Agro Textiles
Non-Woven Mulch Mat (IS 17355:2020)
Strategic Recommendations for Non-Woven Mulch Mat
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and initiate product testing under IS 17355:2020 well before the 1 July 2024 deadline. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Connect with ERA Compliance Team to manage BIS application, lab coordination, and ISI mark approval for mulch mat packaging. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For assistance with certification, testing, and regulatory compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Stay updated with BIS circulars like S.O. 1579(E) which extended the implementation date. Subscribe to ERA NEWSLETTER. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review product specs: GSM, tensile strength, UV resistance, permeability. Ensure ISI mark and BIS license are in place before sales.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Non-Woven Mulch Mat |
| IS Standard | IS 17355:2020 |
| Title of IS | Agro Textiles — Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non-Woven Mulch Mat for Agriculture and Horticulture Applications—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 (final enforcement postponed to 1 July 2024) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 July 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To define quality and performance standards for polypropylene non-woven mulch mats used in weed control and moisture conservation in agriculture |
| Products Covered | • Polypropylene spun bonded non-woven mulch mats used as ground covers in fields, plantations, orchards, and nurseries |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt |
| Industries Impacted |
• Agriculture – Weed control, moisture retention in crop fields • Horticulture – Mulching in fruit and flower beds |
| Mandatory Compliance |
• Must conform to IS 17355:2020 • Certification under BIS Scheme-I • Mandatory ISI marking on packaging or product |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
• Apply for BIS license • Conduct testing at BIS-recognized labs • Ensure ISI mark and labeling compliance before 1 July 2024 |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | • Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 • BIS authorized to inspect, enforce, and take legal action |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Fines, seizure of stock, license cancellation, and prosecution under BIS regulations |
| Conclusion | Non-woven mulch mats must be BIS certified as per IS 17355:2020 from 1 July 2024 onward. Early action is advised to ensure legal market entry. |
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Notification
The product Non-Woven Mulch Mat has been included under mandatory BIS certification by the Ministry of Textiles through the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, via Notification S.O. 4248(E) dated 27 September 2023. The enforcement timeline was later extended to 1 July 2024 through Amendment Notification S.O. 1579(E) dated 28 March 2024.
Overview
Non-woven mulch mats are polypropylene-based ground covers used extensively in agriculture and horticulture to suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce erosion. These spun bonded mats offer an eco-efficient and low-maintenance alternative to chemical weed control. IS 17355:2020 defines quality parameters to ensure product consistency, field durability, and environmental safety during use.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 17355:2020 is to standardize the manufacturing and performance characteristics of polypropylene non-woven mulch mats used in open-field and protected farming systems. The standard specifies requirements such as fabric weight, tensile strength, water permeability, UV resistance, and biodegradability to ensure reliable mulching performance across diverse climates and soil types.
Products Covered
This standard applies to polypropylene spun bonded non-woven mulch mats designed for agricultural and horticultural applications. These mats are typically laid on the soil surface in vegetable fields, fruit orchards, flower beds, nurseries, and landscaping areas to enhance productivity through weed suppression and moisture conservation.
Exemptions Provided
Mulch mats that are manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from mandatory BIS certification under this regulation.
Industries Impacted
- Agriculture – Widely used in vegetable cultivation, row crops, and polyhouse systems to enhance soil health and reduce manual weeding.
- Horticulture & Landscaping – Utilized in fruit orchards, nurseries, and decorative gardens for soil protection and root zone management.
- Organic Farming – Adopted as an eco-friendly weed control method under sustainable agricultural practices.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All non-woven mulch mats sold or distributed in India must comply with IS 17355:2020. Certification under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 is mandatory, and every unit must carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on the packaging or product. From 1 July 2024, non-certified products cannot be legally sold or imported in the Indian market.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should:
- Apply for BIS certification under IS 17355:2020.
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure that all certified products bear the ISI mark and meet labeling requirements before entering the market.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The regulation is governed under the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is empowered to inspect facilities, review compliance, and enforce penalties. Non-compliance may lead to seizure of products, cancellation of license, fines, or legal prosecution under the Act.
Conclusion
Effective 1 July 2024, polypropylene non-woven mulch mats must be BIS certified in accordance with IS 17355:2020. This ensures product quality, field performance, and environmental reliability. Stakeholders are advised to complete certification procedures promptly to ensure continued market access and regulatory compliance.
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.