BIS Certification for Flooring, Wall Finishing & Roofing | IS 15658:2021 | BIS Consultancy
Introduction
Concrete paving blocks are widely used for roads, footpaths, parking areas, driveways, walkways, landscaping, commercial premises, industrial areas and other external flooring applications. Their strength, dimensional accuracy, durability, abrasion resistance and water absorption are important factors in determining their suitability for different applications.
For manufacturers of concrete paving blocks, compliance with the applicable Indian Standard provides a structured framework for controlling product quality and demonstrating conformity.
IS 15658:2021 is the Indian Standard for Concrete Paving Blocks – Specification (First Revision). BIS has issued a Product Manual for certification under Scheme-I, and the current BIS laboratory system continues to list testing facilities for IS 15658:2021.
It is important to clarify that IS 15658:2021 is specifically a standard for concrete paving blocks. It is not a general standard covering every type of flooring material, wall-finishing product or roofing material. Manufacturers should identify the correct Indian Standard according to their specific product.
What is IS 15658:2021?
IS 15658:2021 – Concrete Paving Blocks – Specification (First Revision) specifies requirements for concrete paving blocks used for paving applications.
The standard covers requirements relating to:
- General quality
- Visual appearance
- Colour and texture
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Thickness
- Wearing layer
- Water absorption
- Compressive strength
- Abrasion resistance
- Tensile splitting strength
- Flexural strength
- Breaking load
- Other applicable performance characteristics
- Marking
The BIS Product Manual confirms that certification under IS 15658:2021 is operated under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
Important Note About Flooring, Wall Finishing & Roofing
The phrase “Flooring, Wall Finishing & Roofing” covers a very broad range of construction products.
IS 15658:2021, however, specifically addresses concrete paving blocks.
Therefore:
- Concrete paving blocks → IS 15658:2021
- Ceramic/porcelain tiles → applicable tile standard
- Cement concrete flooring tiles → applicable product standard
- Roofing tiles → applicable roofing standard
- Wall cladding products → applicable product-specific standard
- Other flooring materials → relevant Indian Standard depending on product type
This distinction is important because applying for BIS certification under the wrong Indian Standard can result in unnecessary cost and delays.
Products Covered Under IS 15658:2021
The standard applies to concrete paving blocks manufactured for paving applications.
The BIS certification scope can cover different combinations of:
- Grade
- Block thickness
- Single-layer construction
- Double-layer construction
- Shape/design as permitted
- Surface characteristics
- Applicable product grouping
The BIS Product Manual identifies the following grade designations:
- M-30
- M-35
- M-40
- M-50
- M-55
Single-Layer and Double-Layer Paving Blocks
Concrete paving blocks can be manufactured as:
Single-Layer Paving Blocks
The block is manufactured as a single homogeneous layer.
Double-Layer Paving Blocks
The block consists of a structural/base layer and a separate wearing layer.
For double-layer blocks, the thickness and performance of the wearing layer become important certification parameters.
The BIS Product Manual specifically includes single-layer/double-layer construction within the licence scope.
Grades of Concrete Paving Blocks
The required grade is an important part of the BIS licence scope.
M-30
Suitable for applications where the specified M-30 performance level is applicable.
M-35
Provides a higher specified strength level than M-30.
M-40
Used where a higher strength classification is required.
M-50
Suitable for higher-performance paving applications.
M-55
Represents the highest grade listed in the IS 15658:2021 BIS Product Manual.
The manufacturer should declare the grades it actually produces and ensure that the manufacturing and testing arrangements are capable of consistently achieving the applicable requirements. BIS laboratory listings currently show testing scopes covering M-30, M-35, M-40, M-50 and M-55.
Important Raw Materials
The quality of concrete paving blocks depends significantly on the quality and control of their raw materials.
The BIS Product Manual refers to the raw-material requirements of Clause 5 of IS 15658:2021. Relevant materials can include:
- Cement
- Coarse aggregate
- Fine aggregate
- Mineral admixtures
- Chemical admixtures
- Pigments
- Water
The BIS laboratory system also lists testing related to cement, mineral admixtures, chemical admixtures, aggregates, pigments and water under IS 15658:2021.
Manufacturers should maintain appropriate control over incoming materials to ensure consistency in the finished paving blocks.
