Hydrophobic Portland Cement - IS 8043:1991

BIS Certification for Hydrophobic Portland Cement - IS 8043

Introduction to IS 8043: Hydrophobic Portland Cement

Hydrophobic Portland Cement is a specialised type of Portland cement that is designed to resist the moisture during storage and transportation. As per IS 8043, this cement is produced by grinding of clinker with gypsum and a small quantity of hydrophobic agents such as acidol, naphthensoap, oxidised petrolatum or similar film-forming substances. These additives coat of each cement particle, reduces the absorption of moisture and ensures the longer shelf life even in highly humid environments.

Hydrophobic Portland Cement is widely used in dams, spillways, tunnels, hydraulic structures, foundations in wet soils and in projects where the cement could be stored for a long time or used in bad weather.

Purpose of IS 8043 and need for BIS Certification

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has issued the Cement (Quality Control Order), mandating that all types of cement including Hydrophobic Portland Cement must be conform to the relevant Indian Standard and bear the ISI Mark before being sold or imported in India.

Why BIS Certification is Required

✔ Ensures the cement that it should meet the essential chemical, physical and performance requirements under IS 8043
✔ Protects consumers and infrastructure by preventing the sale of sub-standard cement
✔ Mandatory for both Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers who are intending to supply cement in India
✔ Legal requirement under BIS Act, 2016 and QCOs (Quality Control Orders)

No manufacturer is allowed to sell, distribute or import Hydrophobic Portland Cement in India without a valid BIS Licence (ISI Mark).

Documents Required for BIS Certification (2025 Requirements)

A. Administrative Documents

• Factory registration certificate
• GST certificate / Import Export Code
• Manufacturing flow chart & process description

B. Technical Documents

• List of machinery and manufacturing equipment
• Complete list of test equipment (with calibration certificates)
• Raw material specifications & supplier details
• Internal test reports

C. Quality Control Personnel Documents

• Qualification & experience certificates
• QC responsibilities and organizational structure

D. Commercial Details

• Production capacity
• Product pricing
• Authorised representative details (for FMCS applicants)

Applicable BIS Certification Scheme

Hydrophobic Portland Cement falls under the Mandatory ISI Mark Certification (Scheme-I) of BIS.

For Indian Manufacturers → Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme)

• On-site audit
• Sample testing in BIS-recognized lab
• Licence grant after compliance

For Foreign Manufacturers → FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)

• Compulsory factory audit by BIS officers
• Product test sample drawn from the factory
• Longer timelines due to international logistics and security verifications
   

Testing & Labelling Requirements

Testing

Mandatory Quality Tests

The following tests must be conducted in an in-house BIS-compliant laboratory:

• Fineness
• Setting Time (Initial & Final)
• Soundness
• Compressive Strength
• Transverse Strength
• Chemical Requirements (as specified in IS 269 & IS 8043)

All mandatory tests must be performed either in:

• In-house laboratory meeting BIS requirements, AND
• BIS-Recognized Third-Party Laboratory (for certification testing)

Testing must strictly follow the methods prescribed in IS 8043, IS 4031, and IS 269, wherever referenced.

Labelling

Each cement bag must display:

• ISI Mark
• BIS Licence Number (CM/L-)
• Batch Number
• Net weight
• Manufacturing date

Improper marking can lead to suspension or cancellation of the licence.