An IS certified Indian National Flag is one manufactured according to Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 1, which governs the material, colour, proportions and Ashoka Chakra design. It's legally required for all official use by government offices, schools, embassies and defence establishments.
Every year, millions of Indian National Flags are sold across the country for Republic Day, Independence Day, government offices, schools, corporate events and embassies. What most buyers don't realise is that a large number of these flags aren't actually legally compliant. Using a non certified flag for official purposes can result in fines, and in some cases imprisonment, under Indian law.
What is IS certification for the Indian National Flag
IS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's national standards body, which functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. BIS sets quality, material and manufacturing specifications for hundreds of products across India, from electrical equipment to food products.
For the Indian National Flag specifically, BIS has issued a legally binding document called IS 1, the Specification for the National Flag of India. This standard was first issued in 1951, revised in 1964 and again in 1968, and governs every detail of how the Indian flag must be made.
An IS certified flag is one that's been manufactured strictly according to IS 1 specifications and verified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
BIS is currently revising IS 1
As of August 2026, BIS has confirmed that IS 1 is under active revision for the first time since 1968, along with two related standards covering silk khadi (IS 300) and wool khadi (IS 400). The stated goal is to permit larger flag formats, up to 9,000mm by 6,000mm, and to modernise the colour measurement methodology, while keeping the flag's core identity unchanged.
We'll update this page with the finalised specification once BIS publishes it.
Source, PTI, reported in The Federal, 14 August 2026.
What IS 1 specifies
The standard covers every detail of the flag.
- Material: The Flag Code of India specifies that the national flag must be made of hand spun and hand woven cotton khadi bunting, or machine made polyester. Silk khadi is also permitted for certain uses.
- Colours: The three colours must meet exact specifications, saffron, white, India green, and navy blue for the Ashoka Chakra all conform to defined colour standards.
- Proportions: The width to length ratio must be exactly 2 to 3. Any flag that isn't in this ratio fails the standard.
- Ashoka Chakra: The navy blue Ashoka Chakra must have exactly 24 equally spaced spokes, printed on both sides of the white band, with the prints perfectly aligned.
Sizes:IS 1 specifies nine standard sizes, from 150mm by 100mm for small table flags, up to 6,300mm by 4,200mm for landmark displays.
Why IS certification is legally required
Using the Indian National Flag is governed by two key laws.
The Flag Code of India, 2002, regulates how the national flag may be displayed, who may display it, at what times and on what occasions, and specifies that the flag must conform to IS standards.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, makes burning, mutilating, defacing, defiling, disfiguring, destroying or otherwise disrespecting the national flag a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Using a non compliant flag, one that doesn't meet the colour, proportion or material standards of IS 1, is treated as disrespectful to the national honour under this law.
Update for 2026, the legal protection now covers Vande Mataram too
In July 2026, Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, extending the same legal protection the national flag has always had to the national song, Vande Mataram. The core flag related provisions this article covers are unchanged, but it's a sign that this law is still being actively strengthened rather than sitting as a dormant 1971 statute. Worth knowing if you're advising institutional clients on flag compliance.
PIB official press release, Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill 2026
How to identify a genuine IS certified flag
A few checks before you buy.
- Ask for IS compliance documentation. A genuine IS certified manufacturer can provide documentation confirming compliance with IS 1.
- Check the proportions. Measure the flag, the width to length ratio must be exactly 2 to 3.
- Count the spokes on the Chakra. There should be exactly 24. Non compliant flags often have fewer.
- Check the Chakra on both sides. It must be printed on both sides and perfectly aligned when held up to the light.
- Buy from an authorised manufacturer. The safest way to be sure of compliance is buying from a manufacturer who is genuinely certified.
Frequently asked questions
Is it mandatory to use an IS certified flag for government offices?
Yes. The Flag Code of India specifies that flags used for official purposes must conform to IS 1 standards.
Can I use a polyester flag for my office?
Polyester flags have been permitted for public display since the 2022 amendment. For official government buildings and embassies, khadi flags are generally preferred.
What is the penalty for using a non compliant flag?
Under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, disrespecting the national flag can mean imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
What sizes are available for IS certified flags?
IS 1 specifies nine standard sizes, from 150mm by 100mm for a table flag up to 6,300mm by 4,200mm. The most common sizes for offices and schools are 2x3 ft, 3x4.5 ft and 4x6 ft.
Does GMF Flagwale supply IS certified flags?
Yes. All our Indian National Flags conform to IS 1 standards and are suitable for official use by government bodies, schools and institutions.
Wrap up
The Indian National Flag is not just a piece of cloth, it's a symbol of the nation's sovereignty, pride and identity. The IS 1 standard exists to make sure every flag displayed in the country's name meets the dignity that symbol deserves.
Before your next flag purchase, whether for Republic Day, Independence Day or ongoing display at your institution, ask the right questions. Check the proportions, count the spokes, verify the source. And when in doubt, buy from a certified, trusted manufacturer.
Browse our range of IS compliant Indian National Flags on our website, or contact us on WhatsApp for bulk orders and institutional supply.
