The use of Laminated High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) woven geomembranes has become
common as a waterproof lining material in channels, ponds, reservoirs, and various kinds of
water storage structures. This helps in controlling the process of seepage and ensuring long life
and safety of the infrastructure. Since the materials are vital in water management, their
manufacture is mandatory to follow IS 15351:2015 of the Bureau of Indian Standards, which
defines the criteria for laminated HDPE woven fabric (geomembrane) for waterproof lining
applications.
Technical requirements as per the Indian Standard are HDPE tape quality, lamination with
LDPE/LLDPE film, ultraviolet stability, mechanical strength like tensile, tear, puncture, and
impact resistance, hydrostatic resistance, seam/joint strength, and overall dimensional
characteristics. In addition, the materials have to clear the electrical and durability tests to be
able to meet all requirements for waterproof lining applications in the long term. Following BIS
Quality Control Orders (QCO) and getting a certificate through IS 15351:2015 means that the
product has met the essential criteria of safety, efficiency, and durability. The ISI mark is a
guarantee of meeting all the criteria.
What is IS 15351:2015 for HDPE Geomembranes?
IS 15351:2015 specifies the requirements for laminated HDPE woven geomembranes used for
waterproof lining applications. The standard defines material composition, physical properties,
mechanical strength, and performance criteria to ensure effective water barrier functionality. As
per IS 15351:2015, geomembranes are evaluated for:
- Tensile strength and elongation properties
- Tear resistance and puncture resistance
- Water permeability and leakage control
- UV resistance and weather durability
- Lamination quality and bonding strength
Key Requirements Under IS 15351:2015
BIS IS 15351:2015 guarantees the waterproofing capability and durability of the HDPE woven
fabric as a lining material through stipulating some important performance criteria. It focuses on
the mechanical strength, weather resistance and general stability of the material to guarantee its
safety and efficiency in the containment of water bodies.
- Tensile strength should be high for structural integrity
- Should offer a waterproofing mechanism
- UV resistance should be guaranteed to withstand outdoor weather
- Uniform lamination with good bonding strength
- Material should be tear-resistant and puncture-proof
- Performance should be consistent regardless of climatic changes
- Thickness and dimensional stability should remain consistent
Eligibility for BIS Certification of HDPE Geomembrane
BIS certification under IS 15351:2015 is required for all manufacturers and suppliers involved in
the production and distribution of HDPE woven geomembranes in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must obtain BIS certification before market supply.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Required to obtain BIS approval for export to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure compliance with IS 15351:2015.
- Distributors/Suppliers - Should deal only in BIS-certified geomembranes.
Importance of BIS Certification for HDPE Geomembranes
BIS certification for HDPE woven geomembranes ensures quality assurance, durability and compliance with Indian standards for waterproof lining applications.
- Ensures reliable waterproofing performance
- Improves product durability and UV resistance
- Reduces seepage and structural failure risks
- Enhances acceptance in irrigation and infrastructure projects
- Ensures compliance with BIS QCO regulations
- Builds credibility in government and private tenders
- Standardizes manufacturing quality across batches
BIS Testing Requirements for HDPE Woven Geomembrane
For HDPE woven geomembrane to achieve waterproof characteristics with reliability, the minimum requirements have been specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards as mentioned in IS 15351:2015. These specifications would help in assuring the manufacturers that they meet certain quality parameters with regard to the standard. The BIS testing parameters for laminated HDPE woven geomembrane are as follows:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
| Mechanical Strength Tests | Breaking load (before & after UV exposure), tensile properties, elongation at break, seam strength | Ensures the fabric can withstand mechanical stresses during installation and service life |
| Tear Resistance Tests | Tear strength using Elmendorf (pendulum) method | Evaluates resistance to tearing under applied force, ensuring durability under handling and field conditions |
| Puncture Resistance Tests | Force required to puncture fabric using piercing probe (tensile machine method) | Ensures resistance against sharp objects and soil/aggregate damage during installation and use |
| Impact Resistance Tests | Dart impact failure load (drop impact at specified heights) | Measures resistance to sudden impact or shock loading on the geomembrane |
| Hydrostatic Resistance Tests | Water pressure resistance (no leakage at specified kPa or kg/cm²) | Ensures waterproofing capability and prevents seepage in lining applications |
| UV & Ageing Resistance Tests | Strength retention after UV exposure (e.g., 500 hours xenon arc exposure) | Ensures long-term durability under sunlight exposure and environmental ageing |
| Seam/Joints Strength Tests | Strength of heat-sealed seams between fabric panels | Ensures joints do not fail under load and maintain continuity of lining system |
BIS Certification Process for IS 15351:2015 Geomembranes
The BIS ISI certification process guarantees that the Laminated High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Woven Geomembrane for Waterproof Lining, as mentioned in IS 15351:2015, satisfies the necessary standards regarding its reliable waterproofing performance and quality. The certification process defined by BIS comprises the following stages:
- Online Registration :-Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory :- Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for mechanical strength, permeability, UV resistance and lamination quality in compliance with BIS IS 15351:2015.
