A water-proof multipurpose rain poncho is designed to protect the wearer from rain while also providing additional utility through its ability to be converted into a bivouac or temporary protective shelter. This makes the product particularly relevant for outdoor activities, defence-related applications, camping, trekking, tactical use and situations where protection from weather conditions is important.<\/p>\n
In India, IS 17286:2019 \u2013 Textiles \u2013 Water-proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac \u2013 Specification<\/strong> establishes requirements for this specialized textile product. The standard covers the general clothing design, material performance and test methods used to evaluate characteristics such as water resistance, strength, flexibility, colour fastness, moisture vapour transmission and convertibility.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual PM\/IS 17286\/1 dated June 2025<\/strong> operates certification under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018<\/strong>. It specifies the product title, sampling requirements, testing equipment, Quality Assurance Plan, inspection controls, marking requirements and provisions for large manufacturers and MSME manufacturers.<\/p>\n IS 17286:2019 is also included in the BIS compulsory certification framework under the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022<\/strong>. The Ministry of Textiles subsequently amended the commencement provision and specified 7 October 2023<\/strong> as the effective date. The QCO applies to the listed products but does not apply to goods meant for export. BIS’s current Scheme-I listing continues to include IS 17286:2019 under Protective Textiles.<\/p>\n A further important development is that BIS announced an All India First Licence<\/strong> for \u201cTextiles \u2014 Water Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac\u201d as per IS 17286:2019 on 30 September 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides end-to-end BIS Certification Consultancy for Water-Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho as per IS 17286:2019<\/strong>, including product applicability review, documentation, sample preparation, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application support, factory inspection preparation, Quality Assurance Plan support and licence assistance.<\/p>\n IS 17286:2019<\/strong> is titled:<\/p>\n \u201cTextiles \u2013 Water-Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac \u2013 Specification.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The standard is specifically intended for water-proof multipurpose rain ponchos that can also be converted into a bivouac. BIS describes the product as a versatile rain-protection garment that can function as a temporary camp or shelter without a tent or other cover.<\/p>\n The standard addresses both the design of the garment and the performance of the materials used in its construction.<\/p>\n Important areas include:<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual records no amendments<\/strong> against IS 17286:2019 in its June 2025 product-specific certification document and states that grouping guidelines are not applicable (NA)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A water-proof multipurpose rain poncho is a protective textile garment designed to cover the upper body and provide protection from rainfall and wet weather.<\/p>\n Unlike an ordinary raincoat, the product covered by IS 17286:2019 has an additional functional feature: it can be converted into a bivouac<\/strong>, allowing it to serve as a temporary shelter or protective covering.<\/p>\n BIS technical information identifies the main functional considerations as:<\/p>\n Polyamide materials, including nylon 6 or nylon 66, are referenced in BIS technical information because of characteristics such as tensile strength, scrub resistance and elasticity.<\/p>\n A product conforming to IS 17286:2019 can be relevant to applications such as:<\/p>\n The standard’s bivouac convertibility makes the product particularly useful where both personal rain protection and temporary shelter capability are required.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual defines the licence product name as:<\/p>\n Textiles \u2013 Water Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac.<\/strong><\/p>\n The certification scope should be established against the actual product design and the requirements of the standard.<\/p>\n Before laboratory testing, manufacturers should review:<\/p>\n The current Product Manual states that grouping guidelines are NA<\/strong>, so manufacturers should not assume that different products or materially different constructions can automatically be covered under one tested configuration. The intended licence scope should be discussed and finalised before sample submission.<\/p>\n Yes, for products covered by the applicable QCO.<\/strong><\/p>\n IS 17286:2019 is included in the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022<\/strong>, which requires the specified goods to conform to the relevant Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence in accordance with Scheme-I<\/strong>. The QCO specifically excludes goods meant for export.<\/p>\n The commencement of the QCO was subsequently specified as 7 October 2023<\/strong> by the amendment order published on 24 May 2023.<\/p>\n BIS’s current Scheme-I page continues to list IS 17286:2019 \u2013 Water-proof multipurpose rain poncho<\/strong> under the Protective Textiles category.