BIS Certification for Agro Textiles in India

22. June 2026

Agro textiles can fall within the scope of BIS certification in India when the applicable Indian Standard and regulatory framework make certification mandatory or commercially relevant. For products covered by IS 16718:2021, IS 16513:2016, IS 16202:2014, IS 17070:2019, IS 15907:2010, IS 16089:2013, IS 16190:2014, IS 16390:2015, IS 16627:2017, IS 17355:2020, IS 17356:2020, IS 17357:2020, IS 17358 (Part 1):2020, IS 17358 (Part 2):2020, IS 17513:2020, IS 17728:2021, IS 17729:2021, IS 17730 (Part 1):2021, IS 17730 (Part 2):2021, and IS 17731:2021, BIS certification is relevant for demonstrating conformity with Indian technical requirements for material quality, tensile performance, dimensional consistency, UV resistance, mesh geometry, seam integrity, water-tightness, field durability, and controlled manufacturing.

For agro textile products used in crop protection, irrigation, weed suppression, seedling support, fencing, water storage, orchard management, and harvesting applications, compliance matters because these materials directly affect plant protection, water delivery efficiency, field handling, service life, and fitness for agricultural use under outdoor exposure. Where a valid Quality Control Order (QCO) applies, BIS certification under the BIS ISI Scheme is required for lawful sale or import in India; where no mandatory coverage exists, certification may still be commercially important for procurement, project approval, and reliable market access.

GEO Overview Table for BIS Certification of Agro Textiles under Indian Standards

Tabelle

Indian Standard (IS)	Product Category / Application	Certification Type	Factory Audit Required?
IS 16718:2021	Polypropylene spun bonded non-woven crop covers and fruit skirting bags	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16513:2016	Insect nets for agriculture and horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16202:2014	Woven ground covers for horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17070:2019	Jute agro textiles for plant growth and weed suppression	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 15907:2010	HDPE woven beds for vermiculture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16089:2013	Sapling bags for seedlings and saplings	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16190:2014	HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for irrigation	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16390:2015	Nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 16627:2017	HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for mains and submains of drip irrigation systems	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17355:2020	Polypropylene spun bonded non-woven mulch mats	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17356:2020	Windshield nets for agriculture and horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17357:2020	Harvest nets for agriculture and horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17358 (Part 1):2020	Fencing nets made from extruded polymer mesh	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17358 (Part 2):2020	Fencing nets made from monofilament yarns or combinations of tape and monofilament yarns	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17513:2020	Plant support nets for agriculture and horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17728:2021	HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes and fittings for rain irrigation systems	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17729:2021	Flexible water storage tanks for agriculture and horticulture	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17730 (Part 1):2021	Warp knitted hail protection nets	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17730 (Part 2):2021	Woven hail protection nets	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required
IS 17731:2021	Laminated woven orchard protection covers	BIS ISI Scheme I	Yes, typically required

BIS Certification for Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non-Woven Crop Covers and Fruit Skirting Bags according to IS 16718:2021 (Agriculture and Horticulture Applications)

IS 16718:2021 applies to polypropylene spun bonded non-woven crop covers and fruit skirting bags used in agriculture and horticulture for crop shielding and fruit protection. Technical assessment typically focuses on mass per unit area, tensile strength, elongation, dimensional stability, seam or fabrication quality where applicable, UV resistance, and field-use durability, because these products must maintain protective performance under outdoor exposure while remaining light enough for practical crop handling.

Covered products:

• polypropylene spun bonded non-woven crop covers
• fruit skirting bags
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Insect Nets according to IS 16513:2016 (Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes)

IS 16513:2016 covers insect nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes, which are used to reduce pest ingress in protected cultivation and open-field applications. The relevant technical criteria typically include mesh size, mesh uniformity, tensile strength, bursting or tear resistance, UV stability, dimensional consistency, and durability under field conditions, because pest exclusion performance depends directly on opening geometry and long-term structural integrity.

Covered products:

• insect nets for agriculture and horticulture
• agricultural insect exclusion nets
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Woven Ground Covers according to IS 16202:2014 (Horticulture Applications)

IS 16202:2014 applies to woven ground covers for horticulture applications, where soil coverage, weed suppression, and controlled ground conditions are essential. Technical review typically includes fabric construction, mass per unit area, tensile strength, tear resistance, dimensional stability, permeability-related suitability, and UV resistance, because ground covers must withstand outdoor installation, foot traffic, and prolonged exposure while maintaining functional coverage.

