BIS Certification Consultancy for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves for Tobacco Harvesters | IS 16390:2015
BIS Certification for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves for Tobacco Harvesters | IS 16390:2015
Nylon knitted seamless gloves are specialised agro-textile products designed for workers involved in cultivating and harvesting tobacco. These gloves are intended to provide comfort, flexibility and suitable moisture management during prolonged fieldwork while helping reduce direct skin contact with tobacco leaves.
The applicable Indian Standard is
IS 16390:2015 – Agro Textiles: Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves for Tobacco Harvesters – Specification. It specifies constructional and performance requirements for seamless gloves manufactured from nylon yarn. The standard includes requirements relating to material quality, dimensional stability, water vapour permeability and finger dexterity. <Cite refs={["turn275489search16","turn275489search17"]}/>
For manufacturers and suppliers, understanding the Indian Standard, BIS product certification requirements, sample testing and quality-control arrangements is essential before placing covered products on the Indian market.
Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy to help manufacturers review product compliance, prepare documentation, coordinate testing and navigate the applicable BIS certification process.
1. What Is IS 16390:2015?
IS 16390:2015 is the Indian Standard for nylon knitted seamless gloves specifically intended for tobacco harvesters.
Tobacco workers can experience occupational exposure to nicotine absorbed through the skin during contact with wet tobacco leaves. This condition is commonly known as green tobacco sickness. The use of suitable gloves can help reduce direct contact, although gloves should not be treated as a guarantee against nicotine exposure or a replacement for appropriate workplace safety practices. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17","turn275489search18"]}/>
The standard addresses the construction and performance of the gloves to support comfort, usability and consistent product quality.
Key features include:
- Seamless knitted construction.
- Manufacture using nylon yarn.
- Specified glove sizes.
- Requirements for dimensional change after washing.
- Water vapour permeability requirements.
- Finger dexterity testing.
- Material and performance requirements under the standard. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17"]}/>
Official reference: BIS Product Manual for IS 16390:2015 (PDF)
The BIS Product Manual PM/16390/1, dated April 2023, identifies no amendments to IS 16390:2015 in that manual. Manufacturers should nevertheless check the latest BIS records before applying.
2. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves?
Yes. Nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters are included in the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, and its 2024 amendment. The amended implementation date for this product category was
1 July 2024. Manufacturers and importers should verify the latest applicable notification and any relevant exemptions before placing products on the market. <Cite refs={["turn275489search20","turn275489search1","turn275489search5"]}/>
Under the applicable compulsory certification framework, covered products must conform to IS 16390:2015 and obtain the required BIS licence under Scheme-I, subject to applicable legal provisions and exemptions.
The certification process generally involves:
- Confirmation of product applicability.
- Compliance with IS 16390:2015.
- Preparation of the required technical and manufacturing documents.
- Product sample testing.
- Manufacturing facility assessment, where required.
- Closure of any non-conformities.
- Grant of the BIS licence before authorised use of the Standard Mark.
The BIS licence must be maintained in accordance with the applicable conditions, including inspection, testing and marking requirements.
Official reference: BIS – Products Under Compulsory Certification
3. Product Scope Under IS 16390:2015
The standard covers nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters.
The standard identifies
five glove sizes, from Size 0 to Size 4. These size categories are intended to address different hand dimensions and support suitable fit and usability. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17"]}/>
Before applying for certification, manufacturers should document:
- Product description and intended application.
- Glove sizes proposed for manufacture.
- Nylon yarn specifications.
- Knitting process and construction details.
- Product dimensions and relevant tolerances.
- Washing and dimensional stability characteristics.
- Applicable product testing arrangements.
- Packaging, labelling and marking details.
Manufacturers should confirm the scope of the proposed licence with BIS and follow the applicable sample-selection and testing instructions. Do not assume that every size or product variation will automatically be covered without assessment.
4. Key Technical Requirements Under IS 16390:2015
The standard specifies constructional and performance requirements for the gloves. Manufacturers should review the complete standard and BIS Product Manual to understand the applicable test methods and acceptance limits.
4.1 Nylon Yarn Quality
The gloves must be manufactured using nylon yarn that meets the relevant requirements of the standard.