<\/p>\n Therefore, manufacturers supplying covered rain ponchos in the Indian market should assess their BIS licensing requirement before manufacture, sale or supply.<\/p>\n The Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022<\/strong> was notified by the Ministry of Textiles and covers specified protective textile products, including water-proof multipurpose rain poncho.<\/p>\n The current BIS listing associates IS 17286:2019 with:<\/p>\n Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n along with:<\/p>\n The 2024 amendment omitted Schedule Serial No. 2 and the entries relating to that serial number. It did not remove the current BIS listing for IS 17286:2019 from the Protective Textiles certification page.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should always check the latest QCO notifications, exemptions and BIS certification position applicable to their product and business model.<\/p>\n BIS issued an All India First Licence notice on 30 September 2025<\/strong> for the product:<\/p>\n Textiles \u2014 Water Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac<\/strong><\/p>\n as per IS 17286:2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The first licence was issued by the Ghaziabad Branch Office to M\/s Santram Kundanlal. The licence number shown in the BIS announcement was 8700208715<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This is useful evidence that BIS certification activity for this product category is operational and that manufacturers can actively pursue certification under the applicable framework.<\/p>\n The requirement is relevant to manufacturers producing rain ponchos falling within the scope of IS 17286:2019.<\/p>\n Potentially affected businesses include:<\/p>\n Importers, traders and other businesses dealing with covered goods should separately verify their legal obligations under the QCO and applicable BIS provisions.<\/p>\n A manufacturer applying for BIS certification should have suitable production and quality-control arrangements for the complete product.<\/p>\n Depending on the production model, important arrangements may include:<\/p>\n The actual facility requirements depend on the manufacturing setup and the tests identified as routine under the applicable Quality Assurance Plan.<\/p>\n The product is reviewed against IS 17286:2019.<\/p>\n The review includes:<\/p>\n The manufacturer’s product is compared against the applicable technical requirements and test methods specified under IS 17286:2019.<\/p>\n The exact configuration proposed for the BIS licence is finalised.<\/p>\n This step should be completed before laboratory testing because grouping is shown as NA<\/strong> in the current Product Manual.<\/p>\n The manufacturer verifies the conformity of specified materials and components.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual specifies:<\/p>\n 2 complete sets of Poncho with Pouch<\/strong><\/p>\n along with:<\/p>\n The Product Manual states that this sample quantity applies for grant of licence, change in scope and factory surveillance, while market-surveillance sampling may depend on actual sample availability.<\/p>\n The samples are tested against the applicable requirements of IS 17286:2019.<\/p>\n The manufacturer submits the BIS application and required technical and factory documents.<\/p>\n BIS assesses the manufacturing, inspection and testing arrangements.<\/p>\n Any deficiencies or observations identified during the process are addressed with appropriate corrective evidence.<\/p>\n After successful conformity assessment, BIS grants the licence for the approved product scope.<\/p>\n The manufacturer applies the BIS Standard Mark to conforming products covered by the licence and follows the applicable marking requirements.<\/p>\n Testing is a major component of BIS certification for rain ponchos because the product must perform under wet, mechanical and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual identifies a detailed testing programme.<\/p>\n The product must comply with the relevant material and manufacturing provisions of IS 17286:2019.<\/p>\n The Product Manual requires manufacturers to maintain adequate in-process controls and records for material and manufacture.<\/p>\n Stitching is an important quality characteristic because seams need to remain intact while the poncho is worn, folded, converted and exposed to water.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual identifies stitching as a routine requirement.<\/p>\n Finished ponchos should be properly inspected for defects that could affect appearance, functionality, water protection or durability.<\/p>\n The PU-coated fabric used for the poncho and pouch is evaluated for the nature of its fibre or filament.<\/p>\n The Product Manual references IS 667<\/strong> for this characteristic.<\/p>\n The coating applied to the textile is checked because it is central to the water-proof performance of the fabric.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual identifies this as a control-unit test.<\/p>\n The width of the PU-coated fabric is an important dimensional parameter.<\/p>\n The test request specifically requires declaration of:<\/p>\n Width of PU-coated fabric.<\/strong><\/p>\n Fabric construction is assessed through:<\/p>\n These characteristics influence the construction and strength of the fabric.<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies both:<\/p>\n as applicable parameters.