On September 27, 2023, the Ministry of Textiles issued the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, under the powers conferred by the Bureau 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 the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, this regulation was initially set to come into effect on April 1, 2024. However, an amendment issued later extends its enforcement date to July 1, 2024, granting stakeholders additional time for compliance.

2.  Scope of Application
The order applies exclusively to:

o   Woven Ground covers for Horticulture Application 
• Products intended solely for export are exempt from this regulation.

3.  Mandatory BIS Certification
The specified products must conform to Indian Standard IS 16202:2014 to ensure consistent quality.
• Manufacturers are required to obtain a BIS license to affix the Standard 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
The Bureau 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 the BIS 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, the Ministry of Textiles issued the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, on March 28, 2024. This amendment extends the implementation date of the original order from April 1, 2024, to July 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.

BIS Certification for Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture Application IS 16202: 2014