- The IS 16653 Standard, which is the standard for India, states the minimum standard specifications for Geobags made of NEEDLE PUNCHED NONWOVEN Materials, used in Soil Reinforcement and Erosion Control.
- Materials are made according to the specifications that include fibre type, weight per specified area, thickness and Needle Punch Bonding, which provides for both the strength required to support soils and for the filtration characteristics of the materials.
- Testing requirement(s) include, but are not limited to Tensile Strength, Elongation, Puncture Resistance, Permeability and Seam Strength.
- Commonly accepted applications for these products are: Riverbank Protection; Mitigation of Coastal Erosion; Drainage and Embankment Support; and Slope Stabilisation.
- Manufacturers wanting to use the ISI Mark must possess a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licence that allows them to use the ISI Mark as being compliant and accepted in the marketplace.
Introduction
The BIS Certification of NEEDLE PUNCHED NONWOVEN Geobags as per IS 16653 ensures that geobags utilized in geotechnical and civil engineering works adhere to specified standards of quality, strength, and durability. The BIS Certification is an approval given by the Bureau of Indian Standards, wherein it is ensured that these standards of material composition, mechanical strength, permeability, and filtration capability are met by these geobags. BIS Certified Needle Punched Non-Woven Geobags are commonly employed in riverbank protection, coastal protection, slope stabilization, and drainage works.
What is IS 16653?
IS 16653 is an Indian Standard, and it is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The main criteria of IS 16653 are specified regarding needle punched non-woven geobags, their use, and requirements. The parameters of the needle punched non-woven geobags include the quality of the raw material, mass per-unit area, and others. IS 16653 also specifies testing procedures for the determination of tensile strength, elongation, puncture resistance, seam strength, and filtration. IS 16653 compliance ensures geobag suitability in riverbank protection, coastal protection, erosion control measures, slope protection, or drain projects, along with requirements of safety, quality, and performance in infrastructure projects in India.
Key Points:
- Indian Standard: IS 16653 is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards for non-woven geobags that have needles punched for geotechnical use.
- Material specifications: It describes the requirements of synthetic fibers, weight per unit area, thickness, and needling density.
- Performance Test: It includes tests related to tensile strength, elongation, puncture resistance, permeability, and seam strength.
- Application Range: IS 16653 geobags find applications as shoreline protection, control of coastal erosion, slope protection, and drainage projects.
- Quality Assurance: It ensures the ability to certify and mark ISI on products because the products are compliant with IS 16653.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
The BIS Certification is required in order to ensure that products conform with the Indian standards that have been set regarding their quality and performance. The requirement is important for the purpose of eliminating the usage of substandard material and for promoting the manufacture of products with certain specifications. The ISI mark is allowed on products that have been manufactured by those companies that comply with the standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Key Reasons:
- Quality Assurance: It is responsible for assuring that goods meet set Indian standards of quality, strength, and durability.
- Safety Compliance: Ensures that defective or low-grade items are not used in public or industrial usage.
- Regulatory Requirement: Mandatory for those notified under Indian standards for manufacturing, import, and sale in India.
- Market Trust: The ISI logo induces trust among buyers, technologists, and government administrators.
