Undercoats for paints  – Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE: This is a draft proposal. It shall neither be use d nor regarded as a Malawi Standard  ICS 87.040             DMS 393:2018  
        Third  edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
DRAFT PROPOSAL  
 
 
  ICS 87.040   DMS 393:2018  
      Third  edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undercoats for paints  – Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obtainable from the  
Malawi Bureau of Standards  
Moirs Road  
P O Box 946  
BLANTYRE  
 
         Tel: +265 1  870 488  
Fax: +265 1 8 70 756  
   E-mail: mbs@mbsmw.org  
Website: www.mbsmw.org   
 
Price based on 11 pages  
© Copyright reservedi 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
Content              Page 
 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  i 
Technical committee  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  i 
Notice  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... i 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 1 
Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  1 
Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  2 
Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
Packing and marking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
Sampling and compliance ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
Methods of test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  6 
Annex A ( Normative): Notes to purchasers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 9 
Annex B (I nformative): Components of colour difference  ................................ ................................ ................  10 
Annex C (I nformative): Quality verification of undercoats for paints  ................................ ...............................  11 
 
FOREWORD  
 
This draft Malawi  standard  was prepared by the Technical Committee MBS/TC 12 , Paints and varnishes . 
During the preparation of this stan dard reference was made to the following South African National Standard : 
 
SANS 681:2014 Edition 3.3 , Undercoats  for paint s – Specification . 
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for use of the standard . 
 
Annex A forms an integral part of this standard. Annexes B and C are for information only. This edition of the 
standar d cancels and replaces the second edition (MS 393:2013 ). Technical modification to this document 
has been done through inclusion of 7.3.4  under sub clause 7.3, application properties for dilution  stability of 
paints for brush application.  
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE  
 
This draft Malawi  standard was prepared by the MBS/TC 12, Technical Committee on Paints and varnishes  
and the  following companies, organizations  and institutions were represented : 
 
 Malawi Polytechnic  
 Blantyre  City Council  
 Chancellor college  
 Monolux paints  Limited 
 Rainbow Paints L imited  
 Kansai Plascon L imited  
 National Construction Industry Council (NCIC)  
 Malawi Building and Civil -Engineering Allied Traders Associatio n ( MABCATA)  
 Malawi  Bureau of Standards  
 Malawi Housing Corporation  
 Royale Chemicals  Limited  
 Valmore Paints Limited  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE  
 
This standard shall be reviewed every five years  or earlier , whenever necessary,  in order  to keep abreast of 
progress. Comments are welcome and shall be considered when the standard is being reviewed . 1 
 
        DMS 393 :2018  
DRAFT PROPOSAL  
 
Under coats for paints  – Specification   
 
 
1 SCOPE  
 
This draft s tandard specifies requirements for two grades of undercoat , Grade 1 and Grade 2,  for use under 
air-drying paints and for application over primed steel and wood and on sealed and primed masonry, 
hardboard, compressed fibreboard and similar materials used in the construction and furnishing of buildings.  
 
 
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES  
 
The following  standard s contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute  provisions of this  
draft standard. All standards are subject to revision and , since any reference to a standard is deemed to be a 
reference to the latest edition of that standard,  parties to a greements based on this draft standard are 
encouraged t o take steps to ensure the use of the m ost recent editions of the standard s listed below. 
Information on currently valid national and international standards can be obtained from the Malawi Bureau 
of Standards.  
 
