Ensure Compliance, Build Trust, & Expand Your Market Access

Introduction: The Critical Need for Compliance

Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) remains one of India's most essential industrial chemicals, with annual consumption exceeding 4.2 million metric tons (Chemical Industry Report, 2024). As a key raw material for textiles, aluminium production, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, its quality directly impacts industrial safety and product outcomes.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates ISI Mark certification under IS 252:2013 for all caustic soda manufactured, imported, or sold in India. Non-compliance carries:

• Up to ₹5 lakh penalty under BIS Act 2016
• Customs seizure of uncertified shipments
• Blacklisting from government tenders

Understanding Caustic Soda: Forms & Applications

Physical Forms & Grades

Why Quality Matters

• Food-grade applications require mercury content <0.1 ppm
• Aluminium production demands low chloride (<0.03%)
• Textile processing needs iron content <50 ppm

IS 252:2013 - The Compliance Blueprint

Mandatory Testing Parameters

1. Chemical Composition
   • NaOH content (Min 97% for solids)
   • Sodium carbonate (Max 1.5%)
   • Chlorides (Max 0.1% for Grade 1)
2. Contaminant Limits
   • Heavy metals (As, Pb, Hg) per Table 2 of IS 252
   • Silica (Max 0.05% for membrane-grade)
3. Physical Properties
   • Density (1.515-1.525 g/cm³ for 50% lye)
   • Insoluble matter (Max 0.02%)

Who Needs Certification?

Critical Update (2024): BIS now requires quarterly surveillance audits for all certified units.
 

Step-by-Step Certification Process

For Indian Manufacturers

1. Gap Analysis (2-3 weeks)
   • Compare current product vs IS 252
   • Identify lab testing needs
2. Documentation (4 weeks)
   • Prepare:
     • Factory layout diagrams
     • Quality manual (ISO 9001 aligned)
     • Raw material test records
3. Testing (6 weeks)
   • Sample testing at BIS-recognized labs:
     • ERTL Kolkata (Primary)
     • SGS India (For exports)
4. Factory Audit (1 week)
   • BIS inspectors verify:
     • Production controls
     • Testing equipment calibration
     • Storage conditions
5. License Grant (2 weeks)

Total Time: 4-5 months

For Foreign Manufacturers

1. Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
2. Submit Form VI with technical documents
3. Ship samples to Indian labs under BIS supervision
4. Host overseas factory audit
5. Obtain FMCS license (Valid 2 years)

Looking for full guidence on BIS certification for your products:
visit at us:- Product certification for Foreign manufacurers
visit at us:- Product certification for domestic manufacturers
 

5 Common Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Incomplete Mercury Testing
   • Solution: Use atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) as per IS 1448
2. Improper Sampling
   • Must: Follow IS 1070 for liquid sampling procedures
3. Labelling Errors
   • Required: ISI mark + license no. in minimum 6pt font
4. Document Discrepancies
   • Critical: Batch-wise test records for past 3 years
5. Storage Violations
   • Rule: Separate from acidic compounds (Min 5m distance)

Why Choose KMA Global?

With many successful caustic soda certifications, we offer:

Pre-Audit Gap Assessment
AIR Appointment Services
Priority Lab Testing Slots
Mock Audit Simulations
License Renewal Management

Action Plan for Manufacturers

1. Download Checklist - IS 252 compliance requirements
2. Test Your Readiness - Take our 5-min audit quiz
3. Schedule Consultation -  Phone- 0120-4104971, mail- info@kmagc.com