How Does BIS ISI Certification Ensure the Quality of Woven Sacks?

A woven sack may appear to be a fairly straightforward packaging item, but its ability to carry heavy loads, to endure the rigours of transport, to protect the contents, and to maintain its integrity is very much dependent on more than just its look. A poor-quality fabric, bad stitching, wrong dimensions, or inappropriate raw material can all lead to damage to the product, loss of material and problems during handling.

To deal with these issues, the BIS has laid down specific quality requirements for various categories of HDPE and PP woven sacks. Compliance with the relevant Indian Standard is a requirement, and the appropriate BIS licence must be obtained prior to the use of the ISI Mark on any product which is covered under mandatory certification.

But just how does the certification actually guarantee the quality of the woven sacks? What are the tests that are carried out? Which Indian Standards apply, and what exactly do the manufacturers have to do to get the certification?

This blog covers the quality requirements, certification process, legal framework, documentation, and all other relevant aspects of BIS ISI certification for woven sacks.

Why Does the Quality of the Woven Sacks Matter?

Woven sacks are used all over the place for packaging, storage, and transport in the agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. The performance of the sack has a direct bearing on the safety of the material it contains and the efficiency of the supply chain.

Common applications include:

• Foodgrain packaging
• Sugar packaging
• Fertilizer packaging
• Cement packaging
• Sand filling
• Polymer packaging

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) are the materials of choice for this application as they’re strong, flexible, and ideal for the woven fabric construction.

Which BIS Standards Apply to Woven Sacks?

BIS has prescribed different Indian Standards depending on the intended application and the packaging capacity of the woven sack.

These are the standards as listed under the BIS product certification scheme. However, the company needs to determine the standard that is applicable to their specific product rather than getting a BIS certification for woven sacks.

What Are the Basic Requirements for BIS ISI Certification?

Before applying for BIS ISI certification in India, there are certain requirements of the process that should be fulfilled by your product and your manufacturing unit.

The major requirements include:

• Applicable Indian Standard
• Manufacturing facility
• Quality control
• Testing arrangements
• Product conformity
• Marking compliance

How to Obtain BIS ISI Certificate for Woven Sacks?

Step 1: Identification of the Indian Standard Relevant to the Woven Sack

It involves identification of the suitable Indian Standard based on the type, material, capacity, and usage of the woven sack.

• Determine the product type (woven sacks for foodgrains, sugar, fertiliser or cement).
• Identify the applicable IS standard number.
• Identify the requisite fabric strength, size, and quality specifications.

Step 2: Product Preparation and Documentation

Preparation of the product sample and technical documents required for obtaining the certificate.

• Compilation of the product specifications and manufacturing process details.
• Raw material identification and quality control records.
• Selection of sample woven sacks for laboratory testing.

Step 3: Submission of BIS Application

Submission of the certification application to the BIS using the online portal with the requisite information and documentation.

• Company and manufacturing facility details.
• State the product group and the relevant Indian Standard.
• Just upload the required docs and pay the applicable application fees.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officers visit the manufacturing facility to look at its production capabilities and its quality control arrangements.

• Look at the manufacturing plant and the production processes.
• Check that the test equipment is available.
• Review the QC procedures and the manufacturing records.

Step 5: Product Testing and Laboratory Report

Product samples are subjected to the requisite laboratory tests to confirm compliance with the relevant Indian Standard.

• Carry out appropriate testing for fabric strength, dimensions, and all other quality attributes.
• Assess stitching, seam strength, and product performance where appropriate.
• Submit the lab test report to BIS for assessment.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities

Manufacturers must rectify any defects identified during factory inspection or product testing.

• Rectify product defects and test failures.
• Improve the manufacturing and quality control processes.
• Submit any additional docs or product samples as required.

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

Fulfil the relevant financial requirements prior to the BIS licence being granted.

• Pay the required licence fee.
• Meet the applicable minimum marking fee requirements.
• Clear any other applicable BIS charges.

Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence

Once all the certification requirements have been met to the satisfaction of BIS, the licence to use the ISI Mark may be granted.

• Get approval for the specified woven sack category and product scope.
• Use the ISI mark in accordance with the BIS marking guidelines.
• Maintain product quality and adhere to ongoing inspection, testing, and compliance requirements.

