IS 878 BIS Certification for Laboratory Glassware – Graduated Measuring Cylinders
Laboratory Glassware – Graduated Measuring Cylinders made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 878 under an ISI mark licence (Scheme-I). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the licence.
About IS 878
| Standard | IS 878 :2008 |
|---|---|
| Title | Laboratory glassware – Graduated measuring cylinders |
| Product covered | Laboratory Glassware – Graduated Measuring Cylinders |
| Category | Laboratory Glassware |
| Scheme | ISI mark licence (Scheme-I) |
| Notified under | Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023, S.O. 44(E), dated 1st January 2024 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 878
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 878:2008 Laboratory glassware - Graduated measuring cylinders (Second Revision) | 30 Sept 2008 | Current, next review 31 Dec 2027 |
No amendments to the current edition are listed by BIS.
Marking fee for IS 878
BIS charges an annual minimum marking fee for the ISI mark under IS 878, set by unit size, plus a per-unit rate once production passes the minimum:
| Unit size | Minimum marking fee (per year) |
|---|---|
| Large | ₹56,000 |
| Medium | ₹45,000 |
| Small | ₹28,000 |
| Micro | ₹11,200 |
Unit rate: ₹1.1 per 100 pieces. Source: BIS marking fee schedule for Scheme-I products, September 2026.
ISI licences under IS 878
BIS records 19 operative licences (22 including deferred, cancelled or under stop marking). Most licensed factories are in Haryana (16), Gujarat (1), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttar Pradesh (1).
Testing against IS 878
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 878 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 878 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 878
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 878 cover?
IS 878 :2008: Laboratory glassware – Graduated measuring cylinders. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for laboratory glassware – graduated measuring cylinders.
Is BIS certification under IS 878 mandatory?
Yes, for laboratory glassware – graduated measuring cylinders, under the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023, S.O. 44(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 878?
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 878 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.
Other standards in Laboratory Glassware
- IS 915 Laboratory Glassware – One – Mark Volumetric Flasks
- IS 1117 Laboratory Glassware – Single Volume Pipettes
- IS 1381 Laboratory Glassware – Narrow-necked Boiling Flasks
- IS 2619 Glass Beakers
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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