On September 27, 2023, the Ministry of Textiles, in exercise of its powers under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, introduced the “Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” This order is a significant step towards ensuring the quality and standards of various textile products used in agriculture and horticulture. In this article, we delve into the key provisions and implications of this order.
Short Title and Commencement: Officially known as the “Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” It comes into force on April 1, 2024, giving stakeholders time to prepare for compliance.
Application: This order applies to specific goods or articles listed in the schedule attached to the order. Notably, the order does not apply to goods or articles meant for export, focusing primarily on products intended for the domestic market.
Compulsory Use of Standard Mark: The goods or articles specified in the schedule must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in the schedule. To demonstrate conformity, these products must bear the Standard Mark, and manufacturers are required to obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This compliance process aligns with Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Certifying and Enforcement Authority: The certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the schedule is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS plays a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to quality standards in the production of agro textiles.
Penalty for Contravention: The order enforces penalties for contravention. Individuals or entities found violating its provisions will face punishment in accordance with the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
The Comprehensive Schedule: The schedule attached to the order lists various agro textiles and their corresponding Indian Standard titles. These textiles cover a wide range of applications, including crop covers, insect nets, jute mats, and flexible water storage tanks, highlighting the diversity of textile products used in agriculture and horticulture.
Application of Latest Standards: The order specifies that the latest version of Indian Standards, along with any amendments notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, shall apply for compliance purposes.
Conclusion: The Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, introduced by the Ministry of Textiles, serves as a critical measure to uphold the quality and conformity of textile products used in agriculture and horticulture. By enforcing the compulsory use of Standard Marks and designating BIS as the certifying authority, this order aims to elevate the standards of agro textiles. Manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the agro textile industry must comply with the provisions of this order to avoid penalties and contribute to a quality-driven agricultural sector. This initiative not only ensures the safety and reliability of agro textiles but also supports the growth of India’s agriculture and horticulture sectors.
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MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
Order
New Delhi, the 27th September, 2023
S.O. 4248(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 16 read with section 17 and sub-section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest and after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, hereby makes the following Order, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement. – (1) This Order may be called the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023.
(2) This order shall come into force on 1st April, 2024.
2. Application.– This Order shall apply to goods or article specified in column (2) of the Schedule annexed to this Order, but shall not apply to such goods or article meant for export.
3. Compulsory use of Standard Mark. – The goods or article specified in column (2) of the said Schedule shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in column (3) thereof and shall bear the Standard Mark under a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
4. Certifying and enforcement authority. – The Bureau of Indian Standards shall be the certifying and enforcing authority in respect of the goods or article specified in column (2) of the said Schedule.
5. Penalty for contravention. – Any person, who contravenes the provisions of this Order, shall be punishable in accordance with the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016).
SCHEDULE
| Sl. No. | Goods or article | Indian Standard (IS) | Title of Indian Standard |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| 1 | Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags |
IS 16718 : 2021 | Textiles— Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non—Woven Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags for Agriculture and Horticulture Applications—Specification |
| 2 | Insect nets | IS 16513 : 2016 | Agro Textiles— Insect nets for Agriculture and Horticulture purpose— Specification |
| 3 | Woven Ground covers for Horticulture | IS 16202 : 2014 | Agro Textiles— Woven Ground covers for Horticulture Application— Specification |
| 4 | Jute Mat | IS 17070 : 2019 | Jute Agro textiles for Growth of Plants and Suppression of Weeds Specification |
| 5 | Vermiculture beds | IS 15907 : 2010 | Agro Textiles— High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) woven beds for vermiculture— Specification |
| 6 | Sapling bags | IS 16089 : 2013 | Jute Agro—textiles — Sapling bags for growth of seedling /sapling— Specification |
| 7 | HDPE Laminated Woven Flat lay tube for irrigation | IS 16190 : 2014 | Agro Textiles — High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) laminated woven lay flat tube for irrigation purpose— Specification |
| 8 | Nylon Knitted seamless gloves | IS 16390 : 2015 | Agro Textiles— Nylon Knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters— Specification |
| 9 | HDPE Laminated Woven Flat lay tube for drip irrigation | IS 16627 : 2017 | Agro Textiles – High density polyethylene (HDPE) laminated woven lay flat tube for use in mains and submains of drip irrigation system— specification |
| 10 | Non – Woven mulch mat | IS 17355 : 2020 | Agro Textiles — Propylene Spun bonded non—woven mulch mat for agriculture and horticulture applications— specification |
| 11 | Windshield nets | IS 17356 : 2020 | Agro Textiles— Windshield nets for agriculture and horticulture purpose— specification |
| 12 | Harvest nets | IS 17357 : 2020 | Agro Textiles— Harvest nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes — specification |
| 13 | Fencing nets (extruded polymer) | IS 17358 (Part 1) : 2020 | Agro textiles — Fencing nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes — Specification Part 1 Fencing nets made from extruded polymer mesh |
| 14 | Fencing nets (mono filament and tape yarn) | IS 17358 (Part 2) : 2020 | Agro textiles — Fencing nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes — Specification Part 2 Fencing nets made from mono filament yarns and combination of tape and mono filament yarns |
| 15 | Plant Support Nets | IS 17513 : 2020 | Agro Textiles — Plant Support Nets for Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes — Specification |
| 16 | Flat Lay Tube for rain irrigation system | IS 17728 : 2021 | Agro Textiles — High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Lay Flat Tube and Fittings for use in Rain Irrigation System — Specification |
| 17 | Flexible Water Storage Tank | IS 17729 : 2021 | Agro—Textiles Flexible Water Storage Tank for Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes Specification |
| 18 | Hail Protection Nets (Knitted) |
IS 17730 (Part 1) : 2021 | Agro—Textiles – Hail Protection Nets for Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes Specification Part 1 Warp Knitted Hail Protection Nets |
| 19 | Hail Protection Nets (woven) |
IS 17730 (Part 2) : 2021 | Agro—Textiles – Hail Protection Nets for Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes Specification Part 2 Woven Hail Protection Nets |
| 20 | Orchard Protection Covers | IS 17731 : 2021 | Agro—Textiles – Laminated Woven Orchard Protection Covers – Specification |
[F.No.. 6/1/2021-R&D (Pt.5)]
RAJEEV SAXENA, Jt. Secy.
