A 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 is legally required for all official use by government offices, schools, embassies and defence establishments.
Every year, millions of Indian National Flags are sold across India — for Republic Day, Independence Day, government offices, schools, corporate events and embassies. But here is something most buyers do not know: a large number of these flags are not legally compliant. Using a non-certified flag for official purposes can result in fines and even 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, functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The IS sets the quality, material and manufacturing specifications for hundreds of products across India, from electrical equipment to food products.
For the Indian National Flag specifically, IS has issued a legally binding document called IS:1 — Specification for the National Flag of India. This standard was first issued in 1951, revised in 1964 and again in 1968, and governs every aspect of how the Indian flag must be made.
A IS certified flag is one that has been manufactured strictly according to IS:1 specifications and has been verified and approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
## What Does IS:1 Specify?
The IS standard IS:1 covers every detail of the Indian National 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 must all conform to defined colour standards.
Proportions — The width-to-length ratio must be exactly 2:3. Any flag that is not in this ratio fails IS standards.
Ashoka Chakra — The navy blue Ashoka Chakra must have exactly 24 equally spaced spokes. It must be printed on both sides of the white band, with the prints perfectly aligned on both sides.
Sizes — IS specifies nine standard sizes for the Indian National Flag, ranging from 150mm x 100mm (small table flags) to 6,300mm x 4,200mm (for landmark displays).
## Why is IS Certification Legally Required?
Using the Indian National Flag is governed by two key laws:
1. The Flag Code of India, 2002 — This code regulates how the national flag may be displayed, who may display it, at what times and on what occasions. It also specifies that the flag must conform to IS standards.
2. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 — Under Section 2 of this Act, burning, mutilating, defacing, defiling, disfiguring, destroying or any other disrespectful act toward the national flag is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment up to three years, or a fine, or both.
Using a non-compliant flag — one that does not meet the colour, proportion or material standards of IS:1 — is considered disrespectful to the national honour under this law.
## How to Identify a Genuine IS Certified Flag
When buying an Indian National Flag for official use, check for the following:
1. Ask for IS compliance documentation — A genuine IS certified manufacturer will be able to provide documentation confirming compliance with IS:1.
2. Check the proportions — Measure the flag. The ratio of width to length must be exactly 2:3.
3. Count the spokes on the Chakra — The Ashoka Chakra must have exactly 24 spokes. Non-compliant flags often have fewer spokes.
4. Check the Chakra on both sides — The Chakra must be printed on both sides and must be perfectly aligned when you hold the flag up to the light.
5. Buy from an authorised manufacturer — The safest way to ensure compliance is to buy from a manufacturer who is authorised and certified.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to use a IS certified flag for government offices?
Yes. The Flag Code of India specifies that flags used for official purposes must conform to IS standards IS:1.
Can I use a polyester flag for my office?
Polyester flags are permitted for public display since the 2022 amendment. For official government buildings and embassies, khadi flags are 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 result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
What sizes are available for IS certified flags?
IS specifies nine standard sizes from 150mm x 100mm (table flag) to 6,300mm x 4,200mm. The most common sizes for offices and schools are 2x3 ft, 3x4.5 ft and 4x6 ft.
Does Globe Marketing Flagwale supply IS certified flags?
Yes. All our Indian National Flags conform to IS:1 IS standards and are suitable for official use by government bodies, schools and institutions.
## Conclusion
The Indian National Flag is not just a piece of cloth — it is a symbol of the nation's sovereignty, pride and identity. The IS certification standard IS:1 exists to ensure that 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 at www.flagwale.com, or contact us on WhatsApp for bulk orders and institutional supply.