Quality Control Order (QCO) India: Mandatory BIS Certification for PP/HDPE Woven Sacks

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, has announced Quality Control Order (QCOs) that are applicable to the packaging and textiles sector. These measures are part of India’s ongoing mission to enhance product quality, consumer safety, and global competitiveness in line with international best practices.

Implementation Date: 06 September 2025

Products Under the Upcoming Quality Control Order India

1. Polypropylene (PP) / High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Sacks
   1. Standard: IS 17399 : 2020
   2. Use Case: Mail sorting, storage, transport, and distribution.
   3. Relevance: Widely used by postal and courier services, e-commerce logistics, and government distribution networks.

2. Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks
   1. Standard: IS 16709 : 2017
   2. Use Case: Packaging of 50 kg cement bags.
   3. Relevance: Cement is one of India’s largest industries, and durable certified packaging is critical to maintain strength, prevent leakage, and support safe transport.

Why Is Quality Control Order Important?

The upcoming Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates that all manufacturers domestic and overseas must obtain a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license (ISI Mark Certification) before placing these woven sacks in the Indian market.

Without BIS certification, sale, import, or distribution of these products will not be permitted after the effective date.

This step will:

• Ensure Standardized Quality: Preventing sub-standard packaging that can cause losses during handling, storage, or transport.
• Strengthen Consumer Confidence: Certified products will assure buyers of durability and compliance.
• Support Industry Growth: Standardization helps align with global benchmarks, opening avenues for exports.
• Enhance Safety & Sustainability: Better quality sacks reduce wastage, improve handling efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable packaging ecosystem.

Who Will Be Impacted by the Quality Control Order India?

1. Domestic manufacturers of PP/HDPE woven sacks must apply for BIS certification well in advance to avoid supply chain disruptions.
2. Importers & Foreign Manufacturers supplying to India will need to comply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Without a BIS license, imports will not be cleared at customs.
3. Industries Dependent on These Products-Postal departments, logistics providers, cement manufacturers, e-commerce companies, and packaging suppliers will be directly impacted if their vendors are not BIS-compliant.

Steps Towards Quality Control Order Compliance

To comply with the upcoming Quality Control Order (QCO), manufacturers and suppliers must:

1. Identify Applicability: Confirm whether your product falls under IS 17399:2020 or IS 16709:2017.
2. Product Testing: Submit samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per Indian Standards.
3. Documentation & Application: Prepare technical documents, quality manuals, and application forms for BIS.
4. Factory Audit: BIS officials may conduct an inspection of the manufacturing site to verify production processes.
5. License Grant: Upon successful completion, manufacturers receive the ISI Mark License to legally sell in India.

How MBG Can Support

Navigating BIS licensing especially under a strict deadline can be complex. At MBG Corporate Services, we provide end-to-end consulting solutions for BIS Certification under both Domestic and Foreign Manufacturers Certification Schemes.

Our services include:

• Product applicability assessment
• Guidance on Indian Standards compliance
• Technical documentation and file preparation
• Coordination with BIS and testing laboratories
• Assistance with audits and inspections
• Fast-tracked support to secure ISI Mark License before deadlines

With decades of global expertise, MBG ensures your business stays compliant, competitive, and market-ready.

Reminder Again:

• QCO Effective Date: 06 September 2025
• Standards Covered: IS 17399:2020 & IS 16709:2017
• Mandatory for: Both Domestic & Foreign Manufacturers