The construction industry in India is rapidly growing, with a surge in demand for high-quality building materials, including tile adhesives. Ensuring the strength, durability, and performance of tile adhesives is crucial for safe and long-lasting structures. To maintain standardized quality, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made ISI certification mandatory for tile adhesives under IS 15477.

ISI certification ensures that tile adhesives meet the necessary safety and performance requirements for application in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. In this blog, we will explore the importance of ISI certification for tile adhesives, the certification process, compliance requirements, and the benefits of obtaining the ISI mark for manufacturers and consumers.

 

What is ISI Certification?

ISI (Indian Standards Institute) certification is a quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Products that carry the ISI mark indicate compliance with the specified Indian Standard (IS). For tile adhesives, the relevant standard is IS 15477, which outlines the quality and performance criteria that manufacturers must meet.

The ISI certification for tile adhesives ensures:

• Adherence to national safety and quality standards

• Consistency in product performance

• Reliability and durability of tile adhesive applications

What is IS 15477 for Tile Adhesive?

 

IS 15477 is the Indian Standard that specifies the requirements for cementitious tile adhesives used for fixing ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, natural stone, and other tile materials.

Tile adhesives under IS 15477 are classified into two types:

1. Type 1 (Normal Adhesives) – Suitable for dry areas and general applications.

2. Type 2 (Improved Adhesives) – Designed for high-performance applications, including wet and submerged areas.

Each type must undergo rigorous testing to ensure properties such as bond strength, water resistance, tensile adhesion, and slip resistance.

 

Why is ISI Certification Mandatory for Tile Adhesives?

The Government of India has made ISI certification compulsory for various construction materials, including tile adhesives, to prevent substandard products from entering the market. Mandatory ISI certification ensures:

1. Quality Assurance

ISI certification confirms that tile adhesives meet chemical, physical, and mechanical properties as per IS 15477. This ensures high bonding strength and longevity in construction applications.

2. Consumer Safety

Substandard tile adhesives can lead to tile delamination, weak bonding, and structural failures. ISI certification guarantees reliable performance, preventing accidents and property damage.

3. Prevention of copyright Products

The ISI mark distinguishes genuine, high-quality adhesives from inferior, uncertified products, protecting consumers from purchasing low-quality materials.

4. Compliance with Government Regulations

The BIS Act, 2016 mandates ISI certification for regulated products. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, legal actions, and product bans.

5. Enhancing Market Competitiveness

ISI-certified tile adhesives gain a competitive edge in the Indian market, as buyers prefer standardized and tested products.

 

Process for Obtaining ISI Certification for Tile Adhesives (IS 15477)

Manufacturers must undergo a structured process to obtain ISI certification for their tile adhesive products. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Manufacturers must ensure that their tile adhesives conform to IS 15477. This includes meeting the chemical composition, physical properties, and adhesive performance criteria specified in the standard.

Step 2: Application Submission to BIS

The manufacturer must apply for ISI certification through the BIS Manak Online Portal (www.bis.gov.in). The application should include:

• Company details

• Product specifications

• Manufacturing process description

• Factory location

• Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories

Step 3: Product Testing in BIS-Approved Labs

The tile adhesive must undergo testing at BIS-approved laboratories to verify compliance with IS 15477. The tests include:

• Tensile Adhesion Strength (Dry and Wet Conditions)

• Shear Strength

• Slip Resistance

• Water Absorption

• Heat Resistance

Step 4: Factory Inspection by BIS Officials

BIS officials will conduct a factory audit to assess the manufacturing facilities, quality control processes, and raw material sourcing.

Step 5: Grant of ISI Certification

Once BIS verifies that the product meets all requirements, the manufacturer is granted the ISI license, allowing them to use the ISI mark on their tile adhesive packaging.

Step 6: Continuous Compliance Monitoring

BIS conducts regular surveillance audits and market inspections to ensure that certified products maintain ongoing compliance with IS 15477.

 

Challenges in Obtaining ISI Certification for Tile Adhesives

While ISI certification provides numerous benefits, manufacturers may face certain challenges, such as:

1. Lengthy Approval Process

The entire certification process, including testing, factory inspections, and approvals, can take several months.

2. High Compliance Costs

Manufacturers must invest in BIS-approved testing, quality control improvements, and periodic audits.

3. Strict Manufacturing Requirements

BIS enforces rigid quality control measures, requiring manufacturers to maintain consistent product quality at all times.

4. Regulatory Updates

BIS frequently updates standards and compliance norms, requiring manufacturers to stay updated with the latest requirements.

 

Benefits of ISI Certification for Tile Adhesives

Despite the challenges, ISI certification offers significant benefits to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

For Manufacturers:

• Legal authorization to sell tile adhesives in India.

• Increased brand credibility and trust.

• Expanded market reach and higher sales potential.

• Protection from regulatory penalties and bans.

For Consumers:

• Assurance of high-quality, reliable adhesives.

• Prevention of structural failures and safety hazards.

• Standardized performance across different applications.

For Retailers and Distributors:

• Compliance with government regulations.

• Higher demand for ISI-certified products.

• Reduced risk of customer complaints and returns.

Conclusion

With the growing demand for tile adhesives in the Indian construction sector, ensuring quality and safety has become a top priority. The ISI certification under IS 15477 is a mandatory requirement that safeguards consumers and helps manufacturers deliver standardized, high-performance products.

Although the certification process is detailed and requires strict compliance, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial efforts. ISI-certified tile adhesives gain market trust, enhance durability, and ensure safety in construction applications.

For manufacturers looking to obtain ISI certification for tile adhesives, early compliance with BIS standards is the key to seamless certification and uninterrupted market access.

For more details on ISI certification and compliance requirements, visit the BIS official website: www.bis.gov.in.