BIS Quality Control Order for Insect nets for Agriculture and Horticulture purpose

On September 27, 2023, theMinistry of Textilesissued theAgro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, under the powers conferred by theBureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. This regulation, formulated in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, aims to standardize the quality of specified agro textiles for agricultural and horticultural applications, ensuring their durability, safety, and adherence to Indian Standards.

Key Provisions of the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023

1.Title and Implementation Timeline
Officially titled theAgro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, this regulation was initially set to come into effect onApril 1, 2024. However, an amendment issued later extends its enforcement date toJuly 1, 2024, granting stakeholders additional time for compliance.

2.Scope of Application
The order applies exclusively to:

oInsect nets for Agriculture and Horticulture purpose.
• Products intended solely for export are exempt from this regulation.

3.Mandatory BIS Certification
The specified products must conform toIndian Standard IS 16513:2016to ensure consistent quality.
• Manufacturers are required to obtain aBIS licenseto affix theStandard Mark (ISI Mark)on their products.
• The ISI Mark certifies that the products meet the specified quality standards under BIS guidelines.

4.Certifying and Enforcement Authority
TheBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)is designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS will oversee compliance, ensuring that only BIS-certified products with the Standard Mark are manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

5.Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with this order will result in penalties as specified under theBIS Act, 2016. The enforcement mechanism is designed to deter violations and maintain high product standards in the marketplace.

Amendment to the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023

To provide stakeholders additional time to comply with the regulations, theMinistry of Textilesissued theAgro Textiles (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, onMarch 28, 2024. This amendment extends the implementation date of the original order fromApril 1, 2024, toJuly 1, 2024.

This notification underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of agro textiles in India. By mandating compliance with Indian Standards and providing a clear implementation framework, the regulation supports consumer protection, industry accountability, and sustainable agricultural practices.