Synthetic microfibers are ultra-fine man-made strands. These fibers are often made of synthetic polymers such as polyester, polyamide (nylon), or polypropylene, and they find use in a variety of sectors due to their distinctive properties.

These microfibers are extremely strong and long-lasting. Synthetic microfibers are used in fabrics and garments to provide soft, breathable textiles with moisture-wicking properties. They also play an important role in the production of sportswear, activewear, and undergarments.

To ensure the product quality of synthetic micro-fibres, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it mandatory for manufacturers to undergo BIS registration and obtain the BIS ISI mark before selling it in the market. Manufacturers can use the ISI Mark on their products only after obtaining a license from BIS that is granted after BIS registration. The presence of the ISI mark on a product indicates that it complies with BIS's stringent quality standards.

IS 16481:2022 covers Synthetic Micro-Fibres. The Bureau of Indian Standards adopted this Indian standard after the textile division council approved the draft finalized by the technical textiles for Build tech sectional committee.

This standard specifies the physical, application, and functional requirements for synthetic microfibers such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene fibres, etc. for use in cement-based matrices for secondary reinforcement in construction works such as concrete roads and pavements, industrial and commercial floorings, residential and commercial buildings, bridges and elevated structures, water retaining structures and dams, ports and undersea concrete structures, plaster, shortcrete, etc.

This standard primarily addresses the requirements for synthetic fibres used for secondary reinforcement of concrete, such as polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. The synthetic fibres used for secondary reinforcement in concrete must meet the requirements specified in clause 4 of this standard, as well as the physical, application, and functional requirements specified in the standard.

Only virgin synthetic fibres with cut lengths ranging from 6mm to 25mm that are inert to the concrete environment may be used as secondary reinforcement in cement-based matrices; no recycled material is permitted. Fibers must be well dispersed in a cement-based matrix to achieve uniform functional properties.

REQUIREMENTS FOR IS 16481:2022

1.     Packing and marking shall be done in accordance with IS 16481:2022. The bag or paper pouches shall be marked with information as specified in the standard.

2.     Conforming to the requirements of this standard, the product(s) may be certified under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, and the products may be marked with the Standard Mark (ISI Mark).

3.     The Manufacturer must obtain a BIS license from the Bureau of Indian Standards to use a standard mark (ISI Mark).

TESTS

The following test shall be carried out in accordance with the method prescribed.

·       Isophthalic acid content

·       Resistance of fibres

·       Water absorptive capacity

·       Specific gravity

·       Melting and glass transition temperature

·       Viscosity

Process for BIS ISI Mark Certification

To know the process in detail, please visit:

• ISI Mark Certification for Domestic Manufactures
• ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufactures

Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS

• BIS CRS Registration For IT Products List
• ISI Mark Registration For ISI Products List

CONCLUSION

Synthetic micro-fibres have been included in the mandatory ISI Certification Scheme under the IS 16481:2022 standard. This product cannot be exported, imported, or sold in the Indian consumer market without the ISI Mark imprinted.

If you need any assistance with BIS ISI registration for synthetic micro-fibres or ISI mark certification for synthetic micro-fibres, you can reach out to Evtlindia. We provide assistance with all documentation formalities with India's BIS office, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free registration experience, guiding you through the entire process from start to finish.

You can contact us via email at contact@evtlindia.com or by phone at 9560935898. Feel free to get in touch with us anytime for the support you need.