Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate has been an essential requirement for textile processors, polymer manufacturers, pharmaceutical formulators and chemical producers due to its reducing capability and effective manufacturing process. Certification of Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate has emerged as a vital requirement for manufacturers seeking permission to manufacture or import this chemical to sell in India.
As far as regulatory requirements are concerned, the manufacturer needs to conform to the quality standards. As per IS 4505:2015, there are certain requirements which have been set forth concerning sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate such as grading specifications, sampling procedures, test methods, impurities, packing specifications, and marking details. Certification will involve laboratory analysis, quality control inspection, factory inspection and finally regulatory approval based on conformity to the Indian Standards.
Compliance Requirements for IS 4505:2015
This is the Indian Standard for sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate used in textile processing, dye stripping, polymerization control and bleaching applications. It defines quality requirements to ensure reliable reducing performance. As per BIS, sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate is:
- Checked for active chemical content
- Assessed for pH stability
- Evaluated for sodium sulphite
- Tested for heavy metals
Who Requires BIS Registration under IS 4505:2015 Standard
BIS approval under IS 4505:2015 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified white reducing agent.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
For safety and efficiency of usage during textile processing, dye stripping and industrial bleaching processes, the standards for sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate have been specified in IS 4505:2015 by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These include control over chemical strength, reducing properties and impurities during industrial applications.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate are listed below:
IS 4505 BIS Approval Process
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate meet the required safety standards for effective 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, purity levels, pH value, impurity content and heavy metal limits.
- 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: Representatives from the Bureau inspect the factory for production procedures and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once the requirement of all the criteria is fulfilled satisfactorily, the license is granted by BIS under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: When the approval process is completed successfully, ISI mark can be used along with a CM/L number.
Documents Required for BIS License under IS 4505:2015
| 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
Once the company has been issued the BIS License, the ISI mark for Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate must be clearly and permanently marked on either its packaging or the actual product. This is to ensure that the product meets all the required standards. The details are listed below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 4505:2015 |
| 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.
BIS License Validity for IS 4505:2015
| 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 |
Breakdown of BIS Approval Charges and Consultancy Fees
The cost of BIS Approval for Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate 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
IS 4505:2015 offers a complete set of guidelines that help in maintaining quality, purity, and efficiency of the sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate that is used in different sectors of industry. These include guidelines related to chemical composition, pH level, control over impurities, limits for heavy metals, sampling process, tests and analysis procedure, packaging, and markings of the chemical. Obtaining BIS Certification for Sodium Formaldehyde Sulphoxylate ensures that manufacturers adhere to certain Indian quality standards and helps to use the chemical safely in different industrial processes.
EVTL India provides professional support in all these areas ranging from submitting applications for regulatory compliance, preparing the necessary documentation, conducting tests, and facilitating the overall process of obtaining certification. They help manufacturers in each and every step and make the certification process very smooth and easy, till the final BIS approval.
