📋 Table of Contents
- The Three Standards Bodies: ASTM, ISO, and BIS
- How ASTM, ISO, and IS Standards Relate to Each Other
- Which Standard Should Indian Manufacturers Use?
- What are EN Standards and Why Do They Matter?
- Cross-Reference: Mechanical Tests
- Cross-Reference: Thermal and Flow Tests
- Cross-Reference: Pipe and Duct Standards
- Cross-Reference: Packaging Film Standards
- Cross-Reference: Rubber Testing Standards
- Key Technical Differences Between ASTM and ISO
- How BIS Standards are Structured
- International Equipments Instruments Cover All Three
- Frequently Asked Questions
Walk into any plastic testing laboratory in India and you will find instruments performing tests to ASTM D882, ISO 527, IS 13360, ASTM D1238, ISO 1133, EN 728, and dozens of other standard designations — often on the same instrument, sometimes on the same material. Understanding the relationship between ASTM, ISO, and IS standards is essential for every lab manager, quality engineer, and procurement professional in the Indian plastics industry. This guide explains all three systems, how they relate, when to use each, and provides a complete cross-reference table covering 50+ standard pairs across all major test categories.
For Indian manufacturers, the practical question is always: "Which standard do I test to?" The answer depends on three factors: (1) your BIS licensing requirement, (2) your customer's specification, and (3) your export destination. This guide gives you a clear framework for making that decision, test by test.
The Three Standards Bodies: ASTM, ISO, and BIS
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ASTM International
West Conshohocken, PA, USA · Est. 1898
One of the world's largest voluntary standards development organisations. ASTM D-committee publishes standards for plastics; E-committee for general testing; F-committee for end-use products. More than 12,000 standards in total. Dominant in North America; widely used globally for many plastic tests. Standards updated on a fixed review cycle; published with year suffix (e.g. D638-22).
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ISO
Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1947
The International Organization for Standardization. Develops international consensus standards through technical committees (TCs). Plastics: TC 61. ISO standards are the basis for EN (European Norm) and many IS (Indian Standard) standards. Used in Europe, India, Middle East, SE Asia, and most of the world outside North America. Published without year suffix in standard number (ISO 527, ISO 1133).
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BIS — Bureau of Indian Standards
New Delhi, India · Est. 1947
India's national standards body operating under the BIS Act 2016. Publishes IS (Indian Standard) standards, runs the BIS Mark certification scheme. Many IS standards adopt ISO standards with Indian adaptations. BIS licensing is mandatory for products under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) — including HDPE pipes (IS 4984), LDPE films (IS 2508), PVC pipes, and many others. Represents India in ISO and IEC international standards activities.
How ASTM, ISO, and IS Standards Relate to Each Other
Standards Relationship Hierarchy
ISO → IS (Adoption)
► BIS adopts ISO standard directly
► IS number ≠ ISO number but content identical
► Example: IS 13360 ≡ ISO 527 tensile testing
► Example: IS 3400 Part 1 ≡ ISO 37 rubber tensile
► Most new IS standards are ISO adoptions
ISO → IS (Adaptation)
► BIS modifies ISO to suit Indian conditions
► May add requirements specific to India
► Example: IS 4984 references EN 728 for OIT
► Example: IS 4984 adds specific Indian pipe sizes
► Indian additions shown in IS standard foreword
ASTM ↔ ISO (Parallel)
► Both independently developed; often similar
► May differ in specimen shape, speed, or units
► Example: ASTM D638 ≈ ISO 527-1 (tensile rigid)
► Example: ASTM D882 ≈ ISO 527-3 (tensile films)
► Results comparable but not identical across families
💡 The practical implication for Indian labs: When an IS standard says "test per ISO 527" or "test per ASTM D1238", it is telling you to use that specific test method. IS product standards (like IS 4984) specify the product requirements; they reference ISO, ASTM, or EN test methods for how to measure those properties. Indian manufacturers often need to comply with the IS product standard while using ISO or ASTM test methods to measure compliance.
