Strategic Recommendations for Orchard Protection Covers

Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply promptly for BIS certification under IS 17731:2021. Final enforcement begins 1 July 2024. Use only BIS-recognized labs for product testing.
Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult ERA Compliance team to assist with documentation, certification processes, and ISI mark labeling for Orchard Protection Covers.
Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for certification applications, lab coordination, and compliance strategy.
Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for BIS circulars, QCO updates, and enforcement alerts.
Do a Gap Assessment
Review existing product range and manufacturing processes for conformity with IS 17731:2021. Ensure all covers are ISI marked before 1 July 2024.

Section	Details
Product Name	Orchard Protection Covers
IS Standard	IS 17731:2021
Title of IS	Agro Textiles — Laminated Woven Orchard Protection Covers — Specification
Quality Control Order	Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023
Notification & Amendments	• S.O. 4248(E), dated 27 September 2023 • Amended by S.O. 1579(E), dated 28 March 2024 (final enforcement date: 1 July 2024)
Final Enforcement Date	1 July 2024
Objective & Scope	To standardize laminated woven covers designed to protect orchard produce and trees from rain, hail, wind, and sun
Products Covered	Laminated woven agro-textile covers used for shielding orchard trees or specific sections during adverse weather conditions
Exemptions	Products meant solely for export are exempt from mandatory BIS certification
Industries Impacted	• Horticulture – Apple, mango, citrus, and pomegranate orchards • Agroforestry – High-value plantations prone to extreme weather
Mandatory Compliance	• Must conform to IS 17731:2021 • Requires BIS certification under Scheme-I • ISI marking is mandatory on the cover or its packaging
Next Steps for Stakeholders	• Apply for BIS certification • Submit products for BIS-approved lab testing • Ensure proper labeling before market release
Legal Framework & Enforcement	• Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 • BIS is empowered to inspect facilities, verify compliance, and prosecute violators
Penalties for Non-Compliance	• Includes seizure of goods, fines, cancellation of license, and legal prosecution
Conclusion	Orchard Protection Covers must be BIS-certified as per IS 17731:2021 by 1 July 2024. Timely compliance is essential for uninterrupted trade and regulatory adherence.

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Notification

The product Orchard Protection Covers falls under mandatory BIS certification as per the Agro Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, notified via S.O. 4248(E) dated 27 September 2023. The enforcement deadline for mandatory compliance was later extended to 1 July 2024 by S.O. 1579(E) dated 28 March 2024.

Overview

Orchard protection covers are specialized laminated woven sheets designed to shield fruit-bearing trees and plantation zones from adverse environmental conditions such as excessive rainfall, hailstorms, strong winds, and high solar radiation. These covers are critical for ensuring the quality and yield of horticultural produce, particularly in weather-sensitive regions. IS 17731:2021 provides the minimum performance criteria, construction details, and material specifications required for these covers to be effective and durable in agricultural conditions.

Objective & Scope

The primary objective of IS 17731:2021 is to define the quality, mechanical performance, and durability parameters for laminated woven orchard protection covers. The specification addresses key factors such as tensile strength, UV resistance, waterproofing, seam strength, and flexibility, ensuring the covers maintain integrity and protective function over prolonged exposure in orchard environments.

Products Covered

The standard applies to laminated woven covers made of high-strength polymer-based fabrics used to cover fruit trees or entire orchard segments. These covers are typically deployed during critical growth stages or in anticipation of extreme weather to reduce crop loss and damage.

Exemptions Provided

Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the mandatory BIS certification requirement under this standard.

Industries Impacted

Horticulture – Widely used in apple, mango, citrus, guava, and pomegranate orchards for crop protection
Agroforestry & Plantation Management – Provides temporary shielding for young saplings or high-value tree species from storm or climate stress
Protected Cultivation – Serves as an outdoor counterpart to polyhouse solutions in semi-covered plantations

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

From 1 July 2024, only BIS-certified orchard protection covers conforming to IS 17731:2021 can be legally manufactured, sold, or imported in India. Certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Each product or its packaging must bear the ISI mark as proof of standard compliance.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Manufacturers and importers must:

Apply to BIS for certification under IS 17731:2021
Submit samples for testing at BIS-recognized laboratories
Ensure proper ISI labeling and traceability before distributing the product in the domestic market

Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties

The BIS Act, 2016 authorizes enforcement through inspections, testing, and legal action. Non-compliance can result in seizure of uncertified products, fines, license suspension, and prosecution, including under relevant provisions of the Act.

Conclusion

Effective 1 July 2024, all laminated woven orchard protection covers must meet the quality standards outlined in IS 17731:2021 and be BIS-certified to remain in legal circulation in India. Stakeholders are advised to ensure timely compliance to avoid disruptions and penalties.

Agro Textiles