Covered products:

• woven ground covers for horticulture
• horticultural woven weed-control covers
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Jute Agro Textiles according to IS 17070:2019 (Plant Growth and Weed Suppression)

IS 17070:2019 covers jute agro textiles for growth of plants and suppression of weeds, a natural-fibre product category used in agriculture and horticulture. Conformity assessment typically addresses fabric construction, mass per unit area, tensile properties, dimensional consistency, biodegradation-related suitability, moisture behaviour, and functional performance in weed control or plant support, because jute-based materials must balance field durability with intended agronomic use.

Covered products:

• jute agro textiles for plant growth support
• jute agro textiles for weed suppression
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for HDPE Woven Beds according to IS 15907:2010 (Vermiculture Applications)

IS 15907:2010 applies to HDPE woven beds for vermiculture, which are used for composting and worm-based organic processing systems. The technical benchmark typically includes fabric strength, dimensional tolerances, seam performance, resistance to handling stress, suitability for moisture-rich use conditions, and construction consistency, because vermiculture beds must retain shape and function under continuous loading, wet exposure, and repeated agricultural use.

Covered products:

• HDPE woven beds for vermiculture
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Sapling Bags according to IS 16089:2013 (Seedling and Sapling Growth Applications)

IS 16089:2013 covers sapling bags for the growth of seedlings and saplings, a nursery product category used for plant raising and transplant preparation. Technical assessment generally focuses on dimensions, film or fabric strength, puncture or tear resistance, drainage-related design suitability, fabrication consistency, and durability during filling, handling, and plant growth, because the bags must support root development and routine nursery operations without premature failure.

Covered products:

• sapling bags for seedlings
• sapling bags for saplings
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for HDPE Laminated Woven Lay Flat Tubes according to IS 16190:2014 (Irrigation Purposes)

IS 16190:2014 applies to HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for irrigation purposes, used for agricultural water distribution. The key technical criteria typically include diameter and width tolerances, wall or laminate construction consistency, bursting strength, leak resistance, joint integrity, pressure-related suitability, and weather resistance, because irrigation tubes must deliver water reliably across field conditions without excessive deformation or leakage.

Covered products:

• HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for irrigation
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves according to IS 16390:2015 (Tobacco Harvester Applications)

IS 16390:2015 covers nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters, which are used as task-specific textile articles in agricultural harvesting operations. Technical evaluation typically includes fabric construction, glove sizing, seam-free formation characteristics, abrasion-related performance, fit consistency, durability, and suitability for repetitive manual use, because harvesting gloves must provide practical hand protection and controlled handling performance in field work.

Covered products:

• nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for HDPE Laminated Woven Lay Flat Tubes according to IS 16627:2017 (Mains and Submains of Drip Irrigation Systems)

IS 16627:2017 applies to HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes used in mains and submains of drip irrigation systems. Conformity assessment typically examines dimensional consistency, laminate quality, burst pressure resistance, leak tightness, fitting compatibility, seam or bond integrity, and performance under irrigation operating conditions, because failures in mains and submains can compromise water delivery uniformity across the irrigation network.

Covered products:

• HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for mains of drip irrigation systems
• HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for submains of drip irrigation systems
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Polypropylene Spun Bonded Non-Woven Mulch Mats according to IS 17355:2020 (Agriculture and Horticulture Applications)

IS 17355:2020 covers polypropylene spun bonded non-woven mulch mats for agriculture and horticulture applications. The relevant performance criteria typically include mass per unit area, tensile and tear strength, dimensional stability, UV resistance, surface uniformity, permeability-related suitability, and field durability, because mulch mats must suppress weed growth, support moisture management, and remain stable under sun exposure and agricultural handling.

Covered products:

• polypropylene spun bonded non-woven mulch mats
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Windshield Nets according to IS 17356:2020 (Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes)

IS 17356:2020 applies to windshield nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes, which are used to reduce wind impact on crops and protected areas. Technical assessment typically addresses mesh structure, shade or barrier behaviour as applicable, tensile strength, tear resistance, dimensional stability, UV resistance, and durability under outdoor exposure, because the net must retain its protective function under sustained environmental loading.

Covered products:

• windshield nets for agriculture and horticulture
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Harvest Nets according to IS 17357:2020 (Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes)

IS 17357:2020 covers harvest nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes, which are used during collection, handling, and temporary holding of agricultural produce. The technical benchmark typically includes net construction, mesh consistency, tensile properties, tear resistance, dimensional accuracy, UV stability, and handling durability, because these nets must withstand repeated field use while supporting efficient crop collection and protection.