Which Standard Should Indian Manufacturers Use?
| Application | Recommended Standard Family | Reason | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIS licensing (IS 4984, IS 2508, etc.) | IS standard — mandatory | IS standards are legally required for BIS-licensed products. Test methods may reference ISO/ASTM but the product requirements are per IS. | IS 4984 for HDPE pipes; IS 2508 for LDPE films; IS 7328 for PE compound |
| Domestic customers (non-BIS) | IS preferred; ISO/ASTM widely accepted | Most Indian industrial buyers accept test reports to IS, ISO, or ASTM. Use the standard your customer specifies. | Specify in purchase order / material specification |
| Export to USA and North America | ASTM standards | US buyers typically specify ASTM standards. ASTM D3350 for PE pipe materials; ASTM D882 for films; ASTM D638 for rigid plastics. | Export pipes, films, engineering plastics |
| Export to Europe (EU) | ISO or EN standards | European buyers require ISO or EN standards. EN ISO standards (e.g. EN ISO 527) are both. | Flexible packaging, pipes, engineering components |
| Export to Middle East, Africa, SE Asia | ISO standards generally | ISO is the international baseline accepted in most markets. Some buyers specify ASTM — confirm before testing. | Pipes, profiles, packaging |
| R&D and material development | ISO or ASTM (researcher preference) | Both families have excellent coverage. ISO is preferred for international publication; ASTM is preferred in US R&D contexts. | Material characterisation, compound development |
| NABL-accredited lab testing | As specified in scope of accreditation | NABL accreditation specifies exact standards in the test scope. Test strictly to the accredited standard. | Third-party test reports for export / certification |
What are EN Standards and Why Do They Matter?
EN (European Norm) standards are published by CEN (European Committee for Standardisation, based in Brussels). EN standards are mandatory in EU member states — when a new EN standard is published, national bodies (DIN in Germany, BSI in UK, AFNOR in France, etc.) must adopt it and withdraw any conflicting national standard. EN standards are particularly important for Indian plastic manufacturers because several EN standards are directly referenced in IS product standards:
| EN Standard | Title / Subject | Key Specification | Indian Relevance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 728 | OIT of polyolefin pipes/fittings | 200°C, oxygen, DTA or DSC | IS 4984 (HDPE pipes), IS 14930 (PLB ducts) — both reference EN 728 for OIT requirement | The OIT Apparatus from International Equipments is EN 728 compliant |
| EN ISO 527 | Tensile testing of plastics (adopted from ISO 527) | Films and rigid plastics | Used across EU and India as the basis of IS 13360 | European designation for ISO 527; same content |
| EN 1555 | Gas distribution HDPE pipe system | PE 80 / PE 100 compound and pipe tests | Referenced by Indian gas distribution pipe manufacturers for export | Equivalent to IS 14885 for Indian domestic market |
| EN 12201 | Plastic piping systems — water supply PE pipe | Material and pipe testing requirements | Export of HDPE water pipes to EU market | Includes material tests equivalent to IS 4984 |
| EN 13476 | Structured wall PE/PP/PVC pipes for drainage | Mechanical and material tests | Export of structured wall pipe systems | Ring stiffness testing per EN ISO 9969 |
| EN ISO 9969 | Ring stiffness of thermoplastic pipes | Diametral compression, kN/m² | Referenced in IS 14930 PLB ducts and EN 13476 | Same as ISO 9969; European adoption |
Cross-Reference: Mechanical Tests
| Test Property | ASTM Standard | ISO Standard | IS Standard | Key Notes / Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile — Rigid Plastics | ASTM D638 | ISO 527-1/-2 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 1 | Dog-bone specimens; test speed 50 mm/min (standard). ASTM Types I-V; ISO Types 1A-1B differ in geometry. |
