Agro Textiles
Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture (IS 16202:2014)
Strategic Recommendations for Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture
✅ Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and begin product testing under IS 16202:2014 well before the 1 July 2024 enforcement date. Ensure testing is done in BIS-recognized laboratories only.
🤝 Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team to simplify certification, testing documentation, packaging design, and ISI mark implementation for your woven ground cover products.
📞 Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Expert support available for BIS application filing, lab coordination, and full QCO compliance guidance for horticulture textiles.
📢 Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA NEWSLETTER to stay informed on BIS and Ministry of Textiles updates, including enforcement changes like S.O. 1579(E), and any future amendments to the Agro Textiles QCO.
🔍 Do a Gap Assessment
Review your current woven ground cover SKUs for compliance gaps. Evaluate material specifications, UV-resistance, tensile strength, and product labeling for full alignment with IS 16202:2014 and Scheme-I certification.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture |
| IS Standard | IS 16202:2014 |
| Title of IS | Agro Textiles—Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture Application—Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 |
| Notification & Amendments |
• S.O. 4248(E), dated 27 September 2023 • Amended by S.O. 1579(E), dated 28 March 2024 (revised enforcement to 1 July 2024) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 July 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To standardize and regulate the quality of horticultural ground covers used for weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and mulching |
| Products Covered | • Woven plastic or textile sheets used as ground covers in nursery beds, garden rows, greenhouses, and orchards |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt |
| Industries Impacted |
• Horticulture & Nurseries – Weed control, water retention, and soil temperature regulation • Landscaping – For decorative and functional soil cover |
| Mandatory Compliance |
• Must conform to IS 16202:2014 • BIS certification required under Scheme-I • BIS Standard Mark (ISI) must appear on all units sold in Indian market |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
• Submit application for BIS license • Conduct testing in BIS-accredited labs • Update packaging with ISI mark before 1 July 2024 |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
• BIS Act, 2016 • BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority with powers to inspect, seize, and prosecute non-compliance |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Monetary fines, seizure of goods, cancellation of BIS license, and legal prosecution under the BIS Act |
| Conclusion | From 1 July 2024, all woven ground covers for horticulture must be BIS-certified under IS 16202:2014 to be legally sold in the Indian market. Early compliance is key. |
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Notification
The product Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture has been brought under mandatory BIS certification through the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, notified via S.O. 4248(E) dated 27 September 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. The enforcement date, originally 1 April 2024, has been extended to 1 July 2024 by the Amendment Order issued via S.O. 1579(E) dated 28 March 2024.
Overview
Woven ground covers are agro-textile products designed to control weed growth, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature in horticulture. These covers are commonly used in nurseries, orchards, greenhouses, and landscaped areas. IS 16202:2014 provides the minimum specifications and performance parameters for these products to ensure consistent quality, durability, and utility.
Objective & Scope
The Indian Standard IS 16202:2014 aims to regulate the construction, material properties, and functional characteristics of woven ground covers used in horticulture. The standard specifies performance requirements including tensile strength, UV stability, permeability, and dimensional consistency. The QCO ensures that only certified, compliant products are permitted in the Indian market.
Products Covered
This standard covers woven plastic or textile sheets used as ground covers to suppress weed growth, conserve water, and support soil health in horticultural applications. The material is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene yarns woven into durable, UV-resistant fabrics.
Exemptions Provided
Woven ground covers manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification under this Order.
Industries Impacted
- Horticulture & Nurseries – Used under plant beds and rows to minimize weed invasion and retain soil moisture.
- Landscaping & Gardening – Employed in public and private gardens to improve aesthetics and reduce maintenance.
- Greenhouses & Polyhouses – Essential for ground management in protected cultivation environments.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All woven ground covers sold in India must comply with IS 16202:2014. Each product must bear the Standard Mark (ISI) under a valid license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in accordance with Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. No manufacturing, import, sale, or distribution is allowed without this certification.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Apply to BIS for product certification under Scheme-I.
- Conduct testing at BIS-recognized laboratories for conformance to IS 16202:2014.
- Ensure compliant labeling and ISI marking on packaging before 1 July 2024.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
This certification is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is authorized to inspect facilities, seize non-compliant goods, and suspend or cancel licenses. Any person violating the QCO is liable to penalties including fines, prosecution, and imprisonment, as per the Act.
Conclusion
Effective 1 July 2024, all woven ground covers intended for horticulture must be certified by BIS and conform to IS 16202:2014. This ensures uniform product quality, safeguards crop health, and supports sustainable farming practices. Stakeholders must act promptly to align with the new compliance regime.
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.