Manufacturers should maintain supplier specifications, raw-material identification records and conformity evidence for the yarn used in production.
4.2 Seamless Knitted Construction
The gloves must satisfy the specified seamless knitted construction requirements. Consistency in knitting, shape, finish and workmanship is important for product conformity.
4.3 Dimensions and Sizing
The standard provides five sizes, from Size 0 to Size 4. Manufacturers should ensure that the dimensions of each size comply with the applicable requirements.
Suitable size identification and in-process checks can help reduce dimensional variations between production lots.
4.4 Dimensional Change After Washing
The standard includes requirements for dimensional change after washing to help ensure that the gloves retain suitable dimensions after use and cleaning.
Manufacturers should verify dimensional stability using the prescribed test method rather than relying only on visual inspection.
4.5 Water Vapour Permeability
Water vapour permeability is an important characteristic for gloves worn during long periods of agricultural work. The standard includes this requirement to assess the ability of moisture vapour to pass through the glove material. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17"]}/>
4.6 Finger Dexterity
The standard includes a finger dexterity test to assess whether the gloves permit the wearer to perform tasks without excessively restricting hand movement.
This is important for tobacco harvesting, where workers need sufficient finger movement to handle leaves and carry out manual operations. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17"]}/>
4.7 Visual Inspection and Workmanship
The finished gloves should be inspected for relevant defects and conformity with the specified construction and finish. The applicable acceptance criteria must be taken from IS 16390:2015 and the current BIS Product Manual.
5. BIS Sample Requirements for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves
Sample selection and quantity must follow the applicable BIS Product Manual and instructions from the relevant BIS office or testing laboratory.
The BIS Product Manual PM/16390/1, April 2023, provides sampling guidance for the raw material and finished product. It specifies that the nylon yarn must conform to the requirements of Clause 4.1 and Table 1 of IS 16390:2015. <Cite refs={["turn275489search16"]}/>
Before arranging sample dispatch, manufacturers should confirm:
- The number of gloves required for the proposed testing scope.
- Whether samples from different sizes are required.
- The quantity and identification of nylon yarn samples.
- Sample labelling and traceability requirements.
- Packaging and delivery instructions.
- Any additional samples requested by the laboratory or BIS.
Important: The complete sample quantities should be taken directly from the sampling table in the official Product Manual. Confirm the quantities before sending samples to avoid delays or repeat submissions.
6. Tests Required for BIS Certification Under IS 16390:2015
Testing is a central part of the BIS certification process. The required tests should be determined from the standard and the applicable Product Manual.
Important areas addressed by IS 16390:2015 include:
- Nylon yarn conformity.
- Glove dimensions and size.
- Construction and workmanship.
- Dimensional change after washing.
- Water vapour permeability.
- Finger dexterity.
- Other applicable physical and performance requirements specified in the standard.
The official BIS Product Manual should be consulted for the complete list of tests, sample preparation, testing methods and acceptance criteria.
Why is product testing important?
Testing helps establish whether the gloves meet the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard. It also helps manufacturers identify product-design or process-control issues before certification.
A product should not be declared compliant merely because it is made from nylon or has a seamless knitted construction. Compliance must be established against the relevant requirements of IS 16390:2015.
7. Documents Required for BIS Certification
The exact documentation depends on the applicant's legal structure, manufacturing arrangements and applicable BIS procedures. A typical preparation checklist includes the following.
Company and Factory Documents
- Company registration or constitution documents.
- Factory address and contact information.
- Authorised signatory details.
- Manufacturing facility information.
- Production and quality-control personnel details.
- Applicable identity and address documents.
Product and Technical Documents
- Product description and intended use.
- Details of glove sizes proposed for certification.
- Nylon yarn specifications.
- Manufacturing process flow chart.
- Knitting machinery details.
- Product drawings or dimensional specifications, where applicable.
- Inspection and testing plan.
- Packaging and marking details.
Quality-Control Documents
- Nylon yarn supplier details.
- Raw-material inspection records.
- Supplier test certificates, where applicable.
- In-process inspection records.
- Finished-product inspection records.
- Test equipment list and calibration records, as applicable.
