Cement

Portland Slag Cement

Strategic Recommendations for Portland Slag Cement – IS 455

  • Engage Early with BIS & Labs
    Apply for BIS certification for IS 455 in advance. Conduct chemical composition and strength tests in BIS-approved laboratories.
  • Partner with Compliance Experts
    Work with ERA compliance specialists for documentation, testing, and smooth BIS license approvals.
  • Contact ERA Support Team
    📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
    Support for BIS licensing, renewal, and exemption handling.
  • Track Notifications & Circulars
    Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on the Cement (QCO), 2003 and subsequent BIS amendments related to PSC.
  • Do a Gap Assessment
    Compare current manufacturing and testing processes with IS 455:2015 specifications (slag content, compressive strength, setting time) to ensure full compliance.
Portland Slag Cement – IS 455
Section Details
Product Name Portland Slag Cement
IS Standard IS 455:2015
Title of IS Portland Slag Cement – Specification
Quality Control Order Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003
Notification & Amendments Notified via S.O. 191(E) dated 17 February 2003
Final Enforcement Date 17 February 2003
Objective & Scope To ensure quality, strength, and durability of Portland Slag Cement by making BIS certification mandatory for all manufacturing, sale, and imports in India.
Products Covered Portland Slag Cement produced by grinding clinker, gypsum, and granulated blast furnace slag (25–70%), used for marine structures, dams, reservoirs, foundations, and chemical-resistant concrete.
Exemptions - Cement manufactured exclusively for export, subject to overseas buyer specifications and Central Government approval. - Temporary exemption up to 150 days for applicants awaiting BIS license.
Industries Impacted Cement manufacturers, importers, distributors, construction companies, infrastructure developers, marine and water-retaining structure contractors, public procurement agencies.
Mandatory Compliance - Conformity to IS 455:2015 required. - BIS license under Scheme-I mandatory. - ISI mark on each bag and batch documentation. - Testing only in BIS-recognized labs. - Maintain records of quality checks and production.
Next Steps for Stakeholders Manufacturers must obtain BIS license, importers must ensure certification before clearance, and exporters must apply for exemptions if applicable.
Legal Framework & Enforcement Enforced by BIS under BIS Act, 2016. Authorized officers empowered under CrPC, 1973 for inspection, seizure, and sampling.
Penalties for Non-Compliance - Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for first offence. - Fine up to ₹50,000 per day for continuing offence. - Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to ten times value of goods. - Seizure or destruction of non-conforming cement. - Suspension or cancellation of BIS license.
Conclusion Portland Slag Cement under IS 455 is strictly regulated under the Cement QCO, 2003. BIS certification and ISI marking are mandatory to ensure quality, durability, and consumer safety.
References / Annexures - Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 – S.O. 191(E) - IS 455:2015 Standard - BIS Certification Guidelines (Scheme-I)

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Notification

 Portland Slag Cement is notified under the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 via S.O. 191(E), dated 17 February 2003, issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the provisions of the BIS Act, 1986 (now governed by BIS Act, 2016).

Enforcement Timeline

 The Order took effect on 17 February 2003, making it mandatory for all manufacturers, importers, and sellers of Portland Slag Cement to obtain BIS certification and affix the ISI mark.

Overview

Portland Slag Cement (PSC), as per IS 455:2015, is a blended cement manufactured by grinding clinker, gypsum, and granulated blast furnace slag in the range of 25–70%. It is recognized for its enhanced durability, reduced permeability, and superior resistance to sulphates and chlorides, making it highly suitable for marine works, dams, foundations, and chemical plants.

Objective & Scope

 The regulation ensures consistent quality, durability, and performance of Portland Slag Cement used in critical infrastructure. It applies to all cement manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers dealing in PSC within India.

Products Covered

 Portland Slag Cement – a blended cement containing granulated blast furnace slag, designed for:

  • Marine structures (ports, jetties, breakwaters)
  • Dams, reservoirs, and canals
  • Mass concrete works such as foundations and bridge piers
  • Chemical and industrial structures requiring sulphate/chloride resistance

Exemptions Provided

  • Cement exclusively meant for export, subject to overseas buyer’s specifications and Central Government approval.
  • A temporary exemption of up to 150 days for manufacturers with pending BIS license applications.

Industries Impacted

  •  Cement industry, construction and infrastructure companies, marine contractors, water-retaining structure builders, government agencies, and real estate developers.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

  • Conformance with IS 455:2015 is compulsory.
  • BIS license under Scheme-I must be obtained before manufacturing or selling.
  • ISI mark to be displayed on every bag and related documents.
  • Testing in BIS-approved laboratories is required.
  • Detailed records of quality testing and production must be maintained.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

 Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS licenses before production or sale. Distributors and retailers must ensure only certified cement is traded. Exporters should apply for exemptions where applicable.

Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties

 Enforcement is carried out under the BIS Act, 1986 by designated authorities with powers under CrPC, 1973. Authorized officers may inspect premises, seize non-conforming cement, and issue directions. Penalties include:

  • Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for first offence
  • ₹5,000 per day for continued offence
  • Imprisonment up to 2 years in serious violations
  • Seizure or destruction of non-conforming stock
  • Suspension or cancellation of BIS license

Conclusion

 Portland Slag Cement under IS 455 is a regulated product under the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003. BIS certification and ISI marking are compulsory for its manufacture, import, and sale in India. This ensures higher quality, enhanced durability, and improved safety in infrastructure and construction projects.

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.

ERA COMPLIANCE DIGEST

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