IS 15622 is the Indian standard for pressed ceramic tiles, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It classifies tiles by forming method and water absorption and sets limits for size, surface quality and physical properties. Its structure follows ISO 13006, the international tile standard.
For an overseas buyer, 'BIS certified tiles' is a useful sign of a factory with a working quality system, but it is not the document your own market will normally ask for. Your market's standard and conformity marks come first.
What does IS 15622 cover?
The standard sets out how tiles are grouped and what they must meet. It groups tiles by water absorption, from very low (porcelain) to high, and by whether they are pressed or extruded. It then gives requirements for dimensions, surface quality, and physical and chemical properties, with test methods drawn from the IS 13630 series, which parallels ISO 10545.
These are the same properties a European or American buyer checks: water absorption, breaking strength, flatness, resistance to stains and chemicals, and frost resistance where relevant. See ISO 13006 and EN 14411 tile standards for the international comparison.
How does it relate to ISO 13006?
ISO 13006 is the international specification that most national tile standards follow, and IS 15622 was developed on the same basis. A tile that meets IS 15622 is therefore likely to be close to ISO 13006 on the main properties, but the two are not identical. Limits, tolerances and test conditions can differ, so a certificate against one standard does not automatically prove compliance with the other.
If your contract says ISO 13006 or EN 14411, ask for a test report against that standard from a recognised laboratory. Do not accept an IS 15622 claim in its place.
Does BIS certification matter for exports?
BIS operates a product certification scheme, and for some products it is mandatory for goods sold in India. Whether it applies to a given tile and whether an exporter must hold it can change, so confirm the current position with the BIS website or the factory rather than relying on a general statement. Do not assume that a mandatory scheme exists, or that its absence is a warning sign.
For overseas buyers, a BIS licence shows that the factory is audited and follows sampling and testing rules. That helps when you compare factories. It does not replace a pre-shipment inspection, which checks your actual lot, as explained in tile factory certifications.
What should you ask the factory to show?
Ask for documents, not claims:
- A copy of the BIS licence, if held, with the licence number and the product it covers.
- A recent test report for the exact product, from an independent laboratory, against the standard in your contract.
- A description of the in-house tests the plant runs on each batch.
- Batch records that link the box markings on your shipment to the tested lot.
Next step
A certificate tells you what a plant can do. A test on your lot tells you what you got. We find and audit manufacturers, check samples and documents, and have lots tested. Book a free sourcing review to see how we would verify your supplier.