- Batch or lot traceability records.
- Procedure for handling non-conforming products.
Application and Testing Documents
- BIS application information and supporting documents.
- Sample identification and submission records.
- Relevant internal or external test reports.
- Details of testing facilities.
- Additional documents required by BIS during application or assessment.
The final checklist should be prepared against the current BIS application instructions and the official Product Manual for IS 16390:2015.
8. Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process
Step 1: Applicability Assessment
Confirm that the product falls within the scope of IS 16390:2015 and that the applicable Quality Control Order requires certification for the intended supply arrangement.
Step 2: Product and Manufacturing Review
Review the nylon yarn, knitting process, glove sizes, dimensional controls and quality-inspection arrangements. Identify gaps before submitting samples.
Step 3: Documentation Preparation
Prepare company, factory, technical and quality-control documents. Ensure that the information provided is consistent across the application and supporting records.
Step 4: BIS Application
Submit the application through the applicable BIS process, providing the required details and supporting documents.
Step 5: Sample Testing
Arrange sample testing through the appropriate testing facility in accordance with the applicable requirements of IS 16390:2015.
Step 6: Manufacturing Facility Assessment
Where required, support the assessment of manufacturing capability, product consistency, testing arrangements, quality-control records and conformity procedures.
Step 7: Non-Conformity Closure
If observations or test failures are identified, investigate the cause, implement corrective actions and provide the required evidence or repeat testing as directed.
Step 8: Grant of BIS Licence
BIS grants the licence after the applicable certification requirements have been fulfilled. The Standard Mark must not be used before authorisation.
Step 9: Ongoing Compliance
After licence grant, maintain raw-material controls, product inspection, testing records, traceability and other requirements specified by the applicable licence and inspection and testing scheme.
9. Manufacturing Quality Control After Licence Grant
Maintaining conformity is an ongoing responsibility. Manufacturers should ensure that gloves continue to meet IS 16390:2015 throughout production.
A suitable quality-control system should address:
- Inspection of incoming nylon yarn.
- Verification of yarn specifications.
- Knitting process controls.
- Dimensional checks for the different glove sizes.
- Inspection of finished gloves.
- Relevant performance testing.
- Calibration and maintenance of testing equipment, where applicable.
- Lot identification and traceability.
- Recording and handling of non-conforming products.
- Review of complaints and corrective actions.
The applicable BIS Product Manual and licence conditions determine the required inspection and testing arrangements. Manufacturers should follow the prescribed scheme rather than applying a generic testing frequency without verification.
10. BIS Certification Cost for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves
The total cost depends on the applicable BIS fee structure, product testing requirements, manufacturing readiness and the arrangements required to demonstrate conformity.
The main cost components may include:
- BIS application and processing charges.
- Product testing and laboratory charges.
- Sample preparation and transportation.
- Testing equipment or calibration, where additional arrangements are needed.
- Factory-readiness and quality-control improvements.
- Applicable licence and marking charges.
- Professional consultancy charges, if a consultant is engaged.
The BIS Laboratory Information Management System lists testing information for IS 16390:2015. Manufacturers should review the current laboratory listing and confirm which tests are included in the quoted amount. <Cite refs={["turn275489search6"]}/>
Official resource: BIS Laboratory Information Management System
A project-specific estimate should be prepared after confirming the product sizes, sample requirements, testing scope and current applicable fees.
11. How Long Does BIS Certification Take?
The timeline depends on the completeness of the application, availability of testing facilities, sample conformity and the readiness of the manufacturing facility.
The process may take longer if:
- Technical documents are incomplete.
- Nylon yarn does not meet the applicable requirements.
- Finished gloves fail a performance test.
- Manufacturing or quality-control records are inadequate.
- Additional testing or corrective action is required.
- Assessment observations remain unresolved.
Manufacturers should allow time for preparation, sample testing, assessment where applicable and closure of any non-conformities. A reliable timeline should be estimated only after reviewing the applicant's readiness and the current BIS procedure.
12. Common Compliance Challenges
Inadequate Raw-Material Records
Maintain traceable records for nylon yarn, including supplier details and relevant conformity documents.
