches are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified matchboxes.
Performance and Safety Tests Under IS 2653:2004
To maintain consistent standards of safety, ignition and quality in safety match boxes meant for household and commercial use, there is a defined set of parameters established by the Bureau of Indian Standards as IS 2653:2004.The testing specifications and quality parameters of safety matches in boxes are as follows:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
| Match Content Verification | Number of matchsticks per box | Ensures declared quantity and proper containment of matches |
| Match Splint Dimension Test | Length, thickness and consistency of wooden or wax-coated paper splints | Ensures uniformity and compliance with dimensional requirements |
| Splint Quality Inspection | Smoothness, wax coating, absence of bristles, burn characteristics | Ensures safe and reliable burning performance |
| Unserviceable Matchstick Inspection | Distorted heads, fractured heads, doubles, broken or bent sticks | Ensures acceptable manufacturing quality and minimizes defective products |
| Striking Performance Test | Ignition behavior, head integrity, flame transfer, ash dropping, after-glow | Ensures safe and reliable lighting and burning performance |
| Safety Ignition Test | Ability to ignite on abrasive/flint paper instead of designated striking surface | Verifies that matches are true safety matches and do not ignite on unsuitable surfaces |
| Ignition Below 170°C Test | Resistance to spontaneous ignition at elevated temperatures | Ensures thermal safety during storage and transportation |
| Ignition Under Impact Test | Ignition tendency when subjected to hammer impact | Ensures resistance to accidental ignition due to mechanical shock |
| Striking Surface Durability Test | The ability of the striking surface to ignite all matches over repeated use | Ensures functional performance throughout the life of the matchbox |
| Striking Surface Ignition Test | Whether the friction surface itself catches fire during use | Ensures user safety and prevents hazardous flare-ups |
| Burning Fragment Loss Test | Release of burning particles from the striking surface | Prevents fire hazards and unsafe operation |
| Damp Proofness Test | Match performance after exposure to high humidity conditions | Ensures usability and ignition reliability in humid environments |
| Load Resistance of Match Box | Ability of the empty box to withstand a vertical load of 100 N ($\approx$10 kgf) | Ensures adequate mechanical strength during handling and stacking |
Complete BIS Approval Process Under IS 2653:2004
The BIS certification process ensures that Safety Matches comply with IS 2653:2004 for ignition safety and performance. This process 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 ignition time, flame stability, chemical composition of match head, and safety of packaging.
- 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 BIS officials inspect the factory to see how the product is manufactured and stored.
- Grant of BIS License :- Once all the necessary conditions are satisfied, BIS awards the license for the certificate scheme I.
- Use of ISI Mark :- Upon granting of approval, the manufacturer gets permission to use the ISI Mark with CM/L number for their product.
BIS Documentation Checklist for Safety Matches
| 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 Requirements | Agreement with AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), Aadhaar Card of AIR, AIR Nomination Form, Required Undertakings, Scope of License |
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.
Mandatory Marking Details for BIS-Certified Safety Matches
Once certification from BIS has been acquired, then the ISI mark for safety match in boxes needs to be clearly marked on each box or package. This marking shall require certain manufacturer information and CM/L number as well to comply with the BIS safety and quality standards. Below are some additional marking requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 2653:2004 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (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.
Safety Matches Certification Validity and Renewal Process
| Particulars | Details |
| 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 |
| Surveillance | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
Fee Structure for Safety Matches BIS License
Cost associated with BIS certification for safety matches consists of application fee, laboratory test fee, inspection fee, licensing fee, and marking fee in accordance with BIS Scheme-I.
| 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
The quality and efficacy of the safety matches have direct implications for consumer safety and usability of the matches. Meeting the IS 2653:2004 implies that the company has employed the best practice approach in the quality assurance process and has undergone a strict evaluation procedure. The companies can benefit from compliance with the standard to ensure consistency in their products.
Gaining BIS Certification for Safety Matches in Boxes (IS 2653:2004) can help organizations build their reputation in the competitive consumer products industry by emphasizing quality assurance. Manufacturers that require assistance with testing and other processes in achieving the necessary certifications can contact EVTL India to avail themselves of professional expertise.
