Geo Textiles
Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions for Coastal and Waterways Protection (17880:2020)
Strategic Recommendations for Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions for Coastal and Waterways Protection
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Initiate BIS licensing before 1 Jan 2024; test for knot strength, UV resistance, and mesh integrity in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA’s regulatory team for certification, documentation, and ISI mark approval. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For end-to-end guidance on BIS application, testing, and labeling. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on Geo Textiles (QCO), 2022 — including S.O. 1706(E), S.O. 2331(E), and MoT’s 6 Oct 2023 order. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare existing product specs against IS 17880:2022 to ensure compliance for coastal, riverbank, and flood protection use.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions |
| IS Standard | IS 17880:2022 |
| Title of IS | Geosynthetics — Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions for Coastal and Waterways Protection — 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 standardize the design, strength, and durability of polymer rope gabions used for shoreline and river protection against erosion, flooding, and wave forces. |
| Products Covered | Prefabricated gabion units made of synthetic polymer rope (e.g. PP or PE) used in revetments, embankments, spurs, and coastal protection systems. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking. |
| Industries Impacted |
- Coastal Engineering - Riverbank & Flood Protection - Ports & Irrigation Infrastructure - Geosynthetics & Rope Product Manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS license mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. ISI marking required on all domestic units. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs, affix ISI mark before sale in Indian market. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the designated certification and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Includes seizure, license cancellation, fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 1 January 2024, BIS certification under IS 17880:2022 is mandatory for all synthetic rope gabions sold 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
Geosynthetics Rope Gabions have been brought under the scope of the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, via S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023, issued by the Ministry of Textiles. The QCO was amended via S.O. 2331(E) on 24 May 2023, with final enforcement confirmed as 1 January 2024 via Ministry Order dated 6 October 2023.
Overview
Polymer rope gabions are prefabricated units made from durable synthetic ropes (such as polypropylene or polyethylene), assembled into modular mesh cages filled with stones or aggregates. They serve as flexible, permeable, and corrosion-resistant structures to withstand wave forces, high flow velocities, and soil erosion in coastal, river, and flood-prone environments.
Objective & Scope
IS 17880:2022 defines the minimum material specifications and mechanical performance criteria of synthetic rope gabions used in coastal and inland waterway protection. It covers mesh dimensions, knot strength, UV resistance, joint integrity, and in-field survivability.
Products Covered
The standard applies to polymer rope gabions used in:
- Coastal revetments and embankments
- River training works (spurs, groynes, weirs)
- Flood protection bunds and drainage channels
- Submerged and slope reinforcement zones
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking under this QCO.
Industries Impacted
- Coastal Protection Agencies & Marine Contractors – For shoreline erosion control
- Irrigation & Flood Control Departments – For embankments and levees
- Ports, Waterways & Inland Navigation – Channel lining and slope stabilization
- Rope & Geosynthetics Industry – BIS-compliant manufacturing of polymer gabions
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, all synthetic rope gabions sold in India must:
- Comply with IS 17880:2022
- Be certified under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
- Carry the ISI mark on all packaging or structural components
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS license with supporting technical documents
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Begin ISI-marked production and distribution for Indian market
- Declare and segregate export-only inventory for exemption
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The standard is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS acting as the nodal certification and inspection body. Penalties for non-compliance may include:
- Seizure of non-certified goods
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
Conclusion
From 1 January 2024, all Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions used in coastal and river protection works must comply with IS 17880:2022 and bear BIS certification with ISI marking. This ensures structural safety, longevity, and environmental compatibility in flood-prone and high-velocity flow areas.
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.