Geo Textiles
Geotextiles Used in Sub-Grade Separation in Pavement Structures (16391:2015)
Strategic Recommendations for Geotextiles for Sub-Grade Separation
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start BIS licensing before 1 Jan 2024; conduct tensile, puncture resistance, and permeability tests in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA’s regulatory specialists for application, documentation, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For guidance on certification, testing, and exemptions. - 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’s 6 Oct 2023 enforcement notice. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare existing product specs with IS 16391:2015 to ensure compliance for sub-grade separation performance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Geotextiles – Sub-Grade Separation in Pavement Structures |
| IS Standard | IS 16391:2015 |
| Title of IS | Geosynthetics – Geotextiles Used in Sub-Grade Separation 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 standardize geotextile quality and performance for separating sub-grade and base layers in pavement engineering, preventing material intermixing. |
| Products Covered | Geotextile fabrics used as separators between soft sub-grade soils and aggregate base layers in road, rail, and airport pavements. |
| Exemptions | Export-only products are exempt from ISI marking and BIS license requirements. |
| Industries Impacted |
- Road Construction & Highways - Urban Infrastructure Projects - Technical Textile Manufacturers & Civil Engineering Firms |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS license mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. ISI marking must be affixed to all units sold domestically. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct BIS-lab testing, affix ISI mark before sale, and ensure export-only stock is declared separately. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced by BIS under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS has authority to inspect, suspend licenses, and penalize violators. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Includes seizure, fines, cancellation of license, and/or imprisonment up to 2 years. |
| Conclusion | From 1 Jan 2024, all sub-grade separation geotextiles must comply with IS 16391:2015 and be BIS certified. |
| 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 Separation in Pavement Structures” are included under the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, issued via S.O. 1706(E) on 10 April 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. The QCO was later amended by S.O. 2331(E) on 24 May 2023, and the final enforcement date of 1 January 2024 was confirmed by a Ministry of Textiles order dated 6 October 2023.
Overview
These geotextiles serve a crucial function in pavement structures by preventing intermixing of sub-grade soil with granular base layers. The separation ensures better load distribution, extended service life, and reduced maintenance for roads, highways, airports, and similar infrastructure.
Objective & Scope
IS 16391:2015 provides specifications for physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of geotextile fabrics used for sub-grade separation. These include tensile strength, puncture resistance, permeability, and durability against stress and environmental exposure.
Products Covered
The standard covers woven and non-woven geotextiles installed as separators between soft soil subgrades and aggregate base layers in:
- Road pavements
- Runways and taxiways
- Railway ballast systems
- Industrial yard pavements
Exemptions Provided
Only those products which are meant exclusively for export are exempted from the ISI marking and BIS certification requirement under this QCO.
Industries Impacted
- Road & Highway Infrastructure – For construction of durable pavements.
- Urban Infrastructure Projects – Smart cities, bus corridors, metro systems.
- Textile & Civil Engineering Sector – Manufacturers and EPC contractors using geotextiles.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, it is mandatory for all such geotextile products to comply with IS 16391:2015, obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I, and affix the ISI mark on every unit or roll sold in the domestic market.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Submit application for BIS license.
- Get products tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure that all product packaging carries the ISI certification mark.
- Export-only items must be labeled and documented accordingly.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with the Bureau of Indian Standards as the enforcement authority. Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Seizure of non-conforming goods
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
- License suspension or cancellation
Conclusion
From 1 January 2024, all geotextiles used for sub-grade separation in pavement structures must comply with IS 16391:2015 and carry BIS certification. This ensures consistent product quality, performance, and durability, supporting the growth of high-quality infrastructure across India.
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.