| Tensile — Thin Films | ASTM D882 | ISO 527-3 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 1 | Rectangular strips <1mm; 50-500 mm/min. Nearly equivalent. Results comparable. |
| Tensile — Rubber | ASTM D412 | ISO 37 | IS 3400 Part 1 | Die C dog-bone; 500 mm/min. M100/M300 modulus. Nearly equivalent. |
| Flexure / 3-pt Bending | ASTM D790 | ISO 178 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 3 | Rigid plastics. Span = 16×depth. Results comparable. |
| Compression | ASTM D695 | ISO 604 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 4 | Rigid cylinder or rod; 1.3 mm/min. |
| Izod Impact | ASTM D256 | ISO 180 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 5 | Vertical cantilever; J/m. Notch geometry slightly differs. |
| Charpy Impact | ASTM D6110 | ISO 179-1 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 5 | Horizontal 3-pt; kJ/m². ISO Charpy more widely used globally. |
| Dart Impact — Films | ASTM D1709 | ISO 7765-1 | IS 2508 | F50 staircase method; Method A (0.66m) and B (1.50m). |
| Tear Resistance — Films | ASTM D1922 | ISO 6383-2 | IS 2508 | Elmendorf pendulum tear; grams. |
| Tear Resistance — Rubber | ASTM D624 | ISO 34-1 | IS 3400 Part 9 | Die B, C, T specimens; kN/m. |
| Peel / Heat Seal Strength | ASTM F88 | — | IS 9967 | 90° or 180° peel; N/25mm. |
| Adhesive Bond (T-Peel) | ASTM D1876 | ISO 11339 | — | Flexible laminates; N/25mm. |
| COF — Films | ASTM D1894 | ISO 8295 | IS 9738 | Flat sled method; static + kinetic COF. |
| Ring Stiffness — Pipes | — | ISO 9969 | IS 14930 (ref.) | Diametral compression; kN/m². Used for PLB ducts. |
| Hydrostatic Pressure — Pipes | — | ISO 1167 | IS 4984 / IS 4985 | Time-to-failure under internal pressure; for PE/PVC pipes. |
| ESCR | ASTM D-1693 | ISO 22088 | IS 4984 | Bent strip in Igepal solution; F50 in hours. |
Cross-Reference: Thermal and Flow Tests
| Test Property | ASTM Standard | ISO / EN Standard | IS Standard | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melt Flow Index (MFI/MVR) | ASTM D1238 | ISO 1133-1/-2 | IS 13360 Part 2 Sec 1 / IS 2267 | Essentially equivalent. Same die, temperatures, loads. Results directly comparable. |
| Vicat Softening Point | ASTM D1525 | ISO 306 | IS 13360 Part 4 Sec 2 | Method B50 (50°C/h, 50N load) most common. Results equivalent. |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) | ASTM D648 | ISO 75-1/-2 | IS 13360 Part 4 Sec 3 | 1.80 MPa (A) or 0.45 MPa (B) stress. Results comparable; units identical. |
| OIT — Polyolefins | ASTM D3895 | EN 728 | IS 4984 / IS 14930 (ref EN 728) | 200°C, O₂ atmosphere. ASTM requires DSC; EN 728 allows DTA. Results equivalent for routine QC. |
| Thermal Ageing | ASTM D573 | ISO 188 | IS 3400 Part 20 | Forced-air oven; % change in tensile. Essentially equivalent. |
| Density / Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | ISO 1183-1 | IS 7328 / IS 13360 | Method A (Archimedes). Essentially equivalent. 0.001 g/cm³ precision. |
| Carbon Black Content | ASTM D1603 | ISO 6964 | IS 2530 | Tube furnace combustion. ASTM and ISO nearly identical. Result in %. |
| Carbon Black Dispersion | — | ISO 11420 | Referenced in IS 4984/14930 | Microscopic grading. ISO 11420 Grade ≤3 requirement in Indian standards. |
| Haze and Transmittance | ASTM D1003 | ISO 13468 | IS 13360 | Photocell method. Results comparable. |
| Ash / Filler Content | ASTM D5630 | ISO 3451-1 | — | Muffle furnace; % ash. Method nearly identical. |
| Oxidative Stability — DSC | ASTM D3895 | ISO 11357-6 | — | DSC-specific OIT method. ISO 11357-6 is more comprehensive than ASTM D3895. |
Cross-Reference: Pipe and Duct Standards
| Product | ASTM Standard | ISO / EN Standard | IS Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE water pressure pipes | ASTM D3035 / D3350 | EN 12201 / ISO 4427 | IS 4984 | IS 4984 is the Indian product standard; references EN 728 for OIT |
| HDPE gas distribution pipes | ASTM D2513 | EN 1555 / ISO 4437 | IS 14885 | Very similar requirements to IS 4984 but for gas service |
