An ISI mark on a plywood sheet says the product is made under a BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) licence to a specific Indian Standard. Because a stamp is easy to copy, the mark alone should not close the purchase. This guide shows what to look for and how to confirm it.
Certification differs by product and grade, so always check the specific grade you are buying.
Key Takeaways
- The ISI mark should be accompanied by a licence number and the IS standard number.
- Different grades follow different standards, so the standard should match the product you ordered.
- Verify the licence number with BIS rather than trusting the stamp alone.
- Ask the supplier which of their ranges carry ISI/BIS certification and keep the batch documents.
What the ISI Mark Tells You
The standard mark shows the product is made under a licence from BIS to a stated Indian Standard. It normally appears with the licence number and the standard number. Our sheets in photos carry markings such as the ISI mark and IS references; see the testing guide for the checks behind a batch.
Which Standard Applies to Which Grade
| Standard | Covers | Relevant grades |
|---|---|---|
| IS 303 | Plywood for general purposes | MR and boiling water resistant interior grades |
| IS 710 | Marine plywood | Marine grade plywood |
| IS 4990 | Plywood for concrete shuttering work | Film faced shuttering plywood |
Check the standard number printed on the sheet against the grade you ordered. A shuttering board should reference the shuttering standard; an interior grade should not be sold as shuttering plywood. See plywood grades in India for what each grade is for.
How to Verify a Licence
- Read the marking: note the ISI mark, the licence number (a CM/L number) and the IS standard number on the sheet or packing.
- Check the licence with BIS: search the number on the BIS website or in the BIS Care app to confirm the licence holder, the product covered and whether it is valid.
- Match the batch: compare the marking with the batch reference on the invoice and test documents.
- Keep a sample sheet from each lot for later comparison.
The 10 on-site checks in how to check plywood quality at delivery help you confirm what the paperwork says.
Red Flags
- A stamp with no licence number or standard number.
- A licence number that does not match the brand or does not appear in the BIS record.
- A standard that does not match the grade being sold.
- Refusal to share batch test reports.
For ZIPCO® products, certification depends on the product category. Ask our sales desk which specific grade carries ISI/BIS certification and request the batch documents with your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if plywood is ISI marked?
Which IS standard is used for shuttering plywood?
Is ZIPCO® plywood ISI or BIS certified?
Is the ISI mark enough proof of quality?
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