BIS Certification for Agro Textiles: Ensuring Quality for Agricultural Innovation

Published on: April 28, 2025

The agricultural sector has evolved rapidly over the last few decades, integrating technology and innovative materials to increase productivity, reduce resource use, and promote sustainable farming practices. Among these innovations, agro textiles have emerged as a key category — offering protection, enhancing yield, and improving the overall quality of crops. To ensure that these technical textiles meet the highest quality and performance standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates certification for specific agro textile products.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of BIS certification for agro textiles, the certification process, its benefits, and how it is helping India's agricultural sector achieve better growth and sustainability.

What Are Agro Textiles?

Agro textiles refer to a category of technical textiles specifically designed for use in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields. These textiles are engineered to perform specific functions like shading, protection from pests, moisture retention, soil erosion prevention, and even supporting controlled environment agriculture (CEA) practices such as greenhouse farming.

Common examples of agro textiles include:

• → Shade nets
• → Mulch mats
• → Insect-proof nets
• → Weed control fabrics
• → Crop covers
• → Pond liners
• → Greenhouse films

Agro textiles are critical for improving the efficiency of farming systems, conserving resources, and ensuring better crop quality and yield.

Why is BIS Certification Important for Agro Textiles?

Agro textiles directly impact the productivity and sustainability of farming operations. Substandard or poorly manufactured textiles can result in crop loss, soil degradation, water wastage, and ultimately, financial losses for farmers. Therefore, ensuring the quality and performance of these products is crucial.

BIS certification ensures that agro textiles:

• → Meet specified quality and performance standards
• → Are safe for agricultural use
• → Conform to durability and environmental resistance criteria
• → Enhance trust among farmers, buyers, and government bodies
• → Support sustainable agricultural practices

Agro Textiles Under Mandatory BIS Certification

The Indian government, recognizing the strategic importance of agro textiles, has brought several products under the mandatory BIS certification scheme. Some of these include:

• → Shade Nets: Used in nurseries, greenhouses, and open fields to control light, temperature, and humidity.
• → Insect-Proof Nets: Provide a physical barrier against pests without the use of harmful chemicals.
• → Mulch Mats: Control weed growth, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
• → Crop Covers: Protect plants from frost, heavy rains, and pests.
• → Weed Control Fabrics: Suppress weeds and reduce herbicide usage.

Each product category has designated Indian Standards (IS Codes) outlining the required specifications, test methods, and performance parameters.

The BIS Certification Process for Agro Textiles

Getting a BIS certification for agro textiles involves a series of detailed steps to ensure strict adherence to the relevant standards:

1. Application Submission: Manufacturers must apply online through the BIS portal, providing details about the product, manufacturing facilities, and quality assurance systems.
2. Product Testing: Samples of the agro textile products are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for various parameters such as UV resistance, tensile strength, porosity, durability, and environmental impact.
3. Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an audit of the manufacturing unit to assess the production process, machinery, quality control measures, and compliance with the applicable standards.
4. Grant of Certification: Upon successful completion of testing and inspection, BIS grants the certification. Manufacturers are then authorized to use the Standard Mark (ISI mark) on their products.
5. Ongoing Surveillance: To maintain the certification, BIS carries out periodic surveillance inspections and random sampling from the market or production site.

Key Indian Standards (IS) for Agro Textiles

• → IS 16008 – Shade Nets
• → IS 16585 – Mulch Mats
• → IS 16586 – Insect-Proof Nets
• → IS 16640 – Weed Control Mats

These standards cover various parameters like material composition, physical properties, mechanical strength, UV stabilization, and biodegradability (where applicable).

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for BIS certification for agro textiles, manufacturers typically need:

• → Business registration documents
• → Manufacturing license
• → Product specifications and technical data sheets
• → Quality control manual
• → Details of production and testing facilities
• → Test reports from BIS-recognized labs
• → Layout of manufacturing unit
• → Authorized signatory documents

Accurate and complete documentation facilitates a faster and smoother certification process.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Agro Textiles

For Manufacturers:

• → Enhanced Market Access: BIS-certified products are eligible for government procurement and major agricultural projects.
• → Competitive Edge: Certification distinguishes products from uncertified competitors.
• → Consumer Trust: Farmers and agricultural enterprises prefer certified products.
• → Export Opportunities: BIS certification is recognized internationally, facilitating entry into global markets.

For Farmers and End-Users:

• → Quality Assurance: Certified products deliver reliable performance.
• → Cost Efficiency: Longer-lasting and durable products reduce replacement costs.
• → Environmental Sustainability: BIS-certified agro textiles support eco-friendly farming practices.
• → Risk Reduction: Reduced chances of crop failure due to substandard materials.

Challenges in BIS Certification

• → Technical Complexity: Understanding and complying with technical standards can be demanding.
• → Financial Investment: Testing, inspection, and compliance measures incur costs.
• → Time-Consuming: Certification processes can take several weeks to complete.
• → Continuous Compliance: Manufacturers must maintain high standards even after certification.

Engaging with professional consultants can greatly simplify the process and ensure successful certification.

Future of Agro Textiles and BIS Certification in India

India's push towards modern, sustainable, and high-yield agriculture is driving the demand for agro textiles. Initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and government support for precision farming practices are expected to further boost the agro textile industry.

BIS certification ensures that only high-quality, reliable products support this growth. With increasing awareness among farmers and more regulations from agricultural bodies, certified agro textiles will become the norm rather than the exception.

Manufacturers who invest in BIS certification today will enjoy first-mover advantages, build stronger brands, and contribute significantly to India’s agricultural transformation.

Conclusion

Agro textiles are revolutionizing Indian agriculture by offering solutions that increase crop yield, conserve resources, and promote sustainable farming. BIS certification plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, safety, and performance of these products. For manufacturers, obtaining BIS certification is not just a compliance requirement but a strategic move towards business growth, consumer trust, and long-term success.

For farmers and agricultural enterprises, BIS-certified agro textiles offer the assurance of quality, helping them make informed, confident purchasing decisions that ultimately improve their productivity and profitability.

As India's agriculture sector gears up for a future driven by technology and sustainability, BIS certification for agro textiles will be one of the key pillars supporting this transformation.