BIS QCO for the Amendment of Cotton Bales IS 12171:2019

Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2023

The Ministry of Textiles has issued the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2023. This Order will come into force on 27th August 2026.

Under this amendment, all cotton bales sold in the Indian market must comply with the Indian Standard IS 12171:2019. Once implemented, every manufacturer, seller, or supplier must ensure that their cotton bales:

• Carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence as per Scheme–I of Schedule–II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
• Are accompanied by a test certificate issued by a BIS-certified manufacturer

Exemptions

Cotton bales produced solely for export are exempt from this requirement, as long as they meet the quality specifications provided by the foreign buyer.

Compliance & Penalties

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the implementing and enforcing authority for this Order.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. These provisions help maintain product quality and ensure industry-wide regulatory compliance.

Additionally, any future changes or revisions made by BIS to the relevant Indian Standard will automatically apply to this Order from the date of publication.