- Mandatory Indian Standard IS 16202 Woven Ground Covers sets forth the minimum requirements of woven ground cover fabrics used in horticultural applications by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Material Requirements: Define polymer type, fabric construction, GSM, UV stabilization, and durability.
- Performance Testing: Established testing for total tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance and permeability to provide assurance of long-term use.
- Application Assurances: Provide assurance that the cover can be used for the control of weeds, conservation of soil moisture and the enhancement of crop yields in horticulture.
- ISI Mark(Authorised Users): Only BIS registered manufacturers are allowed to use ISI markings indicating that they meet the above requirements, as well as the quality and market acceptability of the products supplied.
Introduction
The BIS Certification of Woven Ground Covers for Horticulture as per IS 16202 ensures the woven ground covers meant for use in agricultural and horticulture practices are of a certain Indian standard. The certificate, which is a requirement and has been approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensures the product adheres to the necessary criteria concerning the material, strength, durability, resistance, and permeability. The use of the BIS woven ground covers ensures efficient weed removal, retention, and soil preservation practices.
What is IS 16202?
IS 16202 is an Indian Standard, and it is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The requirements for woven ground covers used for horticultural purposes are covered under this standard. The quality of the material, including the type of the polymer, fabric, weight for unit area (GSM), UV stabilization, strength, and life, is defined here.The IS 16202 also lays down some crucial performance criteria, such as tensile strength, elongation properties, tear resistance, and permeability requirements, that must be ensured by the ground covers in order to perform satisfactorily under actual services. The compliance with the requirements of the IS 16202 thus helps in achieving effective weed control, water retention, soil protection, and usability, although only manufacturers complying with this standard are eligible for BIS certification and use of the ISI mark.
Key Points:
- Indian Quality Standard: The “Indian Standard IS 16202” is a woven ground cover intended for horticultural purposes and is an “Indian Standard” publication of the “Bureau of Indian Standards.”
- Material Requirements: Details the kind of polymer, cloth pattern, GSM value, as well as the necessity for UV stabilization.
- Performance Criteria: Specifies methods of test relating to tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and permeability.
- Horticulture Application: Provides for effective weed control, water retention, and soil conservation.
- BIS Certification & ISI Mark: The compliance will enable the manufacturer to obtain the BIS license and the ISI mark.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
It is obligatory for gaining certification that is essential for ensuring that woven ground covers used for horticulture purposes meet certain standards related to quality, safety, and performance, as laid down in IS 16202. This is an obligatory requirement laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards, thereby ensuring that only eligible producers will be authorized to use a certified ISI mark for their products that can be sold in the Indian market. ISI mark certification is obligatory for ensuring that only eligible producers use a certified ISI mark for their products.
Key Reasons:
- Quality Assurance: BIS Certification ensures the woven ground covers comply with the specified quality requirements of IS 16202.
- Safety & Reliability: It protects the use of low-quality materials, providing reliability and safety for use in horticulture.
- Regulatory Compliance:The mandatory certification by notification by the ‘Bureau of Indian Standards provides for legal manufacturing and sale of the product inside India.
- Farmer Protection: Ensures dependable functionality in weed control, moisture retention, and soil protection.
- ISI Mark Authorization: It allows only compliant manufacturers to use the ISI mark. It builds trust and market acceptance.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Regulatory Requirement: BIS Certification is mandatory as per IS 16202, as prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards, applicable to woven ground covers. | Authorization to utilize the ISI mark increases brand trust and promotes wider acceptance of the product. |
| “Quality Control”: This involves aspects such as standardization of materials, GSM, UV stabilization, and strength of the fabric | Fewer Product Failures: Items that have been certified were tested for strength and durability, reducing the likelihood of them failing in the field. |
| Performance Assurance: It ascertains the reliable performance for weed control, moisture conservation, and soil preservation. | Improved Competitiveness: Government tenders and large assignment projects are available to companies that achieve BIS certification. |
| Market Legitimacy: Enables the lawful production, sale, and supply of woven ground covers in the Indian market. | Longer Life Span: Products are protected against UV degradation through testing of both ultraviolet protection and physical quality, allowing them to last longer in outdoor environments. |
| Consumer Confidence: Increases consumer confidence in the durability of the produce. | Higher Yield: Quality assurance of a ground cover provides weed management that allows for improved moisture retention in soil. |
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 an acclaimed compliance advisory and consultancy services firm that providing complete support and guidance for obtaining BIS Certification based on several Indian Standards, including Indian Standard IS 16202. With their rich knowledge and expertise in regulatory matters and documentation, along with customer satisfaction as their key objective, Diligence Certifications assists manufacturers with the efficient and un-interrupted acquisition of certifications. Right from preparing and sending applications to interacting with regulatory bodies and testing agencies, Diligence Certifications makes the entire process smooth and un-hindered.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for woven ground cover materials for horticulture, as per IS 16202, plays an essential part in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the materials. This ensures that the use of standardized materials is controlled and that the application of effective weed control and water conservation methods becomes an uncompromised fact for farmers and other consumer segments. Adherence to the above standard ensures that all prescribed regulatory requirements as laid down by the BIS are met and that overall sustainability receives an added boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of BIS certification for woven ground covers?
BIS certification pursuant to IS 16202, ensures that all woven ground covers manufactured for horticultural purposes meet the appropriate quality, strength, durability and performance requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Is BIS certification required to sell or supply woven ground covers in India?
Yes, as per the regulations set forth under IS 16202, any woven ground cover to be manufactured, sold or supplied within India must possess a valid BIS certification to be legally sold within the territorial limits of India.
Yes, as per the regulations set forth under IS 16202, any woven ground cover to be manufactured, sold or supplied within India must possess a valid BIS certification to be legally sold within the territorial limits of India.
The materials to be incorporated under IS 16202 include woven ground cover fabrics such as jute or jute compounded materials, as well as polyolefin materials, to be used for horticultural purposes to suppress weeds, retain moisture, or shield the plants from insects or disease.
What kind of material is defined under IS 16202?
The standard outlines polymer type, fabric construction, GSM, UV stabilization, and durability.
What tests are necessary for BIS Certification under IS 16202?
These include tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, permeability, and other functionality tests carried out at BIS recognized laboratories.
Who is eligible for BIS Certification?
Manufacturers of Woven Ground Covers for the Horticultural Sector can apply to add the product(s) manufactured to the range of products available for BSI Certification. Where the product(s) are imported into India, then the Importer may only apply for BSI Certification through an Authorised Indian Representative.
The validity of BSI Certification for IS 16202 is as follows
BIS Certification under normal conditions will be valid for a maximum period of two years from the date of issue, with any extension being required to be made before the expiry date has passed.
What is the duration required for the acquisition of the BIS Certification?
It requires an average of 20-30 days because the entire procedure relies on the documentation and inspection phases of the products being ready.
What is the ISI mark, and why is it important?
The ISI mark signifies that the product meets the standards of IS 16202 and is legally approved for sale in India, thus improving trust and market acceptance.
What Happens When Woven Ground Covers Are Sold Without BIS Certification?
Selling un-certified woven ground covers can result in legal penalties, confiscation of woven ground covers by government authorities, civil suit/ lawsuits against the sellers of un-certified woven ground cover, and prohibiting them to sell any future products in India.
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