Laboratory Glassware
One-Mark Volumetric Flasks
Strategic Recommendations for IS 915:2012 (Laboratory Glassware – One-Mark Volumetric Flasks)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
General enterprises must comply from 1 July 2024; Small Enterprises were exempted till 1 October 2024; Micro Enterprises till 1 January 2025, further extended to December 2026 for eligible Udyam-registered units. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage the ERA Compliance Team to manage BIS licence filing, testing in BIS-recognized labs, documentation, ISI mark implementation, and exemption planning. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – ERA provides assistance for certification filing, QCO clarifications, lab coordination, and phased enforcement support. - Track QCO Amendments & Updates
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter and regularly check Gazette notifications to stay updated on QCO amendments, corrigenda, exemption extensions, and BIS circulars. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
All volumetric flasks must bear the ISI mark with licence number before sale or import; export-only goods and R&D imports (200 units annually) must maintain proper documentation for exemptions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | One-Mark Volumetric Flasks |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 915:2012 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Laboratory Glassware – One-Mark Volumetric Flasks – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023, as amended by the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 44(E), dated 1st January 2024 (Main QCO) - S.O. 5358(E), dated 10th December 2024 (Amendment Order extending exemptions for micro-enterprises and R&D imports) |
| Final Enforcement Date | - Main Order enforced from 1st July 2024 - Small Enterprises: exemption till 1st October 2024 - Micro Enterprises: exemption till 1st January 2025, extended till December 2026 by amendment |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure precision, safety, and reliability of laboratory glassware by mandating BIS certification and ISI Marking for volumetric flasks used in laboratories. |
| Products Covered | One-Mark Volumetric Flasks as per IS 915:2012 |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export - Small Enterprises: exemption till 1st October 2024 - Micro Enterprises: exemption till 1st January 2025 (further extended till December 2026 for Udyam-registered micro enterprises with investment ≤ ₹25 lakh & turnover ≤ ₹2 crore) - Import of 200 units annually for R&D purposes by manufacturers, with non-commercial disposal conditions |
| Industries Impacted | - Scientific laboratories - Educational institutions - Medical & pharmaceutical testing facilities - Chemical & industrial research organizations - Laboratory glassware manufacturers & importers |
| Mandatory Compliance | - All manufacturers must obtain BIS licence under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - Products must conform to IS 915:2012 - Flasks must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) before sale or import |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Manufacturers: Apply for BIS licence, complete testing in BIS-recognized labs - Importers/Distributors: Source only from BIS-certified suppliers - MSMEs: Track exemption deadlines and plan early certification - R&D users: Maintain import records and ensure non-commercial usage |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed by BIS Act, 2016 and QCO provisions. BIS has enforcement powers including inspections, seizure of non-compliant goods, and issuing directions. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance attracts penalties under BIS Act, 2016 – imprisonment up to 1 year, fine up to ₹50,000, or both. |
| Conclusion | The QCO for IS 915:2012 ensures accuracy and standardization of laboratory volumetric flasks. While MSMEs and R&D users enjoy phased relief, all stakeholders must ensure timely BIS certification to avoid business disruptions. |
| References / Annexures | - Gazette Notification S.O. 44(E), 1st January 2024 - Gazette Notification S.O. 5358(E), 10th December 2024 - BIS Act, 2016 & BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 |
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Notification
The Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was issued via S.O. 44(E) dated 1st January 2024, mandating BIS certification for specific laboratory glassware including One-Mark Volumetric Flasks (IS 915:2012). The order came into force six months after publication, i.e., from 1st July 2024. Further, the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 5358(E) dated 10th December 2024) introduced extended exemptions for certain enterprises and R&D imports.
Enforcement Timeline
- Main Order (QCO 2023): Published on 1st January 2024, enforced from 1st July 2024.
- Micro Enterprises: Exempt up to 12 months (till 1st January 2025).
- Small Enterprises: Exempt up to 9 months (till 1st October 2024).
- Amendment Order 2024: Provides two-year exemption (till December 2026) for micro enterprises registered on the Udyam portal with investment ≤ ₹25 lakh and turnover ≤ ₹2 crore, and also exempts up to 200 imported units annually for R&D purposes by manufacturers.
Overview
This QCO ensures that laboratory glassware products, including One-Mark Volumetric Flasks (IS 915:2012), meet the prescribed Indian Standards to safeguard accuracy, reliability, and quality in laboratory applications.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to mandate standardized, safe, and reliable volumetric flasks for laboratories. It ensures compliance with IS 915:2012 to maintain precision in volumetric measurements, thereby supporting scientific, medical, educational, and industrial research activities.
Products Covered
The Order applies specifically to
- One-Mark Volumetric Flasks as per IS 915:2012.
Exemptions Provided
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export.
- Micro and small enterprises granted temporary exemptions (9–12 months, later extended further by amendment).
- Udyam-registered micro enterprises with specified limits (investment ≤ ₹25 lakh, turnover ≤ ₹2 crore) exempt up to December 2026.
- Import of up to 200 units annually for R&D purposes by manufacturers of laboratory glassware, with conditions on non-commercial disposal.
Industries Impacted
- Scientific laboratories
- Educational institutions
- Medical and pharmaceutical testing facilities
- Chemical and industrial research organizations
- Glassware manufacturers and importers
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All manufacturers must obtain a BIS licence under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Products must conform to IS 915:2012 and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) before sale.
- Only BIS-certified and marked volumetric flasks can be manufactured, sold, or imported in India.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers should apply for BIS certification and complete product testing in BIS-recognized labs.
- Importers and distributors must ensure sourcing only from BIS-licensed suppliers.
- Micro and small enterprises should track exemption deadlines and prepare for compliance.
- R&D institutions importing exempted units must maintain records and ensure non-commercial use.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority. Any violation of this Order will attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including imprisonment up to one year, a fine up to ₹50,000, or both. Authorities have powers to inspect premises, seize non-compliant goods, and direct corrective actions.
Conclusion
The enforcement of IS 915:2012 – One-Mark Volumetric Flasks under the Laboratory Glassware QCO ensures high precision and reliability in laboratory practices across India. While exemptions offer relief to MSMEs and R&D institutions, all stakeholders must plan certification in advance to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
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.