Important Tests for BIS Certification
Testing is a critical part of BIS certification for concrete paving blocks.
The applicable tests can include the following.
1. General Quality
The overall quality of the concrete paving blocks is examined according to the applicable requirements.
2. Visual Inspection
Blocks are visually examined for defects and conformity with the required appearance.
3. Colour and Texture
The colour and texture of the paving blocks are checked where applicable.
4. Dimensions and Tolerances
Important dimensions such as:
- Length
- Width
- Thickness
- Aspect ratio
- Chamfer/arris dimensions
are evaluated according to the standard.
The BIS laboratory listings specifically identify testing of individual and average length, width, thickness, aspect ratio and arris/chamfer dimensions.
5. Wearing Layer Thickness
For double-layer paving blocks, the thickness of the wearing layer is checked.
6. Water Absorption
Water absorption is tested to assess the product's response to water penetration.
7. Compressive Strength
Compressive strength is an important performance characteristic for concrete paving blocks.
The test evaluates whether the blocks achieve the specified strength corresponding to the declared grade.
8. Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is important because paving blocks are exposed to pedestrian and/or vehicular movement.
Testing can include:
- Dry abrasion resistance
- Wet abrasion resistance
BIS laboratory listings currently identify both dry and wet abrasion testing under IS 15658:2021.
9. Tensile Splitting Strength
The tensile splitting strength of the paving blocks is evaluated according to the applicable requirements.
10. Flexural Strength
Flexural strength is another performance characteristic identified in the current BIS testing scope.
11. Breaking Load
The applicable breaking-load requirements may also be evaluated according to the product and test method.
12. Freeze-Thaw Durability
Where applicable, freeze-thaw durability testing evaluates the resistance of the paving blocks to repeated freezing and thawing conditions.
The BIS laboratory system currently lists freeze-thaw testing under IS 15658:2021.
BIS Sample Requirement
The BIS Product Manual for IS 15658:2021 specifies a sample size of 40 blocks for all tests.
Manufacturers should therefore plan sample production carefully before laboratory testing.
The sample should represent the product configuration and proposed certification scope so that the test results can be appropriately used for the BIS application.
BIS Grouping Guidelines
Concrete paving-block manufacturers often produce multiple:
- Grades
- Thicknesses
- Designs
- Colours
- Single-layer products
- Double-layer products
BIS certification therefore involves product grouping considerations.
The IS 15658:2021 Product Manual directs applicants to Annex A for product grouping guidelines.
Correct grouping is important because it can affect:
- Samples required
- Testing
- Licence scope
- Product coverage
- Certification cost
A manufacturer should determine the proposed licence scope before sending samples to the laboratory.
BIS Certification Process for Concrete Paving Blocks
The general BIS certification process can involve the following stages.
Step 1 – Identify the Applicable Standard
Confirm that the product is a concrete paving block covered by IS 15658:2021.
Step 2 – Determine Product Scope
Identify:
- Grade
- Thickness
- Single or double layer
- Product design/configuration
- Proposed certification range
Step 3 – Review Manufacturing Facilities
The production process, machinery, curing arrangements, storage facilities and quality-control system are reviewed.
Step 4 – Prepare BIS Documentation
The required technical, manufacturing and business documents are compiled.
Step 5 – Prepare Test Samples
Representative samples are manufactured according to the proposed BIS scope.
Step 6 – Laboratory Testing
Samples are tested against the applicable requirements of IS 15658:2021.
Step 7 – Factory Inspection
BIS may inspect the manufacturing facility and verify the manufacturing process, testing arrangements and quality-control system.
Step 8 – Compliance Evaluation
Test reports, factory inspection findings and documents are evaluated.
Step 9 – BIS Licence
After successful completion of the applicable requirements, BIS grants the licence to use the Standard Mark for the approved scope.
Step 10 – Continued Compliance
The manufacturer must maintain product quality and continue complying with applicable BIS requirements after obtaining the licence.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The exact documents can vary depending on the applicant and certification scope. Commonly required documents may include:
- Company registration documents
- Factory address proof
- Factory layout
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- Product specifications
- Details of grades
- Product drawings/dimensions
- Raw-material details
- Machinery list
- Testing equipment list
- Calibration certificates
- Quality-control plan
- Internal testing records
- Authorized signatory documents
- Trademark/brand documents
- Product photographs
- Previous laboratory reports, where available
Correct and consistent documentation is important because the information provided in the application should match the actual manufacturing and product scope.
