Agriculture of today needs micronutrient-based fertilizers to increase the productivity of the soil.
Certification by BIS of Zinc Sulphate, Monohydrate, Agricultural Grade has become of great
significance since the above-listed product is one of the main sources of zinc that is needed for
plants' growth, proper functioning of enzymes and further development of crop production.
Irrespective of whether the fertilizer is applied in field crops, horticulture or poor soils, its
efficiency depends greatly on purity, nutritional value and quality standards prescribed in IS
15848.
Consistency in quality is one of the important issues for agricultural micronutrients because it
could influence the efficiency of plants as well as the fertility of the soil. To show compliance with
IS 15848:2025, producers have to meet certain criteria concerning chemical composition,
product quality, testing procedures and manufacturing processes. In general, regulatory analysis
consists of laboratory testing and documentation to prove the compliance of the product with the
relevant standard.
What is IS 15848:2025
This standard defines quality requirements for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate used as an
agricultural-grade micronutrient fertilizer. It ensures proper nutrient composition and safe
application in soil enrichment programs. As per BIS, this product is:
- Tested for agricultural suitability
- Checked for zinc composition
- Assessed for purity and impurity limits
- Evaluated for heavy metal content
Eligibility Criteria for IS 15848:2025 BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 15848:2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the fertilisers are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the Agricultural Grade Zinc
Sulphate Monohydrate to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate Products.
Testing Requirements for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate
Agricultural Grade
To support soil nutrition and ensure standardized micronutrient quality, BIS prescribes
specifications under IS 15848:2025 for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate used in agriculture. This
certification validates the product’s chemical purity, nutrient concentration and safety for soil
application.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Zinc Content Test | Zinc (as Zn %) by EDTA titration, spectrophotometric method, or atomic absorption spectroscopy | Ensures the minimum required nutrient content for agricultural effectiveness |
| Magnesium Content Test | Magnesium (as Mg %) by EDTA method or atomic absorption spectroscopy | Ensures controlled magnesium level for nutrient balance |
| Copper Content Test | Copper (as Cu %) by dithizone method or atomic absorption spectroscopy | Ensures copper remains within permissible trace impurity limits |
| Lead Content Test | Lead (as Pb %) by dithizone colorimetric method or atomic absorption spectroscopy | Ensures toxic heavy metals are within safety limits |
| pH Test | pH of 5% solution using a pH meter | Ensures suitability for soil application and chemical stability |
| Water Insoluble Matter Test | Insoluble residue after filtration and drying | Ensures material purity and complete solubility |
| Iron Content Test | Iron (as Fe %) by spectrophotometric (phenanthroline) or atomic absorption method | Ensures iron impurity remains within the permissible limit |
Procedure for BIS Approval of Agricultural Grade Zinc
Sulphate Monohydrate
The BIS Certification for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, Agricultural Grade (IS 15848:2025)
guarantees the micronutrient fertiliser’s adherence to all necessary specifications regarding
quality and chemical composition needed for its effective use in agriculture. The Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) controls this certification process to guarantee the standard nutrient
composition and safe handling of the product when used in soil and crop cultivation. These
steps include the following:
- 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.
Document Checklist for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate BIS
License Application
| 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.
ISI Mark Requirements under IS 15848:2025 Standard
Once the BIS license has been acquired, the company is permitted to apply ISI Marking on
packages and containers of Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate. This ISI Mark should be clear and
readable. Other details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 15848:2025 |
| 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 Duration and Compliance Requirements under
IS 15848:2025
| 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 Fees for Agricultural Grade Zinc Sulphate
The total cost associated with BIS certification for Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (IS 15848:2025)
covers application fees, fees for product testing, fees for factory inspection, license fees and
marking fees. All these costs will be charged by BIS based on the 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 demand for good-quality inputs in agriculture is increasing; it becomes essential for the
fertilizer industry to abide by Indian Standards. BIS Certification of Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate
(IS 15848:2025) defines the methodology that is to be followed to assure product quality. This
certificate helps build credibility among distributors and the agricultural industries.
Obtaining certification is not an easy task since it requires proper documentation and
coordination of testing services. EVTL India offers its expertise in helping fertilizer companies go
through the certification process. They offer assistance in meeting compliance requirements,
preparation of applications for certification, coordination of testing services and submission of
regulatory documents.