| HDPE PLB telecom ducts | — | — | IS 14930 | IS 14930 is India-specific; references EN 728, ISO 11420, ISO 9969 |
| HDPE conduit for power cables | ASTM F512 | — | IS 8008 | Non-PLB; similar material tests |
| uPVC pressure pipes | ASTM D1785 / D2241 | EN ISO 1452 | IS 4985 | PVC-U pipes; different material tests from HDPE |
| PE compound specification | ASTM D3350 | ISO 4427-1 | IS 7328 | Specifies PE 63, PE 80, PE 100 compound grades |
| Polypropylene (PP-R) pipes | ASTM F2389 | ISO 15874 / EN 15874 | IS 15801 | PP-R hot/cold water pipes |
| CPVC pipes (hot water) | ASTM F441 / D2846 | — | IS 15778 | CPVC for hot water; different from CPVC drain pipe |
Cross-Reference: Packaging Film Standards
| Test Property | ASTM Standard | ISO Standard | IS Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDPE blown film | ASTM D882 (tensile), D1709 (dart) | ISO 527-3, ISO 7765-1 | IS 2508 | IS 2508 is the Indian product standard for LDPE films |
| BOPP films | ASTM D882, D1894 | ISO 527-3, ISO 8295 | IS 14911 | IS 14911 covers biaxially oriented PP films |
| Tensile — films | ASTM D882 | ISO 527-3 | IS 13360 | MD and TD separately; 50-500 mm/min |
| COF — films | ASTM D1894 | ISO 8295 | IS 9738 | Static + kinetic; flat sled method |
| Dart impact — films | ASTM D1709 | ISO 7765-1 | IS 2508 | F50 staircase; Method A and B |
| Tear resistance — films | ASTM D1922 | ISO 6383-2 | IS 2508 | Elmendorf pendulum; grams |
| Haze and transmittance | ASTM D1003 | ISO 13468 | IS 13360 | % haze and % transmittance |
| Heat seal strength | ASTM F88 | — | IS 9967 | 90° or 180° peel; N/25mm |
| Basis weight (GSM) | TAPPI T410 | ISO 536 | IS 1060 | 100 cm² circular cutter + balance |
| Thickness — films | ASTM D374 | ISO 4591 / ISO 4593 | IS 13360 | Contact gauge or optical methods |
Cross-Reference: Rubber Testing Standards
| Test Property | ASTM Standard | ISO Standard | IS Standard | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength / Elongation | ASTM D412 | ISO 37 | IS 3400 Part 1 | Die C; 500 mm/min; M100/M300 modulus |
| Shore A/D Hardness | ASTM D2240 | ISO 7619-1 | IS 3400 Part 3 | 15-second reading; 6mm minimum thickness |
| Compression Set | ASTM D395 | ISO 815-1 | IS 3400 Part 6 | Method B (25% deflection); 70h at 70°C |
| Tear Resistance | ASTM D624 | ISO 34-1 | IS 3400 Part 9 | Die B, C, T; kN/m |
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | ISO 1183 | IS 3400 Part 11 | Archimedes method |
| Thermal Ageing | ASTM D573 | ISO 188 | IS 3400 Part 20 | Forced-air oven; % change in properties |
| Abrasion Resistance | ASTM D5963 | ISO 4649 | IS 3400 Part 16 | DIN abrasion; volume loss mm³ |
| Resilience (Rebound) | ASTM D2632 | ISO 4662 | IS 3400 Part 12 | Vertical rebound; % |
| Low-temp Brittleness | ASTM D2137 | ISO 812 | IS 3400 Part 14 | Temperature at brittle fracture |
| Fluid Resistance | ASTM D471 | ISO 1817 | IS 3400 Part 18 | Volume/mass change in fluid immersion |
| Ozone Resistance | ASTM D1149 | ISO 1431-1 | IS 3400 Part 17 | Static ozone exposure; crack rating |
Key Technical Differences Between ASTM and ISO
While ASTM and ISO standards often cover the same test and give comparable results, there are specific technical differences that matter when choosing which to report against:
| Aspect | ASTM Approach | ISO Approach | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile specimens — rigid plastics | 5 specimen types (Type I – V); Type I most common (165mm long) | 2 main types (1A multi-purpose, 1B small); 1A similar to Type I | Report which type used; results are not interchangeable across types |
| Tensile modulus measurement speed | ASTM D638: 5 mm/min for modulus; 50 mm/min for strength | ISO 527: 1 mm/min for modulus; 50 mm/min for strength | Different speeds give different modulus values. Specify which was used. |
| Unit systems | Both SI and imperial (lbf/in², psi); engineering units in common use in USA | SI units only (MPa, kN, mm, kJ/m²) | For export reports, always use SI units regardless of standard family |