Inconsistent Glove Dimensions
Different sizes should be checked against the applicable dimensional requirements. Establish routine inspections during production.
Poor Dimensional Stability
Gloves that shrink excessively during washing may fail the relevant requirements. Validate the manufacturing process and product performance against the prescribed method.
Inadequate Moisture Management
Water vapour permeability must meet the applicable requirements. Manufacturers should confirm conformity through the prescribed testing method.
Restricted Finger Movement
The finished product should satisfy the specified finger dexterity requirement. Review the knitted construction and glove fit where testing identifies a problem.
Incomplete Testing Documentation
Maintain traceable test reports, inspection records and relevant calibration documents to demonstrate that the applicable requirements are being met.
Incorrect Use of the ISI Mark
The Standard Mark must only be used after the required licence is granted and in accordance with its terms. Product compliance claims should accurately reflect the certification status.
13. Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Certification Consultancy?
Qualitance India provides BIS certification and regulatory compliance consultancy for manufacturers supplying products to the Indian market.
For nylon knitted seamless gloves under IS 16390:2015, our consultancy support can include:
- Applicability review against the relevant Indian Standard and Quality Control Order.
- Technical documentation review.
- Guidance on product sizing and sample preparation.
- Support with application documentation.
- Laboratory testing coordination.
- Review of manufacturing and quality-control arrangements.
- Assistance with factory-readiness preparation.
- Support in addressing certification observations.
- Guidance on marking and ongoing compliance.
Our objective is to help manufacturers identify compliance gaps early, prepare their documentation systematically and organise the certification process efficiently.
The final decision to grant a BIS licence rests with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which Indian Standard applies to nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters?
The applicable standard is IS 16390:2015,
Agro Textiles – Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves for Tobacco Harvesters – Specification.
Q2. Is BIS certification mandatory for these gloves?
The product is covered by the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, as amended in 2024. The implementation date for this product category was 1 July 2024. Manufacturers should verify the current notification and any applicable exemptions. <Cite refs={["turn275489search20","turn275489search5"]}/>
Q3. How many sizes are specified in IS 16390:2015?
The standard specifies five glove sizes, from Size 0 to Size 4. <Cite refs={["turn275489search17"]}/>
Q4. What material is used to manufacture these gloves?
The gloves are made from nylon yarn using a knitted seamless construction, subject to the applicable material and construction requirements of the standard.
Q5. What are the important performance requirements?
Important areas include dimensions, dimensional change after washing, water vapour permeability and finger dexterity, along with the other requirements specified in IS 16390:2015.
Q6. What samples are required for BIS testing?
Sample quantities must be confirmed from the official Product Manual and the instructions of the relevant BIS office or laboratory. Manufacturers should verify the required number of gloves, sizes and raw-material samples before dispatch.
Q7. Can an existing glove manufacturer apply for BIS certification?
A manufacturer can assess eligibility and apply under the applicable BIS process, provided the product, manufacturing facility and documentation meet the relevant requirements. Existing manufacturing experience does not replace the need to demonstrate conformity.
Q8. Can Qualitance India assist with the process?
Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for applicability assessment, documentation, sample testing coordination, manufacturing-readiness review and certification-process assistance.
15. Official References
Manufacturers should consult official sources for current requirements:
- BIS Product Manual for IS 16390:2015: Download PDF
- BIS Scheme-I Product Certification: Official BIS Scheme-I Page
- Agro Textiles Quality Control Order, 2023: Official Gazette PDF
- BIS Laboratory Information Management System: Testing Facilities and Charges
- BIS Product-Specific Guidelines: Official BIS Guidelines
Before applying, verify the latest standard status, amendments, QCO provisions, implementation dates and certification instructions.
Get BIS Certification Consultancy for Nylon Knitted Seamless Gloves
Are you manufacturing nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters and looking to obtain BIS certification under IS 16390:2015?
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence can assist with regulatory applicability, technical documentation, sample testing coordination, manufacturing-readiness review and the BIS certification process.
Contact our team to discuss your product, manufacturing facility, testing requirements and certification plan.
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence
Contact Qualitance India for professional BIS certification consultancy and product compliance support for nylon knitted seamless gloves for tobacco harvesters under IS 16390:2015.
