- Ensures Product Quality and Performance: BIS Certification for Geotextiles under IS 16090:2013 ensures that geotextiles used as protection materials adhere to certain quality parameters with respect to strength, durability, and performance.
- Applicable to Protection Use:This standard applies to geotextiles used for protection applications, such as geomembrane protection in landfills, drainage applications, road development, and other civil engineering projects.
- Compliance with Indian Standards:The manufacturer is required to comply with the standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), including testing for puncture resistance, tensile strength, and mass per unit area.
- Mandatory for Market Trust and Approval:BIS Certification assists manufacturers in obtaining market acceptance, government approval, and customer trust by demonstrating that the product complies with established safety and quality standards.
- Facilitates Use of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark):The use of the BIS Standard Mark is permitted on certified geotextiles, signifying compliance with IS 16090:2013 and providing assurance to the buyer of the quality and safety of the protection material.

Introduction
Geotextiles as protection materials have a great application in civil engineering projects as they protect geomembranes and other construction materials from damage. Geotextiles prevent punctures, reduce stress, and improve the durability of structures such as landfills, roads, drainage systems, and embankments. To ensure the quality, strength, and reliability of geotextiles as protection materials, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed IS 16090:2013, which defines the requirements and methods of testing for geotextiles used as protection materials.
What is IS 1690:2013?
IS 16090:2013 is an Indian Standard publication by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that outlines the requirements, properties, and test methods for geotextiles used as protection materials in civil engineering and environmental projects.
Key Points:
- Covers geotextiles used specifically for protection purposes.
- Specifies physical, mechanical, and durability requirements.
- Includes test methods for verifying product performance.
- Ensures protection of geomembranes and construction layers.
- Required for BIS Certification and use of the ISI Mark in India.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
BIS Certification is mandatory for geotextiles that function as protection materials and are required to have quality, safety, and performance standards as specified in IS 16090:2013. Geotextiles are widely used in projects related to critical infrastructure like landfills, roads, drainage systems, tunnels, and embankments, where they protect geomembranes and other structural components from damage. Certification of these materials ensures that they are robust, durable, and have the ability to function effectively under different conditions.
Key Reasons:
- Ensures Quality and Performance:BIS Certification ensures that geotextiles are of the desired quality in terms of strength, durability, and protection performance.
- Prevents Use of Substandard Materials:BIS Certification prevents the use of low-quality geotextiles, which may not withstand pressure, thereby damaging geomembranes and increasing maintenance or repair costs.
- Required for Government and Infrastructure Projects:BIS Certification of geotextiles is mandatory for many government contracts and infrastructure projects to ensure that they conform to the country’s quality and safety standards.
- Ensures Compliance with Indian Standards (IS 16090:2013):BIS Certification ensures that the product has been tested for compliance with the desired technical specifications, such as puncture resistance and tensile strength.
- Builds Trust and Market Acceptance:The BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) is a guarantee that the geotextiles are trustworthy, safe, and suitable for protection work.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures Quality Standards Compliance:BIS Certification ensures that geotextiles comply with the requirements mentioned in IS 16090:2013 for strength, durability, and protective functions. | Boosts Customer Confidence :The BIS Standard Mark certification gives customers confidence that the product conforms to Indian standards of quality and safety. |
Protects Geomembranes and Infrastructure :BIS Certification ensures that geotextiles protect geomembranes and other layers of construction from damage and increase the lifespan of infrastructure. | Boosts Market Credibility and Reputation :Certification enhances the reputation of the manufacturer in the market and boosts customer confidence. |
| Ensures Safe and Successful Construction :It ensures that materials used in high-stakes projects such as landfills, roads, drainage systems, and embankments are tested and approved. | Facilitates Market Entry and Business Opportunities : BIS-certified products are in high demand in government and private infrastructure projects. |
| A Requirement for Government Approvals and Tenders :BIS Certification is sometimes mandatory for projects involving the government in India. | Reduces the Chances of Product Failure:Certified geotextile products are tested for their performance, thus reducing the chances of product failure and costly repairs. |
| Ensures Consistent Manufacturing Standards :BIS Certification ensures that the manufacturing process is closely monitored and inspected to maintain consistent product standards. | Legal Compliance and Approval : BIS Certification assists manufacturers in adhering to Indian regulations and staying away from legal and compliance problems. |

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 reliable consultancy service that offers full assistance for BIS Certification acquisition in a smooth and efficient manner. With rich experience in BIS registration and compliance, Diligence Certifications assists producers in understanding the requirements of IS 16090:2013 and ensures that all necessary documentation, product testing, and application submission are done properly. Their team of experts assists clients in every step of the certification process, thus avoiding any delays and ensuring proper compliance with BIS standards.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Geotextiles as Protection Materials under IS 16090:2013 is a crucial step in ensuring the quality, strength, and reliability of geotextiles used in infrastructure and environmental projects. The BIS Certification ensures that the geotextile product meets the necessary Indian standards for protection and safety, thereby preventing any damage to the geomembranes and other construction materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is IS 16090:2013?
IS 16090:2013 is an Indian Standard that outlines requirements for geotextiles used as protection materials in civil engineering works.
Who issues BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national standards body of India.
What is the purpose of BIS Certification for geotextiles?
It confirms that geotextiles conform to quality, strength, and durability specifications for protection purposes.
Is BIS Certification mandatory for geotextiles?
Yes, it is mandatory in government contracts and is required to ensure that products conform to Indian Standards.
What is the ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark is a mark that indicates the product meets BIS standards and quality specifications.
What kind of products are covered under IS 16090:2013?
Geotextiles used for protecting geomembranes in landfills, roads, drainage systems, and other similar applications.
Why is testing mandatory for BIS Certification?
Testing will ensure that the product has the desired properties such as tensile strength, puncture resistance, and durability.
Who can apply for BIS Certification?
Manufacturers of geotextiles, whether Indian or foreign, can apply for BIS Certification.
How long does BIS Certification take?
This will take a few weeks to a few months.
10. What are the advantages of BIS Certification?
It enhances product quality, credibility, and marketability.
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