BIS Certification for Jute Geotextiles | IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 – Qualitance India

BIS Certification for Jute Geotextiles under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016

Jute geotextiles are textile-based geosynthetic materials used in civil engineering and road construction. They can help reinforce road sub-grade, improve soil separation and provide filtration functions when designed and installed according to the requirements of the project. In India, jute geotextiles intended for strengthening road sub-grade are covered by IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 — Jute Geotextiles, Part 1: Strengthening of Sub-Grade in Roads — Specification. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published a product-specific manual for certification under Scheme-I. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0","turn760579search1"]}/> The product is also included in the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 framework. Manufacturers supplying covered jute geotextiles in India must understand the applicable certification requirements, testing programme, factory quality controls and licence scope. <Cite refs={["turn968413view1","turn760579search2"]}/> Qualitance India assists manufacturers with BIS certification documentation, product compliance assessment, laboratory coordination and application support.

1. What Is IS 14715 (Part 1):2016?

IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 specifies requirements for jute geotextiles used for strengthening the sub-grade in roads. It is the second revision of the standard. The BIS product manual dated 1 January 2023 identifies the product and provides certification guidance for applicants and existing licence holders. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0","turn760579search26"]}/> Jute geotextiles can be used in road construction to support functions such as:

Reinforcement of weak road sub-grade
Separation of soil layers
Filtration and water movement, where designed for the application
Supporting the performance of road structures in suitable ground conditions

The precise performance of a geotextile depends on its construction, mechanical properties, hydraulic characteristics, soil conditions, design and installation method. Important distinction: IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 covers jute geotextiles for road sub-grade strengthening. Jute geotextiles for control of bank erosion in rivers and waterways are covered separately under IS 14715 (Part 2):2016. <Cite refs={["turn760579search0","turn968413view1"]}/>

2. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Jute Geotextiles?

Yes. BIS certification is compulsory for jute geotextiles covered by the applicable Quality Control Order. The Ministry of Textiles issued the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, through S.O. 1706(E), dated 10 April 2023. The Order's scheduled products include IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 and IS 14715 (Part 2):2016. The Ministry subsequently announced that the implementation date for the Order was extended to 1 January 2024. <Cite refs={["turn968413view1","turn760579search5"]}/> The general BIS compulsory-certification framework requires covered products to conform to the relevant Indian Standard and use the Standard Mark under an appropriate BIS licence, subject to the applicable Order, amendments and exemptions. <Cite refs={["turn760579search2","turn760579search3"]}/>

What does mandatory certification mean for manufacturers?

Manufacturers should ensure that:

The product conforms to IS 14715 (Part 1):2016.
The product type is correctly identified as woven or non-woven.
The manufacturing facility obtains the required BIS licence.
The licence scope covers the product being manufactured.
The Standard Mark and licence number are applied only as authorised.
Production, inspection, testing and traceability records are maintained.

A test report alone does not replace a BIS licence where compulsory certification applies. The Quality Control Order excludes goods manufactured exclusively for export, as provided under the applicable Order. Manufacturers should verify the latest notification and exemptions before relying on any exclusion.

3. Product Scope Under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016

The BIS product manual identifies two types within the licence scope:

Product type	Description
Woven jute geotextiles	Jute geotextiles made using a woven construction
Non-woven jute geotextiles	Jute geotextiles manufactured using a non-woven construction

The product manual states that a sample of each type—woven and non-woven—must be drawn and tested. The intended licence scope should therefore be established before sampling and laboratory testing. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

3.1 Woven jute geotextiles

Woven products are assessed against the requirements for woven jute geotextiles in Table 1 of IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. The relevant product characteristics include construction, weight at 20 percent moisture regain, width, ends and picks per decimetre, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture resistance, burst strength, permittivity and apparent opening size. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

3.2 Non-woven jute geotextiles

Non-woven products are assessed against Table 2 of the standard. The product manual identifies relevant characteristics including width, mass per square metre, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, permittivity, burst strength and apparent opening size. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

3.3 Scope planning

Before applying, manufacturers should identify:

Whether the product is woven or non-woven.
The product's construction and dimensions.
The applicable technical requirements under Table 1 or Table 2.
The manufacturing and testing facilities available.
The intended certification scope and sample requirements.

