Geo Textiles
Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems (16392:2015)
Strategic Recommendations for Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Initiate BIS license application for IS 16392:2015 before 1 Jan 2024. Arrange testing for tensile strength, filtration, and puncture resistance at BIS-recognized labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA compliance specialists to prepare documentation, test plans, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For licensing assistance, lab coordination, and exemption clarifications. - 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 enforcement orders. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review current product specs for filtration characteristics, puncture resistance, and survivability under hard armor systems to meet IS 16392:2015.

Section | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems |
IS Standard | IS 16392:2015 |
Title of IS | Geosynthetics – Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems – 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 regulate the quality and durability of geotextiles used in high-stress, erosion-prone zones beneath armor systems such as gabions, concrete blocks, and riprap. |
Products Covered | Woven or non-woven geotextiles placed under permanent erosion control structures including slope protection, embankments, and coastal works. |
Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from BIS license and ISI marking. |
Industries Impacted |
- Coastal Protection - Riverbank Stabilization - Flood Management Projects - Highway and Slope Engineering |
Mandatory Compliance | BIS license mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. ISI mark required on all domestic supply. |
Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, complete testing through BIS labs, ensure ISI mark before sale/distribution in India. |
Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced by BIS under BIS Act, 2016. |
Penalties for Non-Compliance | Penalties include product seizure, license cancellation, fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
Conclusion | Effective 1 January 2024, BIS certification under IS 16392:2015 is mandatory for all geotextiles used in hard armor erosion control systems. |
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 “Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems” has been brought under mandatory BIS certification through the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, notified via S.O. 1706(E) dated 10 April 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. This was amended through S.O. 2331(E) on 24 May 2023, and the final enforcement date was confirmed as 1 January 2024 via Ministry order dated 6 October 2023.
Overview
These geotextiles are used beneath hard armor erosion control systems such as riprap, concrete blocks, and gabions to prevent soil loss and enhance structural integrity. They play a critical role in drainage, filtration, and separation, while protecting against long-term hydraulic erosion and subgrade failure.
Objective & Scope
IS 16392:2015 establishes performance criteria for geotextiles designed to function under permanent hard armor installations, including requirements for tensile strength, filtration characteristics, puncture resistance, and survivability under harsh field conditions.
Products Covered
This standard applies to woven and non-woven geotextiles used for:
- Riverbank and coastal erosion control
- Gabion and riprap base layers
- Slope protection works
- Flood control embankments
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking under this Quality Control Order.
Industries Impacted
- Coastal and River Engineering – Prevents foundation erosion under armor systems
- Infrastructure and Slope Stability – Ensures safe deployment of heavy protection
- Flood Control & Irrigation – In canals, embankments, and spillways
- Geosynthetics Manufacturers – Primary producers of performance-grade protective textiles
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 January 2024, manufacturers and importers must ensure all relevant geotextile products comply with IS 16392:2015 and are certified by BIS under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Products must carry the ISI mark before domestic sale or distribution.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for a BIS license with required documentation
- Conduct product testing through BIS-recognized labs
- Ensure packaging and product labeling includes the ISI mark
- Declare export-only stock separately to avail exemption
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforcement is under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the designated certifying body. Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of goods
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
Effective 1 January 2024, it is mandatory for all geotextiles used in hard armor erosion control systems to comply with IS 16392:2015 and carry BIS certification. This regulation ensures improved performance and long-term reliability of infrastructure exposed to hydraulic and slope erosion forces.
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.