IS 16481 BIS Certification for Synthetic Micro-Fibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix
Synthetic Micro-Fibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 16481 under an ISI mark licence (Scheme-I). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the licence.
About IS 16481
| Standard | IS 16481:2016 |
|---|---|
| Title | Synthetic Micro-Fibres for use in Cement Based Matrix |
| Product covered | Synthetic Micro-Fibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix |
| Category | Chemicals, Fertilizers, Polymers & Textiles |
| Scheme | ISI mark licence (Scheme-I) |
| Notified under | Synthetic Micro-Fibres for use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Order, 2021, S.O. 1627 (E), dated 15.04.2021 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 16481
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 16481:2022 Textiles — Synthetic Micro Fibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix — Specification (First Revision) | 30 Jun 2022 | Current, next review 2 Sept 2031 |
| IS 16481:2016 Textiles – Synthetic micro-fibres for use in cement based matrix – Specification | Withdrawn 5 Sept 2023 |
Amendments:First Amendment (2022), Second Amendment (2023), Third Amendment (2025). Test reports must reflect the standard with its amendments.
Marking fee for IS 16481
BIS charges an annual minimum marking fee for the ISI mark under IS 16481, set by unit size, plus a per-unit rate once production passes the minimum:
| Unit size | Minimum marking fee (per year) |
|---|---|
| Large | ₹1,63,000 |
| Medium | ₹1,31,000 |
| Small | ₹81,500 |
| Micro | ₹32,600 |
Unit rate: ₹8.9 per mt. Source: BIS marking fee schedule for Scheme-I products, September 2026.
Sampling and key tests for IS 16481
From the BIS product manual for IS 16481 (August 2025), which BIS officers and applicants follow for certification:
Tests BIS can carry out in a day during factory inspection:
- IPA Content; and Polymer Content (Cl. 4.3.1, 4.3.2)
- Monofilament/Multi Filament (Cl.4.3)
- Cut Length (Cl 4.3 and Table 2 Sl.No.ii)
- Identification of Fibre by Dissolution Tests (see IS 667), (Cl 4.3, 4.3.1)
- Routine Differentiation Test for Virgin and Recycled Fibres – Examination under UV Light (Cl.4.3.1)
- Secant Modulus (Cl 4.3.3)
- Cross Section of Fibre (Table 1- Sl. No. I, Cl 4.2)
- Tensile Strength of Fibre (Table 1- Sl. No. ii, Cl. 4.2)
- Specific Gravity (Table 1- Sl. No. iii, Cl. 4.2)
- Ultimate Elongation, Percent (Table 1- Sl. No. iv, Cl. 4.2)
- Melting Temperature (Table 1-Sl. No. v, Cl. 4.2)
- Glass Transition Temperature (Table 1-Sl. No. vi, Cl. 4.2)
- Equivalent Fibre Diameter (Table 2-Sl. No. i, Cl. 4.2)
- Aspect Ratio (Table 2-Sl.No. iii,Cl. 4.2)
The full type test covers every clause of IS 16481; the list above is what can be checked on site.
ISI licences under IS 16481
BIS records 10 operative licences (11 including deferred, cancelled or under stop marking). Most licensed factories are in Maharashtra (5), Gujarat (1), Karnataka (1), Uttarakhand (1), Punjab (1).
Testing against IS 16481
BIS inspects the factory and has samples tested to the full Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory. After grant, the factory keeps testing production under the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, and BIS draws factory and market samples.
The test report has to cover every clause of IS 16481 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 16481 or replaces it with a new edition, existing licence holders move to the new edition by the date BIS sets in its notification.
How to get an ISI mark licence under IS 16481
The licence is granted to the manufacturer for a specific factory and product. Indian factories apply under Scheme-I; overseas factories apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and must nominate an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Confirm the exact Indian Standard and the varieties to cover
- Get the product tested at a BIS-recognised lab (simplified procedure) or arrange BIS sampling
- Apply on Manak Online with factory, quality-control and test documents
- BIS factory inspection and sample verification
- Grant of licence, then marking with the ISI mark and CM/L number
Timeline. BIS targets 30 days under the simplified procedure (applying with a recent lab test report) and 90 days under the normal procedure. Overseas factories under FMCS typically take around 6 months.
Fees. Application fee ₹1,000 and annual licence fee ₹1,000, inspection charges of ₹7,000 per man-day, testing charges, and an annual minimum marking fee set for each Indian Standard (with concessions for micro and small units).
Mark. Certified products carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Frequently asked questions
What does IS 16481 cover?
IS 16481:2016: Synthetic Micro-Fibres for use in Cement Based Matrix. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for synthetic micro-fibres for use in cement based matrix.
Is BIS certification under IS 16481 mandatory?
Yes, for synthetic micro-fibres for use in cement based matrix, under the Synthetic Micro-Fibres for use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Order, 2021, S.O. 1627 (E). The product needs a valid BIS licence (ISI mark) and must carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Where is a product tested for IS 16481?
BIS inspects the factory and has samples tested to the full Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory. After grant, the factory keeps testing production under the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, and BIS draws factory and market samples.
How long does IS 16481 BIS certification take?
BIS targets 30 days under the simplified procedure (applying with a recent lab test report) and 90 days under the normal procedure. Overseas factories under FMCS typically take around 6 months.
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Source: BIS lists of products under compulsory certification (Scheme-I, Scheme-II), checked October 2026. See the full BIS product list or all Indian Standards.
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