Manufacturing Process of Concrete Paving Blocks
The manufacturing process generally involves:
- Selection and inspection of raw materials
- Batching
- Mixing
- Addition of admixtures/pigments where applicable
- Moulding or vibro-compaction
- Formation of single or double-layer blocks
- Initial setting
- Curing
- Demoulding/handling
- Quality inspection
- Storage
- Packing and dispatch
The exact process varies according to the manufacturer's machinery and product design.
Proper control of mixing, compaction and curing is particularly important for achieving consistent strength and durability.
Factory Inspection for IS 15658 Certification
Factory inspection is an important part of BIS certification.
During inspection, areas that may be reviewed include:
- Raw-material storage
- Cement storage
- Aggregate storage
- Batching system
- Mixing equipment
- Block-making machinery
- Vibro-compaction system
- Layer formation
- Curing arrangements
- Finished-product storage
- In-house testing facilities
- Calibration records
- Quality-control records
- Product identification
- Sampling procedures
- Marking arrangements
Manufacturers should ensure that the production facility is capable of consistently producing paving blocks within the required specifications.
Testing Equipment for Concrete Paving Blocks
The manufacturer should have or arrange the testing facilities required under the applicable BIS certification requirements.
Depending on the test scope, equipment can be required for evaluating:
- Dimensions
- Water absorption
- Compressive strength
- Abrasion resistance
- Tensile splitting strength
- Flexural strength
- Breaking load
- Other applicable characteristics
The BIS Product Manual provides a list of test equipment requirements in Annex B.
ISI Mark for Concrete Paving Blocks
After obtaining the BIS licence, the manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark/ISI Mark according to the licence conditions and applicable BIS requirements.
The ISI Mark should be used only for products covered by the approved licence scope.
Manufacturers should not use or advertise the ISI Mark on uncertified products without the required BIS authorization.
BIS Certification Cost for Concrete Paving Blocks
There is no single fixed BIS certification cost for every concrete paving-block manufacturer.
The overall cost can depend on:
- BIS application-related charges
- Laboratory testing charges
- Number of grades
- Product grouping
- Number of thicknesses
- Single/double-layer configurations
- Factory inspection
- Testing equipment
- Calibration
- Scope extension
- Professional consultancy charges
Laboratory charges vary between laboratories and according to the testing scope. Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratories offering IS 15658:2021 testing with different test combinations and charges.
Therefore, manufacturers should obtain a product-specific quotation after finalizing the proposed licence scope.
BIS Certification Timeline
The time required for BIS certification depends on:
- Documentation readiness
- Manufacturing-facility readiness
- Sample availability
- Laboratory testing schedule
- Test results
- Factory inspection
- BIS queries
- Corrective actions
- Product grouping
- Proposed licence scope
A manufacturer that is fully prepared before application can generally avoid many preventable delays.
Common Reasons for BIS Certification Delays
Manufacturers can face delays due to:
- Incorrect standard identification
- Incorrect product grouping
- Incomplete documents
- Inadequate manufacturing facilities
- Poor raw-material control
- Insufficient curing arrangements
- Failure in compressive-strength testing
- Failure in abrasion testing
- Dimensional non-conformity
- Water absorption failure
- Inadequate testing facilities
- Missing calibration records
- Incorrect marking
- Factory inspection non-conformities
- Mismatch between application scope and actual products
Pre-certification assessment can help identify these issues before the formal BIS process begins.
BIS Certification for Indian Manufacturers
Indian manufacturers producing concrete paving blocks for commercial, residential, infrastructure, landscaping and other paving applications should verify the applicable BIS requirements and establish the correct certification scope.
Before applying, manufacturers should clearly determine:
- Product grade
- Thickness
- Single/double layer
- Product design
- Manufacturing process
- Raw-material specifications
- Testing capability
This helps create a technically accurate BIS application.
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers planning to export concrete paving blocks to India should assess Indian regulatory and BIS requirements before entering the Indian market.
Foreign manufacturers may need to coordinate:
- Product testing
- Technical documentation
- Factory inspection
- Manufacturing records
- Indian representation requirements
- Product marking
- Import compliance
- BIS licensing requirements
Early compliance planning can make the Indian market-entry process more manageable.