- Risk Reduction: Assists in the prevention of any form of litigation, failure in the products or processes, as well as rejection in government and infrastructure projects
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Requirements for Needle-Punched Non-Woven Geobags:Needle punched non-woven geobags that use the [INDIAN] standard IS 16653 have created a “compulsory compliance” standard for geotechnical applications. | Assured Quality & Performance: It is designed to ensure geobags are manufactured according to specifications of strength, durability, permeability, as well as filtration performance |
| Material Quality and Test Standards:BIS has established minimum material quality criteria, including fibre quality, weight per unit area, thickness, and needle punch bonding, which must be maintained for needle-punched geobags | Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates the supplying of the geobags within the Indian regulatory framework for use in the government and infrastructure sector. |
| Mandatory Tests: All needle punched geobags shall undergo the mandatory test series as detailed below for: Tensile Strength/ Elongation Puncture Resistance Permeability Seam Strength | Improved Reliability of Projects: Reduces the risk of failure from erosion protection projects, riverbanks, and slopes. |
| Permitted Uses for Geobags:Geobags that have been approved by BIS may be used in riverbank stabilization; coastal stabilization; slope stabilization; and drainage. | Market Acceptance & Trust: The acceptance and trust shown towards products having the ISI mark are higher. |
| Certification of ISI Marked Products:The certification that the products have been tested and meet the requirements of the standards laid down by BIS is done by using an ISI-marked product. | Competitive Advantage: BIS-certified geobags possess an advantage over others in tendering and projects, increasing business credibility and development. |
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification
Step1:Documentation
- Collect required technical documents
- Prepare product specifications
- Gather company registration details
- Ensure documents follow BIS format
Step2:Product Testing
- Send samples to a BIS-approved lab
- Conduct safety and quality tests
- Receive test reports
- Confirm compliance with BIS standards
Step3:Application Submission
- Fill out the BIS application form
- Upload all required documents
- Attach valid test reports
- Pay the necessary BIS fees
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS reviews submitted documents
- Authority verifies test results
- Factory/product inspection may occur
- Clarifications requested if needed
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS approves the application
- License number is issued
- Product can carry BIS mark
- Renewal required before expiry
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Documents Required |
| Business Documents | Business license/registration, ISO certificate, organizational details |
| Manufacturer Details | Factory layout, process flow chart, machinery list, production details |
| Product Documents | Product specifications, component list, user manual, model details |
| Testing Documents | Test report from BIS-recognized lab, sample details, test request form |
| Legal & Compliance | Authorization letter, brand ownership proof, trademark certificate (if any) |
| Import/Foreign Manufacturer (If applicable) | AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) details, contract agreement, overseas manufacturer documents |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Usually from 20 to 30 days, with only 7-15 days for the testing.
- Costs: The cost of the government and the test varies depending on the product. There can be some additional charges though.
- Validity: The validity period is 2 years in most situations.
- Renewal: The renewal is done before the expiration; there should be updated documents/tests; the renewal
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
Diligence Certifications is a technical consulting firm that provides end-to-end solutions for approvals like BIS, ISI, or CDSCO approvals, and certifications like ISO certifications and other approvals in India. Based on accurate documentation and proper coordination with the authorities, Diligence Certifications assists manufacturers and importers to acquire approvals quickly, comply with the law, and achieve high-quality standards without any hassles.
Conclusion
BIS certification for needle-punched non-woven geo-bags conforming to IS 16653 ensures the quality, durability, and reliability of geo-bags in service. Application of this standard will prevent inferior quality geo-bags in service, ensure complete safety related to erosion control and soil stabilization projects, and guarantee long-term effectiveness under Indian site conditions. The manufacturer will ensure that due compliance with BIS requirements is followed to derive regulatory compliances and market trust for contribution to the development of safe and sustainable infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is IS 16653?
IS 16653 covers specifications of the Indian Standard related to quality, material, and performance of needle-punched non-woven geo-bags that would be used in geotechnical works and erosion control.
Who issues IS 16653 in India?
IS 16653 is published and controlled by Bureau of Indian Standards.
Is certification from the BIS compulsory for needle-punched non-woven geobags?
Yes, The BIS Certification is required by the manufacturers who wish to use or sell the use of the needle-punched non-woven Geobags in the Indian government or regulated infrastructures.
Which type of materials are included in IS 16653?
Geobags consisting of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene or polyester, which are made by the non-woven production process called needle punch, are included in the specification.
What are the test methods that IS 16653 calls for?
There exist several compulsion testing methods that should be carried out in determining the following mechanical properties of geobags based on IS 16653 standards: tensile strength, elongation, resistance to puncture, permeability, joint strength, and filtration properties.
What are some of the typical uses of IS 16653 geobags?
IS 16653 geobags help with protecting riverbanks, controlling coastal erosion, stabilizing slopes, creating structures for draining water away, and creating a support system for dikes.
Who is eligible to apply for BIS Certification under IS 16653?
The application for BIS Certification can be made by domestic and foreign manufacturers of needle punched non-woven geobags, through an Authorized Indian Representative.
How much time does BIS Certification take for geobags?
The whole certification procedure requires about 20 to 30 days. This may depend on the duration for the tests and submission of documents.
What is the validity of BIS Certification for IS 16653?
BIS licenses generally have a period of two years and need to be renewed before they expire if the ISI marking has to continue.
"What are the advantages of ISI marked geobags?"
ISI-approved geobags ensure standards are met in India, have better acceptance in government bids, enhance project success, and lower the chances of project failure or product rejection.
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