The certification of BIS for thiophanate methyl wettable powders as per IS 14552:2024 is for the
formulation of the fungicide used in agriculture for controlling pathogen attacks on cereals, fruits,
vegetables, and plantation crops. This fungicide in its WP form is vital to crop protection
because the factors of dispersion, suspensibility, and stability have to be considered.
IS 14552:2024 has laid down the revised technical benchmarks for quality control of
formulations covering determination of active ingredient content, particle fineness, dispersibility,
suspensibility, pH levels and other stability indicators. This article explains the certification
process, technical requirements, tests and procedures for approval of products in India.
What is IS 14552:2024
This is the Indian Standard for Thiophanate Methyl Wettable Powders, a systemic fungicide
used for the control of fungal diseases in various crops. It specifies the quality requirements,
sampling methods, and testing procedures to ensure product effectiveness and safety. As per
the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Thiophanate Methyl WPs are:
- Checked for active ingredient conformity
- Assessed for wettability characteristics
- Evaluated for suspension properties
- Tested for storage stability
Eligibility for Thiophanate Methyl Wettable Powder Certification
BIS certification under IS 14552:2024 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Thiophanate Methyl WP in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the fungicide to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Thiophanate Methyl powder.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
For maintaining uniformity in terms of quality of Thiophanate Methyl Wettable Powder
formulations used in agriculture, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has defined the basic
requirements in IS 14552:2024. Such a certificate guarantees that manufacturers manufacture
formulations possessing specific physical and chemical properties.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Thiophanate Methyl WP are listed below:
Step-by-Step BIS License Approval Process
BIS Approval guarantees that Thiophanate Methyl WP comply with all safety requirements. The
above procedure has been set out by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and involves the
following stages:
- 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 moisture content, fibre level, purity, nutritional composition and absence of contaminants.
- 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: Officials from the BIS come to the manufacturing unit to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License:Once all compliance procedures have been satisfactorily met, the certification license is granted by BIS under Scheme I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Following approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
list of Documents for IS 14552:2024 Approval
| 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.
IS 14552:2024 Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for Fungicide Wettable Powders must
be written clearly and permanently on its packaging. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 14552:2024 |
| 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 certification Valid
| 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 Certification Cost Breakdown for thiophanate methyl wettable powers
The BIS Approval fee for crop protection chemicals 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
The specification IS 14552:2024 is formulated to bring uniformity in the performance of
agrochemicals, i.e. thiophanate methyl wettable powders in the use against different fungal
diseases. These guidelines provide strict adherence to criteria concerning the level of active
substances, stability, dispersibility, and safety standards so that the products remain effective on
application. This would ensure uniform agrochemical activity, greater disease control and lower
variations among batches of the products produced.
Following the standards of BIS is extremely important in making sure that the agrochemical
formulations are safe and efficient before they can be introduced into the Indian markets. In
order to achieve this objective, EVTL India can offer guidance to the manufacturers on
documentation and laboratory analysis to conform to BIS standards for IS 14552.
