In an effort to boost the technical textiles sector in India, the Ministry of Textiles organized the 6th National Conclave on Standards & Regulations in collaboration with FICCI and BIS. The conclave, held under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), emphasized the significance of adhering to high standards, quality regulations, and rationalizing HSN codes for technical textiles.
The event featured five technical sessions focusing on various specialized areas of technical textiles, such as protective textiles, geotextiles, build tech, oekotech, and medical textiles. Additionally, discussions centered around emerging areas of technical textiles. One of the special sessions during the conclave was dedicated to the rationalization of HSN codes and standards, along with the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
During the conclave, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released four new standards to enhance the technical textile landscape in the country. These standards included specifications for medical respirators, prefabricated vertical drains for quick consolidation of very soft plastic soil, artificial grass carpets made of synthetic yarn for landscape, and light-weight jute sacking bags for packing certain agricultural seeds.
The event was attended by over 150 participants, including officials and representatives from Central Ministries, user Departments of Central and State Governments, institutes, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals associated with technical textiles across various categories.
Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, commended the progress made in establishing standards for technical textiles. Given the specialized and technical nature of these products, ensuring quality standards is crucial. She stressed the need for continuous formulation and revision of standards for each product category, as this significantly influences the consumption of technical textiles in India.
Shah highlighted the importance of mapping technical textile products with relevant HSN codes. Such mapping would streamline trade tracking and facilitate alignment with HSN requirements, which, in turn, would support the effective implementation of flagship schemes like the PM MITRA and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme under the Ministry of Textiles.
Emphasizing a collaborative approach, Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, stressed the need for cooperation between certification agencies, research organizations, industry, academia, and the Ministry. He pointed out that 32 new technical textiles’ HSN codes were notified in April 2023, in addition to the already existing 207 HSN codes. He also mentioned the formation of a Technical Committee for Rationalization of HSN Codes for Technical Textiles.
Regarding Quality Control Orders, Saxena announced that two QCOs for 31 technical textile items under geotextiles and protective textiles were notified and set to take effect from 7th October 2023. Furthermore, the Ministry is in the process of notifying QCOs for 56 technical textile items, including 22 Agro textiles and 6 Medical textiles.
Highlighting the role of BIS in standardization, H J S Pasricha, Scientist-F & Deputy Director-General of Certification & CSMD, BIS, mentioned that the Textiles Division of BIS has published over 1500 standards, with approximately 600 of them dedicated to technical textiles and their test methods. To expedite the release of standards, BIS is actively participating in various ISO/IEC technical committees, subcommittees, panels, and working groups, involving Indian experts.
Manmohan Singh, Co-Chair of FICCI-Textiles and Technical Textiles Committee, emphasized the immense potential for investment and consumption in the technical textiles sector. He stressed the need to establish robust standards and regulations that support growth while ensuring quality and safety.
