Portland Cement Clinker — IS 16353 (2015) Testing

Portland cement clinker is the principal intermediate material used to manufacture Portland cement. IS 16353:2015 specifies requirements for its manufacture, chemical and physical properties, storage and transportation. BIS currently lists the standard as reviewed in 2025.

The BIS testing scope includes lime-to-silica, alumina and iron oxide ratios, alumina-to-iron oxide ratio, C₃S, C₃A, C₃S+C₂S, total sulphur as SO₃, free lime, chloride, magnesia, alkali content, loss on ignition and insoluble residue.

IS 16353:2015 conformity involves both chemical and physical requirements. The BIS product manual identifies physical testing equipment and procedures under the applicable scheme, while BIS records show clinker testing is maintained for chemical and physical conformity.

The BIS product manual specifies a sample quantity of 8 kg for physical testing and 2 kg for chemical testing. Sampling and handling should follow the applicable BIS requirements and instructions of the testing laboratory.

Yes. Portland cement clinker conforming to IS 16353 is used as an input in cement manufacturing. BIS inspection requirements for composite cement also specify that Portland cement clinker shall conform to IS 16353 for chemical and physical requirements.

BIS inspection requirements for composite cement indicate that Portland cement clinker manufactured in the same factory should have conformity records maintained, while procured clinker is to be tested for chemical and physical requirements. The applicable testing frequency depends on the relevant product scheme and manufacturing arrangement.

BIS requirements indicate that when clinker is procured from another factory, test certification for chemical and physical requirements is required. For composite cement manufacturing, laboratory ball mill testing is also specified when there is a change in the source of raw materials used to produce clinker.

Yes. BIS LIMS currently lists IS 16353:2015 testing facilities and provides parameter-wise testing information, including chemical characteristics such as C₃S, C₃A, free lime, chloride, magnesia and alkali content.