The distinction: IS 303:2024 covers general-purpose plywood in MR, BWR and BWP grades. IS 710:2024 is a separate marine plywood standard. BWP means boiling-waterproof; that label alone does not establish that a board meets the marine standard.
What each standard covers
Choose plywood against the intended application and the written specification. The standard number matters as well as the grade name.
| Standard | What it identifies | What to confirm when ordering |
|---|---|---|
| IS 303:2024 | General-purpose plywood; MR, BWR or BWP grade | The ordered grade, thickness, construction and other required classes |
| IS 710:2024 | Marine plywood | The specified marine standard, thickness, construction and supporting documents |
MR means moisture-resistant. BWR means boiling-water-resistant. Keep these labels separate from the full application specification. A grade describes part of the material requirement; it does not select a structural design or installation method.
Select for the application
For furniture and joinery, state the moisture exposure, finish and performance required. Our commercial plywood page describes the MR and BWR products offered; it does not list every grade allowed by the general-purpose standard.
For marine work, use the standard, panel properties and thickness required by the vessel designer. Do not substitute a board described only as BWP for a specified marine board. For structural boat parts, follow the approved design and its requirements for supports, joints and protection. See the marine plywood thickness guide.
For concrete formwork, send the formwork specification and intended use. Confirm the required panel standard, construction and surface with the quotation. See our film-faced shuttering plywood.
Verify the board you are buying
State the standard and edition, grade, thickness, sheet size and quantity in the enquiry. Ask for the applicable licence details and test report, and check that they identify the relevant manufacturer and product. Match the panel markings and written order specification. A grade label, a product photograph or one test result is not a substitute for the required documentation.
References: BIS product manual for IS 303:2024, May 2025 and BIS information on IS 710:2024. Checked 30 September 2026.
Questions buyers ask
Is IS 710 better than IS 303?
They cover different product requirements. Select the standard required by the application, then confirm the quoted board and its supporting documents. Do not choose from the standard number alone.
Does BWP always mean marine plywood?
No. Check the full standard stated for the board. The grade name alone does not establish marine suitability.
Which plywood should I order for a kitchen?
Tell us which parts will be made, how they will be protected and whether they will face humidity, splashes or sustained wetting. We will quote the available product specification for that requirement. Persistent leaks must be corrected as part of the installation.
Which plywood should I order for furniture?
Specify the intended use, finish, moisture exposure and any required performance classes, together with sheet size, thickness and quantity. See our commercial plywood range for the MR and BWR options offered.
Need a grade quoted?
Send the application and required specification. The sales desk will confirm the quoted product and supporting documents in writing.