The Ministry of Textiles issued the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016). This Order mandates compliance with Indian Standard IS 16362 : 2020 for Geotextiles used in Sub-grade Stabilisation in pavement structures. The initial compliance date was later amended to accommodate manufacturers, with the new implementation date set for 1st January 2024.

Key Provisions of the Order

1. Short Title and Commencement
• This Order is officially titled the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022.
• It shall come into force with effect from 1st January 2024. 

2. Application
• The provisions of this Order apply to Geotextiles used in Sub-grade Stabilisation in pavement structures.
• Goods or articles manufactured exclusively for export purposes are exempt from this Order. 

3. Compulsory Use of Standard Mark
• Goods or articles specified under this Order must conform to IS 16362 : 2020.
• They are required to bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

4. Certification and Enforcement Authority
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for the specified goods or articles. BIS is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of this Order. 

5. Penalty for Contravention
• Any individual or entity found contravening the provisions of this Order shall be subject to penalties as per the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016). 

The Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 reflects the government’s focus on ensuring quality assurance and standardization in the production of geo textiles. The revised compliance timeline considers the challenges faced by manufacturers, allowing for a smoother transition to full compliance with the mandated standards. 

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the industry's guidelines!