| Charpy span | ASTM D6110: 62 mm span (similar to ISO); different striker radius | ISO 179: 62 mm span; specific striker and support dimensions | Results generally comparable; minor differences in striker geometry |
| MFI/MVR test conditions | ASTM D1238: lists conditions as "D", "E", etc. (temperature/load codes) | ISO 1133: lists exact temperature and load numerically | Same physical conditions — just different labelling convention |
| Reporting of results | ASTM allows mean of 5+ specimens; report mean and standard deviation | ISO also requires minimum 5 specimens; report mean and standard deviation | Essentially identical reporting requirements |
| Standard revision cycle | Reviewed every 8 years max; year of last approval in designation (D638-22) | Reviewed every 5 years; no year in designation (ISO 527) | Always check you are using the current version before testing |
How BIS Standards are Structured
Understanding how IS standards are organised helps navigate the BIS standard numbering system:
IS Standard Number Structure
| IS XXXX | Simple numbered standard (e.g. IS 4984, IS 2508) |
| IS XXXX Part N | Multi-part standard (e.g. IS 13360 Part 5 — mechanical tests) |
| IS XXXX Part N Sec N | Section within a part (IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 1 — tensile) |
| IS XXXX : YYYY | IS standard with year of publication (e.g. IS 4984 : 2016) |
| Revised = supersedes | Always use the latest edition — check BIS website |
Important IS Standards for Plastics (Key Numbers)
| IS 4984 | HDPE pipes for water supply |
| IS 14885 | HDPE pipes for gas distribution |
| IS 14930 | HDPE PLB ducts for telecom |
| IS 2508 | LDPE film for packaging |
| IS 14911 | BOPP films |
| IS 13360 | Methods of test for plastics (series) |
| IS 3400 | Methods of test for rubber (series) |
| IS 7328 | HDPE/PE compound specification |
International Equipments Instruments Cover All Three
Every instrument manufactured by International Equipments is designed to perform tests that comply with ASTM, ISO, and IS standards simultaneously wherever the methods are technically compatible — which is the case for the majority of plastic and rubber tests. This means a single instrument serves your domestic BIS compliance, your ISO-based export requirements, and any ASTM-specified customer requirements without modification or additional equipment.
| Instrument | ASTM Standards | ISO / EN Standards | IS Standards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melt Flow Index Tester | ASTM D1238 | ISO 1133-1/-2 | IS 13360 Part 2 Sec 1 | Same conditions for PE; all three standards simultaneously |
| Digital Density Apparatus | ASTM D792 | ISO 1183-1 | IS 7328 / IS 13360 | Archimedes method; identical across all three |
| VSP/HDT Apparatus | ASTM D1525/D648 | ISO 306/ISO 75 | IS 13360 Part 4 | Method B50 VSP; 1.8 MPa HDT; same across families |
| OIT Apparatus | ASTM D3895 | EN 728 | IS 4984 / IS 14930 | DTA method; ASTM requires DSC but EN 728/IS accepts DTA |
| Universal Testing Machine | D882/D638/F88/D790 | ISO 527/178 | IS 13360 / IS 9967 | All modes; fixture change for each standard |
| Izod/Charpy Impact Tester | ASTM D256/D6110 | ISO 180/179 | IS 13360 Part 5 Sec 5 | Both pendulum methods; same instrument |
| COF Tester | ASTM D1894 | ISO 8295 | IS 9738 | Flat sled; same parameters across all three |
| Dart Impact Tester | ASTM D1709 | ISO 7765-1 | IS 2508 | F50 staircase; Method A and B; equivalent |
| Digital Peel Tester | ASTM F88/D903 | — | IS 9967 | 90° and 180° peel; N/25mm |
| Hot Air Oven | ASTM D573 | ISO 188 | IS 3400 Part 20 | Forced-air circulation; identical across all three |
| Carbon Black Content | ASTM D1603 | ISO 6964 | IS 2530 | Tube furnace; % CB; nearly identical |
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Key Takeaways
- ✓ASTM (USA), ISO (international), and BIS/IS (India) are three parallel standards systems. Most plastic tests have equivalent standards in all three families — giving comparable but not identical results.