- Application Submission :-The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection :- BIS officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License :- If all the above requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark :Certified manufacturers are allowed to use the BIS Standard Mark on approved products.
Documents Required for BIS Certification as per IS 15351:2015
| Document Category | Documents Required |
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable), Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirements | Agreement with AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), [Identity Proof of AIR], AIR Nomination Form, Required Undertakings, Scope of License |
Foreign manufacturers need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
BIS ISI Marking Requirements for HDPE Geomembranes as per IS 15351:2015
After receiving certification from the BIS, the ISI Mark for Laminated HDPE Woven Textile Geomembrane for Waterproof Lining up to IS 15351:2015 shall be marked clearly and permanently on the product as well as packaging thereof. Along with the Standard Mark, certain information such as the identification mark as well as license number (CM/L), is compulsory. This helps ensure that the geomembrane is in compliance with standards related to its performance in terms of waterproofing. Details follow:
| Requirement | Details |
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 15351:2015 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
BIS License Validity for HDPE Woven Geomembrane under IS 15351:2015
| Particulars | Details |
| Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillance | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
BIS Certification Fee Structure for HDPE Woven Geomembrane (IS 15351:2015)
The cost of BIS certification includes application charges, testing fees, inspection charges, license fees, and marking fees as per Scheme I guidelines. Testing of HDPE geomembrane samples is carried out in BIS-recognized laboratories, and costs may vary depending on product thickness, size, and testing parameters.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 - 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
Penalties for Non-Compliance for HDPE Woven Geomembrane under IS 15351:2015
Non-compliance with BIS requirements for HDPE Woven Geomembrane may lead to regulatory action, including suspension or cancellation of certification. Failure to meet quality standards or misuse of the BIS Standard Mark can also result in legal consequences under the BIS Act.
- Suspension or cancellation of the BIS licence
- Rejection of non-conforming product batches
- Monetary penalties under the BIS Act provisions
- Ban on the manufacturing or sale of non-compliant products
- Loss of eligibility for government and institutional contracts
Conclusion
Laminated HDPE woven geomembranes are commonly used in modern water infrastructure systems to effectively prevent seepage in canals, ponds and reservoirs. The prime reason behind the use of such materials is their ability to offer effective seepage control, extended life span, and reliability in water conservation applications. IS 15351:2015 is designed to regulate and ensure the compliance of HDPE woven geomembranes with high standards regarding their tensile strength, UV resistance, impermeability, lamination, puncture resistance, and durability. BIS Certification for HDPE woven geomembranes means that the material conforms to the specified standard, and thereby allows manufacturers to get ISI marking. Certification assures the reliability and consistency of the products. It also adds value to the credibility of products by enhancing their acceptance in the market. Manufacturers can approach a reliable BIS consultant like EVTL India for acquiring certification based on IS 15351:2015.