Do not assume that testing one construction automatically covers the other. The BIS product manual expressly requires separate sampling and testing for each type intended to be covered. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

4. Raw Material Requirements

The BIS product manual states “No specific raw material requirement” under its sampling-guidelines section. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/> This statement should not be interpreted as meaning that all products automatically conform to the standard. The finished geotextile must still meet the applicable requirements of IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. Manufacturers should maintain suitable records of raw-material procurement, production batches, construction and finished-product inspection to support traceability and conformity.

5. BIS Sample Requirements for IS 14715 (Part 1):2016

The BIS product manual states that a sample of each type—woven and non-woven—must be drawn and tested. However, the sample-size field in the published product manual is blank. A numerical sample quantity should therefore not be assumed from that document. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/> Before sending samples, manufacturers should:

Confirm the type of geotextile proposed for certification.
Identify the applicable product requirements.
Confirm the sample quantity, dimensions and preparation with BIS or the designated laboratory.
Ensure the sample represents the product intended for the licence scope.
Maintain sample identification and batch details.
Confirm the required tests and test methods before dispatch.

Practical recommendation: Obtain written confirmation of the sample quantity and specimen preparation requirements before arranging dispatch. This reduces the risk of delay caused by an incomplete or unsuitable sample.

6. Testing Requirements for Jute Geotextiles

The BIS product manual identifies separate testing requirements for woven and non-woven geotextiles. The applicable test methods are referenced in the inspection and testing scheme. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0","turn421971view2"]}/>

6.1 Tests for woven jute geotextiles

The product manual identifies the following tests and checks for woven geotextiles:

Test / characteristic	Purpose
Construction	Verifies the product construction against the standard
Weight at 20 percent moisture regain	Measures the specified mass characteristic
Width	Checks product width
Ends × picks per decimetre	Checks woven construction density
Thickness at 2 kPa	Measures thickness under specified pressure
Tensile strength in machine and cross directions	Evaluates mechanical strength
Elongation at break in machine and cross directions	Evaluates extension before break
Puncture resistance	Assesses resistance to puncture
Burst strength	Evaluates resistance to bursting
Permittivity at 50 mm constant head	Evaluates water-flow characteristics under the specified test conditions
Apparent opening size (AOS), O95	Evaluates opening size under the specified test method

These test characteristics and their referenced methods are identified in the BIS product manual's Scheme of Inspection and Testing. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

6.2 Tests for non-woven jute geotextiles

The product manual identifies the following tests for non-woven geotextiles:

Test / characteristic	Purpose
Width	Checks product width
Mass per square metre	Measures mass per unit area
Thickness at 2 kPa	Measures thickness under specified pressure
Tensile strength	Evaluates mechanical strength
Elongation at break	Evaluates extension before break
Permittivity at 50 mm constant head	Evaluates water-flow characteristics
Burst strength	Evaluates resistance to bursting
Apparent opening size (AOS), O95	Evaluates opening size under the specified method

The applicable acceptance limits must be taken from the relevant table of IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

6.3 Test methods referenced in the product manual

The product manual references the following standards for the respective tests:

IS 14716 — Weight at 20 percent moisture regain
IS 1954 — Width
IS 1963 — Ends and picks
IS 13162 (Part 3) — Thickness at 2 kPa for woven geotextiles
IS 16635 — Tensile strength and elongation for woven geotextiles
IS 13162 (Part 4) — Puncture resistance for woven geotextiles
IS 1966 (Part 1) and IS 1966 (Part 2) — Burst strength
IS 14324 — Permittivity at 50 mm constant head
IS 14294 — Apparent opening size
IS 15981 (Part 1) — Mass for non-woven geotextiles
IS 15891 (Part 2) — Thickness for non-woven geotextiles
IS 15981 (Part 3) — Tensile strength and elongation for non-woven geotextiles

These references are taken from the BIS product manual's inspection and testing scheme. The current applicable editions of the referenced standards should be checked when establishing the test programme. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

7. Testing Equipment Required

The BIS product manual provides an indicative list of major equipment for testing jute geotextiles. It expressly states that the list is for guidance and is not exhaustive. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Test area	Indicative equipment
Weight at 20 percent moisture regain	Sample preparation/cutting equipment, conditioning chamber and analytical balance
Width	Calibrated steel rule, flat surface and conditioning chamber
Ends and picks	Thread counter with low-power microscope or the applicable counting arrangement
Thickness	Thickness tester or measuring device with the required pressure foot and reference plate
Tensile strength and elongation	Tensile testing machine, extensometer or applicable clamps and fixtures
Puncture resistance	Specimen holder, water container, testing frame and specified cone apparatus
Burst strength	Bursting tester and conditioning chamber
Permittivity	Water permeability tester, de-aired water and conditioning chamber
Apparent opening size	Mechanical sieve shaker, sieves, beads or graded sand particles, balance, drying oven and associated accessories
Mass of non-woven geotextiles	Die, template, steel rule, balance and conditioning chamber

