BIS Certification for Primary Lead (IS 27:2025) – Process, Benefits & Specifications

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a revised Indian Standard, IS 27:2025, titled “Primary Lead – Specification (Fifth Revision)”. This standard establishes the quality standards for primary lead ingots derived from ore or comparable raw materials.

Following this update, the Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025 has been notified by the Ministry of Mines, making BIS certification mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of primary lead in India. This regulation aims to ensure consistent product quality, safety, and compliance across the industry.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the scope of IS 27, the certification process, benefits, and key quality specifications for primary lead under the BIS framework.

What is BIS Certification for Primary Lead?

Primary lead refers to lead produced directly from natural ore, not recycled or reclaimed sources. It is widely used in battery manufacturing, construction, and chemical industries due to its durability and corrosion resistance.

To maintain high quality and performance standards, the BIS Certification under IS 27:2025 ensures that only compliant, tested, and standardized primary lead ingots enter the Indian market.

Scope of IS 27:2025 – Primary Lead Standard

This standard is applicable to primary lead ingots produced solely from ore or equivalent raw materials.
It does not cover secondary or recycled lead, which is governed under IS 3717.
The standard mandates BIS certification for all manufacturers (domestic and foreign) who sell or distribute primary lead in India (excluding exports).

Latest Update on Primary Lead Quality Control Order (QCO)

As per the Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025, the standard will be enforced 6 months after its publication in the Official Gazette. It is mandatory for all domestic and foreign entities selling primary lead within India to comply with IS 27:2025.

Exports are exempted from this QCO.
Stakeholders can submit feedback within 60 days of the notification.
Certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Key Features of IS 27:2025 – Primary Lead Specification

Grades of Primary Lead: IS 27 classifies primary lead into five grades based on lead content: Pb99.90, Cu (Chemical Copper Lead), Pb99.97, Pb99.985, Pb99.99, Pb99.995
Purity and Chemical Composition: Higher purity grades such as Pb99.995 are used in chemicals and high-end applications.
Chemical composition and impurity levels are strictly monitored to meet global quality benchmarks.
Physical Properties: Ingots must be devoid of slag, dross, and any other inclusions.
Surfaces must be clean and defect-free to prevent performance issues.
Manufacturing Source: Only smelted and refined ore is permitted as the raw material.
Secondary or reclaimed lead is excluded to ensure top-tier quality.
Applications by Grade: Pb99.99 → Optical glass, red/white lead, accumulator plates
Pb99.97 → Lead-acid batteries, lead alloys
Pb99.90Cu → Sulfuric acid industry and corrosion-resistant applications

Advantages of BIS Certification for Primary Lead Manufacturers

Legal Compliance: Meet all regulatory requirements for manufacturing and selling primary lead in India.
Enhanced Market Credibility: The ISI Mark assures buyers of product safety, quality, and reliability.
Increased Market Access: BIS certification enables products to be marketed and sold across India without legal restrictions.
Access to Government Projects: Many government tenders require BIS-certified products for eligibility.
Export and Global Recognition: FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) enables foreign manufacturers to prove compliance for the Indian market.

BIS Certification Process for Primary Lead (IS 27)

Follow these steps to get certified:

Application Submission: Apply online via the official BIS portal with required documents and product details.
Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess production quality and ensure compliance.
Sample Testing: Samples are tested at BIS-approved or NABL-accredited labs to verify compliance with IS 27.
License Issuance: If the product passes all evaluations, a BIS license is granted under Scheme-I for using the ISI mark.

Quality Control & Testing Requirements under IS 27

Maintain a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and ensure regular in-process testing.
Keep test records from shared labs, in-house facilities, or cluster-based units.
MSMEs can make use of shared or BIS-recognized test labs that are accredited with IS/ISO/IEC 17025.
The Standard Mark (ISI) must be: Permanently stamped on each ingot, slab, or tile.
Included on test certificates accompanying shipments.

Conclusion

BIS Certification for Primary Lead under IS 27:2025 is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a benchmark of quality, reliability, and market competitiveness. Whether you're a local manufacturer or a foreign exporter, BIS certification enables your products to legally and efficiently access the Indian market.

Partnering with BIS consultants like Absolute Veritas can help streamline the entire certification journey, from documentation to final approval.

For more information contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com