Agro Textiles
Sapling Bags (IS 16089:2013)
Strategic Recommendations for Sapling Bags
Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start your BIS license application and product testing under IS 16089:2013 well in advance of the 1 July 2024 enforcement deadline. Testing must be conducted only in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with the ERA Compliance Team to streamline the entire certification process—right from document preparation to lab coordination and final packaging updates for ISI-marked sapling bags.
Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
We offer assistance with application filing, technical documentation, lab testing, and full QCO compliance for jute-based agro-textiles.
Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA NEWSLETTER for real-time alerts on BIS circulars and enforcement updates (e.g., S.O. 1579(E) which revised the implementation date to 1 July 2024). Keep up with Ministry of Textiles and BIS publications.
Do a Gap Assessment
Audit your product line for non-compliant SKUs. Review bag dimensions, fabric quality, water permeability, biodegradability, and packaging labels for conformity with IS 16089:2013 and Scheme-I requirements.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sapling Bags |
| IS Standard | IS 16089:2013 |
| Title of IS | Jute Agro–Textiles — Sapling Bags for Growth of Seedling/Sapling—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 ensure biodegradable and structurally sound jute-based sapling bags for nursery and plantation use |
| Products Covered | • Jute textile bags used for raising seedlings/saplings prior to transplantation in horticulture, forestry, and plantation sectors |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt |
| Industries Impacted |
• Horticulture & Nurseries – For plant propagation and transplant-ready growth • Forestry & Reforestation – Used in afforestation and tree plantation drives |
| Mandatory Compliance |
• Must conform to IS 16089:2013 • BIS license mandatory under Scheme-I • ISI marking required on packaging or product |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
• Apply for BIS license • Conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs • Mark certified products with ISI logo before 1 July 2024 |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
• BIS Act, 2016 • BIS authorized for inspection, certification, and enforcement |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Fines, license cancellation, product seizure, and prosecution under the BIS Act |
| Conclusion | From 1 July 2024, sapling bags must be BIS-certified under IS 16089:2013 to be legally sold in India. Early compliance is essential for uninterrupted operations. |
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Notification
The product Sapling Bags has been brought under mandatory BIS certification by the Ministry of Textiles through the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, notified via S.O. 4248(E) dated 27 September 2023. Subsequently, the enforcement date was revised to 1 July 2024 through the Amendment Order S.O. 1579(E), dated 28 March 2024.
Overview
Sapling bags are biodegradable agro-textile containers made from jute fabric, used for nurturing seedlings and saplings before transplantation. These bags provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic grow bags commonly used in nurseries, forestry plantations, and horticultural operations. The Indian Standard IS 16089:2013 outlines the performance and quality parameters to ensure the structural integrity and growth-support capacity of these jute sapling bags.
Objective & Scope
IS 16089:2013 was formulated to promote the use of natural, biodegradable materials in plant nurseries and reforestation programs. It covers the requirements for construction, dimensions, strength, water permeability, biodegradability, and durability of sapling bags intended for short-term plant growth and easy transplantation without disturbing root structure.
Products Covered
The standard applies to jute agro-textile bags used for raising seedlings or saplings. These are used across nurseries, plantations, and forestry programs to support the early-stage growth of a wide variety of plants. Designed to be planted directly into the soil along with the plant, they naturally decompose without harming the environment.
Exemptions Provided
Sapling bags manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the BIS certification requirement.
Industries Impacted
- Horticulture & Nurseries – Widely used for flower, vegetable, and fruit saplings.
- Forestry & Plantation – Extensively deployed in reforestation projects and government-led greening initiatives.
- Agro-Infrastructure & NGOs – Utilized in eco-restoration and rural nursery development projects.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All sapling bags sold in the Indian market must conform to IS 16089:2013. The product must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) and be certified under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Uncertified products cannot be legally sold, imported, or distributed in India from 1 July 2024 onward.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Apply for BIS certification well before the enforcement deadline.
- Conduct product testing at BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure ISI marking on product packaging and documentation before entering the market.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The product falls under the regulatory scope of the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards is authorized to inspect production units, certify compliant products, and take enforcement actions such as seizure or license cancellation. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, prosecution, and imprisonment, as outlined in the Act.
Conclusion
Effective 1 July 2024, it is mandatory for all sapling bags sold in India to be certified under IS 16089:2013. This ensures that nursery operators and plantation projects use environmentally responsible and structurally sound products. Stakeholders are advised to begin the compliance process early to avoid supply disruptions and legal liabilities.
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.