Laboratory readiness and calibration

The manufacturer must maintain a suitably equipped and staffed laboratory for the tests assigned to it under the applicable requirements. The product manual requires the manufacturer to prepare and implement a calibration plan for testing equipment and maintain test records. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/> Whether particular tests must be conducted in-house or may be subcontracted depends on the applicable product manual requirements and BIS decision. The manual states that subcontracting, where permitted, must be to a laboratory recognised by BIS or a Government laboratory empanelled by BIS. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

8. Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)

BIS certification involves initial product assessment and continued control of production. The Scheme of Inspection and Testing in the product manual specifies the control-unit definition, test frequencies, records, marking and handling of non-conforming material. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0","turn421971view2"]}/>

8.1 Control unit

Under the product manual, a control unit is defined as: The entire quantity of jute geotextiles of each type manufactured under similar conditions in a single day from the same raw material. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

8.2 Inspection and testing frequency

The product manual's recommended levels of control include the following:

Test / characteristic	Woven geotextiles	Non-woven geotextiles
Construction	Adequate inspection	As applicable under the standard
Weight at 20 percent moisture regain	Each control unit	Not listed as a separate non-woven parameter in the table
Width	Each control unit	Each control unit
Ends × picks per decimetre	Each control unit	Not listed as a separate non-woven parameter in the table
Thickness at 2 kPa	Each control unit	Each control unit
Tensile strength	Each control unit	Each control unit
Elongation at break	Each control unit	Each control unit
Puncture resistance	Each control unit	Not listed as a separate non-woven parameter in the table
Burst strength	Each control unit	Each control unit
Permittivity at 50 mm constant head	Once a month	Once a month
Apparent opening size (AOS), O95	Once a week	Once a week

The frequencies above reflect the levels of control in the BIS product manual. The manual states that these levels are recommendatory and that a manufacturer may propose its own control-unit, batch or lot definition and control levels with proper justification. The Bureau's decision regarding equipment requirements and permitted subcontracting remains applicable. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

8.3 Test records

The manufacturer must maintain records of tests carried out to establish conformity. Records should be traceable to the relevant production date, type and control unit. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

8.4 Marking and packing

The product manual requires the Standard Mark and licence number (CM/L) to be incorporated on each roll, provided the marked product conforms to the standard. Marking and packing must follow the provisions of IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

8.5 Test certificate for each consignment

A test certificate must accompany each consignment of BIS-certified material conforming to IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. The certificate must include:

Standard Mark
Control-unit number
Corresponding test results

The product manual provides a format for the test certificate in its annexures. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

8.6 Handling rejected or non-conforming material

Non-conforming material must be handled in accordance with the product manual and the BIS Act, 2016. The manual requires rejected material to be segregated from conforming material, appropriate rejection and disposal records to be maintained, and any Standard Mark already applied to rejected material to be defaced. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

9. Documents Required for BIS Certification

The exact document set depends on the manufacturer, factory, product type and current application requirements. The following is a practical preparation checklist.

A. Company and factory documents

Company incorporation or constitution documents, as applicable
Factory address and contact details
GST registration, where applicable
Authorisation letter for the application signatory
Manufacturing premises details
Factory layout and production-area details, where requested
Manufacturing process flow chart
List of manufacturing machinery and equipment
Details of the in-house laboratory and testing facilities

B. Product and technical documents

Product specification and technical data sheet
Identification as woven or non-woven jute geotextile
Construction and dimensional details
Product drawings or construction details, where applicable
Raw-material supplier details
Raw-material procurement and batch records
Product inspection and quality-control procedures
Product identification, roll marking and packing details

C. Laboratory and quality-control documents

List of testing equipment
Calibration certificates for applicable equipment
Laboratory procedures and test formats
Inspection and testing plan
In-process inspection records
Finished-product test records
Control-unit and production traceability records
Details of subcontracted testing, where permitted
Nonconformity and corrective-action records, where applicable

D. Application and certification documents

BIS application forms and declarations
Applicable fee-payment records
Sample identification and dispatch records
Test reports from the applicable laboratory
Factory assessment records and responses to observations
Additional information or undertakings requested by BIS

This is a preparation checklist, not a guarantee that every item will be required in every application. The latest BIS application instructions and product-specific manual should be followed.

10. Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process

Step 1: Confirm the applicable standard

Confirm that the product is jute geotextile intended for road sub-grade strengthening under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016.

Step 2: Identify the product type

Determine whether the product is woven or non-woven. If both types are intended to be covered, arrange for each type to be sampled and tested. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Step 3: Review manufacturing and quality controls

Assess the manufacturing process, construction, dimensions, testing facilities, calibration system, traceability and production records against the applicable requirements.

Step 4: Prepare the application documents

Compile company and factory documents, product specifications, laboratory details, quality-control procedures and the declarations required by BIS.

Step 5: Confirm sample quantity and testing arrangements

The product manual's sample-size field is blank, so confirm the quantity and specimen preparation with BIS or the designated laboratory before dispatch. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Step 6: Complete sample testing

Arrange the applicable tests for the selected type or types. Ensure that the laboratory's testing scope covers the required methods.

Step 7: Complete the factory assessment

BIS may assess the manufacturing premises, product construction, laboratory facilities, testing equipment, quality-control arrangements and supporting records.

Step 8: Address observations

Provide clarifications and close any technical or factory-assessment observations raised during the process.

Step 9: Complete BIS review

BIS reviews the application, test reports and applicable assessment findings under the relevant certification procedure.

Step 10: Obtain the licence and apply the Standard Mark

The Standard Mark may be applied only after the licence is granted and only to conforming products covered by the approved scope.

Step 11: Maintain ongoing compliance

After certification, follow the inspection and testing scheme, maintain calibration and control-unit records, issue consignment test certificates and ensure compliant marking and packing.

11. BIS Testing Charges and Certification Costs

The total certification cost depends on the laboratory, test scope, selected product type, applicable BIS fee schedule and the readiness of the manufacturing facility. BIS LIMS displays a laboratory-specific testing charge of ₹33,600 excluding taxes for IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 at the Indian Jute Industries' Research Association, Kolkata. Another BIS LIMS listing shows a charge of ₹41,350 for a separate laboratory and scope. These are indicative entries, not a universal quotation. <Cite refs={["turn308862search2","turn308862search6"]}/>

Other potential cost components

The overall budget may include:

BIS application and licence-related fees
Laboratory testing charges
Sample preparation and transportation
Factory assessment and related expenses, where applicable
Testing equipment and calibration
Laboratory upgrades, where required
Documentation and quality-control implementation
Consultancy and coordination fees, if professional support is engaged

Important: Laboratory charges vary and may include specific exclusions or scope limitations. Obtain a current, itemised quotation for the intended woven or non-woven type before budgeting. Do not treat the test fee as the total cost of obtaining a BIS licence.

12. How Long Does BIS Certification Take?

The completion time depends on the manufacturer's readiness, laboratory availability and the applicable BIS certification procedure. Important factors include:

Completeness of application documents
Readiness of the manufacturing facility
Availability and calibration of testing equipment
Sample preparation and testing
Factory assessment and closure of observations
BIS review and any further technical queries

The product manual states that all tests except Apparent Opening Size (AOS), O95, can potentially be completed in one day on pre-conditioned samples. This is a statement about possible testing duration, not a guarantee of the total certification timeline. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/> Manufacturers should obtain a realistic timeline after confirming the sample requirements, test scope and factory readiness.

13. Difference Between IS 14715 Part 1 and Part 2

Jute geotextiles are covered by two separate parts of IS 14715. Selecting the correct standard is essential for certification.

