Cement
Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement
Strategic Recommendations for Sulphate Resisting IS 12330:1988
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 12330:1988 well in advance. Conduct chemical composition and durability tests (low C₃A content, sulphate resistance) at BIS-recognized labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance specialists for end-to-end support in documentation, product testing, ISI marking, and license maintenance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance for BIS licensing, testing schedules, and handling export exemptions. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Cement QCO, amendments, and BIS certification changes impacting IS 12330:1988. - Do a Gap Assessment
Audit current product specifications against IS 12330:1988 requirements for chemical composition (C₃A limits), performance in sulphate conditions, and BIS marking obligations.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) |
| IS Standard | IS 12330:1988 |
| Title of IS | Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 191(E) dated 17 February 2003 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 17 February 2003 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality and durability of cement used in sulphate-rich environments such as coastal, marine, sewage, and chemical industry structures by mandating conformity with IS 12330:1988. |
| Products Covered | Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement including cement with low tricalcium aluminate content, specially designed for use in marine works, sewage systems, foundations in sulphate-rich soils, retaining structures, and chemical plants. |
| Exemptions | Cement manufactured exclusively for export, subject to overseas buyer specifications and Central Government approval. Temporary exemption (up to 150 days) may be granted while BIS license application is pending. |
| Industries Impacted | Cement manufacturers, importers, dealers, distributors, construction & infrastructure companies, marine construction, sewage treatment, and chemical plant projects. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Conformance to IS 12330:1988 specifications - BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory - ISI mark must be displayed on packaging and documents - Testing in BIS-approved labs - Records of production and test reports to be maintained |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct product testing, update packaging with ISI mark, verify stock compliance, and seek export exemption where applicable. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
- Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 - BIS is the designated certifying and enforcement authority |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for first offence - Additional fine of ₹5,000 per day for continuing offence - Imprisonment up to 2 years for serious violations - Seizure or destruction of non-compliant stock - Suspension or cancellation of BIS license |
| Conclusion | Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement under IS 12330:1988 must be BIS certified and ISI marked before sale in India. This ensures quality and durability of cement in sulphate-rich environments and protects consumer safety. |
| References / Annexures | Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 – S.O. 191(E) [17 Feb 2003] - IS 12330:1988 Standard - BIS Certification Guidelines (Scheme-I) |
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Notification
 The product Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) has been covered under the Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2003 through S.O. 191(E) dated 17 February 2003 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 1986.
Enforcement Timeline
The Cement (QCO) for SRPC became effective on 17 February 2003 and remains in force.
Overview
 Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement is a specialized cement designed to withstand sulphate attack by reducing tricalcium aluminate (C₃A) content. It is primarily used in marine works, sewage systems, foundations in aggressive soils, retaining walls, and chemical plant structures.
Objective & Scope
 The key objective of including IS 12330:1988 under the QCO is to ensure that only standardized, durable, and safe cement is used in critical infrastructure projects exposed to sulphate-rich environments.
Products Covered
 Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement including cement with low tricalcium aluminate content, specially designed for marine construction, sewage treatment works, foundations in sulphate soils, retaining structures, and chemical industries.
Exemptions Provided
Cement meant exclusively for export is exempt if it complies with overseas buyer specifications and has prior Central Government approval. A temporary exemption (up to 150 days) may be granted if a BIS license application is under process.
Industries Impacted
- Marine Structures: Jetties, sea walls, ports.
- Foundations in Aggressive Soil: Pile foundations, basements.
- Sewage and Drainage Works: Sewage tanks, underground drains.
- Chemical Industries: Acid/chemical-resistant civil infrastructure.l
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All SRPC must conform to IS 12330:1988.
- BIS license under Scheme-I is mandatory.
- ISI marking on packaging and invoices is compulsory.
- Samples must be tested in BIS-approved labs.
- Records of production and testing must be maintained.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
 Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS licenses, ensure product testing and marking, update packaging, and maintain compliance records. Exporters should obtain formal exemption if the cement is solely for international markets.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
 Enforcement is carried out by BIS and Appropriate Authorities under the BIS Act, 1986 with powers under CrPC, 1973. Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for first offence
- ₹5,000 per day for continuing offence
- Imprisonment up to 2 years for major violations
- Seizure or destruction of non-conforming stock
- Cancellation or suspension of BIS license
Conclusion
 Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (IS 12330:1988) falls under compulsory BIS certification. It ensures structural durability in aggressive sulphate conditions, strengthens public safety, and prevents substandard cement from entering the Indian market.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.