<\/p>\n The fabric is tested for breaking strength in:<\/p>\n The strip test uses a 5 \u00d7 20 cm fabric specimen between the grips<\/strong>, with the Product Manual referring to IS 7016 Part 2<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Tearing strength is evaluated in:<\/p>\n The current Product Manual identifies Method A-1<\/strong> with reference to IS 7016 Part 3\/1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The material is checked for:<\/p>\n The current Product Manual refers to IS\/ISO 105-C10<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Both:<\/p>\n are included in the testing framework.<\/p>\n The referenced method is IS\/ISO 105-X12<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Resistance to colour change under light exposure is tested according to the applicable method.<\/p>\n The Product Manual references IS\/ISO 105-B02<\/strong> and identifies this as a test that may be subcontracted at the specified frequency.<\/p>\n Dimensional change is evaluated in:<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies IS 2977<\/strong> for this test.<\/p>\n The fabric is evaluated after accelerated ageing at:<\/p>\n 70\u00b0C \u00b1 1\u00b0C for 168 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n in a hot-air circulating oven.<\/p>\n This test is important for understanding the effect of elevated temperature on the material.<\/p>\n The material is tested at:<\/p>\n \u221230\u00b0C \u00b1 2\u00b0C for 6 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n This helps assess the behaviour of the fabric under low-temperature conditions.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual specifies testing after:<\/p>\n 100,000 cycles<\/strong><\/p>\n using the applicable flexing methods.<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies methods including:<\/p>\n depending on the applicable procedure.<\/p>\n Blocking refers to unwanted adhesion or sticking between coated textile surfaces under specified conditions.<\/p>\n The Product Manual includes blocking as a routine test and identifies it for weekly control.<\/p>\n The pH of the aqueous extract is checked using the applicable cold method.<\/p>\n The Product Manual refers to IS 1390<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Water repellency is assessed on the face side of the uncoated fabric<\/strong> through spray-rating testing.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual references IS 390<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This is one of the most important water-resistance tests.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual specifies:<\/p>\n 60 cm water column for 60 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n on the face side of the uncoated fabric.<\/p>\n The Bundesmann shower test evaluates:<\/p>\n The Product Manual refers to IS 392<\/strong> for this test.<\/p>\n Moisture vapour transmission is important for wearer comfort because a protective garment should not only resist external rain but also allow suitable moisture-vapour transfer.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual references IS 16390<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Bending length is evaluated in:<\/p>\n The Product Manual references IS 6490<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The separation of the polyurethane film from the textile substrate is also tested.<\/p>\n This is important because separation of the coating can adversely affect water-proofing and service life.<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies IS 17286<\/strong> as the test method.<\/p>\n The cord used in the poncho is separately controlled.<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies tests covering:<\/p>\n Several of these requirements are checked for each cord consignment.<\/p>\n The Product Manual specifies requirements for wide polyamide tape of 25 \u00b1 1 mm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The applicable checks include:<\/p>\n The Product Manual identifies control-unit testing for several of these properties.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual specifies that certain components must conform to requirements identified in the standard.<\/p>\n These include:<\/p>\n The Product Manual allows conformity to be established through one or a combination of:<\/p>\n The Product Manual also states that these controls are relevant during grant of licence, change in scope and factory surveillance.<\/p>\n A typical product may use:<\/p>\n The primary textile material for the poncho and pouch.<\/p>\n Used for assembly and stitching.<\/p>\n Used in the garment’s fastening or adjustment arrangement.<\/p>\n Used in specified construction areas.<\/p>\n Used where cord or attachment arrangements require reinforced openings.<\/p>\n Used for closure and configuration.<\/p>\n Used where specified in the product construction.<\/p>\n Used in the convertible arrangement and closure system.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should maintain complete traceability and conformity records for these materials and components.<\/p>\n A typical manufacturing process may include:<\/p>\n The exact production route depends on the manufacturer’s design and machinery.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual provides an indicative equipment list.<\/p>\n Depending on the manufacturer’s proposed testing scope, facilities may include:<\/p>\n The BIS equipment list is described as indicative and for guidance only<\/strong>, so the final facility requirement should be determined against the applicable Product Manual and proposed licence scope.<\/p>\n Factory assessment is an important stage of Scheme-I certification.