How to Identify and Verify BIS Certified Plywood Products

Understanding IS 303, IS 4990, IS 2202, and IS 1659

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification ensures that plywood products meet prescribed quality and safety benchmarks. For manufacturers, traders, and end-users alike, understanding how to identify and verify BIS certified plywood can help in avoiding substandard materials and ensuring long-lasting performance.

This article will guide you through how to verify whether a plywood product is BIS certified under standards such as IS 303, IS 710, IS 4990, IS 2202 (Part 1), and IS 1659.

🔍 Why BIS Certification Matters in Plywood

BIS certification means the plywood conforms to Indian standards in terms of:

Strength & durability
Resistance to moisture, boiling water, or fire (depending on grade)
Dimensional accuracy
Safe formaldehyde emission levels

Standards like IS 303 (for commercial plywood) or IS 4990 (for shuttering plywood) are critical in construction, furniture, and industrial applications.

📦 Plywood BIS Standards and What They Cover

Standard	Application
IS 303	Commercial & BWR grade plywood for general purposes
IS 710	Marine Grade Plywood
IS 4990	Shuttering plywood used in concrete formwork
IS 2202 (Part 1)	Flush doors made from plywood and wood-based materials
IS 1659	Blockboard used for doors, panels, partitions

✅ How to Identify BIS Certified Plywood

ISI Mark

All BIS Certified products must have the ISI mark.

Look for the following indicators on the product surface, typically stenciled in black or red ink:

1. ISI Mark with CM/L Number

The ISI logo (Indian Standards Institute mark) must be visible.
Below the logo, you’ll see a CM/L number — the license number issued to the manufacturer.

Example:
ISI Mark
CM/L - 9200123456

You can verify this number on the official BIS Care app (steps below).

2. Relevant IS Code

The IS code for the standard should be printed clearly on the plywood:

IS 303 for commercial or BWR/BWP plywood
IS 4990 for shuttering plywood
IS 2202 Part 1 for flush doors
IS 1659 for blockboard

3. Grade and Type

Grade: MR, BWR, BWP, etc. depending on the type of resin used
Type: AA, AB, BB, etc. indicating the face veneer quality
Formaldehyde Emission Class: E1/E2

4. Manufacturing Details

BIS certified plywood must display:

Manufacturer’s Name or Brand
Date of Manufacture (Month & Year)
Batch Number

🔎 How to Verify a BIS License Online

To be absolutely sure, verify the CM/L number online:

Steps:

Download the BIS Care App from Play Store (Android) or App Store (IOS)
Choose “License Number (CM/L No.)” as the search type.
Enter the CM/L number found on the plywood.
Click “Search” to verify:
- Validity of license
- Manufacturer’s name
- Product standard (e.g., IS 303)

⚠️ Beware of Fake BIS Marking

Some unlicensed manufacturers falsely print the ISI mark. Here’s how to detect fakes:

No CM/L number: A fake ISI mark without a license number is meaningless.
Mismatch in IS code: Some use incorrect IS codes or omit them altogether.
Poor print quality or inconsistent information

If you suspect a fake, report it to BIS via their complaint portal.

🛠 Bonus Tips for Buyers

Always ask for an invoice mentioning BIS certification.
Prefer retailers or dealers who are known to source from BIS-certified manufacturers.
For large projects, request a test report from a third-party or BIS-recognized lab.

🏷️ Conclusion

BIS certification is not just a stamp—it’s a guarantee of quality and safety. Whether you’re buying commercial plywood (IS 303), shuttering ply (IS 4990), flush doors (IS 2202), or blockboard (IS 1659), checking for the correct BIS markings and verifying the CM/L number online ensures you’re getting what you pay for.

Deepak Lamination is a BIS-certified manufacturer committed to delivering plywood products that meet and exceed IS standards. Browse our certified product range or get in touch for more information.