Here’s a clear, carpenter-friendly guide to ISI standards you should check before buying plywood. This helps you avoid low-quality or fake material.
🏷️ ISI Standards to Check Before Buying Plywood
✅ 1. ISI Mark (Mandatory Check)
Always look for the ISI logo printed or stamped on the plywood sheet edge or surface.
✔ Confirms the plywood meets Indian quality & safety standards
✔ Ensures correct glue type, strength, bonding & durability
📐 2. Important ISI Codes & What They Mean
🔹 IS:303 – Commercial / MR Grade Plywood
Use for: Bedrooms, living rooms, wardrobes (dry areas)
Glue type: Interior-grade synthetic resin
Water resistance: Moisture resistant (not waterproof)
Check for: IS:303 marking on MR ply
🔹 IS:710 – BWR / BWP / Marine Plywood
Use for: Kitchens, bathrooms, humid or wet areas
Glue type: Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)
Water resistance: High (boiling water resistant / proof)
Check for: IS:710 marking (mandatory for waterproof ply)
🔹 IS:5509 – Structural Plywood
Use for: Heavy-duty & load-bearing applications
Strength: High mechanical strength
Common in: Construction & industrial use
Check for: IS:5509 if ply is used structurally
🪵 3. Face Veneer Grade (Surface Quality)
ISI-approved plywood uses veneer grades:
Grade Meaning
A / B Smooth, clean finish
C / D More knots, rough
✔ Prefer A–A or A–B for visible furniture
✔ C/D acceptable only for hidden areas
📏 4. Thickness Tolerance (Important)
ISI allows only small variation in thickness.
✔ Check by measuring corners & center
✔ Uneven thickness = poor bonding or fake ISI mark
🐜 5. Termite & Borer Treatment
ISI-approved ply should have: ✔ Chemical treatment against termites
✔ No powder or pin holes on surface
🌫️ 6. Formaldehyde Emission (Health Check)
Ask for: ✔ E1 / E0 grade (low formaldehyde emission)
✔ Safer for indoor air quality
🔍 7. How to Identify Fake ISI Plywood
❌ Only sticker, no stamp
❌ No IS number mentioned
❌ Uneven core layers
❌ Hollow sound when tapped
❌ Very low price compared to market
🔑 8. Quick Buyer Rule
> ISI mark + correct IS code + right grade = safe plywood purchase.