MS 275,  Paints and varnishes – Comparison of contrast ratio (hiding power) of paint s of the same type and 
colour ; 
MS 274 , Paints and varnishes – Standard panels for testing ; 
MS 276 , Paints and varnishes – Measurement of specular gloss of non -metallic paint films at 20°, 60° and 
85°; 
MS 283 , Standard test method for low concentration of l ead, cadmium, and cobalt in paint by Atomic 
Absor ption Spectroscopy;  
MS 722,  Labelling, Presentation and advertising of prepacked goods for the ultimate consumer ; 
MS 282, Decorative high gloss enamel paints ; 
MS 892, Paints and varnishes – Examination and p reparation of samples for testing;  
MS 1007 , Paints and varnishes – Determination  of brush and roller properties;  
MS 1009 , Paints, varnishes and printing inks – Determination of fineness of grind;  
MS 1010 -1, Paints and varnishes – Determination of hiding po wer - Part 1: Kubelka -Munk method  for white 
and light -coloured paints ; 
MS 1014 -1, Paints and varnishes – Colorimetry – Part 1: Principles ; 
MS 101 4-2, Paints and varnishes – Colorimetry – Part 2: Colour measurement ;  
MS 1014 -3, Paints and varnishes – Colori metry – Part 3: Calculation of colour differences ; 
MS 1016 -1, Paints and varnishes – Drying tests – Part 1: Determination of through -dry state and through -dry 
time; 
MS 1016 -3, Paints and varnishes – Drying tests –Part 3: Surface -drying test using ballotini ; 
MS 1017, Method for calculation of small colou r differences;  
MS 1018 , Paints and varnishes – Determination of viscosity by means of an efflux cup ;  
MS 1019, Paints  and varnishes – Cross -cut test;  
MS 1020 , Paints and varnishes – Sanding properties of pain t film ;  
MS 1027, Paints and varnishes  – Determination of viscosity by means of a Stormer viscometer ; and 
MS-ISO 9001 , Quality management systems  – requirements . 2 
 
 3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS  
 
For the purposes of this draft standard , the following terms and defi nitions apply.  
 
3.1 
defective  
test sample or a container of the undercoat that fails in one or more respects to comply with the relevant 
requirements of this draft standard  
 
3.2 
lot 
the quantity of undercoat  of the same grade and colour, in containers be aring the same batch identification, 
produced by one manufacturer, and submitted at any time for inspection and testing  
 
3.3 
reflectivity   
reflectance of a paint film of such thickness that a further increase in thickness gives no further change in 
reflec tance  
 
3.4 
standard atmosphere  
an enclosed atmosphere of 23 °C ± 2 °C temperature and (50 ± 5)  % relative humidity  
 
3.5  
Grade 1 undercoat  
is a high hiding power undercoat that will allow a reduction in the number of coats in the paint system 
necessary to obtain complete ob literation of the substrate  
 
3.6  
Grade 2 undercoat (utility grade)  
is a low hiding power undercoat.  
 
 
4 REQUIREMENTS  
 
4.1 Grades  
 
An undercoat for paint shall be of one of the foll owing grades , as required (see a nnex A):  
 
a) Grade 1:  High hiding; or  
 
b) Grade 2:  Utility grade.  
 
4.2 Condition in the container  
 
When undercoat from a newly opened container is examined in accordance with MS 892 , it shall be free 
from lumps, skin, extraneous matter, colour separation and hard settlement. If settlement is observed, the 
undercoat shall be capable of being readily redispersed to a smooth, homogeneous state by using a palette 
knife.  
 
4.3 Storage stability  
 
If stored in accordance with 7.2 and then examined in accordance with MS 892 , the unde rcoat shall show no 
livering, and no hard or dry settlement. The undercoat shall be capable of easy and rapid redispersion to a 
smooth, homogeneous state. The undercoat shall not contain any skin.  
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 4.4 Application properties   
 
4.4.1 Brush applicatio n  
 
When applied to a vertical steel panel (see 7.1.1.1 ), of size at least 100 mm ×  200 mm, and then tested in 
accordance with MS 1007 , the unthinned undercoat shall brush without excessive drag, and shall join 
without lap marks after drying for 5 min.  
 
The dry film shall have an even, level surface, free from flotation and from sag or ciss marks.  
 
4.4.2  Roller application  
 
When applied to a vertical steel panel (see 7.1.1.1 ) of size at least 300 mm × 300 mm and then tested in 
accordance with MS 1007, the  unthinned undercoat shall roll without perceptible drag. The undercoat shall 
flow well, spread without foaming or ribbing, and join without lap marks after drying for 5 min.  
  
The dry film shall have an even, level surface free from flotation or pinholes and from sag or ciss marks.  
 
4.4.3  Reducibility with mineral turpentine  
 
When tested in accordance with 7.3.1, the undercoat shall mix readily with the mineral turpentine to a 
smooth, homogenous state and shall show no incompatibility after the standing p eriod of 1 h.  
 
4.4.4  Spray application  
 
When tested in accordance with 7.3.2, the undercoat shall spray without spattering, and shall show no 
tendency to sag or run. The dry film shall be even, level, free from sag or ciss marks, "orange peel" or 
flotation .  
 
