BIS Certification for Polyurethane IS 17397 (Part 1)

Polyurethane (PU or PUR) is a polymer composed of alternately sequenced polyol and isocyanate linkages. It is generated by the reaction of polyols with isocyanate. 

Polyurethane is of two types namely, Thermosetting polymers and Thermoplastic polymers. Thermosetting polymers, also known as thermosets are plastics that are permanently hardened through a process called curing. This involves exposing a soft solid or liquid prepolymer to heat, radiation, high pressure, or a catalyst. Examples of thermosetting polymers include - Epoxy, silicone, polyurethane, and phenolic. On the other hand, Thermoplastic Polymers, also known as Thermosoftening plastics are plastic materials that can be molded or made pliable at a certain temperature and solidify when cooled. They have several characteristics, such as reshaping, recyclability,  lightweightness, and strength. Examples of thermoplastics include - Polypropylene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate, Acrylic, and Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

Uses of Polyurethanes

Polyurethanes is a material that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer; an innovative polymer that keeps your food fresh and drinks cool. It’s used in products ranging from clothing to surfboards. Let’s dive deep into the various uses of polyurethanes.

• It is commonly used to make gaskets, elastomers, high-performance adhesives, surface coatings, and synthetic fibers. Furthermore, the increased usage of novel production technologies with sophisticated features is expected to have a beneficial influence on the industry.

• PU adhesives are strong, and flexible, and offer superior bonding and impact resistance. This substance is commonly used in automobile interiors to bind windshields, seal fuel tanks, and for residential and construction purposes. High demand for adhesives from building projects is projected to be a major market trend.

• PU coatings protect the substrate from abrasion, corrosion, and weathering. These coatings attach very well to the base substrate. The growing need for PU coatings in the automotive, construction, and furniture industries will drive the polyurethane industry forward.

As a manufacturer of Polyurethanes, you must be aware of the recent Polyurethanes Quality Control Order (Amendment), 2024. So let’s dive into the details of the BIS Certification for Polyurethanes!

What are the manufacturing mandates of Polyurethanes according to the BIS product manual?

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a notification in September 2021 about the Polyurethanes Quality Control Order, 2021; which stated that -Polyurethanes shall conform to the IS 17397 (Part 1): 2020 or ISO 16365-1: 2014  and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The September 2024 amendment in the mentioned quality control order set the date of implementation of such order as - the 19th day of March 2025. Let’s understand what is IS 17397.

The Indian Standard 17397 (Part 1) is a quality and specification standard that calibrates the requirements for the performance, durability, and safety of polyurethanes. The manufacturers of polyurethanes are obligated to meet the necessary standards for a multitude of applications.

Current market trends about Polyurethanes:

As a manufacturer of Polyurethanes, to plan your production units, a details understanding of the demand and supply market of the product is paramount. Let us go through a report : 

• The worldwide polyurethane market was valued at USD 87.10 billion in 2023 and is expected to increase from USD 91.49 billion in 2024 to USD 135.08 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.
• The India Polyurethane Foam Market reached US$ 2.8 billion in 2022 and is predicted to reach US$ 5.18 billion by 2030, growing at an 8.0% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2030. 

Please take note of the following graph of the Polyurethane market size -

Why do the manufacturers of Polyurethanes need to obtain BIS certification?

• The BIS certification process accredits these polyurethane products to meet the quality and safety standards mandated by the government regulatory body.
• This accreditation also reflects a manufacturer's commitment to producing products that always are reliable, durable, and that cause no kind of health or environmental hazards to the consumer.
• The rigid testing and auditing methods mentioned above by BIS add credibility and confidence both in business markets and in the consumer markets.
• Further, BIS certification may invite high-value government contracts and improved home/international sales opportunities as it may sometimes be a nonnegotiable precondition for doing business in certain industries.
• The BIS certification enables consumers to be assured that polyurethane and he is following ethical business practices to manufacture the quality products.
• It is of great value for increasing brand identity, for the encouragement of growth, and for ensuring the predictable safe, and responsible development of polyurethane technology.

Connect with ERCS:

ERCS Pvt Ltd has built up an extensive network within the industry and several BIS departments to aid in assuring the conformance of your products. Contact us at +91 9076611770/9076611766 or info@elitasrcs.com if you have any questions concerning BIS certification, product testing, compliance, auditing, and so on.