Geo Textiles
Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags
Strategic Recommendations for Jute Geotextiles for Strengthening of Sub-Grade in Roads
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 well before the 1 Jan 2024 enforcement date. Use only BIS-recognized labs for product testing. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team for smooth certification, documentation, and ISI marking compliance for road reinforcement geotextiles. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for BIS applications, lab coordination, and QCO compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for updates on the Geo Textiles (QCO), 2022 amendments, enforcement extensions, and BIS circulars. - Do a Gap Assessment
Check all jute geotextile products for conformity to IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. Phase out or upgrade non-compliant SKUs before the deadline.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags |
| IS Standard | IS 16654:2017 |
| Title of IS | Geosynthetics – Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags for Coastal and Waterways Protection – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 |
| Notification & Amendments |
- Notified via S.O. 1706(E), dated 10 April 2023 - Amended via S.O. 2331(E), dated 24 May 2023 - Final enforcement via MoT Order dated 6 Oct 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 January 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality and performance compliance of geosynthetics used in coastal and waterways protection, enhancing structural and environmental integrity. |
| Products Covered | Polypropylene multifilament woven geobags used in hydraulic structures, riverbanks, coastal embankments, and erosion protection applications. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking. |
| Industries Impacted | - Infrastructure & Coastal Projects - Civil Engineering & Irrigation Works - Technical Textiles & Geosynthetics Industry |
| Mandatory Compliance | ISI marking is mandatory. BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, is required. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, ensure product testing from BIS-recognized labs, affix ISI mark before sale or dispatch. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority for this standard |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Penalties under BIS Act, 2016 may include:- Seizure of non-compliant goods- Cancellation of license- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years |
| Conclusion | Compliance with IS 16654:2017 is mandatory from 1 Jan 2024. Timely BIS certification is essential for manufacturing and selling in the domestic market. |
| References / Annexures |
- QCO: S.O. 1706(E) [10 Apr 2023] - Amendment: S.O. 2331(E) [24 May 2023] - Enforcement Order: Ministry of Textiles Order [6 Oct 2023] |
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
Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags have been notified under the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, via S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023, issued by the Ministry of Textiles. This QCO was later amended through S.O. 2331(E) dated 24 May 2023. Finally, the Ministry of Textiles confirmed via Order dated 6 October 2023 that the QCO will come into force on 1 January 2024.
Enforcement Timeline
The compliance obligation for this product becomes mandatory from 1 January 2024 for all manufacturers and importers selling in the Indian market.
Overview
Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags are a type of geosynthetic textile product designed primarily for coastal and riverbank protection applications. These are used in hydraulic and civil engineering works where erosion control and structural integrity are critical, such as riverbanks, seawalls, flood protection, and embankments.
Objective & Scope
The standard IS 16654:2017 aims to regulate the quality, strength, and material consistency of polypropylene woven geobags to ensure effective performance under demanding environmental and hydraulic conditions. It lays down parameters for tensile strength, seam strength, UV resistance, permeability, and construction type.
Products Covered
The Order covers Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags specifically intended for use in coastal protection, riverbank stabilization, revetments, and erosion control structures in infrastructure and environmental projects.
Exemptions Provided
The Order exempts only those geobag products that are meant exclusively for export from the requirement of BIS certification and ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
- Infrastructure & Coastal Projects – Used in protection of riverbanks, embankments, seawalls (e.g. ports, harbours).
- Civil Engineering & Irrigation – Employed in erosion protection near canals, water diversion systems, and drainage structures.
- Technical Textile Manufacturers – Engage in production and supply of geosynthetic textile solutions for national projects.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, all polypropylene multifilament woven geobags sold in India must conform to IS 16654:2017. BIS certification is compulsory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and all packages must bear the ISI Mark. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcement authority.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers must apply for a BIS license immediately.
- Product testing must be done at BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Before sale or distribution, products must carry the ISI certification mark.
- Export-only products must be clearly marked and separated.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The regulation is implemented under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The BIS is the designated certifying and enforcing authority for this product. Violations of the QCO are subject to legal penalties as prescribed in the Act. Entities that violate the provisions of the QCO may face:
- Seizure of non-compliant goods,
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license, and
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
Effective from 1 January 2024, all polypropylene multifilament woven geobags must meet the Indian Standard IS 16654:2017 and carry valid BIS certification. The QCO aims to uplift quality benchmarks in critical infrastructure and environmental protection applications involving geosynthetics. Timely compliance is essential to avoid penalties and market restrictions.
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.