Whether in glass manufacturing or detergents, soda ash is a crucial component acting as an
industrial raw material. It is utilized in pH adjustment, cleaning, and in different synthetic
reactions due to its alkaline character. Such features guarantee that the material will be widely
used in several major sectors.
Technical soda ash should be BIS certified as per IS 251:2024 for consistency and safety in the
industrial process. The standard covers various criteria and composition, purity, moisture
content and permissible impurities. All batches are tested and checked for conformance to
quality standards. Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) manufacturers must get product approval to sell
the product to consumers.
What is IS 251: 2024?
This is the Indian Standard for Technical Grade Soda Ash used in industries such as glass
manufacturing, detergents, chemicals, and water treatment. It mentions the testing criteria to
ensure consistent performance. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), Soda Ash is:
- Checked for impurity levels
- Tested for moisture content
- Evaluated for chemical purity
- Assessed for overall chemical consistency
Eligibility for Industrial Soda Ash BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 251: 2024 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Sodium Carbonate in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if Alkali Soda Ash is 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 Industrial Sodium Carbonate.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure consistent quality of technical-grade soda ash used in industrial applications such as
glass manufacturing, detergents, chemicals, and water treatment, the Bureau of Indian
Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 251: 2024. This certification ensures
that manufacturers meet the chemical composition and quality standards for reliable industrial
use.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Commercial Grade Soda Ash are listed
below:
BIS License Process for Technical Grade Soda Ash
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Soda Ash for industrial use meets the
performance standards for industrial applications. 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 physical properties, moisture content, chemical characteristics, dimensional stability, and overall material performance.
- 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.
IS 251: 2024 Approval Documents guide
| 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
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for Sodium Carbonate Powder must be
clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark,
essential details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be
marked. This ensures the product complies with all performance and quality standards.
Additional details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 251: 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.
what is alkali soda ash BIS License Validity
| 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 | 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 |
industrial sodium carbonate BIS licence cost structure
The cost of BIS Approval for a coir felt sheet 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
Soda Ash is widely utilized in various industries that require uniformity in terms of chemical
qualities. IS 251:2024 certification ensures that the product is in line with the purity and
performance standards. This allows the manufacturers to ensure reliability and efficiency in their
manufacturing process. It will also minimize any problems that could arise regarding quality
when the product is used in industries.
The BIS Certification process can sometimes become difficult if approached without proper
knowledge and guidance. With the assistance of EVTL India, the entire process becomes
simple for the manufacturer.
