We are writing to you with an important update regarding mandatory certification requirements applicable to imports of agro textiles into India.
Background
The Government of India has on March 28, 2024, extended the date of enforcement of the existing Quality Control Order for certain Agro Textiles. Producers of this product will now have additional time to obtain BIS certification for their products. The relevant order is available here.
Products concerned
The date of entry into force of the existing Quality Control Order for the following products has been extended:
Product
Date of Entry into Force
Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non—Woven Crop Cover and Fruit Skirting Bags for Agriculture and Horticulture Applications
July 1, 2024
Insect nets for Agriculture and Horticulture purpose
July 1, 2024
Woven Ground covers for Horticulture Application
July 1, 2024
Jute Agro textiles for Growth of Plants and Suppression of Weeds
July 1, 2024
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) woven beds for vermiculture
July 1, 2024
Sapling bags for growth of seedling /sapling
July 1, 2024
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) laminated woven lay flat tube for irrigation purpose
July 1, 2024
Nylon Knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters
July 1, 2024
High density polyethylene (HDPE) laminated woven lay flat tube for use in mains and submains of drip irrigation system
July 1, 2024
Propylene Spun bonded non—woven mulch mat for agriculture and horticulture applications
July 1, 2024
Windshield nets for agriculture and horticulture purpose
July 1, 2024
Harvest nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes
July 1, 2024
Fencing nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes – made from extruded polymer mesh
As per the notifications, producers of these products will now have additional time to secure BIS certification before these Orders come into force. Once these Orders come into force, both domestic and foreign manufacturers of these products will only be able to export/sell in India with a valid BIS license in place.
To obtain such license, both foreign producers and domestic manufacturers of these products would need to submit an application to the BIS seeking certification. Furthermore, the process of certification will also require physical testing and inspection of the relevant products at the factory premises as well as parallel testing by a BIS authorised laboratory in India to verify the same. BIS certification is a time-consuming process and therefore it is recommended that interested producers make applications for certification at the earliest in cases wherein Quality Control Orders have been issued and are pending enforcement.
For any queries or comments on this update, please feel free to contact us at insights@elp-in.com and for further details on BIS certification please contact tradewatch@elp-in.com
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion or advice. This document is not intended to address the circumstances of any individual or corporate body. Readers should not act on the information provided herein without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the facts and circumstances of a situation. There can be no assurance that the judicial/quasi-judicial authorities may not take a position contrary to the views mentioned herein.
