Geo Textiles
Geotextiles Used in Subsurface Drainage Application (16393:2015)
Strategic Recommendations for Geotextiles for Subsurface Drainage
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Begin BIS licensing before 1 Jan 2024. Conduct filtration, permeability, and tensile strength testing in BIS-approved labs - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA regulatory advisors for documentation, testing, and ISI marking requirements. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For certification guidance and exemption handling. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for alerts on Geo Textiles (QCO), 2022 — including S.O. 1706(E), S.O. 2331(E), and MoT enforcement updates. - Do a Gap Assessment
Match current product specifications with IS 16393:2015 to ensure compliance for subsurface drainage performance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Geotextiles – Subsurface Drainage Applications |
| IS Standard | IS 16393:2015 |
| Title of IS | Geosynthetics – Geotextiles Used in Subsurface Drainage Application – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 |
| Notification & Amendments |
- Notified via S.O. 1706(E), dated 10 April 2023 - Amended via S.O. 2331(E), dated 24 May 2023 - Final enforcement via MoT Order dated 6 Oct 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 January 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure effective filtration and water drainage performance in geotextiles used below ground level for soil drainage systems. |
| Products Covered | Geotextiles used in horizontal or vertical subsurface drainage layers for civil infrastructure, roads, retaining walls, sports fields, and landfill sites. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking. |
| Industries Impacted |
- Civil Infrastructure & Highways - Landfill & Waste Management - Urban Drainage & Sports Facilities - Technical Textile Manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS license required under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. ISI mark mandatory on all domestic supply units. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS certification, conduct testing in BIS-approved labs, affix ISI mark prior to distribution or sale. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certification and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | May result in seizure, suspension of license, monetary fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | Geotextiles for subsurface drainage must conform to IS 16393:2015 and be BIS-certified from 1 January 2024 for legal sale in India. |
| References / Annexures |
- QCO: S.O. 1706(E) [10 Apr 2023] - Amendment: S.O. 2331(E) [24 May 2023] - Enforcement Order: MoT [6 Oct 2023] |
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Notification
The product category “Geotextiles Used in Subsurface Drainage Applications” is covered under the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, issued by the Ministry of Textiles through S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023. This QCO was amended via S.O. 2331(E) dated 24 May 2023, and the final enforcement date was notified as 1 January 2024 by the Ministry of Textiles through its order dated 6 October 2023.
Overview
These geotextiles are designed for use in below-ground drainage systems to control water movement and maintain soil stability. By enabling water to pass while retaining soil particles, they enhance structural durability and prevent waterlogging, especially in roads, retaining structures, landfills, and sports fields.
Objective & Scope
IS 16393:2015 specifies the requirements for physical, hydraulic, and durability properties of geotextiles used for subsurface drainage. The standard ensures that the materials meet critical thresholds for filtration capability, permeability, and tensile strength under wet and buried conditions.
Products Covered
This standard applies to woven and non-woven geotextiles used in:
- Drainage layers behind retaining walls
- Roadside or highway drainage systems
- Landfills and embankment drainage
- Sports fields and urban infrastructure drainage
- Vertical drainage in foundations and podium slabs
Exemptions Provided
Only products that are exclusively manufactured for export are exempt from mandatory BIS certification and ISI marking under this Quality Control Order.
Industries Impacted
- Civil Infrastructure Projects – For proper subsoil drainage in roads, highways, and airports.
- Landfill & Environmental Engineering – For leachate and stormwater drainage systems.
- Urban Development & Sports Complexes – For turf management and sub-base drainage.
- Technical Textile Manufacturers – Involved in geosynthetic production for drainage use cases.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, all geotextiles used in subsurface drainage applications must comply with IS 16393:2015 and obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The ISI mark must be clearly affixed to all packaging units supplied domestically.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Submit application to BIS for product certification.
- Get products tested via BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure that only certified, ISI-marked products are sold in India.
- Clearly segregate and document any export-only production.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The requirement is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of non-conforming products
- License suspension or cancellation
- Fines and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
From 1 January 2024, all geotextiles intended for subsurface drainage must comply with IS 16393:2015 and carry the ISI mark. This ensures standardized product quality and enhances water management and soil stabilization across multiple infrastructure applications in India.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.