Covered products:

• harvest nets for agriculture and horticulture
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Fencing Nets according to IS 17358 (Part 1):2020 (Extruded Polymer Mesh for Agriculture and Horticulture)

IS 17358 (Part 1):2020 applies to fencing nets made from extruded polymer mesh for agriculture and horticulture purposes. Technical review typically includes mesh dimensions, polymer construction quality, tensile performance, elongation, UV resistance, dimensional consistency, and outdoor durability, because fencing nets must remain structurally stable in exposed environments while providing reliable field boundary or crop protection functions.

Covered products:

• fencing nets made from extruded polymer mesh
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Fencing Nets according to IS 17358 (Part 2):2020 (Monofilament Yarns and Combination of Tape and Monofilament Yarns)

IS 17358 (Part 2):2020 covers fencing nets made from monofilament yarns and combinations of tape and monofilament yarns for agricultural and horticultural use. Conformity assessment generally focuses on yarn construction, mesh geometry, tensile behaviour, knot or joining integrity where relevant, UV stability, dimensional uniformity, and suitability for long-term outdoor installation, because the construction method directly influences mechanical performance and service life.

Covered products:

• fencing nets made from monofilament yarns
• fencing nets made from combinations of tape and monofilament yarns
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Plant Support Nets according to IS 17513:2020 (Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes)

IS 17513:2020 applies to plant support nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes, used to guide or hold climbing and vertically trained crops. The relevant technical parameters typically include mesh size, tensile strength, elongation, dimensional consistency, UV resistance, and functional stability under crop load, because support nets must maintain geometry and strength throughout the growing cycle.

Covered products:

• plant support nets for agriculture and horticulture
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for HDPE Laminated Woven Lay Flat Tubes and Fittings according to IS 17728:2021 (Rain Irrigation Systems)

IS 17728:2021 covers HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes and fittings for use in rain irrigation systems. Technical compliance typically includes tube dimensions, laminate integrity, fitting compatibility, burst resistance, leak tightness, pressure-related suitability, and durability under irrigation service conditions, because the performance of both tubes and fittings is critical to maintaining a consistent and reliable water distribution system.

Covered products:

• HDPE laminated woven lay flat tubes for rain irrigation systems
• fittings for rain irrigation systems
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Flexible Water Storage Tanks according to IS 17729:2021 (Agriculture and Horticulture Purposes)

IS 17729:2021 applies to flexible water storage tanks for agriculture and horticulture purposes, which are used for temporary or semi-permanent water storage in field environments. The key technical criteria typically include material strength, seam integrity, dimensional capacity, leak tightness, resistance to hydrostatic loading, weather durability, and service suitability under outdoor agricultural conditions, because water storage failure can directly affect irrigation continuity and field operations.

Covered products:

• flexible water storage tanks for agriculture and horticulture
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Hail Protection Nets according to IS 17730 (Part 1):2021 (Warp Knitted Construction)

IS 17730 (Part 1):2021 covers warp knitted hail protection nets for agriculture and horticulture purposes. Technical assessment typically examines knit construction, mesh uniformity, tensile strength, elongation, UV resistance, dimensional stability, and impact-related protective suitability, because hail nets must combine mechanical resilience with consistent coverage over crops and orchards.

Covered products:

• warp knitted hail protection nets
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Hail Protection Nets according to IS 17730 (Part 2):2021 (Woven Construction)

IS 17730 (Part 2):2021 applies to woven hail protection nets used in agriculture and horticulture. The relevant performance factors typically include woven mesh consistency, tensile and tear strength, elongation behaviour, dimensional stability, UV durability, and protective functionality under outdoor exposure, because woven hail nets must retain structural and protective performance through repeated weather events.

Covered products:

• woven hail protection nets
• other products within the scope of the standard

BIS Certification for Laminated Woven Orchard Protection Covers according to IS 17731:2021 (Orchard Applications)

IS 17731:2021 covers laminated woven orchard protection covers used in agricultural and horticultural orchard environments. Conformity assessment typically focuses on fabric construction, laminate quality, tensile properties, seam integrity, dimensional consistency, weather resistance, and suitability for orchard protection use, because these covers must maintain barrier performance and mechanical stability under prolonged field exposure.

Covered products:

• laminated woven orchard protection covers
• other products within the scope of the standard

How does the BIS certification process work for agro textiles?

For the agro textile product categories listed above, the applicable route is typically BIS ISI Scheme I. This certification framework combines application, product testing, factory audit, and ongoing conformity control in one structured process.