4.4.5  Recoating properties  
 
When the undercoat is overcoated with a gloss e namel in accordance with 7.3.3, there shall be no ciss 
marks or lifting of the gloss enamel film in the wet or dry state.  
 
The loss of gloss of the gloss enamel applied over t he undercoat shall not exceed 10 % of the gloss of the 
enamel applied direct to the second panel.  
 
The cross -cut classification shall not exceed 1, either between the paint and the panel or between the 
undercoat and the enamel.  
 
4.5 Fineness of grind  
 
When determined in accordance with MS 1009 , the fineness of grind of the undercoat shall not exceed       
40 µm .  
 
4.6 Drying time  
 
4.6.1 Surface -dry time  
 
When  the undercoat is applied (see 7.1.2) with an adjustable applicator blade to a glass panel (see  7.1.1.3) 
and is then tested in accordance with MS 1016 -3, the surface -dry time shall not exceed 4 h.  
 
4.6.2 Hard -dry time  
 
When  the undercoat is applied (see 7.1.2) with an adjustable applicator blade to a glass panel (see 7.1.1.3) 
and is then tested in  accordance with MS 1016 -1, using a plunger mass of 6. 75 kg, the hard -dry time shall 
not exceed 16 h.  
 
 
 
 4 
 
 4.7 Hiding power  
 
When the hiding power of the undercoat, applied at the releva nt wet film thickness given in table 1, is 
determined in accordance w ith MS 275 , using a refl ectometer with a C iIIuminant on black and white cards, 
the contrast ratio (calculated as a percentage) shall be at least 98 .5 %.  
 
Table 1 – Wet film thicknesses of undercoat to be used in contrast ratio determination  
 
1 2 3 
Refle ctivity  Wet film thickness  
µm 
% Grade 1  Grade 2  
Over 60  100 200 
40 - 60 80 150 
25 – 39.9 70 120 
Below 25  60 100 
 
4.8 Colour  
 
4.8.1  When the colour of the undercoat is compar ed visually in accordance with 7.4.2, with a standard 
colour agreed upon by the interested parties (see A nnex A), the colour difference rating shall not exceed 3.  
 
4.8.2  When the colour of the undercoat is compared ins trumentally in accordance with 7.4.3, with a 
standard colour agreed upon by the interested parties (see A nnex A),  the total colour difference 
CMCDE   (see 
note), determined in accordance with MS 1017 , shall be small enough that the alb plot falls within the 
ellipsoid for the standard colour that is defined by the semi -axis 
LS , 
CSand 
HS  and has a unit volume 
tolerance of 2.  
 
NOTE  – The notation 
CMCDE  as used here and in commercially available software corresponds with the 
DE defined in MS 1017 , with 
1cl
as chosen values.  
 
4.9 Reflectivity of white undercoats  
 
When a white undercoat is draw n down onto a glass panel (see 7.1.1.3) with an applicator blade with a gap 
clearance of 250 µm and is allowed to dry for at least 16 h, the refle ctivity 
R  of the paint, determined in 
accordance with MS 1010 -1 and using a reflectometer with a C illuminant, shall be at least 80.  
 
4.10 60° Specular gloss  
 
When the undercoat is applied (se e 7.1.2) to a glass panel (see 7.1.1.3) with an adjustable applicator blade 
and is then tested in accordance with MS 276 , the 60° specular gloss of the dry undercoat shall not     
exceed 30.  
 
4.11 Sanding properties  
 
When the undercoa t is tested in accordance with 7.5, there shall be no cloggi ng of the sandpaper, and the 
film shall feel smooth and shall not have been totally removed by the sanding.  
 
4.12 Flexibility  
 
When the undercoa t is tested in accordance with 7.6, using a 7 mm mandrel for G rade 1 undercoats and a   
9 mm mandrel for G rade 2 undercoats, the film shall not crack or flake or show loss of adhesion.  
 
 5 
 
 4.13 Consistency  
 
4.13.1  Brushing consistency  
 
When tested in accordance with MS 1027 , the consistency of the u ndercoat shall be 72 – 95 KU.  
 
