Portland Slag Cement - IS 455:2015

BIS Certification for Portland Slag Cement - IS 455:2015

1. Introduction to IS 455:2015 - Portland Slag Cement (PSC)

Portland Slag Cement (PSC) is a blended cement manufactured by inter-grinding or blending of Portland cement clinker, granulated blast furnace slag, and gypsum in controlled proportions. The PSC covered under the IS 455:2015 (Fourth Revision) and issued or maintained by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Civil Engineering Division.

As per the standard, the content of slag in PSC must be 25% to 65%, and the cement must   comply with the physical and chemical requirements as specified in the IS 455. This type of cement is used widely because of its low heat of hydration, improved durability, and excellent resistance to sulphates, aggressive chemicals, acidic waters, and marine environments.

2. Why BIS Certification Is Mandatory for Portland Slag Cement (PSC)

Under the QCO (Quality Control Order) for Cement, stated that all manufacturers of Portland Slag Cement must obtain a BIS Licence (ISI Mark) before selling the product in India. Notified by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

BIS certification ensures:

• Consistent product quality
• Compliance with IS 455:2015
• Consumer and structural safety
• Legal authorization of manufacture & sell PSC in India

3. Purpose of the Standard - What IS 455 Ensures

If Portland Slag Cement made up as per the IS 455 then offers:

• A high durability
• Chemical resistance
• Low environmental impact (due to slag utilization)
• Stable performance in corrosive environments

4. Certification Process For Portland Slag Cement or for another products that needs mandatory certification 
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For Indian Manufacturers
For Foreign Manufacturers

6. Documents Required for BIS Certification of PSC (IS 455)

Manufacturers must submit the following documents:

Administrative Documents

• Business license / incorporation certificate
• Manufacturing facility address proof
• Organizational structure

Technical Documents

• Manufacturing process flow chart
• Raw material details (clinker, slag, gypsum)
• Mix proportion details
• Plant machinery and equipment list
• Quality control plan
• In-house laboratory equipment list

Quality Control Personnel

• Qualification certificates
• Experience details
• Responsibility mapping

Testing & Production Details

• Test reports as per IS 455
• Calibration certificates
• Routine production & QC records

Commercial Details

• Fee receipts
• Marking fee agreements
• Authorized Indian representative (for foreign manufacturers)

7. Testing Requirements for IS 455 - Mandatory Lab Tests

Portland Slag Cement must go through with both chemical and physical tests as per IS 455:2015.

Chemical Tests

• Magnesium oxide
• Sulphur trioxide
• Loss of ignition
• Insoluble residue
• Total chloride content
• Alkalies

Physical Tests

• Fineness
• Soundness
• Setting time (initial & final)
• Compressive strength
• Transverse strength (optional, as per agreement)

All tests must be performed in an adequately maintained (in-house laboratory) and verified by BIS-recognized laboratories during certification process.

8. Labelling & Marking Requirements (Mandatory)

Every Portland Slag Cement bag must clearly display these:

• ISI Mark with CM/L number
• Manufacturer’s name
• Net quantity
• Slag percentage
• Any safety precautions required

Misuse or incorrect display of the ISI Mark is a punishable offence under the BIS Act 2016.

9. Applicable BIS Scheme for Portland Slag Cement

For foreign manufacturers who are exporting PSC to India, FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is the applicable scheme to get enter in the Indian market.