The Government of India has made BIS Certification mandatory for specified jute bags through the Jute Bags (Quality Control) Order, 2022, issued by the Ministry of Textiles on 06 June 2022. Under this Order, manufacturers of notified jute bags are required to obtain a BIS License (ISI Mark) before manufacturing, selling, storing, importing, or distributing these products in the Indian market.
If you manufacture or import jute bags covered under this Quality Control Order (QCO), obtaining BIS certification is a legal requirement.
What is the Jute Bags (Quality Control) Order, 2022?
The Jute Bags (Quality Control) Order, 2022 has been issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to ensure that specified jute bags conform to Indian Standards and carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
The Order is applicable to the products listed in the notification and does not apply to goods manufactured exclusively for export.
Who is Affected?
The following stakeholders are required to comply:
- Indian manufacturers of notified jute bags
- Foreign manufacturers exporting notified jute bags to India
- Importers dealing in BIS-mandated jute bags
- Brand owners getting products manufactured under their brand
- Government procurement suppliers
- Packaging material manufacturers supplying foodgrain and sugar packaging
Products Covered Under the QCO
The following products require BIS Certification:
| Product | Indian Standard |
| A-Twill Jute Bags | IS 1943:1995 |
| B-Twill Jute Bags for Packing Foodgrains | IS 2566:1993 |
| Jute Bags for Packing 50 kg Foodgrains | IS 12650:2018 |
| Jute Bags for Packing 50 kg Sugar | IS 15138:2010 |
| Lightweight Jute Sacking Bags for Packing 50 kg Foodgrains | IS 16186:2014 |
| Jute Bags for Packing up to 30 kg Foodgrains | IS 16372:2015 |
Is BIS Certification Mandatory?
Yes.
Every manufacturer of the above-mentioned products must:
- Manufacture products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard.
- Obtain a BIS License.
- Affix the ISI Mark on certified products.
Without BIS certification, these products cannot be legally supplied in India.
BIS Certification Procedure
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
Determine the relevant IS Standard based on the type of jute bag being manufactured.
Step 2: Product Testing
Send product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per the applicable Indian Standard.
Step 3: Documentation
Prepare and submit:
- Manufacturing details
- Factory layout
- Machinery details
- Quality control documents
- Raw material details
- Test reports
- Authorized signatory documents
Step 4: BIS Application
Submit the online BIS application with all supporting documents.
Step 5: Factory Inspection
BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility to verify:
- Manufacturing process
- Testing facilities
- Quality control system
- Production capability
Step 6: Sample Verification
Factory samples may be drawn and tested for compliance.
Step 7: Grant of BIS License
Upon satisfactory inspection and testing, BIS grants the license permitting use of the ISI Mark.
Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Company Registration Certificate
- GST Registration
- Factory License
- Manufacturing Flow Chart
- List of Machinery
- Calibration Certificates
- In-house Test Equipment Details
- Raw Material Details
- Product Drawings/Specifications
- Laboratory Test Reports
- Quality Control Manual
- Authorized Signatory Details
Benefits of BIS Certification
- Legal authorization to sell regulated jute bags in India.
- Improved customer confidence through the ISI Mark.
- Easier participation in government and institutional tenders.
- Demonstrates compliance with national quality standards.
- Enhances product credibility and market acceptance.
Consequences of Not Taking BIS License
Failure to obtain BIS certification may lead to:
- Prohibition on manufacturing or selling notified jute bags in India.
- Seizure of non-compliant products by enforcement authorities.
- Cancellation of government procurement opportunities.
- Legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
- Monetary penalties and other statutory consequences for contravention of the Quality Control Order.
Why Choose Kar Parivartan?
Kar Parivartan offers complete assistance for BIS Certification, including:
- Product applicability assessment
- Indian Standard identification
- Documentation support
- Coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories
- BIS application filing
- Factory audit preparation
- Query handling
- End-to-end licensing support
- Post-license compliance assistance
Our experienced consultants simplify the certification process and help manufacturers obtain BIS licenses efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for all jute bags?
No. It is mandatory only for the jute bag categories specified under the Jute Bags (Quality Control) Order, 2022.
2. Who can apply for a BIS License?
Only the manufacturer (Indian or foreign) can obtain a BIS license. Importers and traders cannot obtain a manufacturing license on behalf of the manufacturer.
3. Are export products covered under this Order?
No. Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the requirements of this Quality Control Order.
4. Which authority grants the BIS License?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority.
5. Is factory inspection mandatory?
Yes. BIS generally conducts a factory inspection before granting the license.
6. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers exporting notified jute bags to India can obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
7. How long does it take to obtain BIS Certification?
The timeline depends on product testing, document readiness, and BIS processing, but typically ranges from 30–60 days for Indian manufacturers after submission of a complete application.
8. What happens if a manufacturer uses the ISI Mark without a valid license?
Unauthorized use of the ISI Mark is a violation of the BIS Act and may attract legal action, penalties, and prosecution.
9. Can one BIS license cover multiple jute bag models?
Yes, provided the products fall within the scope of the applicable Indian Standard and satisfy BIS requirements.
10. How can Kar Parivartan help?
Kar Parivartan provides complete end-to-end BIS certification support—from applicability assessment and documentation to testing coordination, audit preparation, license approval, and ongoing compliance.
