Cement
Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement
Strategic Recommendations for Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement – IS 16993:2018
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 16993:2018 before production/import. Conduct tests for fineness, compressive strength, setting time, and particle size distribution in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA’s technical compliance specialists for BIS application, testing, documentation, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support for BIS licensing, testing schedules, exemption handling, and gap assessments. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on Cement QCO amendments, BIS circulars, and compliance deadlines. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current cement production parameters with IS 16993:2018 requirements to identify compliance gaps in particle size, fineness, and strength performance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement |
| IS Standard | IS 16993:2018 |
| Title of IS | Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 191(E), dated 17 February 2003 (Cement QCO). IS 16993:2018 included through later amendments. |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 February 2003 (general Cement QCO); enforcement of IS 16993:2018 as per latest BIS amendment. |
| Objective & Scope | To regulate the quality of Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement ensuring it meets IS 16993:2018 specifications for fineness, strength, and durability. |
| Products Covered | Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement with ultra-fine particle size designed for precision grouting, soil stabilization, tunneling, crack repairs, micro-piling, and specialized geotechnical works. |
| Exemptions | - Cement manufactured exclusively for export (with Central Government approval). - Temporary exemption (up to 150 days) for manufacturers awaiting BIS license after application. |
| Industries Impacted | Cement manufacturers, importers, distributors, construction and infrastructure companies, tunneling and dam contractors, geotechnical engineering firms, and government procurement agencies. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS certification under Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. - ISI Mark mandatory on all bags/shipments. - Compliance with IS 16993:2018 parameters for chemical limits, fineness, setting time, and compressive strength. - Testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Manufacturers/importers must secure BIS license before market entry. Contractors, tunneling and infrastructure firms should procure only ISI-marked Microfine OPC. Dealers/distributors must stock only certified cement. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 by BIS and designated authorities empowered to inspect, seize, and prosecute. CrPC, 1973 powers apply for search and seizure. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Fine not less than ₹2,00,000, extendable up to 10× the value of non-compliant goods. - Imprisonment up to 2 years. - Continuing offences: ₹50,000 per day fine. - Suspension/cancellation of BIS license. - Seizure and destruction of non-standard cement. |
| Conclusion | Microfine OPC (IS 16993:2018) ensures deep penetration, high strength, and superior performance in niche civil and geotechnical works. BIS certification ensures consistent quality, mandatory compliance, and safe market supply. |
| References / Annexures | - Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 – S.O. 191(E) - IS 16993:2018 Standard - BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 (Scheme-I) |
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Notification
Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement is included under the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 via S.O. 191(E), dated 17 February 2003, issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It was specifically brought into scope through subsequent amendments notifying IS 16993:2018.
Enforcement Timeline
The Order came into effect on 17 February 2003, making BIS certification and ISI marking mandatory for all production, import, and sale of Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement.
Overview
Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement is a specialty ultra-fine cement engineered for applications requiring high penetration, low permeability, and rapid setting. Its finer particle size compared to regular OPC makes it ideal for precision grouting, crack injection, and soil stabilization.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures that Microfine OPC meets IS 16993:2018 specifications before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India, thereby safeguarding structural safety, construction quality, and geotechnical reliability.
Products Covered
Microfine OPC including:
- Precision grouting in tunnels, dams, and foundations
- Soil stabilization and micro-piling in weak ground conditions
- Repair and sealing of concrete cracks and seepage zones
- Anchorage grouting in pre-stressed concrete structures
Exemptions Provided
- Cement manufactured exclusively for export is exempt with prior Central Government approval.
- Temporary exemption of up to 150 days may be granted if BIS license application is under process.
Industries Impacted
Cement manufacturers, tunneling and dam contractors, geotechnical engineering firms, infrastructure companies, importers, dealers, and government agencies.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- BIS license under Scheme-I must be obtained prior to production or import.
- Each bag or shipment must carry the ISI Mark.
- Testing for particle size distribution, compressive strength, setting time, and chemical limits must be done in BIS-approved labs.
- Records of test results, batch data, and BIS certification must be maintained.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS certification before supply. Contractors, tunneling firms, and infrastructure developers should only use ISI-marked Microfine OPC. Dealers must stock only BIS-certified material. Exporters should apply for exemptions if the cement is intended solely for export.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Cement QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. Authorized officers can inspect premises, seize non-conforming cement, and prosecute offenders. Penalties include:
- Minimum fine of ₹2,00,000, extendable up to 10× value of goods.
- Imprisonment up to 2 years.
- Continuing violation fines of ₹50,000 per day.
- Seizure and destruction of uncertified cement.
- Suspension/cancellation of BIS license.
Conclusion
Microfine Ordinary Portland Cement (IS 16993:2018) is a high-performance material critical for specialized civil and geotechnical applications. Mandatory BIS certification ensures product reliability, safety, and compliance across the construction supply chain.
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.