Protected cultivation, drip and lay-flat irrigation, and orchard protection have spread quickly across Indian agriculture, and so has the market for cheap, short-lived netting and covers. The Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 4248(E), 27 September 2023), amended by S.O. 1579(E) on 28 March 2024, responds by requiring the ISI mark on 20 agro textile products.
🎯 Products covered, by material
| Material | Product | IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE (woven, knitted, laminated) | Insect nets for agriculture and horticulture | IS 16513:2016 |
| Windshield nets | IS 17356:2020 | |
| Hail protection nets: warp knitted / woven | IS 17730 (Parts 1 & 2):2021 | |
| Fencing nets: extruded / monofilament | IS 17358 (Parts 1 & 2):2020 | |
| Harvest nets | IS 17357:2020 | |
| Plant support nets | IS 17513:2020 | |
| HDPE woven beds for vermiculture | IS 15907:2010 | |
| HDPE laminated woven lay-flat tubes: irrigation / mains / with fittings | IS 16190:2014 / IS 16627:2017 / IS 17728:2021 | |
| Laminated woven orchard protection covers | IS 17731:2021 | |
| Polypropylene (spun-bonded, woven) | Spun-bonded non-woven crop covers and fruit skirting bags | IS 16718:2021 |
| Spun-bonded non-woven mulch mat | IS 17355:2020 | |
| Woven ground covers for horticulture | IS 16202:2014 | |
| Other synthetics | Sapling bags | IS 16089:2013 |
| Flexible water storage tank | IS 17729:2021 | |
| Nylon | Knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters | IS 16390:2015 |
| Jute | Jute agro textiles for plant growth and weed suppression | IS 17070:2019 |
📄 What the standards check
Agro textile standards are written around field performance. Typical parameters include mesh or opening size, mass per unit area, breaking strength and elongation, dimensional tolerances and, for outdoor products, UV stabilisation and retained strength after exposure. Lay-flat tubes and water tanks add pressure or leak tests. The licensed factory must run the routine tests every lot as set out in the Scheme of Inspection and Testing.
📋 Responsibilities across the supply chain
| Role | What the QCO means for you |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer (India) | Hold a BIS licence for each relevant standard and ISI-mark every roll or pack |
| Overseas manufacturer | Obtain a licence under FMCS with an Authorised Indian Representative before exporting |
| Importer | Import only from FMCS-licensed factories. Non-compliant goods are not cleared |
| Distributor / dealer | Stock and sell only ISI-marked product, and keep supplier licence copies on file |
| Government scheme buyer | Expect licence copies at the vendor-registration and tender stage |
⏱ How to get licensed
- Classify SKUsLink each net, mat or tube variant to its IS standard and type.
- Set up testingInstall calibrated equipment for routine tests and train QC staff.
- Submit applicationManak Online for Indian units. FMCS for overseas units.
- BIS inspectionFactory audit and sample drawal.
- Lab testingIndependent verification at a BIS or recognised lab.
- Grant and markingLicence issued. ISI mark and CM/L number go on the product and packaging.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are shade nets covered by the Agro Textiles QCO?
The order lists specific products by Indian Standard, including insect, windshield, hail, fencing, harvest and plant-support nets. Check your shade-net design against the notified standards and the latest amendment.
Do lay-flat irrigation pipes need the ISI mark?
Yes. HDPE laminated woven lay-flat tubes are covered under IS 16190, IS 16627 and IS 17728.
Can a distributor sell uncertified agro nets bought before the QCO?
Once the QCO applies, notified products without the ISI mark cannot be sold or stored for sale. Check the order and its amendments for any transition provisions.
Agro Textiles BIS ISI Certification, Handled End to End
Global Approbation manages the complete BIS ISI (Scheme-I) licensing process for agro textiles manufacturers and importers: IS standard mapping, documentation, FMCS and AIR support, factory inspection and testing coordination.
Talk to Our BIS Team BIS ISI Certification Services