Qualitance India can assist foreign manufacturers in understanding the applicable BIS certification process and documentation requirements.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Concrete Paving Blocks
BIS certification can provide several benefits to manufacturers, including:
- Demonstration of conformity with Indian Standards
- Improved product quality
- Better manufacturing control
- Increased customer confidence
- Greater market credibility
- Better acceptance in construction projects
- Improved quality-control practices
- Support for institutional buyers
- Compliance with applicable BIS requirements
For manufacturers supplying paving products to India's construction and infrastructure market, BIS certification can be an important part of product compliance.
Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Consultancy?
Qualitance India provides professional BIS certification consultancy services for manufacturers seeking BIS and ISI Mark certification.
Our support can include:
- Indian Standard identification
- Product scope assessment
- Product grouping guidance
- BIS documentation
- Laboratory testing coordination
- Factory inspection preparation
- BIS application assistance
- Compliance support
- BIS query assistance
- Licence scope guidance
- Certification coordination
We assist Indian manufacturers as well as foreign manufacturers looking to understand BIS requirements for the Indian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IS 15658:2021?
IS 15658:2021 is Concrete Paving Blocks – Specification (First Revision). It specifies requirements for concrete paving blocks used in paving applications.
Does IS 15658 cover all flooring products?
No. IS 15658:2021 specifically covers concrete paving blocks. Other flooring products may be covered under different Indian Standards.
What grades are covered under IS 15658:2021?
The BIS Product Manual identifies M-30, M-35, M-40, M-50 and M-55 grade designations.
Does the standard cover single-layer and double-layer blocks?
Yes. The BIS Product Manual identifies both single-layer and double-layer paving blocks within the certification scope.
How many samples are required?
The BIS Product Manual specifies 40 blocks for all tests.
What tests are performed for concrete paving blocks?
Depending on the applicable requirements, tests can include dimensions and tolerances, water absorption, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, tensile splitting strength, flexural strength, breaking load and freeze-thaw durability, along with visual and general-quality checks.
Can the BIS licence cover multiple grades?
The licence scope can include multiple grades subject to applicable grouping, testing and BIS requirements.
Is ISI Mark available for concrete paving blocks?
Yes. BIS certification under the applicable Scheme-I requirements allows an eligible manufacturer to use the Standard Mark within the approved licence scope.
Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification?
Foreign manufacturers can follow the applicable BIS certification route for supplying products to India, subject to the requirements applicable to their product and manufacturing facility.
Can Qualitance India help with IS 15658 BIS Certification?
Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for BIS application preparation, product grouping, laboratory testing coordination, documentation, factory inspection preparation and ISI Mark certification.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Concrete Paving Blocks under IS 15658:2021 is an important quality and conformity requirement for manufacturers seeking to demonstrate compliance with the applicable Indian Standard.
IS 15658:2021 covers Concrete Paving Blocks – Specification (First Revision) and includes important requirements relating to dimensions, appearance, wearing layer, water absorption, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, tensile splitting strength, flexural strength and other applicable performance characteristics. The BIS Product Manual operates under Scheme-I and identifies M-30, M-35, M-40, M-50 and M-55 grades along with single- and double-layer configurations.
Manufacturers should correctly identify their product scope, grade, thickness and construction before beginning the BIS certification process. Proper testing, documentation, manufacturing controls and factory preparation can help reduce certification delays.
For professional assistance with BIS Certification, ISI Mark Certification, product testing and BIS compliance for concrete paving blocks and other construction products, manufacturers can contact Qualitance India.
Related BIS Certification Topics
- BIS Certification for Concrete Paving Blocks
- BIS Certification for Building Materials
- BIS Certification for Flooring Products
- BIS Certification for Concrete Products
- BIS Certification for Concrete Blocks
- BIS Certification for Construction Materials
- ISI Mark Certification for Building Products
- BIS Certification Consultancy for Manufacturers
- BIS Certification Consultancy for Foreign Manufacturers
Contact Qualitance India
Qualitance India – BIS Certification Consultancy
Website: qualitanceindia.com Phone: +91-9310-615-170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
For BIS Certification, ISI Mark Certification, product testing and compliance assistance, contact Qualitance India for product-specific guidance.