Cotton Bales – Specification
Cotton Bales – IS 12171:2019
Strategic Recommendations for Cotton Bales – IS 12171:2019
- Apply for BIS Certification
Cotton ginning and pressing units must obtain BIS certification under Scheme II (Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018) before 27th August 2025. - Engage Compliance Experts
Seek assistance for handling BIS license applications, testing, and audits. ERA Compliance Team can support documentation, exemptions (export-only bales), and liaising with BIS. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Guidance on BIS licensing, quality audits, and regulatory compliance. - Track Notifications & Amendments
Monitor future Gazette notifications to ensure awareness of extensions, clarifications, or labeling updates. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Carry out internal audits of cotton bale production processes (moisture, weight uniformity, packaging, contamination) to ensure compliance with IS 12171:2019 before mandatory enforcement.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cotton Bales |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 12171:2019 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Cotton Bales – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 948(E), dated 28th February 2023 (Principal Order) - S.O. 3557(E), dated 7th August 2023 (Extension – enforcement from 27th Nov 2023) - S.O. 3830(E), dated 28th August 2023 (Amendment – enforcement from 27th Aug 2024) - S.O. 3469(E), dated 13th August 2024 (Amendment – enforcement from 27th Aug 2025) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 27th August 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To regulate the quality of cotton bales to ensure uniformity, safety, and compliance with BIS standards, preventing substandard or unsafe products in the domestic supply chain. |
| Products Covered | All cotton bales manufactured, imported, stored, sold, or distributed in India. |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export, meeting buyer specifications. |
| Industries Impacted | - Cotton ginning & pressing units - Textile mills - Yarn & fabric manufacturers - Traders & exporters of cotton |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Conformance to IS 12171:2019 - BIS Certification under Scheme II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - Must bear Standard Mark (ISI mark). |
| Testing Parameters | Quality & safety specifications of cotton bales, including bale size, weight uniformity, moisture content, contamination control, and packaging standards (as per IS 12171:2019). |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as certifying authority; Enforcement also by State Industries Departments & District Industries Centres. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | As per BIS Act, 2016 – seizure of stock, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 27th August 2025, all cotton bales sold, manufactured, or imported in India must conform to IS 12171:2019 and carry BIS certification. |
| References / Annexures | Gazette Notifications: S.O. 948(E), S.O. 3557(E), S.O. 3830(E), S.O. 3469(E). |
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
The Ministry of Textiles issued the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023 vide S.O. 948(E), dated 28th February 2023 under the BIS Act, 2016. Originally, enforcement was set after 180 days (August 2023). Subsequent amendments extended enforcement: S.O. 3557(E), dated 7th August 2023 (27th November 2023), S.O. 3830(E), dated 28th August 2023 (27th August 2024), and S.O. 3469(E), dated 13th August 2024 (27th August 2025).
Overview
This order mandates that all cotton bales in India conform to IS 12171:2019 – Cotton Bales Specification. The standard ensures quality, uniformity, safety, and suitability for downstream textile processing.
Objective & Scope
The QCO aims to eliminate substandard cotton bales, reduce contamination, and protect the textile value chain. It covers all cotton bales manufactured, sold, or imported in India.
Products Covered
All cotton bales manufactured domestically or imported into India.
Exemptions Provided
Goods manufactured exclusively for export, provided they meet the foreign buyer’s specification.
Industries Impacted
The order significantly impacts cotton ginning units, pressing factories, textile mills, yarn producers, traders, and exporters.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Cotton bales must:
- Conform to IS 12171:2019,
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018,
- Bear the Standard Mark (ISI mark).
Enforcement Timeline
- Principal Order (28 Feb 2023) → after 180 days (Aug 2023),
- Amended → 27th Nov 2023,
- Amended → 27th Aug 2024,
- Final Amendment → 27th Aug 2025.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcing authority, supported by State/District Industries Centres. Penalties for violation include seizure, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years under the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
From 27th August 2025, sale, import, and manufacture of cotton bales in India will be permitted only with BIS certification under IS 12171:2019. This measure strengthens cotton quality control and ensures a reliable supply chain for India’s textile industry.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.