Geo Textiles
Geotextiles Used in Sub-Grade Stabilisation in Pavement Structures (16362:2020)
Strategic Recommendations for Geotextiles for Sub-Grade Stabilisation
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start BIS certification well before 1 Jan 2024. Conduct tensile, elongation, puncture resistance, and survivability tests in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Coordinate with ERA regulatory advisors for documentation, testing oversight, and ISI mark compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For BIS licensing, technical queries, and exemption handling. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on Geo Textiles (QCO), 2022 — including S.O. 1706(E), S.O. 2331(E), and MoT enforcement orders. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current geotextile specs with IS 16362:2020 to ensure readiness for sub-grade stabilisation performance criteria.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Geotextiles – Sub-Grade Stabilisation in Pavement Structures |
| IS Standard | IS 16362:2020 |
| Title of IS | Geosynthetics – Geotextiles Used in Sub-Grade Stabilisation in Pavement Structures – 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 improve pavement life by ensuring geotextile quality for sub-grade stabilisation, especially on weak or expansive soils. |
| Products Covered | Woven and non-woven geotextiles used for enhancing load distribution and mechanical strength of weak sub-grades in roadways and runways. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from ISI marking and BIS licensing. |
| Industries Impacted |
- Road & Airport Infrastructure Projects - Border Roads & Military Engineering Services - Technical Textile Manufacturing Sector |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS license required under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. ISI mark must be displayed on all packaging before sale in India. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct testing at BIS-recognized labs, affix ISI mark before dispatch or sale. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure, fines, license suspension, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both under the BIS Act. |
| Conclusion | All geotextiles for sub-grade stabilisation must comply with IS 16362:2020 and be BIS certified from 1 January 2024 onward. |
| References / Annexures |
- QCO: S.O. 1706(E) [10 Apr 2023] - Amendment: S.O. 2331(E) [24 May 2023] - Enforcement Order: MoT [6 Oct 2023] |
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Notification
“Geotextiles Used in Sub-Grade Stabilisation in Pavement Structures” are notified under the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, through S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. The QCO was amended via S.O. 2331(E) dated 24 May 2023, and its enforcement was confirmed as 1 January 2024 through a Ministry Order dated 6 October 2023.
Overview
Sub-grade stabilisation geotextiles are essential in improving the strength and load-bearing capacity of weak or expansive soil foundations in road and runway pavements. These materials provide reinforcement, reduce deformation, and ensure long-term pavement performance by distributing traffic loads more efficiently.
Objective & Scope
IS 16362:2020 lays down the performance, physical, and mechanical requirements for geotextiles used in sub-grade stabilisation. The standard covers properties like tensile strength, elongation, puncture resistance, and survivability under repeated loading and harsh environments.
Products Covered
The standard includes woven and non-woven geotextiles used to:
- Stabilize sub-grade layers in highways, rural roads, and urban streets
- Reinforce unpaved or semi-paved roads
- Improve soil structure and minimize rutting or cracking
Exemptions Provided
Products that are meant exclusively for export are exempt from the requirement of BIS certification and ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
- Highway & Expressway Projects – For base course and foundation layer reinforcement
- Airport Runway Construction – Enhances strength and prevents sub-base deformation
- Border Roads Organization (BRO) – Roads built in weak soil zones or hilly terrain
- Geosynthetics & Technical Textile Manufacturers – Providing certified reinforcement fabrics
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, all geotextiles used in sub-grade stabilisation must conform to IS 16362:2020. BIS certification under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, is mandatory. Products must bear the ISI mark before being sold in the Indian market.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File for a BIS license with required documentation.
- Submit products for testing at BIS-recognized labs.
- Begin ISI-marked production and distribution prior to enforcement date.
- Maintain records for exempt export-only batches, if any.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, and BIS has the authority to carry out inspections, suspend licenses, and initiate legal proceedings. Non-compliance could lead to:
- Seizure of stock
- Suspension of BIS license
- Fines and imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
Effective 1 January 2024, manufacturers and suppliers of sub-grade stabilisation geotextiles must comply with IS 16362:2020 and ensure BIS certification and ISI marking. This measure enforces structural quality control for road infrastructure and geotechnical engineering, supporting India’s growing transport and defense infrastructure.
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.