BIS Certification for Primary Lead IS 27: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced IS 27, known as “Primary Lead-Specification (Fifth Revision)”. This establishes quality and consistency for primary lead ingots from ore or similar raw materials.

The new standard replaces the previous version of IS 27. The Ministry of Mines has released a notification for the Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order. Compliance with BIS Certification for Primary Lead is now mandatory for manufacturers and importers in India.

The BIS Certification process for Primary Lead as per IS 27 involves many critical roles, You can get more information about the product certification at ERCS. Let’s go through the details about the product and its certification.

What is Primary Lead Certification under BIS?

Primary lead refers to lead produced directly from ore, as opposed to being produced from recycled scrap and/or secondary lead sources., This specification in India is outlined in the Primary lead, a strong and corrosion-resistant material.

It is an essential part of some industries, including battery production and the construction industry. It is a material that is reliable and versatile, particularly in industries where performance and quality are fundamental prerequisites.

The quality and specifications for primary lead ingots are included in the Indian Standard IS 27 under BIS licensing. This defines standards to assist producers in determining the quality perspective for a primary lead supply, domestically and internationally, to lead quality requirements.

Scope of Primary Lead-Specification

This standard specifies the requirements for primary lead ingots produced from ore or similar raw materials. The requirements for reclaimed lead or secondary lead produced from lead scrap as raw material through any refining process are not covered in this standard and are separately covered in IS 3717.

Latest Update on BIS QCO for Primary Lead

The Ministry of Mines has published a notification for the product Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This will take effect after 6 months of publication in the E-Gazette. It’s important to note that the conditions outlined won’t apply to any goods or articles intended for export.

Stakeholders can share their feedback within the next 60 days. Primary lead must meet the Indian Standard IS 27 issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This is under a license from Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Here, BIS acts as a certifying body and enforcement authority for this order.

Advantages of Obtaining a BIS Certification as a Manufacturer

Obtaining Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification has many benefits available to manufacturers. Here are some essential advantages:

1. Greater Market Credibility: A BIS certification reflects the applicable quality standards for products and can elevate consumer and business partner trust.

2. Competitive Edge: BIS certification helps manufacturers differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace by demonstrating compliance with national quality standards.

3. Business Access to Government Projects: It is common for government tenders to require BIS approval as a condition to be considered, and certified manufacturers have a greater chance of tapping into additional business opportunities.

4. Quality and Assurance: The process to obtain BIS certificate requires thorough testing and evaluation beforehand, giving the manufacturer a means to be diligent with their product quality and reliability.

5. Consumer Awareness and Safety: A BIS certificate assures consumers that the products they acquire meet a standard of safety and product quality.

6. Worldwide Recognition: For globally traded products, FMCS BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturer assures foreign markets that the product complies with recognised standards, minimising risk for.

Key Features of IS 27: Primary Lead-Specification

Below, you can go through some important key features of the Indian Standard IS 27:

1. Scope and Applicability: IS 27 sets out the requirements for primary lead ingots manufactured from ore or similar raw material. It does not cover reclaimed or secondary lead made from scrap, which is covered separately in IS 3717.

2. Grades of Primary Lead: The standard includes five designations of primary lead, which are based on minimum lead content:

• Pb99.90 Cu: Chemical Copper Lead
  Pb99.97
  Pb99.985
  Pb99.99
  Pb99.995

Each designation has impurity elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), etc. These element specifications help to ensure the primary lead conforms to industry standards concerning purity and suitable functionality. 

3. Chemical Composition: Each designation specifies limits for several impurity elements such as silver (Ag), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), bismuth (Bi), etc. The amount of these impurity metals is very closely monitored to help ensure that the primary lead conforms to industry standards concerning purity and suitable functionality. 

The highest purity designation Pb99.995 is particularly important for applications that require the lowest impurity content, such as in the manufacture of chemicals, and applications in the high-end industrial space.

4. Physical Properties and Defects: The standard specifies that lead ingots should not have dross, slag, or other inclusions that would impair quality. The surfaces of the ingots should be clean and devoid of impurities to avoid adverse effects on their end-use application. 

5. Manufacturing Process: Primary lead ingots should have been generated from a smelting and refining process, and can only use ore or similar raw materials. Primary lead does not include secondary lead (scrap); IS 27 specifies that secondary or reclaimed lead may not be employed, therefore maintaining the primary raw material source as high quality.

6. Applications of each Grade: Each grade of primary lead has a specific industrial need:

• Pb99.99 is mainly used for red and white lead, litharge, optical glass, and accumulator plates.
• Pb99.97 is used mainly for the manufacture of lead acid batteries and lead alloys.
• Pb99.90Cu is used for corrosion applications (sulfuric acid production, etc.).

Quality Assurance & Testing Requirements for IS 27

Below, we have mentioned the testing requirements and quality assurance of the product for obtaining BIS certification:

1. The manufacturer must ensure inspection and testing as per the quality assurance plan.

2. The manufacturer can also follow the plan according to level control, defined in the relevant Indian Standard.

3. Both applicants & licensees must have manufacturing-level quality, which includes a timetable for regular testing and in-process control.

4. Manufacturers are also expected to keep records of the test results when tests are undertaken to prove conformance, whether they have used shared test facilities, cluster-based facilities, or an internal laboratory.

5. Manufacturers are also expected to keep records of the test results when tests are undertaken to prove conformance, whether they have used shared test facilities, cluster-based facilities, or an internal laboratory.

6. MSME manufacturers can use the cluster-based facilities as per the guidelines on the usage of cluster-based test facilities by MSMEs. They can also avail of the provisions related to sharing of test facilities or undertaking testing from one of the BIS-recognised / empanelled laboratories or any other laboratory having valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025.

7. The Standard Mark as given in the Schedule of the licence shall be legibly and permanently marked on each ingot, slab, tile, or plate, or a label affixed to each ingot, slab, tile, or plate.

8. The marking can also be on the test certificate that accompanies each consignment of ingots, slabs, tiles, or plates, as long as the material so marked conforms to each of the requirements of the specification.

9. All production that conforms to the Indian Standard and the scope of the BIS licence shall be marked with the Standard Mark. Any disposal of the material that is non-conforming.

Process of BIS Certification for Primary Lead

The process of obtaining BIS certification under IS 27 involves the following:

• Application: Manufacturers submit a meticulous application to BIS detailing product information (e.g., lead grade, manufacturing process, quality control processes).
• Manufacturing Facility Inspection: BIS employees visit the manufacturing facility to conduct an extensive inspection to ensure that the production processes meet the applicable standards.
• Sample Testing: The samples of lead ingots are sent for testing to the applicable BIS-designated testing laboratory. The samples undergo extensive testing to determine that the chemical and physical properties accurately comply with IS 27.
• Licence Granting: If the sample testing is successful and the factory inspection is complete, BIS grants a licence to the manufacturer to affix the BIS Standard Mark to a lead ingot that could be demonstrated to comply with IS 27.

Who is responsible for administering the BIS certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority for compliance with the BIS QCO update for primary lead. The implementing authority is the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

How can I obtain a copy of IS 27?

You may obtain the full copy of IS 27 by downloading it from the BIS Connect portal.

Conclusion

BIS certification under IS 27 is very important if your company is a manufacturer that wants to establish that its primary lead products comply with the highest standards of quality and safety. ISI Mark product certification gives manufacturers a foothold in the Indian lead market and enhances their reputation in international markets. By complying with BIS certification for lead products, all manufacturers contribute to the lead industry's overall quality in India. ERCS, as a BIS Consultant, can help you at every step.