4.13.2  Spraying consistency  
 
When te sted in accordance with MS 1018 , after thinning with not more than 15 % (v/v) of the thinner 
recommended by the manufacturer the undercoat shall have a consistency of 15 – 30 s.  
 
4.14 Lead content  
 
When tested in accordance with MS 283, the u ndercoat shall  not contain lead.  
 
 
5 PACKING AND MARKING  
 
5.1 Packing  
 
The undercoat shall be packed in clean, dry containers. The containers shall be strong enough to withstand 
normal usage, and shall be adequately sealed to prevent leakage and contamination of the c ontents during 
normal transportation, handling and storage.  
  
5.2 Marking  
 
Labeling and marking shall comply with MS 722 with each container, or a label securely fixed to the 
container, shall be clearly, legibly and indelibly marked with at least the foll owing information:  
 
a) The manufacturer's name , or the brand name of the product , or both;  
b) The word " undercoat "; 
c) The grade (see 4.1);  
d) A description, in words, of the grade (see 4.1);  
e) The colour  of the undercoat ;  
f) The batch identification ; 
g) Date  of manufacture;  
h) The direction s for use; and  
i) The shelf life . 
 
 
6 SAMPLING AND COMPLIANCE  
 
6.1 Sampling  
 
The following sampling procedure shall be applied in determining whether a lot complies with the relevant 
requirements of this draft standard. The samples so drawn shall be deemed to represent the lot.  
 
6.1.1  Samples for storage stability test  
 
From the lot draw at random t hree containers , each of capacity at least 1 ℓ. If the containers in the lot have  a 
capacity of less than 1 ℓ , draw at random t hree containers of the greatest capacity. Use these samples for 
the storage stability tests and the test for condition in the container.  
 
 6 
 
 6.1.2  Sample for inspection and remaining tests  
 
From the lot draw at random one container . Remove any surfac e skin that  may be present,  thoroughly stir or 
mix the contents of the container(s) so drawn until a completely homogeneous product is obtained and take 
from the container(s) a test sample of volume at least 1 ℓ . If the containers in the lot have a capacity of less 
than 1 ℓ, take at random enough containers to provide a 1 ℓ test sample. Use this sample for the remainder of 
the tests.  
 
6.2 Compliance  
 
The lot shall be deemed to co mply with the requirements of this standard if, upon inspection of the containers 
in the lot and upon testing the samples drawn in accordance with 6.1, no defective is found.  
 
NOTE  – Refer to annex C regarding quality verification . 
 
 
7 METHODS OF TEST  
 
7.1 Preparation  
 
7.1.1 Test panels  
 
7.1.1.1 Steel panels , of size 70 mm x  150 mm (unless otherwise specified) and of thickness 0 .60 mm to 
0.90 mm, and that have been solvent -cleaned in accordance with MS 274 . 
 
7.1.1.2 Steel panels  (for flexibi lity test onl y), of size 70 mm x  150 mm and of thickness 0 .50 mm, and that 
have been solvent -cleaned in accordance with MS 274 . 
 
7.1.1.3 Glass panels , of size 70 mm x  150 mm (unless otherwise specified), and that have been      
solvent -cleaned in accordance with MS 274 . 
 
7.1.2 Wet film thickness  
 
Apply the undercoat at a wet film thickness of 60  µm to 65 µ m per coat, unless otherwise specified.  
 
7.2 Storage stability  
 
Store a full, closed 500 mℓ  container of the undercoat, undisturbed, in an upright position, at a temperature of 
23 ± 2 °C. Examine after a period of 30 d ays and again after a period of 12 months.  
 
Use a palette knife to examine the undercoat for compliance with 4.3 after the relevant storage periods.  
 
7.3 Application properties  
 
7.3.1 Reducibility with mineral turpentine  
 
7.3.1.1 As a thinner, use mineral turpentine that contains between 12 % and 18 % (by volume) of aromatic 
solvent and that has a boiling range of 1 30 to 200 °C.  
 
7.3.1.2 Dilute eight volumes of undercoat (at a temperature in the range 21  to 32 º C) with one volume of 
mineral turpentine at the same temperatur e. In accordance with 7.3.4 , leave  the reduced undercoat to stand 
at 23 ± 2 °C for 1 h.  
 
Exam ine the condition of the undercoat in the conta iner for compliance with 4.4. 
 
