Washable distemper in accordance with IS 428:2013 is commonly employed in wall finishes for
residential, commercial and institutional purposes, where cost-effective surface protection and
long-lasting appearance are required. It acts as an intermediary between traditional distemper
and emulsion paints in terms of providing quality finishes. For this reason, washable distempers
are used in large housing constructions, governmental buildings and other projects requiring
economic repainting.
The BIS Certification IS 428:2013 for washable distemper is issued to ensure that the coating
material satisfies various parameters for physical attributes, application properties, finishing
attributes and wear and tear resistance under normal conditions of usage. It involves the testing
of various aspects of the coating material based on the defined criteria of quality.
What is IS 428:2013 for Washable Distemper
This is the Indian Standard for washable distemper used as a decorative and protective coating
for interior walls and ceilings. It specifies quality requirements related to appearance,
washability, consistency, drying characteristics and performance. As per the BIS (Bureau of
Indian Standards), washable distemper is:
- Evaluated for washability performance
- Tested for drying properties
- Assessed for consistency
- Checked for compliance with quality requirements
Who must obtain BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 428:2013 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Washable Distemper Paint in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the acrylic washable distemper to
India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified surface protective wall paint.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure quality and efficiency in decorative paints for walls, the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) provides specifications in IS 428:2013 for washable distemper. The certificate guarantees
that the manufacturers produce distemper with good wash resistance, uniform appearance,
good drying properties and longevity for use on interior surfaces.
The following are the BIS test criteria for Washable Distemper:
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Procedure for Washable
Distemper
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the washable wall coating complies with the quality
and performance requirements defined under IS 428:2013. 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, silica content, moisture content, fineness, compressive strength, and other physical performance parameters.
- 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 Bureau of Indian Standards officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
essential Documents required for certification process
| 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 are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for matte finish wall distemper must
be written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. Additional details
are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 428: 2003 |
| 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 and renewal process explained
| 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 washable distemper
The cost of BIS Approval for distemper paint 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 BIS certificate for Washable Distemper according to IS 428:2013 acts as a standardized
quality mark for decorative coating material which is meant for interior and exterior decoration
work. With the license, it becomes evident that the product satisfies all important parameters like
washability, adhesion strength, smoothness, etc., and is suitable for architectural applications
under varied conditions.
Certification from BIS adds value to the product and makes sure that the product is accepted in
India. The manufacturer may also approach a BIS consultant for help. EVTL India offers
professional guidance for documentation, testing, and certification of the products through BIS.
