Agro Textiles
Harvest Nets (IS 17357:2020)
Strategic Recommendations for Harvest Nets
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and begin product testing under IS 17357:2020 well before the 1 July 2024 deadline.Â
- Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA Compliance Team for certification filing, product testing, and ISI marking guidance specific to harvest nets.Â
- Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get expert help for end-to-end BIS compliance and product approvals.Â
- Monitor Notifications & Compliance Updates
Follow ERA NEWSLETTER and BIS circulars like S.O. 1579(E) for changes or clarifications.Â
- Ensure Marking & Labeling Compliance
Verify that all certified harvest nets carry the ISI mark on the net or packaging before dispatch or sale.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Harvest Nets |
| IS Standard | IS 17357:2020 |
| Title of IS | Agro Textiles — Fencing Nets for Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes — Specification Part 1: Fencing Nets Made from Extruded Polymer Mesh |
| 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 revised to 1 July 2024) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 July 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To define quality standards for fencing nets made from extruded polymer mesh used as protective barriers in agricultural and horticultural applications |
| Products Covered | • Fencing nets manufactured using extruded polymer mesh for farm boundaries, crop protection zones, animal exclusion, and orchard demarcation |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt |
| Industries Impacted |
• Agriculture – Crop area demarcation, livestock exclusion • Horticulture – Perimeter fencing for orchards, nurseries, and plantations |
| Mandatory Compliance |
• Must conform to IS 17358 (Part 1):2020 • BIS certification under Scheme-I • Mandatory ISI marking on fencing net rolls or their packaging |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
• Apply for BIS certification • Test products through BIS-recognized labs • Ensure ISI mark and labeling compliance before 1 July 2024 |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
• Governed under BIS Act, 2016 • BIS is empowered to inspect, verify compliance, and enforce penalties |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Seizure of non-compliant products, cancellation of license, fines, and legal action under the BIS Act |
| Conclusion | Fencing nets made of extruded polymer mesh must be BIS-certified under IS 17358 (Part 1):2020 from 1 July 2024. Stakeholders must act promptly to ensure compliance. |
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Notification
Harvest Nets have been covered under mandatory BIS certification through the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Textiles via Notification S.O. 4248(E) dated 27 September 2023. The enforcement of this requirement has been deferred to 1 July 2024 as per Amendment Notification S.O. 1579(E) dated 28 March 2024.
Overview
Harvest nets are protective textile accessories used in agricultural and horticultural harvesting operations to reduce damage to fruits and produce during mechanical or manual collection. These nets act as collection aids placed below fruit-bearing trees or plants to catch falling produce, minimizing bruising and improving harvest efficiency. IS 17357:2020 establishes the quality and performance benchmarks for these nets to ensure durability, flexibility, and safe handling.
Objective & Scope
The main objective of IS 17357:2020 is to provide standardized specifications for harvest nets made from synthetic fibers. The scope includes material characteristics, tensile strength, tear resistance, dimensional requirements, UV resistance, and environmental safety. The standard ensures that the nets can be reused, easily installed, and effectively protect produce from physical impact during harvest.
Products Covered
This standard covers harvest nets made of synthetic textile material, primarily designed to assist in harvesting fruits such as mangoes, apples, coconuts, and other tree-borne produce. These nets are laid on the ground or suspended below branches to collect the falling fruits safely.
Exemptions Provided
Harvest nets manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification under the Quality Control Order.
Industries Impacted
- Agriculture – Particularly fruit harvesting in orchards for crops like mango, litchi, apple, and citrus.
- Horticulture – Used in high-value produce farms for efficient and safe collection during harvest.
- Agri-Processing Supply Chain – Reduces pre-processing damage and improves grading outcomes.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All harvest nets sold, distributed, or imported into India must comply with IS 17357:2020. Certification is mandatory under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. All products must carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on the net or its packaging. From 1 July 2024, no uncertified harvest net may be legally marketed in India.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must:
- Apply for BIS certification for IS 17357:2020.
- Get the product tested at BIS-designated laboratories.
- Ensure ISI marking and labeling are in place before introducing the product into the market.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
This compliance requirement is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS holds authority to inspect manufacturing premises, verify conformity, and take legal action. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, seizure of products, cancellation of license, and legal prosecution.
Conclusion
From 1 July 2024, it is mandatory for all harvest nets used in agricultural and horticultural operations to conform to IS 17357:2020 and be BIS-certified. This ensures standardized quality, safety, and utility for harvest operations. Early certification and compliance will be key to uninterrupted market participation.
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.