<\/p>\n During factory inspection, BIS may review:<\/p>\n Proper identification, segregation and traceability of materials.<\/p>\n Control over cutting patterns, dimensions and fabric identification.<\/p>\n Sewing quality, seam construction and workmanship.<\/p>\n Installation of eyelets, zippers, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, tape and cord.<\/p>\n Construction and compatibility of the pouch with the poncho.<\/p>\n The conversion arrangement and functionality of the product.<\/p>\n Availability of appropriate measuring and inspection equipment.<\/p>\n Routine testing facilities required by the Quality Assurance Plan.<\/p>\n Calibration records for measuring and testing equipment.<\/p>\n Production and test records demonstrating conformity.<\/p>\n Correct Standard Marking and additional marking requirements.<\/p>\n The current BIS Product Manual requires the manufacturer to implement a Quality Assurance Plan<\/strong> covering regular testing and in-process controls.<\/p>\n The manufacturer must define:<\/p>\n The recommended control unit is:<\/p>\n The entire quantity of Poncho + Pouch manufactured from the same consignment of raw material under similar conditions in a day.<\/strong><\/p>\n The manufacturer must ensure conformity across production covered by the Quality Assurance Plan and maintain test records.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual provides guidance on frequency and whether tests are required in-house or may be subcontracted.<\/p>\n Important examples include:<\/p>\n These are the recommended levels of control in the June 2025 BIS Product Manual; the manufacturer must follow its submitted Quality Assurance Plan and ensure conformity to all applicable requirements.<\/p>\n The BIS Product Manual distinguishes between routine testing and tests that can be subcontracted.<\/p>\n Tests identified as R<\/strong> require routine in-house capability under the standard provision, while tests identified as S<\/strong> may be subcontracted to a suitable laboratory.<\/p>\n Subcontracting is permitted to:<\/p>\n For MSME manufacturers<\/strong>, maintaining a laboratory\/in-house testing facility for routine tests marked \u201cR\u201d is optional under the Product Manual. MSMEs may use:<\/p>\n Large-scale manufacturers are expected to maintain an in-house laboratory equipped for routine tests, although the Product Manual also provides provisions for shared testing facilities in accordance with applicable BIS guidelines.<\/p>\n This provision can be especially useful for smaller textile manufacturers who may not have a full textile laboratory within their premises.<\/p>\n For grant of licence, change in scope and factory surveillance, the current Product Manual specifies:<\/p>\n 2 complete sets of Poncho with Pouch<\/strong><\/p>\n along with the specified quantities of raw materials and components.<\/p>\n The sampling details are:<\/p>\n Manufacturers should prepare the complete sample exactly according to the current Product Manual before sending it for testing.<\/p>\n The current Product Manual specifically identifies:<\/p>\n Width of PU coated fabric<\/strong><\/p>\n as a parameter to be declared in the test request.<\/p>\n Other applicable product details may also need to be declared depending on the standard and testing arrangement.<\/p>\n According to the current Product Manual, most tests can potentially be completed in one day where appropriately pre-conditioned samples are available.<\/p>\n However, the Product Manual specifically identifies tests that require additional time, including:<\/p>\n Therefore, the actual laboratory timeline can be significantly longer than a single day when these tests are included.<\/p>\n Marking is an important part of BIS compliance.<\/p>\nWhat is IS 17286:2019?<\/h1>\n
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What is a Water-Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho?<\/h1>\n
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Applications of Water-Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho<\/h1>\n
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Scope of IS 17286:2019<\/h1>\n
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Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Water-Proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho?<\/h1>\n
Protective Textiles Quality Control Order<\/h1>\n
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Important BIS Update for IS 17286:2019<\/h1>\n
Who Needs BIS Certification for Rain Poncho?<\/h1>\n
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BIS Certification Eligibility Requirements<\/h1>\n
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BIS Certification Process for Water-Proof Rain Poncho<\/h1>\n
Step 1 \u2013 Product Applicability Review<\/h2>\n
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Step 2 \u2013 Standard Requirement Review<\/h2>\n
Step 3 \u2013 Product Scope Finalisation<\/h2>\n
Step 4 \u2013 Raw Material and Component Review<\/h2>\n
Step 5 \u2013 Sample Preparation<\/h2>\n
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\n Sample \/ Component<\/th>\n Quantity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Poncho with Pouch<\/td>\n 2 complete sets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cord<\/td>\n 2 metres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Polyamide sewing thread<\/td>\n 5\u20136 metres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Polyamide tape<\/td>\n 2 metres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Eyelets<\/td>\n 6 pieces each set<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Snap fasteners<\/td>\n 6 pieces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Slide fasteners \/ zippers<\/td>\n 6 pieces each<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hook & loop fasteners<\/td>\n 5 metres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Step 6 \u2013 Laboratory Testing<\/h2>\n
