Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the foundation material of India’s construction sector. From residential buildings to large infrastructure projects, OPC remains the most commonly specified cement due to its predictable strength development, versatility, and widespread availability.

In India, the manufacture, sale, and import of Ordinary Portland Cement are strictly regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under IS 269. As per the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003, Ordinary Portland Cement cannot be legally placed on the market without a valid BIS (ISI Mark) license.

At Standphill India, we provide expert guidance and end-to-end support for manufacturers navigating the BIS certification process for Ordinary Portland Cement, ensuring compliance with IS 269.

What is IS 269?

IS 269 is the Indian Standard that specifies requirements for Ordinary Portland Cement, including:

i. ) Chemical composition limits

ii. ) Physical and mechanical properties

iii. ) Strength requirements

iv. ) Quality control and testing methods

The standard ensures that Ordinary Portland Cement used across India delivers consistent performance, structural safety, and durability.

Regulatory Status: Mandatory BIS Certification

Ordinary Portland Cement falls under the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003. Accordingly:

i. ) BIS certification is mandatory

ii. ) Cement must bear a valid ISI Mark

iii. ) Non-certified Ordinary Portland Cement is prohibited for manufacture, sale, or import

iv. ) Failure to comply constitutes a statutory violation.

Purpose of BIS Certification for Ordinary Portland Cement

BIS certification under IS 269 is intended to:

i. ) Protect consumers from substandard cement

ii. ) Ensure uniform strength and performance

iii. ) Maintain national construction quality benchmarks

iv. ) Enable regulatory traceability and accountability

For infrastructure and government projects, ISI-marked Ordinary Portland Cement is a non-negotiable requirement.

Technical Scope of IS 269

Composition Control

IS 269 prescribes limits on:

i. ) Lime saturation

ii. ) Magnesia content

iii. ) Sulphur trioxide (SO?)

iv. ) Loss on ignition

These controls directly influence strength, soundness, and durability.

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Ordinary Portland Cement must meet requirements for:

i. ) Fineness

ii. ) Setting time (initial and final)

iii. ) Soundness

iv. ) Compressive strength at specified curing ages

Grades of Ordinary Portland Cement

Historically, Ordinary Portland Cement has been supplied in different strength grades. IS 269 governs general-purpose Ordinary Portland Cement, ensuring compliance with minimum strength and performance criteria applicable across construction segments.

Applications of IS 269 Cement

Ordinary Portland Cement is commonly used in:

i. ) Residential and commercial buildings

ii. ) Reinforced cement concrete (RCC) works

iii. ) Precast concrete products

iv. ) Roads and pavements

v. ) Bridges and flyovers

vi. ) Industrial and institutional buildings

BIS Certification Process for Ordinary Portland Cement

The BIS certification process under IS 269 involves:

1. ) Identification of IS 269 as applicable standard

2. ) Preparation of technical and quality documentation

3. ) Online BIS application submission

4. ) Factory inspection by BIS officials

5. ) Sampling of cement for independent testing

6. ) Testing at BIS-recognized laboratories

7. ) Grant of BIS license with ISI Mark permission

8. ) Ongoing surveillance and compliance audits

Documentation Required

Manufacturers are required to submit:

i. ) Company incorporation and factory registration documents

ii. ) Manufacturing process flow diagram

iii. ) Plant layout and machinery details

iv. ) In-house laboratory facilities

v. ) Quality control system documentation

vi. ) Raw material and clinker test reports

vii. ) Trademark and authorization documents

BIS Certification Fees and Cost for IS 269 Cement

For Indian Manufacturers

For Foreign Manufacturers

Actual cost depends on plant capacity and compliance preparedness.

Who Must Obtain BIS Certification?

BIS certification under IS 269 is mandatory for:

i. ) Indian manufacturers of Ordinary Portland Cement

ii. ) Foreign manufacturers exporting Ordinary Portland Cement to India

iii. ) Brand owners marketing Ordinary Portland Cement under their name

iv. ) Dealers and distributors must ensure that only ISI-marked Ordinary Portland Cement is traded.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with IS 269 and BIS regulations may result in:

i. ) Monetary penalties

ii. ) Seizure of non-conforming cement

iii. ) Suspension or cancellation of manufacturing operations

iv. ) Legal action under the BIS Act

Business & Compliance Benefits of BIS Certification

Holding a BIS license for Ordinary Portland Cement enables:

i. ) Legal market access across India

ii. ) Eligibility for government and infrastructure tenders

iii. ) Higher acceptance among engineers and consultants

iv. ) Reduced compliance and litigation risk

v. ) Strengthened brand credibility

Role of a BIS Consultant: Is It Mandatory?

Engaging a BIS consultant is not mandatory, but Ordinary Portland Cement certification involves complex documentation, inspections, and technical evaluations. Without expert support, manufacturers often face delays, non-conformities, or rejection.

Why Choose Standphill India for BIS Certification of Ordinary Portland Cement?

Standphill India provides specialized BIS certification consultancy for cement manufacturers, including:

i. ) Gap analysis against IS 269 requirements

ii. ) Documentation preparation and verification

iii. ) Pre-inspection readiness audits

iv. ) Assistance during BIS factory inspection

v. ) Coordination of laboratory testing

vi. ) Post-certification compliance and renewal support

Conclusion

Ordinary Portland Cement governed by IS 269 remains a critical construction material in India. Given its regulatory importance and widespread application, BIS (ISI Mark) certification is compulsory. Manufacturers seeking uninterrupted market access and long-term compliance must adhere strictly to IS 269 requirements and obtain a valid BIS license.

Get in touch with Standphill India today and secure your BIS certification for Ordinary Portland Cement (IS 269) hassle-free!