BIS Quality Control Order, 2024 for Ropes and Cordages

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Ropes and Cordages

The Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024 has been recently issued by the Ministry of Textiles in order to ensure the quality, strength, as well as absolute safety of ropes and cordage products used in various applications across India.
As per this Order, all notified ropes and cordages must conform to the prescribed Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid licence issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Order applies to products that are manufactured for the domestic market and excludes goods manufactured exclusively for export purposes.

Key changes you should know

1. BIS certification has been made mandatory for notified ropes and cordage products.
2. Products must comply with the applicable Indian Standards that have been specified under the Order.
3. Use of the ISI Mark is compulsory after the enforcement of this Quality Control Order.
4. BIS has been appointed as the certifying as well as the enforcing authority.
5. Goods that are manufactured domestically for export purposes are exempted from the provisions of this Order.
6. The implementation timeline is varied based on enterprise size.

What is the date of implementation?

The enforcement of the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024, shall take place as follows:

• For Medium and Large Enterprises: 1st April, 2025
• For Micro and Small Enterprises (domestic production only): 1st July, 2025

Businesses must ensure compliance with BIS requirements before the applicable enforcement date.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as stakeholders dealing in ropes and cordages, should:

• Identify whether their products fall within the notified scope of this QCO.
• Initiate the BIS ISI certification process well in advance of the enforcement date.
• Ensure product testing, factory readiness, and complete documentation compliance.
• Use the extended timeline for Micro and Small Enterprises in order to plan certification in a strategic manner. 

Brand Liaison offers end-to-end support for BIS certification under the Ropes and Cordages QCO, mainly covering scope analysis, standard mapping, testing coordination, licensing, as well as absolute support for ongoing compliance, eventually helping businesses meet regulatory requirements smoothly and on time.