Guide to BIS Certification for Upholstered Composites Under IS 15768

INTRODUCTION

Ensuring product safety and compliance is essential, especially for items used in fire-sensitive environments. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) offers a certification scheme to guarantee products adhere to stringent safety norms. One key standard is IS 15768:2008, which outlines the requirements for the ignition resistance of upholstered composites in non-domestic furniture. Absolute Veritas a leading Regulatory Compliance Service Provider, is instrumental in navigating the BIS certification process, helping manufacturers achieve compliance with these demanding standards.

INDIAN STANDARD IS 15768

IS 15768:2008 addresses the ignitability of upholstered composites, especially in public and non-domestic environments where fire hazards can endanger life and property. This standard, based on BS 7176:1995 and aligned with the National Building Code of India 2005, categorizes hazard levels and establishes performance criteria for ignitability. It requires adherence to rigorous tests, including the smouldering cigarette test, match flame equivalent test, and various intensity crib tests.

Key Components of IS 15768:2008

• Scope and Applicability: The standard applies to upholstered composites used in non-domestic furniture, focusing on requirements to reduce fire hazards.

• Performance Requirements: Defines ignitability resistance levels according to the hazard category of the intended environment.

• Testing Methods: Outlines essential tests such as the smouldering cigarette test, match flame equivalent test, and crib tests to evaluate material ignitability.

• Durability of Treatment: Requires testing of materials after treatments like water soaking and dry cleaning to ensure sustained flame retardant properties.

DRAFT QUALITY CONTROL ORDER

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has mandated that all upholstered composites used in India—whether domestically manufactured or imported—must carry the Standard Mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under a valid BIS license. In essence, all manufacturers of upholstered composites, both within India and abroad, are now required to apply for and obtain a valid BIS certification license to comply with this regulation.

BIS CERTIFICATION FOR IS 15768

The BIS certification process for products under IS 15768 involves multiple steps to ensure compliance with the standard's stringent requirements. This certification is essential for manufacturers seeking to market their upholstered furniture in India, especially in environments where fire safety is a critical concern.

EXPERT GUIDANCE FROM ABSOLUTE VERITAS

Absolute Veritas offers comprehensive support for BIS certification, assisting manufacturers with:

• Application Submission: Ensuring all applications are complete and accurate.

• Factory Inspection: Preparing for BIS inspections through effective quality control.

• Sample Testing: Coordinating with BIS labs to confirm compliance.

• Grant of Licence:Facilitating certification upon successful testing.

For Foreign manufacturers, Absolute Veritas provides:

• Nominating Authorized Indian Representatives

• Signing Agreements: Drafting and executing necessary BIS agreements.

• Performance Bank Guarantees

• Regular Monitoring: Conducting audits to ensure continuous compliance.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING ABSOLUTE VERITAS

Partnering with Absolute Veritas

• Expertise: Extensive regulatory knowledge.

• Time and Cost Savings: Streamlined certification processes.

• Performance Bank Guarantees

• Assurance of Compliance: Reduced risk of rejection.

• Continuous Support: Ongoing assistance for maintaining compliance.

CONCLUSION

Securing BIS certification for upholstered composites under IS 15768 involves a thorough process that guarantees adherence to stringent safety standards. This certification boosts the product’s market appeal and provides assurance of its safety and reliability to end-users. Absolute Veritas specializes in regulatory compliance, offering essential support to manufacturers throughout the certification journey, from initial documentation to ongoing post-certification maintenance.