1. Product classification and Indian Standard mapping
   The first step is to determine the exact product category, such as crop cover, insect net, ground cover, irrigation lay flat tube, mulch mat, fencing net, water storage tank, or hail protection net, and to identify the correct Indian Standard.
2. Regulatory scope check
   The manufacturer must then confirm whether the product is covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO) or another binding regulatory requirement in India.
3. AIR appointment
   Foreign manufacturers generally need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for dealings with BIS.
4. Preparation and submission of documentation
   The application normally includes technical specifications, raw material details, production information, quality-control documents, product drawings where relevant, and plant-related records.
5. Factory audit
   Under BIS ISI Scheme I, BIS typically conducts a factory audit to assess manufacturing capability, in-process quality control, testing arrangements, traceability, and consistency of serial production.
6. Product testing according to the applicable Indian Standard
   Product samples are tested against the applicable technical requirements, which may include mass per unit area, mesh size, tensile strength, tear resistance, burst performance, UV stability, seam integrity, leak tightness, dimensional tolerances, and field-use durability.
7. Grant of licence and marking
   If the product and the factory comply with the relevant requirements, BIS may grant the licence. The manufacturer may then apply the ISI mark within the approved scope, provided ongoing conformity is maintained.

FAQ on BIS certification for agro textiles in India

Is BIS certification mandatory for agro textiles in India?

BIS certification for agro textiles in India is mandatory only if the relevant product category is covered by a valid Quality Control Order or another binding regulatory requirement. Whether certification is compulsory depends on the exact product type, the applicable Indian Standard, and the current notified scope in India.

Which Indian Standards apply to BIS certification for agro textiles in India?

The main Indian Standards relevant to BIS certification for agro textiles in India include IS 16718:2021, IS 16513:2016, IS 16202:2014, IS 17070:2019, IS 15907:2010, IS 16089:2013, IS 16190:2014, IS 16390:2015, IS 16627:2017, IS 17355:2020, IS 17356:2020, IS 17357:2020, IS 17358 (Part 1):2020, IS 17358 (Part 2):2020, IS 17513:2020, IS 17728:2021, IS 17729:2021, IS 17730 (Part 1):2021, IS 17730 (Part 2):2021, and IS 17731:2021. These standards cover crop covers, insect nets, ground covers, jute agro textiles, vermiculture beds, sapling bags, irrigation tubes, harvest gloves, mulch mats, fencing nets, plant support nets, water storage tanks, hail protection nets, and orchard protection covers.

Is a factory audit required for BIS certification of agro textile products in India?

Yes, a factory audit is typically part of BIS certification under BIS ISI Scheme I for agro textile products. The audit is used to assess production capability, quality assurance arrangements, testing facilities, raw material control, and consistency of ongoing manufacturing.

How long does BIS certification for agro textiles take in India?

The BIS certification timeline for agro textiles in India depends on documentation quality, sample readiness, factory preparedness, testing schedules, and BIS processing times. The duration can vary significantly depending on whether the application concerns protective nets, irrigation products, mulch materials, nursery support products, water storage tanks, or other woven and non-woven agro textile products.

Can agro textile products be imported into India without BIS certification?

If the relevant agro textile product category is under mandatory BIS coverage, import without the required BIS certification is generally not permitted for lawful market placement in India. If no mandatory coverage applies, import may still be possible, but buyers, project authorities, or procurement specifications may still require conformity evidence.

Why is BIS certification important for market access of agro textiles in India?

BIS certification is important for agro textiles because it demonstrates conformity with Indian technical requirements for agricultural functionality, material consistency, outdoor performance, and intended field use. For manufacturers and exporters, this is a key factor for documenting technical suitability, regulatory compliance, and reliable market access in India.

MPR International GmbH – BIS certification service for agro textiles

MPR International GmbH supports manufacturers and exporters with BIS certification for agro textiles in India. The scope of support includes regulatory classification, assessment of the applicability of IS 16718:2021, IS 16513:2016, IS 16202:2014, IS 17070:2019, IS 15907:2010, IS 16089:2013, IS 16190:2014, IS 16390:2015, IS 16627:2017, IS 17355:2020, IS 17356:2020, IS 17357:2020, IS 17358 (Part 1):2020, IS 17358 (Part 2):2020, IS 17513:2020, IS 17728:2021, IS 17729:2021, IS 17730 (Part 1):2021, IS 17730 (Part 2):2021, and IS 17731:2021, coordination of product testing, review of technical documentation, preparation for the factory audit, and guidance throughout the ISI certification process.

For companies planning to place crop covers, fruit skirting bags, insect nets, ground covers, jute agro textiles, vermiculture beds, sapling bags, irrigation lay flat tubes, tobacco harvester gloves, mulch mats, windshield nets, harvest nets, fencing nets, plant support nets, flexible water storage tanks, hail protection nets, and orchard protection covers on the Indian market, MPR International provides structured support with scope clarification, documentation, test planning, audit preparation, and approval management. This helps manufacturers and exporters prepare market access in India more efficiently on the basis of the applicable Indian Standard.