Polyurethane sole, semirigid
The footwear sector in India is in a state of transition and has considerable growth as new and improved fabrics for the production of Footwear that are comfortable, durable, and safe, are being sought after. Of these materials, polyurethane soles are one of the most favored materials because it has a very good performance record. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established IS 12254:1993 detail-oriented performance standard that defines the requirements for polyurethane soles. This standard is particularly important for footwear manufacturers who is interested in creating the perfect shoes needed by the consumers and at the same time, comply with the safety requirements.
Apart from improving the quality of the product, the BIS certification has a major and vital responsibility to build consumer trust and to help establish a market for the product. By complying with IS 12254:1993; the manufacturers are able to guarantee the consumers reliable and durable products. In this blog, you will get a detailed understanding of the BIS standards for polyurethane soles to know the performance level, test procedure, and process of certification. Familiarizing oneself with these elements is crucial for any manufacturer wanting to be competitive in the future, as well as being able to meet national legislation.
Table of Content
- Understanding IS 12254:1993
- Performance Requirements and Test Methods
- Testing Methods
- Laboratory Requirements
- Labeling and Marking Requirements
- Documents Required for BIS Certification
- BIS Certification Process
- Importance of BIS Certification
- Fees for BIS Certification
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding IS 12254:1993
IS 12254:1993 tensile and flexural strength requirements of polyurethane soles and other related specifications for Inda were set out in the Indian Standard. The requirements of this standard include properties that polyurethane soles should have in polyurethane as it is used in the manufacturing of the soles of footwear. There the standard describes the physical and chemical characteristics that polyurethane materials should have to be used in the production of soles.
- Material Composition: Polyurethane needs to be synthesized from quality-oriented reagents that will guarantee equal quality and performance.
- Physical Properties: It presents standards for hardness, density, tensile strength against breakout, and elongation at break.
- Surface Quality: The soles should be free from defects like bubbles, cracks, or foreign inclusion as observed in the below figure.
Performance Requirements and Test Methods
The performance requirements outlined in IS 12254:1993 are intended to guarantee that polyurethane soles are durable enough to absorb the stresses of use. These requirements include:
- Hardness: Using the Shore A durometer, it quantifies the ability of the material to resist being imprinted.
- Tensile Strength: Determines the level of stress that the material can perform to prior it breaking or yielding.
- Compression Set: Assesses the extent of maintaining its shape after pressing on it.
- Water Absorption: Defines how much water the material can take in, over a given period of time.
Testing Methods
The testing methods are essential in confirming whether polyurethane soles fulfill the standard measure. Common tests include:
- Hardness Test: In the assessment of surface hardness, people make use of an instrument known as the durometer.
- Tensile Test: Stretches a sample to its failure point for the sake of measuring tensile strength.
- Compression Set Test: Defined as the extent to which the thickness of the material recovers when pressure has been applied.
Laboratory Requirements
For these tests to be conducted the manufacturers must have made provisions for laboratory facilities and more especially testing equipment that has been standardized. It is important laboratories are clean and follow distinct processes to achieve accurate outcomes. A person who performs tests must be knowledgeable about BIS standards and related testing.
Labeling and Marking Requirements
Labeling and markings are fundamental requirements of BIS standards regarding Polyurethane sole, semirigid. Each product must include:
- Manufacturer's Name or Trademark: In a manner that tells the consumer who produced it with clarity, means everything is right.
- Size Specification: Informing the size of the footwear for which it is designed.
- ISI Mark: The ISI mark has to be affixed prominently on the product in case the product has been certified to conform to Indian standards.
- Material Information: Material should be mentioned along the labels that the footwear is made from and any other information concerning the safe usage of the product.
- Packaging Requirements: It is also important to label the packaging with the product type and care instructions so that the customers can maintain the product for the longest time.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| General Documents | Technical Documents |
|---|---|
| GST Certificate | Raw Material List |
| MSME Or Udyam Certificate (Not applicable for large-scale industries) | Raw Material Test Certificate |
| Manufacturing land details (Lease Deed/ Rent agreement) | Plant Layout (Lab, Office, Raw material area, Finished Goods area) |
| MOA/AOA (If Private Limited) | Machinery List |
| Electricity Bill | Location Layout |
| Authorization Letter | Equipment List |
| QCI Adhaar Card | Process Flow Chart and Description |
| QCI Appointment Letter | NABL approved Calibration |
| QCI Degree Certificate | Product Specific Declaration as per clause no |
| Owner’s Pan Card | |
| Factory License |
BIS Certification Process
The BIS certification process for Polyurethane sole, semirigid involves several steps:
Step 1: Application Submission
Applications are filled including relevant documents that outline the production processes of the manufacturers.
Step 2: Factory Inspection
A BIS officer pays a visit to the manufacturing company in order to assess the levels of compliance with set regulations.
Step 3: Product Testing
The samples from the production batches are analyzed at the BIS-accredited laboratories.
Step 4: Issuance of License
As a result of the evaluation of these facilities and products, BIS grants permission to the manufacturers to use the ISI mark on their products.
Step 5: Surveillance Audits
To sustain the standards practice, normal assertions are carried out.
This is a process that the manufacturers need to understand so that they can get an efficient certification process.
Importance of BIS Certification
BIS certification is crucial for several reasons:
- Market Access: It shall be marked with the ISI mark for it is compulsory for any manufacturer who wants their Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) boots to be sold in India. This means that without this certification, manufacturers cannot be able to sale their products to the market.
- Consumer Safety: Certification means that the products have to conform to given standards in order to prevent the consumer from using dangerous products.
- Quality Assurance: The BIS certification process helps ensure the quality standards of the products as it covers quality control aspects of the products.
- Regulatory Compliance: The BIS certification acts as an asset to manufacturers since it avails them of the legal standards that are accepted by the government hence saving them from legal troubles.
- Brand Credibility: An ISI mark adds value to the business by providing the consumers confidence that they are dealing with products that meet the nation’s quality standards.
- Environmental Considerations: The BIS in its regulations has put forward specific measures to restrict the use of some dangerous chemicals when producing products that have to do with environmental effects in the industry.
Fees for BIS Certification
The government-approved fees for BIS certification of molded solid rubber soles and heels under IS 13893:1994 are as follows:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| BIS Application Fees | 9,000 |
| BIS Marking Fees | Micro Scale - 13,000 |
| Small Scale - 32,500 | |
| Medium Scale - 52,000 | |
| Large Scale - 65,000 |
NOTE: BIS testing charge fees are subject to changes from time to time depending on the circulating governments’ policies on fee structure.
Thus, it is recommended to visit the official site of BIS or consult with a BIS registration consultant like Professional Utilities.
Conclusion
The relevance of IS 12254:1993 is hard to overstate the importance of governing polyurethane soles. Adherence to this standard guarantees footwear quality and hence, market entry for producers. There are numerous industry standards that must be followed and understood by organizations trying to enter the footwear market in India. From devoting time and money and acquiring BIS certification, producers can benefit from this action and gain credibility, the quality of products, and customer trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is IS 12254:1993?
IS 12254:1993 indicated the years that the specification was formulated for polyurethane soles used in footwear.
What is the significance of joining the BIS certification?
BIS certification assures the quality of an electrical product, increases customer trust, and helps the company to recognize itself in the Indian market.
Is BIS certification for polyurethane semirigid soles related to Toluene?
Yes, both polyurethane semirigid soles and Toluene require BIS certification to ensure compliance with Indian safety and quality standards. For more details, visit BIS Certification for Toluene.
