India notifies Gypsum Based Building Materials Quality Control Order

On 17 November 2023, the Indian Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the Gypsum Based Building Materials Quality Control Order, 2023. The final day for comments is 60 days from the date of notification.  

Gypsum-Based Building Materials 

The most commonly used type of gypsum-based building material is plasterboard. The unique benefit of gypsum board is its lower weight compared to other similar boards like asbestos cement and fibre hard boards. Additionally, plasterboards have superior thermal, acoustic, and fire resistance. 

There are three types of plasterboard that can be produced: plain, laminated, and reinforced. Typical examples of reinforcing materials are glass, paper, vegetable fibres, etc. 

Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) is a building panel consisting of calcined gypsum reinforced with glass fibres. The GFRG panel is produced in a semi-automated plant using a slurry of calcined gypsum mixed with certain chemicals such as waterproofing emulsion and fibre glass. Wall panels can be cut according to the dimensions and requirements of the planned building. 

Laminated gypsum board is used for the installation of the concrete ceiling. It is attached to concrete and is readymade interior plastering.  

Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) is a pseudo-ductile material. GRG can be sawn, drilled, screwed or nailed like wood. It is termite and moth resistant and non-combustible. 

Compulsory use of Standard Mark 

The goods or articles in the table below shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standards specified in the table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Objective 

The purpose of this regulation is to prevent deceptive practices and to protect consumers, human health or safety, the environment and to ensure quality requirements.   

Timeline  

The QCO will enter into force 6 months after the date of publication in the Official Gazette.