How BIS Certification Enhances Quality and Trust for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks (IS 14968)

The packaging industry plays an important role in the preservation of the quality and safety of food products. In the sugar industry, the packaging sacks should be strong, secure and must be able to transport and store the product safely. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has tied the compliance with certain kinds of packaging materials to a uniform quality standard.

Both High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) woven sacks for 25kg and 50kg sugar packing have to meet the requirements of the IS 14968 standard for conformity. Having BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks is not just a legal requirement for compliance, but it also ensures that finished products are of high quality, customers understand and trust the product and are accepted in the market.

In this blog, let’s discuss the significance of BIS certification, its advantages, the certification process, required documents, timeline, cost of the BIS certificate, and how UMSPCS can assist the manufacturer in getting certified seamlessly.

What are HDPE/PP Woven Sacks Covered Under IS 14968? 

IS 14968 provides the quality standards of packing 25 kg and 50 kg sugar in high-density (HDPE) woven and polypropylene (PP) woven bags. The reason for using these bags is that they should be tough and moisture-proof so that the packed product can be safe and protected.

The following are important parameters included in the standard:

• Dimensions and specifications needed for construction
• Cloth’s quality and strength
• Stitching specifications
• Weight requirements
• Tensile strength
• Workmanship and finish
• Mechanical tests (dura and perf)

The woven sacks manufacturers need to get the BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks and be able to put the ISI mark on their products before providing the same in the Indian market.

Why BIS Certification is Essential for Sugar Packaging Sacks

Due to various quality issues in food packaging, the Government of India has implemented mandatory QC measures for the food industry regarding packaging materials.

Sugar is a popular food product, and all sorts of contamination, loss, and damage can occur during transportation if it is not properly packaged. Manufacturers should avoid causing such issues by adhering to the IS 14968 requirements and having BIS certification.

Manufacturers might be liable to experience:

• Regulatory penalties
• Rejecting the outside market product
• Limits on sales and distribution by others
• Loss of business opportunities
• Reduced customer trust

Hence, BIS certification is a legal requirement in India, along with a quality assurance process.

Raw Material Requirements for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks Under IS 14968

All raw materials that shall be used in the production process of sugar packing sacks should conform to the IS 14968:2015 specifications.

• HDPE/PP Granules: These granules, which are intended to be used in tape manufacturing, should meet the requirements of clause 4.1 of IS 14968:2015.
• Fabrics and Tapes: All fabrics and tapes used in making the sacks should meet the requirements of clause 4.2 of IS 14968:2015. 
• Liner Material: As specified in the internet paragraph 4.4 of the IS 14968:2015.
• Documentary Evidence of Conformity: Conformity of raw materials may be verified by the supplier’s test certificate, a BIS-recognised /NABL-accredited laboratory’s report, or an in-house testing report.

Where the raw material is not only ISI marked but also tested, then in most cases, the environment where the material is used does not require additional testing.

How BIS Certification Improves Product Quality and Market Trust

1. Provides uniform product quality

The length of the certification process involves quality control and standardisation of the manufacturing process. This ensures all sacks made will be of a similar standard.

As a result, customers are always assured of consistent, reliable and long-lasting packaging.

2. Enhances Customer Confidence

ISI Mark ensures that the product is tested and certified according to standards set out by Indian Standards.

Consumers will have faith in a product with an ISI mark, as it has been tested for quality.

3. Enhances the Reputation of the Product in the Market

Manufacturers who are certified will always be considered skilled and trustworthy as compared to those who are not certified.

BIS Certification is essential for business establishments to create a good reputation for their brand.

4. Reduces Product Failures

Quality testing helps detect defects prior to the production of any products. This reduces complaints, returns and losses due to packaging issues.

5. Supports Business Expansion

There are many government departments, big companies and procurement agencies that favour and demand products that have BIS certification.

Certification provides the opportunity for new business and a bigger market share.

6. Demonstrates Regulatory Compliance

By meeting the requirements of BIS, manufacturers can avoid legal hassles and slowdowns in their activities.

Key Benefits of BIS Certification for Manufacturers

Getting the BIS ISI certificate for Indian manufacturers has a number of benefits:

• Product approval, license to manufacture and sell regulated products
• Enhanced product credibility
• Better customer satisfaction
• Upscale quality control systems
• The advantage or economic benefit that a business has over its rivals
• Minimised product reject rate
• Increased sales opportunities
• Stronger brand image
• Strengthening of the Government’s rules and regulations

Likewise, BIS certification for foreign manufacturers enables them to export regulated products to India while complying with all quality requirements.

Process of BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks

Once it has been decided, the certification process comprises several stages that ensure conformity with IS 14968.

Step 1: Product Evaluation and Standard Confirmation

The certification process begins by determining to which Standard the product falls under and determining its compliance with the BIS standards.

• Check the application of IS 14968
• Examine specific requirements and the structure of products
• Know the quality and testing needs required
• Line up manufacturing with the standard

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation Preparation

The product should be tested within a BIS-recognised and NABL-accredited lab. Meanwhile, all necessary paperwork is also being prepared.

• Send in samples of products for testing
• Get Lab reports
• Draft technical / manufacturing documents.
• Compile business and factory-related files

Step 3: BIS Application Filing

The BIS system is presented after the application is tested and verified, documenting the results.

• Fill in the BIS application form.
• Add documents supporting and test reports.
• Please supply your manufacturing unit information.
• Make payment of the correct application fees

Step 4: Factory Inspection by BIS

The BIS officials have undertaken visits to the manufacturing company to ensure the manufacturer’s ability to produce the required products that comply with the specified requirements, time and again.

