Caustic Soda is one of the common name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye. It is common name derives from its chemical identity as a sodium hydrate because it is corrosive or caustic. In pure form, Caustic Sodas are waxy and white solid. They readily absorb water and form aqueous solutions. Commercially available sodium hydroxide or Caustic Soda is usually sodium hydroxide monohydrate, NaOH.H2O. Caustic Soda is covered under IS 252: 2013. This standard specifies the requirements and the sampling & testing methods for pure and technical Caustic Soda, and it encompasses the material in lye solid and form. In a competitive environment, it is not easy to survive in the market without a standard certified and quality product. BIS Certification is required to sell products in the Indian market. To get BIS Certification, the manufacturers must ensure that their products need to follow the specified Indian Standard. This blog will discuss BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda in India.
Grades of Caustic Soda
The material received in the form of Lye shall be supplied in the following two grades:
Grade 1 — Where the caustic soda contains a minimum of 47 percent NaOH by mass and
Grade 2 — Where the caustic soda contains a minimum of 30 percent NaOH by mass.
The material must be provided in solid or lye, including blocks, flakes, sticks, and pellets. The material needs to be clean and free of foreign matter, dirt, and other visible impurities. When tested as per the prescribed methods, the material needs to meet the standard’s requirements dryly.
Why do we need BIS ISI Certificate?
Whether a consumer can trust the product or the firm from whom the product bears the name arises with every purchase, whether it be for food, cars, clothing, electronics, or unbranded goods. Are there any criteria by which one can judge the luxury, quality, or grade of the thing one will purchase, and if so, who sets these criteria? How will customer know they can trust the company’s name and its products? Herein lies the role that BIS ISI Certification plays. In India, consumers see BIS Certification as a symbol of reliability. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)[1] ISI Certificate enables manufacturers to reassure customers about their products’ reliability, safety, and quality. Although the BIS Certification Scheme is mostly voluntary, some products are covered under the BIS’s mandated certification program.
Benefits of BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda
Following are the benefits of BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda:
- This provides you with a better business opportunity.
- It ensures the better quality & safety of products.
- It reduces the rejection and losses of the business.
- Products with ISI marks give better performance & a long service life in comparison to those without ISI mark products.
- This ensures customer satisfaction.
- This gives you guarantees that the manufacturer has followed all ISI guidelines.
- Less resource wastage like raw material, workers, etc.
Documents Required to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda
Following are some important documents to obtain BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda:
- A complete address proof of the registered manufacturing premises;
- Complete details of all the Caustic Soda used for testing that is being manufactured;
- Copy of the product samples test report by a BIS-certified lab;
- Detailed layout plan of the factory premises;
- Product drawing;
- Flow chart followed in the manufacturing process;
- All the details regarding machinery installed;
- The latest utility bills like electricity bills, mobile bills, etc.;
- details of the raw material being used;
- Certificate copy from the Regulatory Authority;
- details on packaging like the product size, storage facility, quantity, etc.
- Details on quality control staff.
- Trademark Registration Certificate (if any).
Procedure to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda
Following are steps for getting BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda:
Step 1: Select the Standard Code of Product: First, the applicant needs to find and select the standard code of a product.
Step 2: Filing prescribed Application Form: After choosing the standard code of a product, the next step is filing an application Form to obtain BIS ISI Certification and submit it along with the prescribed fees. Further, the applicant must pay inspection & Registration fees.
Step 3: Inspection of Factory Premises: The next step in the BIS ISI Certification process is an inspection of the factory premises through the BIS Official & inspection team. The BIS Officer and inspection team will visit the factory premises. The inspection team will examine the manufacturing unit and quality control of the applicant’s factory premises. The BIS Officer will collect product samples and send the samples for testing in a BIS-authorised laboratory.
Step 4: Product Sample Test Report: The applicant need to obtain the test report of product samples from the BIS authorized lab and submit it to BIS.
Step 5: Issuance of BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda: Once the procedure for BIS ISI Certification & verification of the submitted required documents, product samples test report, and application is completed, the BIS Authority will issue BIS ISI Certification. Generally, the BIS Certification process takes around 30 days, starting from the submission date of the application form. Moreover, the BIS ISI Certificate is valid for one year and is qualified to renew after expiry.
Note: To get a renewed BIS ISI Certificate, the applicant must file an application duly certified by a Practicing Chartered Accountant.
Testing, Packing & Marking Requirements for Obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Caustic Soda
Tests include-
- Form & Description
- Relative density or concentration of the following–
- Sodium carbonate
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Chlorides
- Sulphates
- Silicates
- Iron
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chlorates and per-chlorates
- Total mercury
- Sodium Hydroxide on dry basis
- Matter insoluble in water
Packing and Marking-
Packing and marking need to be done per IS 252:2013. The material shall be packed in polyethylene-lined gunny bags, or steel drums unless otherwise agreed upon by the purchasers and the suppliers. The solution needs to be delivered in tankers or tank cars. Each container needs to be securely closed & bear the details specified in the standard. The ISI Mark shall be marked on Caustic Soda containers/ packages or printed on the label, provided that the marked product meets the specifications. The manufacturer must obtain a BIS ISI Certification from the BIS to use a standard mark. The BIS grants a license based on a successful evaluation of the manufacturing infrastructure, testing capabilities, quality control, and manufacturing process.
Conclusion
India mandates BIS ISI Certification for product manufacturers, and BIS ISI ensures the safety of the product or item. ISI Marks assures the buyer that the excellent quality of the product or item is guaranteed. However, BIS ISI Certification promotes a flawless partnership between manufacturer and consumer.
Read our Article:How to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Thermostat Metal Sheet and Strip in India?
