The Ministry of Textiles announced the launch of 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items, comprised of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in Phase I, following due process of notification of Technical Regulations. “These QCOs mark the first technical regulation from India for the Technical Textiles industry,” informed the Joint Secretary, Rajeev Saxena, in a press conference on April 11.
To improve standard and quality of Textiles:
The Centre is of the opinion that it is necessary to implement the regulation in the public interest to increase the standard and quality of Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles, for the protection of the environment, human health, and animal and plant life and health.
Geo Textiles & Protective Textiles:
Geo Textiles are used for infrastructure projects and environmental applications, while Protective Textiles are used to protect human life from hazardous and adverse working conditions. QCOs aim to provide the best value to the users and end consumers, thereby fostering Indian product quality that is comparable to global standards.
Out of the 31 items, 19 items belong to the Geo Textiles category, including Laminated High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) woven geomembrane for waterproof lining, PVC Geomembranes, Needle punched non-woven geobags, Polypropylene Multifilament Woven Geobags, Jute Geotextiles, Open Weave Coir Bhoovastra Geotextiles used in sub-grade separation in pavement structures, Subsurface Drainage Application, sub-grade stabilisation in pavement structures, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes for lining, protection (or cushioning) materials, permanent erosion control in hard armour systems, Geogrids for flexible pavements, Polymeric strip or geostrip used as soil reinforcement in retaining structures, geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures, reinforced HDPE membrane for effluents and chemical resistance lining, and geocells.
The remaining 12 items are of Protective Textiles, including Curtains and Drapes, upholstered composites used for non-domestic furniture, protective clothing for firefighters, protective gloves for firefighters, protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat, clothing made of limited flame spread materials and material assemblies affording protection against heat and flame, High visibility Warning Clothes, protective clothing for use in welding and related processes, Tactical 3 point sling, Pouch for ammunition and grenades made of disruptive pattern nylon-66, bullet-resistant jackets, and a waterproof multipurpose rain poncho.
After 180 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, these two Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles QCOs will go into effect. Both domestic and foreign manufacturers who want to export their goods to India must adhere to the conformity assessment requirements outlined in these QCOs.
Phase-II & III:
Ministry of Textiles is planning to issue 2 more QCOs for 28 items in Phase-II, including 22 items of Agro Textiles and 6 items of Medical Textiles. In Phase-III, 30+ more Technical Textiles items may be considered for QCO issuance.
QCOs will ensure the standard and quality of Technical Textiles and encourage the growth of this industry in India in producing quality products at competitive pricing.
What are Geo Textiles?
Geo-textiles refer to a permeable synthetic textile material such as geonets and woven fabrics. Generally, it is produced from polyester or polypropylene polymers. Geotextiles are used to increase soil stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage.
What are protective textiles?
Protective textiles or protective clothing are an important branch of technical textiles that are used primarily for their functional properties rather than decorative or aesthetic properties. For example bullet-proof jacket, industrial gloves, Extreme Cold Climate Clothing (ECC), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wear etc. Protective clothing has various usage in workplace.