7.3.2 Spray application  
 
Thin the reduced undercoat further to spraying viscosity (15 s to 30 s, when determined with a Ford N o.4 
viscosity cup, in accordance with MS 1018 ). App ly the paint to a vertical glass panel (see 7.1.1.3), of size   
100 mm x 300 mm, using a conventional spray gun with an external mix nozzle and air cap, and an 
atomizing pressure of 350 kPa. Maintain a distance of 250 mm between the nozzle tip and the pane l and a 7 
 
 fan setting of approximately 45°. Regulate the traverse speed of the spray gun to obtai n a wet film thickness 
of 75  ± 5 µm after two complete passes .  
 
During spraying, examine the spray pattern for freedom from spattering. Leave to dry in a vertic al position. 
Examine the wet film and the dry film for freedom from sag marks and ciss marks.  
 
7.3.3 Recoating properties  
 
Apply a film of the undercoat (see 7.1.2), by brush, to a steel panel (see 7.1.1.1) burnished in accordance 
with MS 274 . Allow to d ry in a standard atmosphere for 16 h. Apply, by brush, to a wet film of thickness      60 
µm to 65 µm , a coat of gloss enamel that complies with MS 282  and is  supplied by the same manufacturer 
as the undercoat. Examine the wet film for film defects.  
 
At the same time, apply, by brush, an equally thick layer of the gloss enamel direct to a second steel panel. 
Allow both panels to dry for 24 h and determine the 60° gloss of each in accordance with MS 276 .  
 
Determine the cross -cut classification on the first  panel (with both undercoat and gloss enamel) in 
accordance with MS 1019 , using 2 mm spacings between cuts. Examine the cuts for loss of intercoat 
adhesion.  
 
7.3.4 Dilution stability of paints for brush application  
 
7.3.4.1  Apparatus  
 
7.3.4.1.1  Containe r, any suitable well -stoppered container of convenient size.  
 
7.3.4.1.2  Panel , a window glass panel of size approximately 150 mm x 70 mm.  
 
7.3.4.2  Diluent   
 
The specified paint thinner or solvent.  
 
7.3.4.3  Procedure  
 
7.3.4.3.1  Dilute the well -mixed pain t with the specified volume of the diluent or according to the  
manufacturer’s printed instructions. Observe whether the paint mixes readily and easily with the  
diluent. Almost fill the container with the diluted paint, stopper it well, and leave for the specified  
period at 25 ± 2  ºC. 
 
7.3.4.3.2  At the end of this period examine the diluted paint for signs of incompatibility, gelling,  
precipitation, and other specified undesirable characteristics. Flow the paint out on the glass panel, dry it, 
and inspec t for defects in the dried film.  
 
7.4 Colour  
 
7.4.1 Panel preparation  
 
Draw down a single film of undercoat with an adjustable applicator  blade onto a glass panel (see 7.1.1.3) at 
the appropriate w et film thickness specified in T able 1. Leave to dry for 16 h in a standard atmosphere.  
 
7.4.2 Visual comparison  
 
Compare the colour of the undercoat with that of the standard colour, and express the colour difference in  
terms of the ratings given in T able 2.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Table 2 – Colour rating  
 
1 2 
Rating  Intensi ty of difference  
0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 No perceptible difference  
Very slight, i.e. just perceptible  
Slight, i.e. clearly perceptible  
Moderate, i.e. very clearly perceptible  
Considerable, i.e. pronounced  
Severe, i.e. very pronounced  
NOTE  – The components of c olour differences are given in a nnex C  
 
7.4.3 Instrumental comparison  
 
Determine the colour co -ordinate values 
CIE
L , 
a and 
b  of the test undercoat and of the standard colour in 
accordance with MS 1014 -1 and MS 1014 -2. 
 
Plot the ellipsoid of the standard colour, describing 
CMCE of volume tolerance of 2 in accordance wi th        
MS 1017 . Plot the values of 
a  and 
b  in the same plane.  
 
7.5 Sanding properties  
 
Draw the undercoat down (see 7.1.2) onto a steel panel (see 7.1.1.1) of size 450 mm x  150 mm. Allow the 
panel to dry in a standard atmosphere for 16 h and determine the sanding properties of the undercoat in 
accor dance with MS 1020 , subjecting the panel to 15 oscillations of the abrasive boat.  
 
