Step-by-Step Guide to BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Food Grains

Packaging technology is of significant contribution in ensuring food grain safety and quality during storage and transportation. HDPE/PP woven sacks are found in India to be a good packaging material for food grains such as rice, wheat, pulses, sugar etc., which are durable, light in weight and cost effective.

But the manufacturers will not be able to freely sell these sacks in the Indian market without fulfilling the quality standards. The importance of BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Food Grains will come when this comes into picture.

It is Important that you know how to go about the certification process whether you’re an Indian manufacturer or a foreign company exporting to India. This guide covers all the steps in an easy and practical manner.

What is BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Food grain Sacks?

The Bureau of Indian Standards provides the BIS ISI Certification in India which is a Quality Certificate. It provides safety and quality assurance of products in India.

The process of BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Food Grains guarantees the safety, durability and suitability of packaging.

Once accepted, the manufacturers can put the ISI mark on the manufactured product.

Understanding IS 16208 for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks

IS 16208 is the Indian Standard for:

• HDPE woven sacks
• PP woven sacks
• Food grain packaging bags

These sacks are commonly used by:

• Food grain suppliers
• Rice mills
• Government procurement agencies
• Agricultural businesses
• Packaging manufacturers

Important quality requirements that are specified in the standard include:

Why BIS Certification is Important

Many manufacturers believe that the certification is just a matter of the law. In fact, it can help boost consumer confidence in the market.

Key Benefits of BIS Certification

• Legal Compliance: Product sales may be rejected or result in penalties if not sold as a certified product.
• Better Product Credibility: The ISI mark increases consumer confidence and trust in products and creates credibility for government agencies.
• Improved Market Opportunities: Certified manufacturers may be able to provide products to larger clients and those in the public sector.
• Consistency: Testing can be used to ensure consistency of the product.
• Better Export Opportunities: Certified manufacturers are sought after by international buyers.

Products Covered Under IS 16208

This general standard covers the following woven sacks for food grains packaging:

• The sacks are woven from HDPE to protect and preserve the food grains
• PP Woven Food grain Sacks
• Rice Packaging Bags
• Wheat Packaging Sacks
• Sugar Packaging Woven Bags
• Pulses Packaging Sacks
• Agricultural Grain Storage Bags
• Fiberglass Polypropylene Woven Food Grain Bags
• A Foodgrain Sacks that is made from High Density Polyethylene.
• Laminated woven food grain bags
• high-density polyethylene bags
• Industrial Food grain Packing Sacks
• Multiwall Woven Poly Sacks for Food Grains
• Heavy Duty Woven Grain Packaging Bags

The manufacturers who are involved in making these products had to be certified with ISI Mark before selling in regulated markets.

BIS Certification Process for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks

Step 1: Align Manufacturing Unit with Applicable Indian Standard

The first thing that needs to be done is determining which Indian Standard (IS) is applicable to the product. The relevant standard for the HDPE/PP woven Food grain sacks is IS 16208. The manufacturers need to match their manufacturing process with the prescribed BIS standards and the quality of their products.

If required, in-house testing and calibration facilities should also be developed to meet compliance requirements.

Step 2: Application Filing & Documentation

As per IS 16208, manufacturers need to have the product tested in a BIS recognized and NABL approved laboratory. Care must be taken to prepare all necessary documents including test reports, factory, machinery, manufacturing process and quality control set-up.

The BIS application is then made online on the BIS portal with applicable government fees. Once the application is submitted, the full application and supporting documents are passed on to the concerned BIS Branch Office.

Step 3: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officials visit the manufacturing unit to check the compliance of the unit with the Indian Standards.

The inspection will include the following:

• Manufacturing unit setup
• Production process
• Quality control system
• In-house testing capability

The inspector may also take random samples of products, seal them and submit them for independent laboratory testing.

Step 4: Product Testing & Lab Test Report

Product samples are tested at a BIS recognized and NABL approved laboratory in a sealed manner. Manufacturers are required to pay the applicable laboratory testing charges.

On successful testing, the Lab Test Report (LTR) is seamlessly sent to BIS for further testing.

Step 5: Closure of Non-Conformities (If Any)

During inspection and testing procedure, in case of any non-conformity, BIS will ask the manufacturers to take corrective action to resolve the problems.

This may include:

• The improvement of manufacturing processes
• Correction in documentation
• Product quality modifications
• Testing-related corrections

The corrective action report and the necessary documents should then be submitted to BIS for compliance closure.

Step 6: Payment of License & Marking Fees

Upon completion of the compliance requirements, the manufacturer shall pay BIS the following annual license and marking fee.

Step 7: Grant of ISI License

Once the inspection, product testing, compliance verification and fee are done successfully, the manufacturer is granted the ISI license by BIS. The company is then allowed to affix the ISI Standard Mark to the certified HDPE/PP woven food grain bags.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Below is a short list of the documents that will be needed: 

• Information of the manufacturing unit and product category, basic information.

• A copy of the manufacturing unit address (ownership/lease deed, invoice, utility bill, etc.)

• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)

• Pollution Control License/Statutory Approval (As per Pollution Control Board Requirements) (If Applicable) Industry specific License (If Applicable)

• Product drawings/design schematics

• Installed manufacturing capacity

• List and specification of raw material used

• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment

• Half-size factory layout plan (showing production, testing and storage areas)

• Detailed manufacturing process flow

• List of in-house test equipment and calibration information

• Information about quality control staff members

• Factory organizational chart

BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturing Costing

Common Mistakes Manufacturers Should Avoid

• Not having all your paperwork: One of the biggest delays is not having all your paperwork.
• Faulty Product Testing Preparation: If there is a sample that is not of good quality, it is likely to be rejected.
• Wrong Product Standard Selection: Use of an incorrect IS standard may lead to problems.
• Poor Quality Control: Inadequate quality systems are likely to be found in factories that are inspected. 
• Failure to Comply with Updates on BIS Regulations: BIS regulations can change over time.

BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturer

BIS approval is also being sought by foreign manufacturers exporting woven sacks to India. BIS certificate for foreign manufacturers, requires them to:

• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Provide samples of products to test
• Complete factory inspection
• Follow Indian Quality Standards

This process is controlled within the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

Having a good BIS consultant in India also assists global companies in minimizing approval delays.

Conclusion

BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Food Grains Manufacturers, according to IS 16208 is crucial to guarantee product quality, legal compliance, and superior market prospects in India. The ISI Mark Certification will add to the credibility of your business and customer trust. 

For any Indian company or foreign manufacturer seeking to get their product, service or system certified by BIS, expert advice can help make the process quicker and easier.

Looking for BIS ISI Certification in India help?

Call UMSPCS today for full BIS certification support and assistance in getting the approval process going.

Read more about: How a BIS Certification Consultant in Europe Helps Businesses

FAQs- BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven

1. Is there any requirement for BIS certification for HDPE/PP woven sacks for food grains?

Yes, the manufacturers are required to meet IS 16208 and need to get ISI Mark Certification for regulated markets.

2. What is IS 16208?

IS 16208 is the Indian Standard for the HDPE/PP woven foodgrain packaging sacks.

3. Who are the people who need to get their certification?

Woven sacks for use in India for food grains should be certified by both Indian and overseas manufacturers.

4. How long is the validity of BIS certification?

The BIS license is valid for a period of time until the renewal and compliance requirements are fulfilled.

5. Are BIS certification applicable to foreign manufacturers?

Yes, overseas manufacturers can apply under the BIS certification for overseas manufacturer scheme.

6. What is the time duration of the BIS certification process?

The process will typically take about 30 – 40 days approx. which includes testing and documentation.