In a significant move to ensure product safety and quality in the rope and cordage industry, the Ministry of Textiles issued the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024 on 3rd October 2024. This new regulation is designed to enhance the standards for Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes, making it mandatory for manufacturers to comply with specific quality benchmarks set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The goal is to ensure that only high-quality and safe products reach the market, benefitting both manufacturers and consumers. 

If you are a manufacturer, seller, or importer of Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes, this order will directly affect your operations. Below is a simple breakdown of what you need to know. 

Key Points of the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024

1. Title and Effective Date

• This order is officially called the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
• It will come into effect on 1st April 2025.
• For Small and Micro Enterprises (manufacturing for domestic markets), the order will take effect a bit later, from 1st July 2025. 

2. Scope of Application

This order applies to Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament (PP2) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament (PP3) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes and ensures that all such products meet strict quality and safety standards. However, it is important to note that this rule does not apply to Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes that are produced solely for export purposes. Products made for international markets are exempt from the order. 

3. Mandatory BIS Certification and ISI Mark

The most important part of this order is the requirement for BIS certification. All Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes produced or sold in India must:

• Comply with the Indian Standard IS 5175:2022, which defines the safety, quality, and performance requirements for Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes.
• Carry the ISI mark, a quality certification mark granted by BIS. 

To use the ISI mark, manufacturers must obtain a licence from BIS in accordance with the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This ensures that only certified and tested products reach the market, safeguarding consumers and improving the credibility of businesses.

4. Certifying and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will be the certifying and enforcing authority for this order. BIS is responsible for ensuring that all manufacturers comply with the specified standards. Manufacturers who meet the required standards and obtain certification will be permitted to use the ISI mark on their products.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this order can have serious consequences. Manufacturers or sellers of Fibre Ropes — Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament And Multifilament ( PP2 ) and Polypropylene High-Tenacity Multifilament ( PP3 ) —3-, 4-, 8- and 12- Strand Ropes who fail to obtain the required certification and do not use the ISI mark on their products may face penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. This could include fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, uncertified products may be seized, causing a loss of business and reputation. 

Stay compliant and keep your business ahead of the curve by preparing for these upcoming changes in the hand tools industry!