BIS QCO for Textiles-High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene woven sacks for packaging or filling (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and Amendment Orders, 2024

We are going to  discuss about the latest news on BIS QCO for Polyethylene and Polypropylene woven sacks for packaging or filling and recently published amendments to QCO to such woven sacks.

In the first section of this article let us understand the 2020 QCO for Polyethylene and Polypropylene woven sacks!

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued a QCO for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) woven sacks for manufacturing, distribution as well as usage in 2020. This order came into force on 23rd October 2023.

As per the amendment, the implementation of the Quality Control Order has been deferred to June 6, 2025, allowing manufacturers additional time to apply for and obtain BIS certification.

Scope and Importance of the Order

The two polymer-based sacks namely the HDPE and PP woven sacks enjoy a large market demand because of their strength, lightweight nature, and the cost of production. These sacks are used for packing perishable goods like food grains, sugar, salts, and retail means fertilizers. Since they play crucial roles in maintaining the quality of the packaged goods, any tendency to a decline in their production standards is detrimental to both economy and safety.

The BIS QCO also ensures that all woven sacks produced in or imported into India are of good quality. The order is for all manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of High-Density polyethylene and Polypropylene woven sacks. 

From industrial uses to food and agricultural products, it tackles industrial-grade sacks and other types. To increase the quality of products to be sold in the market, substandard and unsafe products are to be removed by the government by setting compliance with Indian Standards.

Applicable Standards

Under this QCO, compliance with the following Indian Standards is mandatory:

1. IS 14887:2014 - Textiles – High-Density Polyethylene(HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for packaging of 50-kilogram foodgrains. Apply for BIS certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks in India.

2. IS 16208:2015 - Textiles – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for packaging 10-kilogram, 15-kilogram, 20-kilogram, 25-kilogram, and 30-kilogram Foodgrains. Apply for BIS certification for HDPE/ PP Woven Sacks for Packaging Food Grains in India.

3. IS 14968:2015 - Textiles – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for packaging 50 kilogram /25 kilogram Sugar. Apply for BIS Certification for HDPE/ PP woven sacks for packaging sugar in India.

4. IS 14252:2015 - Textiles – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for filling Sand. Apply for BIS Certification for Hdpe/ PP Woven Sacks for Sand in India.

These standards outline specific requirements for:

•  Material Properties: Type and quality of materials used in manufacturing HDPE and PP sacks
• Dimensions and Design: It is always recommended that woven sacks should be consistent in size, weight, and stitches.
• Strength and Durability: Stretchability, against tearing and load-bearing capability.
• Environmental Stability: UV resistance and stability for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Mandatory Certification

According to the rules of the QCO, the manufacturers and importers need to affix the ISI mark on their products. The ISI mark acts as evidence that the product meets the required standard. Only companies with this certification are allowed to produce, sell or import HDPE and PP woven sacks in the country. This ensures that only good, safe, durable, and quality products get delivered to the consumers.

Enforcement and Penalties

The government through the Ministry of Textiles along with BIS is currently in charge of implementing this QCO. Failure to do so may result in serious penalties, such as monetary penalties, cessation of the business, and or legal proceedings.

In the second section of this article, let us go through the recent amendments -

On the 6th of December 2024, a QCO was published on the government website, wherein amendments to three different categories of woven sacks were mentioned. Let’s go through them one by one -

The first part of this publication:

• The first amendment order is called Textiles — High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Third Amendment Order, 2024. This order came into force on the 6th of December, 2024 
• In this amendment, the date on which this particular order was due to come into effect is amended. 
• In paragraph 1, for sub-paragraph (2), the following sub-paragraph is substituted, with — “(2) It shall come into force on the 6th day of June 2025.”

The second part of this publication:

• This amendment order is called - This order may be called the Textiles — Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Third Amendment Order, 2024 which came into force on the 6th December 2024
• In this amendment, the date on which this particular order was due to come into effect is amended. 
• In the Textiles — Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2023, in paragraph 1, for sub-paragraph (2), the following sub-paragraph is substituted, with a date of enforcement made 6th June 2025.

The third part of this publication -

• This order is called e Textiles — Polypropylene (PP)/High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Sacks for Mail Sorting, Storage, Transport and Distribution (Quality Control) Third Amendment Order, 2024., which came into force on the 6th December 2024.
• In this amendment — The date on which this particular order was due to come into effect is amended. 
• In theIn the Textiles — Polypropylene (PP)/High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Sacks for Mail Sorting, Storage, Transport and Distribution (Quality Control) Order, 2023, in paragraph 1, for sub-paragraph (2), the following sub-paragraph is substituted, with a date of enforcement made 6th June 2025.

Final Thoughts

To conclude this article we can say that the BIS QCO for HDPE & PP woven sacks is a foundation to sustain quality control of the packaging industry in India. Ensuring that everyone follows these standards helps consumers and encourages greatness among manufacturers. The enforcement of compliance with set standards is vital for the consumers and goes a long way in creating a positive corporate culture within the manufacturing industries. This is a major step towards the successful attainment of environmentally sustainable and dependable packaging in India.