Which Documents are Required Woven Sacks for BIS ISI Certification?

Documentation is governed by the relevant Indian Standard and the applicant’s place of manufacture.

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• For example, a title deed showing ownership or a utility bill could be submitted as proof of the address of the manufacturing unit.
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
• control and industry-specific approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• List of materials used, and specifications
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organisational chart

Cost of BIS ISI Certification for Woven Sacks

The cost of getting BIS ISI certification for woven sacks will vary depending on the type of woven sack, the applicable Indian Standard, the product specifications, the lab testing required, the manufacturing facilities, and the documentation. 

The following table is a rough cost breakdown for general planning purposes only. These are not the official BIS fee schedule.

Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification for Woven Sacks

The time taken to get the BIS ISI certification for woven sacks will vary depending on the readiness of the application, the quality of the documentation, the time taken for the lab tests, the time taken for the factory inspection, and the time taken to deal with any observations that may be raised by BIS.

For general planning, manufacturers can consider the following estimated timeline:

Validity of BIS ISI Licence: The original BIS licence is typically for a period of two years and can be renewed for a maximum of five years (subject to BIS regulations, the terms of the licence, payment of the requisite fees, and satisfactory compliance).

What Challenges Do Manufacturers Face During BIS Certification?

Even if you have an established manufacturing facility, getting BIS certification can be a bit of a technical and regulatory nightmare.

• Incorrect standard identification
• Inconsistent raw materials
• Testing failures
• Inadequate testing facilities
• Documentation gaps
• Foreign manufacturer coordination

Getting these issues right prior to submitting the application will go a long way to making the certification process more orderly.

How Can UMSPCS Help You to Get Your Woven Sacks BIS ISI Certified?

To get BIS certification, you need to manage the technical specifications, the documentation, the lab testing, and the regulatory process. UMSPCS helps Indian and international manufacturers through that whole process.

With 6+ Years of Compliance Experience and experience handling 600+ product compliance requirements across multiple industries, our team provides support through:

• Standard Identification
• Documentation Assistance
• Testing Coordination
• Factory Audit Preparation
• Application Support
• Regulatory Query Support
• Foreign Manufacturer Assistance

We aim to make the certification process as simple as possible and to help manufacturers to understand their regulatory obligations as well as the specific compliance requirements of their product.

Conclusion

The quality of the woven sack has a direct bearing on the safety of the product it is packaging, on the efficiency of the transport and on the reliability of the product. BIS ISI certification for woven sacks sets out specific requirements for the quality of the raw materials, the fabric construction, strength, stitching, dimensions and all the other product-specific characteristics.

For manufacturers falling under the mandatory QCOs, the acquisition of the relevant BIS licence is a key regulatory requirement rather than simply a quality thing to do.

Whether you’re an Indian manufacturer looking to enter a regulated market or an overseas company looking to source woven sacks from India, it’s absolutely essential that you have a clear understanding of the relevant Indian Standard and the certification process.

Partner with UMSPCS for professional BIS compliance support. Book your FREE consultation today!

Read more also: How Can Business in Mexico Secure BIS for Furniture & Electricals

FAQs

1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for woven sacks in India?

Yes, certification is mandatory for the woven sack categories covered under the relevant Quality Control Orders. The manufacturer must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and have a BIS licence in place prior to the use of the ISI Mark.

2. Which BIS standard applies to HDPE and PP woven sacks?

The relevant standard will, of course, depend on the intended use. Examples would be IS 14887 for 50kg food grain sacks, IS 9755 for fertilizer sacks, and IS 11652 for 50kg cement sacks.

3. Can a foreign manufacturer get BIS certification for woven sacks?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). They would have to meet the BIS requirements and appoint an eligible Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

4. Can an Indian importer apply for BIS certification on behalf of a foreign manufacturer of woven sacks?

No, under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer has to submit the application. The importer can help with the coordination but cannot, in fact, get the manufacturer’s FMCS licence themselves.

5. What happens if woven sacks fail BIS laboratory testing?

If the samples fail to meet the relevant Indian Standard, then the manufacturer must rectify the non-conformities and go through the relevant BIS procedures for further assessment. A licence will not be granted until such requirements have been met.