Agro Textiles
Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags (IS 16718:2021)
Strategic Recommendations for Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags
✅ Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and begin product testing under IS 16718:2021 well before the 1 July 2024 enforcement deadline. Use only BIS-recognized laboratories for testing.
🤝 Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult QCO/BIS specialists – ERA Compliance Team – to streamline certification, documentation, packaging, and ISI mark compliance for agro-textiles.
📞 Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for application filing, lab testing coordination, and QCO readiness for crop protection fabrics.
📢 Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA NEWSLETTER to stay updated with notifications, including amendments like S.O. 1579(E) which extended enforcement to 1 July 2024. Monitor updates from BIS and Ministry of Textiles regularly.
🔍 Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-compliant SKUs. Review product fabric specs, labels, and packaging to ensure alignment with IS 16718:2021 and Scheme-I marking requirements.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags |
| IS Standard | IS 16718:2021 |
| Title of IS | Textiles—Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non-Woven Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags for Agriculture and Horticulture Applications—Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 |
| Notification & Amendments |
• Notified via S.O. 4248(E), dated 27 September 2023 • Amended by S.O. 1579(E), dated 28 March 2024 (extension of enforcement date) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 July 2024 (amended from earlier 1 April 2024) |
| Objective & Scope | Ensures BIS-certified quality for crop protection textile products to enhance durability, UV resistance, and productivity in agriculture and horticulture applications |
| Products Covered |
• Polypropylene non-woven crop covers used for row covering, mulching, and frost protection • Individual fruit skirting bags used to protect fruits from pests, sun, and dust |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from QCO compliance |
| Industries Impacted |
• Agriculture & Farming – For crop protection from heat, wind, and pests • Horticulture & Orchards – Used for wrapping fruits like mangoes, apples, pomegranates |
| Mandatory Compliance |
• Product must conform to IS 16718:2021 • BIS license required under Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 • BIS Standard Mark (ISI) mandatory on all units sold |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
• Apply for BIS certification before 1 July 2024 • Complete testing in BIS-recognized labs • Ensure labeling and packaging includes the ISI mark |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
• Governed by BIS Act, 2016 • BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority • BIS can inspect premises, suspend/cancel licenses, and seize non-compliant goods |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance |
• Fines as per BIS Act, 2016 • Legal prosecution for unauthorized sale or distribution • Seizure of stock and cancellation of license |
| Conclusion | From 1 July 2024, only BIS-certified crop cover and fruit skirting bags conforming to IS 16718:2021 can be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India |
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Notification
The Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags are covered under the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, notified by the Ministry of Textiles via S.O. 4248(E) dated 27th September 2023. The enforcement date was subsequently amended through S.O. 1579(E) dated 28th March 2024, which extended the effective implementation deadline from 1st April 2024 to 1st July 2024. This Order has been issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and mandates compulsory BIS certification for this product.
Overview
This QCO introduces mandatory quality control for 20 agro-textile products, including crop covers and fruit skirting bags, to regulate quality, promote durability, and ensure safety in agricultural and horticultural use. All covered products must be BIS-certified before being sold or distributed in the Indian market.
Objective & Scope
The Quality Control Order aims to ensure the production and sale of high-quality crop covers and fruit skirting bags by mandating conformity to the relevant Indian Standard. The scope covers spun bonded non-woven polypropylene-based fabrics used in agriculture and horticulture for protecting plants and fruits from environmental factors, pests, and physical damage. The Order applies to both domestic manufacturers and importers offering these products in the Indian market.
Products Covered
All the Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags made from polypropylene spun bonded non-woven fabric, used for agricultural and horticultural applications are covered under this qco. These products help improve microclimatic conditions around crops, reduce pest infestation, and provide UV and physical protection to fruits and plants.
Exemptions Provided
The Order does not apply to goods that are manufactured exclusively for export purposes. Such items are fully exempt from BIS certification under this QCO.
Industries Impacted
- Agriculture & Farming – Used for mulching, row covering, and frost protection across vegetable and grain fields.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- The product must strictly conform to IS 16718:2021.
- Every unit must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Testing must be carried out in BIS-recognized laboratories prior to grant of license.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers and importers must apply for BIS certification well before the 1st July 2024 deadline.
- Product testing should be initiated with BIS-accredited labs as per IS 16718:2021.
- Packaging, labeling, and marking must be updated to reflect the ISI mark and license number before sale or distribution in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforceable under the BIS Act, 2016, and non-compliance is punishable under Section 29 of the Act. BIS is the designated certifying and enforcing authority. It has the legal power to:
- Inspect manufacturing/import premises,
- Seize non-conforming goods,
- Suspend or cancel licenses,
- Prosecute violators, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.
Conclusion
From 1 July 2024, it will be mandatory for all crop covers and fruit skirting bags sold in India to comply with IS 16718:2021 and bear the BIS Standard Mark. Early engagement with BIS and accredited labs is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted market access. Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must act promptly to align with the QCO requirements.
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.