• Review manufacturing operations
• Evaluate quality control measures
• Verify testing equipment and facilities
• Evaluate production infrastructure

Step 5: Review of Test Reports and Inspection Findings

Information collected during testing and inspection will be evaluated by BIS to determine compliance with IS 14968.

• Look at the last six laboratory test results
• Discuss what the factory inspectors noticed
• Check Conformity of the Product to the Standard
• Assess overall compliance status

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities (If Applicable)

Corrective actions need to be implemented before approval for anything identified as a gap or observation.

• Address BIS observations
• Implement corrective measures
• Submit revised documents (if needed)
• Give evidence of compliance

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

The manufacturer is required to pay the dues of the BIS after approval of the application.

• Licence fee
• ISI marking fee
• Any other charge as may be prescribed by BIS

Step 8: Grant of BIS Licence

BIS, once these requirements are fulfilled, issues the licence and allows the use of the ISI mark.

• Apply for and be awarded a licence by BIS
• Get permission to apply the ISI mark
• Produce and sell certified products
• Installation of the IS 14968 is demonstrated

Documentation Required for BIS Certification

There are a number of documents that manufacturers need to provide when applying for a manufacturing permit. Typically, the following types of documents are required:

• Basic factory/fabrication information and product segment information.
• Lien or proof of lease of manufacturing unit address as required (Lien or Ownership/Lease Deed or Utility bill or other proof as required)
• Must have a trademark registration certificate (if using a brand name for trademark registration)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution)
• Makerere University (teaching and research requirements and industry approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• Include details of the materials used and the specification
• Information about the production of machinery and equipment
• A floor plan of the factory that shows the storage areas, production areas and test areas.
• A flowchart for the manufacturing process is provided.
• Test equipment to be used in-house, along with calibration information.
• As part of the Quality Control, information regarding the quality control personnel will be provided.
• Factory organisational chart

For foreign applicants, additional documents pertaining to the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) will be required in addition to the above.

Timelines, Costs, Validity and Renewal of BIS Certification

There will be a variation in the costs of obtaining certification based on the following:

• Product category
• Testing requirements
• Factory location
• Inspection expenses
• Government fees

Normally, the BIS certification can be obtained in about 30-40 days. The time required for AIF products to be ready varies from 140 days in some cases.

Validity of License

However, after the issuance of the license, it would be valid for the period as prescribed by BIS.

Renewal Process

The license is valid for a maximum of two years, and manufacturers should apply for a new one before the current one expires.

Renewal generally requires:

• Ongoing adherence with standards
• The appropriate fees will be paid
• The deadline for submitting the required documents
• Ensuring quality control systems are maintained

Scheduling ahead means that ISI can be used for the whole period while the ISO is being renewed.

Common Challenges Faced by Manufacturers

The certification can be difficult for many manufacturers, and the reasons for this can involve:

• Choosing the proper tool for the application
• Preparing technical documentation
• Coordinating laboratory testing
• Awareness of BIS compliance requirements
• Regulating production inspection requirements in a factory
• Answering questions from BIS

With expert assistance, delays can be minimised, and the success rate of certification maximised.

Why Manufacturers Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification Support

UMSPCS is an established compliance and bis certification consultant with proven wide experience to assist Indian and foreign manufacturers in securing BIS approvals. We have been working on more than 600+ different projects, with the successful completion of compliance and certification projects, offering full support throughout the certification process.

Our services include:

• Product applicability assessment
• Standard identification
• Documentation preparation
• Application filing
• Testing coordination
• Factory inspection support
• Query management
• License grant assistance
• Renewal support

We provide the guidance and expertise that manufacturers need to comply with complicated regulations efficiently and accurately.

Conclusion

BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks will be very significant in ensuring the quality, longevity, and reliability, in line with IS 14968. In addition to adherence with regulations, certifications build customer trust, boost a company’s reputation and introduce new business opportunities.

For Indian manufacturers aiming for their products to cross the BIS ISI mark for Indian manufacturers or Foreign companies wanting their product to be certified as a BIS Certificate of Foreign Manufacturers, certification plays a huge role in their future success with Indian consumers.

Are Woven sacks made from BIS Certification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks?

UMSPCS provides comprehensive support for BIS certification, coordination with testing bodies, documentation, preparation for factory inspections, and license applications and clearances.

Contact UMSPCS today, and our professionals are available to assist you with rapid, easy compliance with BIS norms.

Read more also: BIS Certification Consultant: Complete Support for Fast & Effortless

FAQs

1. What is IS 14968?

Indian Standard IS 14968 is applicable to the HDPE and PP woven sacks used in packing of 25 kg and 50 kg sugar, which are required to be of a certain quality.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for HDPE/PP woven sugar sacks?

Yes, in case of a product under mandatory requirements on quality control, BIS certification is required prior to manufacturing or sale of the product in India.

3. What is the purpose of the ISI mark on sugar packaging sacks?

The ISI mark means it is good to consume and has been tested by BIS and conforms to Indian Standards.

4. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS certification for exporting to India?

In fact, foreign manufacturers can enter into the scheme as well and seek BIS certification with the help of an Authorised Indian Representative.

5. How long does BIS certification take?

Typically, it takes anywhere between 4 months and 8 months to complete the certification process with regard to documentation, testing, inspections and BIS review timing.

6. What are the main benefits of BIS certification?

It’s the regulatory compliance, product quality, customer trust and confidence, market acceptance, and better business opportunities that seem the most important advantages.