Feature	IS 14715 (Part 1):2016	IS 14715 (Part 2):2016
Product application	Strengthening of road sub-grade	Control of bank erosion in rivers and waterways
Main use	Road construction and sub-grade strengthening	Riverbank and waterway erosion-control applications
Standard title	Jute Geotextiles, Part 1	Jute Geotextiles, Part 2
Certification manual	Separate product manual	Separate product manual
Scope selection	Woven and non-woven types	Must be assessed under Part 2 requirements

Both standards appear in the BIS Scheme-I product list and in the Geo Textiles Quality Control Order framework. A licence under Part 1 should not be assumed to cover Part 2. <Cite refs={["turn760579search0","turn968413view1"]}/>

14. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Manufacturers should avoid these common mistakes during BIS certification:

Choosing the wrong part of the standard: Part 1 is for road sub-grade strengthening; Part 2 is for bank erosion control in rivers and waterways.
Assuming one type covers both constructions: Woven and non-woven geotextiles must be sampled and tested separately for the intended scope.
Assuming a sample quantity without confirmation: The product manual's sample-size field is blank.
Ignoring the full test programme: Mechanical, dimensional and hydraulic characteristics may all be relevant.
Overlooking calibration: The product manual requires a calibration plan and maintenance of test records.
Not maintaining control-unit traceability: Each control unit must be identifiable by type, production conditions, day and raw material.
Ignoring periodic tests: The recommended control levels include weekly AOS testing and monthly permittivity testing.
Failing to issue test certificates: Each consignment must have the prescribed test certificate.
Using the Standard Mark before approval: The mark may only be used in accordance with the granted BIS licence.
Budgeting from a partial testing quotation: Laboratory charges may vary by scope and exclusions and are separate from other certification expenses.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for jute geotextiles?

Yes. Jute geotextiles under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 are included in the Geo Textiles Quality Control Order framework, subject to applicable provisions and exemptions. Covered products require the relevant BIS licence and Standard Mark. <Cite refs={["turn968413view1","turn760579search2"]}/>

Q2. What is the applicable standard for jute geotextiles used in road construction?

The applicable standard is IS 14715 (Part 1):2016, Jute Geotextiles — Part 1: Strengthening of Sub-Grade in Roads — Specification. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Q3. Which types are covered?

The BIS product manual identifies woven and non-woven jute geotextiles. Each type intended for inclusion in the licence scope must be sampled and tested. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Q4. How many samples are required?

The published BIS product manual leaves the sample-size field blank. Confirm the required sample quantity and specimen dimensions with BIS or the designated laboratory before dispatch. <Cite refs={["turn968413view0"]}/>

Q5. What are the main tests for woven jute geotextiles?

The tests include construction, weight at 20 percent moisture regain, width, ends and picks, thickness, tensile strength, elongation, puncture resistance, burst strength, permittivity and apparent opening size. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

Q6. What are the main tests for non-woven jute geotextiles?

The product manual identifies width, mass per square metre, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, permittivity, burst strength and apparent opening size. <Cite refs={["turn421971view2"]}/>

Q7. What is the control unit under the product manual?

A control unit is the entire quantity of each type of jute geotextile manufactured under similar conditions in a single day from the same raw material. <Cite refs={["turn421971view0"]}/>

Q8. What are the testing charges for IS 14715 (Part 1):2016?

BIS LIMS lists laboratory-specific examples of ₹33,600 and ₹41,350 excluding taxes. The final amount depends on the laboratory, scope and applicable charges. These figures are not a complete certification quotation. <Cite refs={["turn308862search2","turn308862search6"]}/>

Q9. Can a Part 1 licence cover jute geotextiles used for riverbank erosion control?

Not automatically. IS 14715 (Part 1):2016 covers road sub-grade strengthening, while IS 14715 (Part 2):2016 covers bank erosion control in rivers and waterways. The applicable licence scope must be confirmed separately. <Cite refs={["turn760579search0"]}/>

Q10. Can a consultant help with BIS certification?

Yes. A consultant can assist with scope review, document preparation, laboratory coordination, factory-readiness checks and application follow-up. The decision to grant the licence remains with BIS.

16. Get BIS Certification Assistance from Qualitance India

Planning to manufacture or supply woven or non-woven jute geotextiles for road sub-grade strengthening? Qualitance India provides professional support to help manufacturers prepare for BIS certification under IS 14715 (Part 1):2016. Our support can include:

Review of product specifications and intended licence scope
Identification of applicable requirements for woven and non-woven types
Factory-readiness and quality-control assessment
Documentation preparation and review
Sample testing coordination
Assistance with application follow-up and compliance observations

Contact Qualitance India Improving Quality & Competence

Call/WhatsApp: +91 93106 15170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: https://qualitanceindia.com

Contact our team to discuss your product type, manufacturing setup, laboratory facilities and BIS certification requirements.

Official References

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and business guidance. Always verify the latest applicable Indian Standard, product manual, Quality Control Order, certification procedure, sampling requirements and fee schedule with BIS before submitting an application.