Plywood and Wooden flush door shutters
Fire Retardant Plywood
Strategic Recommendations for Fire Retardant Plywood (IS 5509:2021)
- Begin BIS Certification Early
Large & Medium Enterprises must comply by 28 Feb 2025, Small by 28 May 2025, and Micro by 28 Aug 2025. - Engage Compliance Experts (ERA)
ERA professionals can assist in BIS application, laboratory fire safety testing, and ISI mark implementation. - Reach Out for Assistance
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For guidance on testing protocols, exemption handling, and certification timelines. - Track Notifications & Updates
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Stay updated on amendments to IS 5509:2021 and QCO changes through ERA compliance alerts. - Ensure Proper Testing & ISI Marking
Verify that every plywood batch passes fire retardancy tests and carries the ISI mark before sale; only export stock is exempt.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Structural Plywood |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 5509:2021 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Fire Retardant Plywood – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Plywood and Wooden Flush Door Shutters (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments |
Notified via S.O. 1377(E), dated 15 March 2024
Supersedes: S.O. 3841(E), dated 29 August 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date |
Large & Medium Enterprises: 28 February 2025 Small Enterprises: 28 May 2025 Micro Enterprises: 28 August 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure plywood used in construction and interiors meets fire safety standards, reducing fire hazards. |
| Products Covered | Plywood designed to resist ignition, reduce flame spread, and minimize smoke emission in case of fire. |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | Construction & Real Estate, Furniture & Interiors, Transport & Public Infrastructure, Plywood Manufacturing. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification required under IS 5509:2021; ISI mark mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct fire safety testing in BIS-recognized labs, ensure ISI marking on plywood before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under BIS Act, 2016 with BIS as certifying & enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of stock, monetary fines, license suspension/cancellation, imprisonment up to 2 years. |
| Conclusion | From Feb–Aug 2025, fire retardant plywood must conform to IS 5509:2021 with BIS certification. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2024: S.O. 1377(E) [15 March 2024] Superseded QCO 2023: S.O. 3841(E) [29 Aug 2023] |
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Notification
 Fire Retardant Plywood has been notified under the Plywood and Wooden Flush Door Shutters (Quality Control) Order, 2024, via S.O. 1377(E) dated 15 March 2024 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016. This order supersedes the earlier QCO 2023 (S.O. 3841(E) dated 29 August 2023).
Enforcement Timeline
- Large & Medium Enterprises: 28 February 2025
- Small Enterprises: 28 May 2025
- Micro Enterprises: 28 August 2025
Overview
 Fire retardant plywood is manufactured with special treatments to resist ignition, reduce flame spread, and minimize smoke generation in the event of a fire. Given its application in high-risk areas like public buildings, transport, and construction, uniform quality control is essential to safeguard life and property.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 5509:2021 is to define performance standards for fire retardant plywood, including fire resistance duration, flame spread index, smoke density, and structural stability under high temperature. The scope extends to all plywood marketed as fire retardant for use in civil and industrial construction.
Products Covered
- Fire retardant plywood for walls, ceilings, and partitions
- Furniture and interiors in public/commercial buildings
- Transport & railway coaches requiring fire safety plywood
- Industrial and infrastructure projects where fire resistance is mandatory
Exemptions Provided
- Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from mandatory BIS licensing and ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
- Plywood & Wood Products Manufacturing
- Construction & Real Estate Sector
- Furniture & Interior Design Industry
- Public Transport, Railways, Airports & Infrastructure
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification under IS 5509:2021. All fire retardant plywood must carry the ISI mark as per Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Testing must be completed at BIS-approved laboratories.
Next Steps for Stakeholders​
- File BIS license application before deadlines.
- Conduct fire retardancy and durability tests in BIS-recognized labs.
- Mark all certified plywood with ISI symbol.
- Maintain documentation separating export-only stock for exemption.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- The order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the designated certifying and enforcing authority.
- Non-compliance may result in seizure of products, monetary fines, suspension/cancellation of license, and imprisonment up to two years.
Conclusion
From 28 February 2025 (staggered deadlines for SMEs and Micro Enterprises), fire retardant plywood must conform to IS 5509:2021 and carry valid BIS certification. This ensures higher fire safety standards in construction, interiors, and public infrastructure, reducing fire-related risks.Â
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.