Step 7 \u2013 BIS Application<\/h2>\n
Step 8 \u2013 Factory Assessment<\/h2>\n
Step 9 \u2013 Observation Closure<\/h2>\n
Step 10 \u2013 Licence Grant<\/h2>\n
Step 11 \u2013 Standard Marking<\/h2>\n
Testing Requirements for IS 17286:2019<\/h1>\n
Material and Manufacture<\/h1>\n
Stitching<\/h1>\n
Freedom from Defects<\/h1>\n
Nature of Fibre \/ Filament<\/h1>\n
Nature of Coating<\/h1>\n
Width of Fabric<\/h1>\n
Ends and Picks<\/h1>\n
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Mass of Fabric<\/h1>\n
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Breaking Strength<\/h1>\n
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Tearing Strength<\/h1>\n
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Colour Fastness to Washing<\/h1>\n
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Colour Fastness to Rubbing<\/h1>\n
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Colour Fastness to Light<\/h1>\n
Dimensional Change Due to Relaxation<\/h1>\n
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Accelerated Ageing<\/h1>\n
Low-Temperature Resistance<\/h1>\n
Resistance to Damage by Flexing<\/h1>\n
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Blocking<\/h1>\n
pH Value of Aqueous Extract<\/h1>\n
Water Repellency<\/h1>\n
Hydrostatic Pressure Head Test<\/h1>\n
Bundesmann Shower Test<\/h1>\n
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Moisture Vapour Transmission<\/h1>\n
Bending Length<\/h1>\n
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PU Film Separation<\/h1>\n
Requirements for Cord<\/h1>\n
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Requirements for Wide Polyamide Tape<\/h1>\n
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Raw Material and Component Requirements<\/h1>\n
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Important Raw Materials for Rain Poncho Manufacturing<\/h1>\n
PU-Coated Fabric<\/h3>\n
Polyamide Sewing Thread<\/h3>\n
Cord<\/h3>\n
Polyamide Tape<\/h3>\n
Eyelets<\/h3>\n
Snap Fasteners<\/h3>\n
Slide Fasteners \/ Zippers<\/h3>\n
Hook and Loop Fasteners<\/h3>\n
Manufacturing Process for Water-Proof Rain Poncho<\/h1>\n
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BIS Testing Equipment for IS 17286:2019<\/h1>\n
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BIS Factory Inspection for Rain Poncho<\/h1>\n
Fabric and Raw Material Storage<\/h3>\n
Cutting Section<\/h3>\n
Stitching Section<\/h3>\n
Accessory Assembly<\/h3>\n
Pouch Manufacturing<\/h3>\n
Bivouac Convertibility<\/h3>\n
Inspection Facility<\/h3>\n
Testing Laboratory<\/h3>\n
Calibration<\/h3>\n
Quality Records<\/h3>\n
Packing and Marking<\/h3>\n
Quality Assurance Plan and Continuing Compliance<\/h1>\n
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Routine Testing and Frequency<\/h1>\n
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\n Requirement<\/th>\n Recommended Control<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Nature of fibre\/filament of fabric<\/td>\n Once a month or whenever raw material\/supplier changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Nature of coating<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fabric mass<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n De-proofed mass<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Breaking strength<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tearing strength<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Colour fastness to washing<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Colour fastness to rubbing<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Colour fastness to light<\/td>\n Once in 6 months or when raw material\/supplier changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Dimensional change due to relaxation<\/td>\n Once a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Accelerated ageing<\/td>\n Once a month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Low-temperature resistance<\/td>\n Once a month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Flexing resistance<\/td>\n Once in three months or when raw material\/supplier changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Blocking<\/td>\n Once a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n pH<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Water repellency<\/td>\n Once a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hydrostatic pressure<\/td>\n Once a month or when raw material\/supplier changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bundesmann shower<\/td>\n Once a month or when raw material\/supplier changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Moisture vapour transmission<\/td>\n Once a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bending length<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PU film separation<\/td>\n One sample per control unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n In-House Laboratory and MSME Provisions<\/h1>\n
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What is the BIS Sample Size for Rain Poncho?<\/h1>\n
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Parameters to be Declared in Test Request<\/h1>\n
How Long Does Testing Take?<\/h1>\n
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Packing and Marking Requirements<\/h1>\n