Industrial salt grades under IS 797
The current BIS standard is IS 797:2023 for common salt used by chemical industries. The BIS summary and implementation circular establish the revised standard; the Salt Commissioner Organisation publishes the numerical Grade I and Grade II reference table for sodium chloride, insoluble matter, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, iron and moisture.
Those figures are useful when drafting an RFQ, but a buyer should not infer that a catalogue label automatically certifies a specific grade. Put the required limits into the purchase specification and obtain the applicable certificate of analysis or pre-dispatch test report for the offered lot.
| Characteristic | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride (NaCl), minimum | 99.5% | 98.5% |
| Matter insoluble in water, maximum | 0.05% | 0.20% |
| Calcium as Ca, maximum | 0.03% | 0.20% |
| Magnesium as Mg, maximum | 0.01% | 0.10% |
| Sulphate as SO₄, maximum | 0.20% | 0.60% |
| Moisture, maximum | 1% | 4% |
Loose, 25 kg or 50 kg: which format fits?
Loose bulk normally gives the lowest published product price because there is no bagging. It suits facilities that can receive, cover, move and meter salt without contamination or moisture pickup. Bagged salt costs more but improves unit handling, counting and protection during split deliveries.
A 50 kg PP bag is the common high-throughput choice. A 25 kg bag can be easier for manual handling or small dosing points. The correct decision depends on unloading equipment, labour rules, storage design, daily consumption and the cost of packaging waste—not only the ex-refinery rate.
Industries should buy against their own process window
Chlor-alkali, detergent, textile, leather, dyeing, water-treatment and other users may all buy sodium chloride, but they do not necessarily accept the same limits. Calcium and magnesium can matter to brine treatment; iron or insolubles can matter to colour and filtration; moisture affects flow, storage and delivered dry-salt value.
India Salt does not replace the buyer’s process engineer. It makes the commercial part easier: select a format and quantity, see the current price, then attach the process specification when a defined chemistry is essential.
Buyer questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order on India Salt?
The published catalogue accepts whole-metric-tonne quantities from 1 MT. For larger or repeating requirements, buyers can use the same product page to calculate the goods value and start with a capped deposit.
Are packing and freight included?
Generic packing and loading are included in the displayed product price. Freight is confirmed at actual cost after the order, or the buyer may arrange a transporter. Custom packaging is quoted separately at actual cost.
Is GST charged on salt in India?
Salt under HSN 2501 is listed at a nil GST rate by CBIC. Buyers should still ensure the invoice description, HSN and any bundled services match the actual transaction.
Is industrial salt the same as edible salt?
No. Industrial and edible salt can have different intended uses, regulatory controls, iodization, packing and contractual test parameters. Do not substitute one for the other without confirming the applicable specification.
Can India Salt guarantee IS 797 Grade I or Grade II from the page alone?
No. The page explains the official reference values. The required grade and lot-specific evidence must be agreed for the order before dispatch.
Primary references
Official sources used on this page
Standards and regulations can change. Follow the linked authority and verify the current requirement for the actual contract.
- Consumer-friendly summary of IS 797:2023 common salt for chemical industriesBureau of Indian Standards
- Implementation circular for revised IS 797:2023Bureau of Indian Standards
- Industrial-grade salt numerical reference tableSalt Commissioner Organisation, Government of India