Woven Sacks
Textiles – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) /Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 kg Foodgrains
Strategic Recommendations for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks packaging of 10, 20, 25, 30 kg foodgrains
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply promptly for BIS certification under IS 16208:2015. The enforcement date was 27 October 2020. Use only BIS-recognized labs for testing. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult ERA Compliance team to streamline certification, testing, documentation, and ISI mark compliance for woven sacks. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance available for application filing, lab testing, and QCO compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Stay updated on the Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (QCO) 2020 notification S.O. 1403(E) dated 23 April 2020, and related amendments.
Do a Gap Assessment
Identify and rectify gaps in manufacturing and supply chain compliance with IS 16208:2015. Ensure all sacks carry the ISI mark before sale or distribution.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Packaging of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg Foodgrains. |
| IS Standard | IS 16208:2015 |
| Title of IS | Specification for Textiles – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for packaging of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg foodgrains. |
| Quality Control Order | Textiles-High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene woven sacks for packaging or filling (quality control) Order, 2020. |
| Notification & Amendments | • Original Notification: S.O. 1403(E), dated 23 April 2020 • Official Gazette Publication Date: 30 April 2020. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 180 days from date of publication (30 April 2020), Effective from approx. 27 October 2020. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure BIS-certified HDPE/PP woven sacks used for smaller foodgrain packaging meet performance, strength, and safety standards in storage, transportation, and handling processes. |
| Products Covered | HDPE/PP woven sacks meant for packaging of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg of foodgrains (e.g., rice, wheat, pulses), as per IS 16208:2015. |
| Exemptions | • Products manufactured exclusively for export. |
| Industries Impacted | • Foodgrain packaging and distribution • Agricultural marketing and warehousing • Public Distribution System (PDS) • Food logistics and e-commerce packaging suppliers. |
| Mandatory Compliance | • BIS certification under IS 16208:2015 is mandatory • ISI mark must be affixed on each sack • Certification as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | • Apply for BIS certification for IS 16208 • Conduct product testing and quality checks • Begin ISI marking before sale, stock, or distribution • Stop production/import of uncertified sacks post 27 October 2020. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | • Enforced under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016 • BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines for minor violations – Seizure of uncertified goods – Cancellation of BIS licence – Imprisonment for major violations, (upto 2 years). |
| Conclusion | From 27 October 2020, it is mandatory that all HDPE/PP woven sacks used for packaging 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg of foodgrains conform to IS 16208:2015 and bear the ISI mark. Non-compliance will lead to penalties under the BIS Act. |
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Notification
The product “Textiles – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for packaging of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg foodgrains – Specification (IS 16208:2015)” is regulated under the Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The Order was notified via S.O. 1403(E) dated 23 April 2020 and published in the Official Gazette on 30 April 2020. The provisions of the QCO became effective 180 days later, i.e., from 27 October 2020.
Overview
This BIS mandate ensures that all HDPE/PP woven sacks used for packaging foodgrains in quantities between 10 kg and 30 kg meet consistent safety, performance, and durability benchmarks. The order aims to standardize packaging materials used in public and private food distribution chains, especially in sectors like agriculture, warehousing, and government-supported schemes.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective of the Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (Quality Control) Order, 2020 is to improve the reliability, strength, and environmental performance of smaller-capacity woven sacks used for bulk foodgrain packaging. The applicable standard IS 16208:2015 prescribes detailed technical specifications including physical strength, seam integrity, resistance to moisture, and sack construction quality. The Order covers sacks manufactured using HDPE or PP for packaging quantities of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg.
Products Covered
The product range under IS 16208:2015 includes:
- HDPE/PP woven sacks designed for packaging foodgrains (e.g., wheat, rice, pulses) in the weight range of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg.
- These sacks are essential for public distribution systems (PDS), agricultural packaging, and e-commerce food delivery logistics.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the mandatory BIS certification requirement under this standard.
Industries Impacted
This BIS certification requirement significantly affects:
- HDPE/PP sack manufacturers and converters.
- Foodgrain packagers and processors.
- Warehousing and logistics operators.
- Government procurement bodies under food security schemes.
- Retail, wholesale, and e-commerce companies handling bulk grain packaging.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Under the Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (Quality Control) Order, 2020, the following are mandatory:
- BIS certification under IS 16208:2015 is required for manufacturers and importers.
- Each sack must be ISI-marked before sale, distribution, or storage.
- Certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Post 27 October 2020, no non-certified sacks can be legally manufactured or traded within India.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
All relevant stakeholders must:
- Immediately apply for BIS certification for IS 16208:2015.
- Ensure products are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Update production processes to incorporate ISI marking.
- Cease sale or distribution of non-compliant sacks.
- Maintain traceability and batch testing records as per BIS norms.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (Quality Control) Order, 2020 is legally enforced under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016:
- Section 16 empowers the government to issue QCOs.
- Section 29 specifies penalties for non-compliance.
BIS is the designated certifying and enforcement authority. Violations may result in:
- Seizure of uncertified sacks.
- Cancellation of BIS licence.
- Monetary fines, and in repeated or serious cases,
- Imprisonment up to 2 years.
The BIS and designated enforcement officers are also empowered to conduct inspections, sample testing, and prosecutions under the CrPC.
Conclusion
From 27 October 2020, it is compulsory for all HDPE/PP woven sacks used for packaging 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30 kg foodgrains to comply with IS 16208:2015 and bear the ISI mark. This requirement is governed by the Textiles – HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (Quality Control) Order, 2020, and ensures packaging quality, consistency, and safety in grain supply chains. Non-compliance invites strict legal and financial consequences under the BIS Act, 2016.
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.