- ✓For BIS licensing (IS 4984, IS 2508, etc.), IS standards are legally mandatory. For export to USA, ASTM is required. For export to Europe and most of the world, ISO standards apply.
- ✓Many IS standards directly adopt ISO standards — IS 13360 = ISO 527; IS 3400 = ISO 37/ISO 815 etc. IS product standards (like IS 4984) may reference ASTM or EN test methods within them.
- ✓EN (European Norm) standards are crucial for Indian pipe manufacturers: EN 728 (OIT) is directly referenced in IS 4984 and IS 14930. EN 12201 and EN 1555 govern export pipes to the EU market.
- ✓Key technical differences between ASTM and ISO: specimen geometry (tensile dog-bone types), modulus measurement speed, and unit systems. Results are comparable but not identical across families.
- ✓All International Equipments instruments are designed to comply with ASTM, ISO, and IS standards simultaneously — a single instrument for all three compliance requirements.
✉ Need instruments that cover ASTM, ISO, and IS standards? All International Equipments testing instruments are specified to meet all three standard families — giving you domestic BIS compliance, ISO export capability, and ASTM customer acceptance from a single CE and ISO certified Mumbai-based source. Request a free quotation →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ASTM, ISO, and IS plastic testing standards for Indian manufacturers.
What is the difference between ASTM, ISO, and IS plastic testing standards?
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) — USA-origin, widely used globally. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) — international consensus, used in Europe, India, and most of the world. IS (Indian Standard, BIS) — India's national standards; many adopt ISO with Indian adaptations; mandatory for BIS-licensed products. For most plastic tests, all three families cover the same property with comparable methods.
Are ASTM and ISO plastic testing standards equivalent?
Technically comparable but not identical. Key differences: specimen geometry (ASTM D638 Types I-V vs ISO 527 Types 1A-1B); modulus speed (ASTM 5 mm/min vs ISO 1 mm/min); units (ASTM uses both SI and imperial; ISO uses SI only). Results are usually close but not identical — always specify which standard was used in test reports.
Which standard should Indian manufacturers test to?
BIS licensing: IS standards are mandatory. Domestic customers: IS preferred, ASTM/ISO accepted. Export to USA: ASTM required. Export to Europe: ISO or EN standards. Middle East/SE Asia: ISO. Most International Equipments instruments comply with all three simultaneously.
What is BIS and how does it relate to ISO?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India's national standards body. It publishes IS standards, operates BIS Mark certification, and represents India in ISO. Many IS standards directly adopt ISO standards (IS 13360 = ISO 527; IS 3400 = ISO 37/IS0 815). IS product standards like IS 4984 may reference ISO/EN/ASTM test methods within them.
What does EN standard mean for Indian manufacturers?
EN (European Norm) standards are mandatory in EU countries. They matter for India because: (1) IS 4984 and IS 14930 directly reference EN 728 for OIT testing; (2) HDPE pipes exported to Europe must meet EN 12201 or EN 1555; (3) Many EN standards are ISO adoptions (EN ISO 527 = ISO 527). The OIT Apparatus from International Equipments is EN 728 compliant.
What is the ASTM equivalent of IS 4984 for HDPE pipes?
IS 4984 draws from multiple ASTM standards: MFI per ASTM D1238; CB content per ASTM D1603; density per ASTM D792; ESCR per ASTM D-1693; OIT per EN 728 (ASTM D3895 equivalent). The US pipe product standard equivalent is ASTM D3350 (PE material specification) and AWWA C901/C906 for water pipes.
Can the same instrument perform both ASTM and ISO tests?
Yes — for most plastic tests, the same International Equipments instrument performs both ASTM and ISO (and IS) standard tests. The MFI Tester covers ASTM D1238 + ISO 1133; the UTM covers ASTM D638/D882 + ISO 527; the OIT Apparatus covers ASTM D3895 + EN 728. The key difference is usually in specimen geometry or test conditions, not the instrument.
What is the IS standard for tensile testing of plastic films?
IS 13360 Part 5 Section 1 is the IS standard for tensile testing of plastics (based on ISO 527). For LDPE films specifically, IS 2508 is the product standard and references the applicable test methods including tensile testing. ASTM D882 and ISO 527-3 are the ASTM and ISO equivalents — all three can be performed on the same UTM or Tensile Testing Machine from International Equipments.