Geo Textiles
Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags
Strategic Recommendations for Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification under IS 16653:2017 before the 1 Jan 2024 enforcement date. Use BIS-approved labs for product testing. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team to ensure smooth certification, documentation, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support for BIS licensing, lab coordination, and QCO compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for updates on Geo Textiles (QCO), 2022, amendments, enforcement orders, and BIS circulars. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review current geobag specifications for IS 16653:2017 compliance. Upgrade non-conforming SKUs before the enforcement date.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags |
| IS Standard | IS 16653:2017 |
| Title of IS | Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags — Specification (First Revision |
| 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 Ministry of Textiles Order dated 6 October 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 January 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure performance and durability of geobags used in erosion control and riverbank protection |
| Products Covered | Non-woven, needle-punched geotextile bags designed for hydraulic applications like riverbank and shoreline protection |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking. |
| Industries Impacted | River Engineering, Flood Control, Coastal Protection, Infrastructure |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification under Scheme–I of BIS Regulations; ISI mark required |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, test product in BIS-accredited labs, affix ISI mark before market entry |
| 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 | BIS certification ensures standard-compliant, reliable geobags for national hydraulic projects |
| 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
Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags were made mandatory under the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 by the Ministry of Textiles. The QCO was officially notified through S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023, and amended via S.O. 2331(E) dated 24 May 2023. The Ministry of Textiles later fixed 1 January 2024 as the final enforcement date through its Order dated 6 October 2023.
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
These geobags are made from non-woven, needle-punched synthetic fabrics and are widely used in hydraulic and civil engineering applications. Their high tensile strength, filtration capacity, and UV resistance make them ideal for flood protection, erosion control, and embankment reinforcement.
Objective & Scope
IS 16653:2017 provides the performance criteria and specifications for geobags used in riverbank, shoreline, and coastal protection. The standard covers essential parameters like tensile strength, puncture resistance, permeability, seam strength, and UV durability to ensure reliable field performance.
Products Covered
The specification applies to:
- Needle-punched non-woven geobags used in hydraulic structures
- Bags filled with sand/soil for slope stability
- Geo-containment systems for erosion and flood control
Exemptions Provided
As per the Geo Textiles QCO, products that are meant exclusively for export are exempted from the BIS certification and marking requirements.
Industries Impacted
- River & Flood Control – River training works and flood embankment protection
- Coastal Engineering – Shoreline stabilization, sea wall protection
- Infrastructure Projects – Dam reinforcements, canal bank support
- Disaster Management – Emergency flood mitigation and temporary levees
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All non-woven geobags must:
- Conform to IS 16653:2017
- Be certified under Scheme–I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
- Bear the ISI mark prior to sale, import, or distribution within India
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Submit BIS application for certification
- Conduct testing via BIS-approved laboratories
- Affix ISI mark before any commercial activity
- Prepare for audits and surveillance by BIS
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
From 1 January 2024, all needle punched non-woven geobags sold in India must conform to IS 16653:2017 and be BIS-certified. These high-performance geotextile products are critical to India’s flood management, riverbank stabilization, and coastal protection strategies. Stakeholders should complete certification and marking well before the deadline to ensure legal compliance and project continuity.
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.