Geosynthetics now go into almost every major Indian infrastructure project, from expressway sub-grades to canal linings and landfill caps. The Ministry of Textiles notified the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 (S.O. 1706(E), dated 10 April 2023) and the Geotextiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (S.O. 4332(E), dated 3 October 2024). Together they make the ISI mark compulsory for 20 geosynthetic products. This guide organises them by polymer or fibre, which is usually how a manufacturer's production lines are set up.
🎯 HDPE-based products
| Product | IS Standard |
|---|---|
| HDPE geomembranes for lining | IS 16352:2020 |
| Laminated HDPE woven geomembrane for waterproof lining | IS 15351:2015 |
| Reinforced HDPE membrane for effluent and chemical-resistant lining | IS 17374:2020 |
| Geocells (Parts 1 & 2) | IS 17483:2020 |
📄 PP, polyester and other synthetic products
| Product | IS Standard |
|---|---|
| Needle-punched non-woven geobags | IS 16653:2017 |
| Polypropylene multifilament woven geobags | IS 16654:2017 |
| Geotextiles for sub-grade separation in pavements | IS 16391:2015 |
| Geotextiles for sub-grade stabilisation in pavements | IS 16362:2020 |
| Geotextiles for subsurface drainage | IS 16393:2015 |
| Geotextiles for permanent erosion control in hard armour systems | IS 16392:2015 |
| Geotextiles used as protection (cushioning) materials | IS 16090:2013 |
| Geogrids for flexible pavements | IS 17371:2020 |
| Geogrids for reinforced soil retaining structures | IS 17373:2020 |
| Polymeric strip (geostrip) for soil reinforcement | IS 17372:2020 |
| Synthetic polymer rope gabions for coastal and waterway protection | IS 17880:2022 |
📜 PVC and natural-fibre products
| Product | IS Standard |
|---|---|
| PVC geomembranes | IS 15909:2020 |
| Jute geotextiles (Parts 1 & 2) | IS 14715:2016 |
| Open weave coir bhoovastra | IS 15869:2020 |
🛡 Properties BIS will verify
Geosynthetic standards define performance values that samples must meet. Depending on the product and its grade, these typically include:
- Mass per unit area and thickness
- Wide-width tensile strength and elongation
- Puncture (CBR) and trapezoidal tear resistance
- Apparent opening size and permittivity or water flow
- Seam strength for geobags and gabions
- Oxidative induction time, carbon black content and UV resistance for HDPE membranes
- Junction strength for geogrids and cell-seam strength for geocells
Tip: Project tenders often specify values above the IS minimum. The BIS licence proves conformity to the Indian Standard. Contract-specific values still need your own quality plan and test certificates.
⏱ Licensing steps
- Map lines to standardsGroup grades, GSM and roll widths under the correct IS standard.
- Equip the labSet up routine tests per the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, with calibrated equipment.
- ApplyManak Online for Indian plants. FMCS with an AIR for overseas plants.
- Inspection and samplingBIS audit of the extrusion, weaving or needle-punching lines and the QC lab.
- Independent testingSamples tested in a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory.
- Licence grantISI mark and CM/L number applied to rolls and packaging.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which ministry issued the Geotextiles QCO?
The Ministry of Textiles issued both the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 and the Geotextiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
Do geocells need BIS certification?
Yes. Geocells are covered by IS 17483 (Parts 1 and 2) under the Geotextiles QCO.
Is a project-specific test report a substitute for the ISI mark?
No. For notified geosynthetics, the manufacturer must hold a BIS licence. Project test reports are additional to it, not a replacement.
Geotextiles BIS ISI Certification, Handled End to End
Global Approbation manages the complete BIS ISI (Scheme-I) licensing process for geotextiles 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