Examine t he film for compliance with 4.11. 
 
7.6 Flexibility  
 
7.6.1 Apparatus  
 
7.6.1.1 Cylindrical mandrel , as specified in MS 1021 , with mandrels of diameter 7 mm o r 9 mm , as 
required (see 4.12). 
 
7.6.1.2 Oven , maintained at a temperature of 70 ± 2  °C.  
 
7.6.1.3 Magnifying means , capable of 10x  magnification.  
 
7.6.2 Procedure  
 
Draw the undercoa t down onto a steel panel (see 7.1.1.2). Allow the panel to dry for 24 h in a standard 
atmosphere and then store it at 70  °C ± 2 °C for 24 h. Condition the panel at 23 ± 2 °C before testing it in 
accordance with MS 1021 , using the appropriate mandrel.  
 
Examine the undercoat film at the bend, using 10 x magnification . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 ANNEX A  
(Normative ) 
 
NOTES TO PURCHASERS  
 
A.1 The following requirement shall be specified in tender invitations and in each order or contract:  
 
The grade of the undercoat (see 4.1).  
 
A.2 The following requirements shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer a nd the purchaser:  
 
a) The colour (see 4.8); and  
b) The sampling procedure, i f other than as specified (see a nnex B).  
 
NOTE 1  – Colour differences may be specified in one or more of the following formats:  
 
a) As agreed upon between interested parties, pr ior to delivery;  
b) In the categories outlined in T able 2; or  
c) As measurable colour differences in accordance with MS 1014 -1, MS 1014 -2 and MS 1014 -3. 
 
NOTE  2 – Apart from the colour, it is recommended that tender invitations and orders include referen ce to acceptable colour 
differences. Acceptable colour differences will vary with the colou r (see 4.8) and the gloss value (see 4.10). 10 
 
 ANNEX B 
(Informative ) 
 
COMPONENTS OF COLOUR DIFFERENCE  
 
It is recommended that the following method be used for expressi ng colour differences:  
 
C.1 DIFFERENCE IN HUE  
 
Designation:  DH  
 
Rating:   0 to 5  
 
Symbols:  ye (more yellow); gr (more green); re (more red); bl (more blue)  
 
Example:  DH/5ye means that the test specimen is 5 more yellow than the standard colour.  
 
C.2 DIFFERENCE IN CHROMA  
 
Designation:  DC  
 
Rating:   0 to 5 and + or -  
 
Example:  DC/-2.5 me ans that the test specimen is 2. 5 less in chroma than the standard colour.  
 
C.3 DIFFERENCE IN LIGHTNESS  
 
Designation:  DL  
 
Rating:   0 to 5; "+" means lighter than and " -" means darker than the standard colour.  
 
Example:  DL/-2 means that the test specimen is 2 darker than the standard colour.  11 
 
 ANNEX C 
(Informative ) 
 
QUALIT Y VERIFICATION OF  UNDERCOATS FOR PAINT S 
 
In cases where a purchaser requires ongoing qua lity verification of the quality of undercoats for paints 
produced to this standard, it is suggested that, instead of concentrating solely on evaluation of the final 
product, he also direct s his attention to the manufacturer's quality system. In this conne ction , it should be 
noted that MS-ISO 9001 covers the provisions of an integrated quality system  
.  
ICS 87.040            DMS 393:2018 
      Third  edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE MALAWI BUREAU OF STANDARDS            CERTIFICATION MARK SCHEME  
The Malawi Bureau of Stan dards  (MBS)  is 
the standardizing body in Malawi under the  
aegis of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 
Set up in 1972 by the Malawi Bureau of 
Standards Act (Cap: 51:02), the MBS  is a 
parastatal body whose activities aim at 
formulating and promoting the gen eral 
adoption of standards relating to structures, 
commodities, materials, practices, operations 
and from time to time revise, alter and amend 
the same to incorporate advanced 
technology.  To bring the advantages of standardization 
within the reach of the common consumer , 
the MBS  operates a Certification Mark 
Scheme. Under this scheme, manufacturers 
who produce goods that conform to national 
standards are granted permits to use the 
MBS’  “Mark of Quality” dep icted below on 
their produ cts. This Mark gives confidence to 
the consumer of the commodity’s reliability.