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Nonwovens over 150 g/m2 (synthetic microfibres for cement matrix, geotextiles)

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 16481

HSN 5603 94 90 (nonwovens weighing more than 150 g/m2) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 16481:2022 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme for synthetic microfibres used in cement-based matrix, with effect from 03 April 2023 under the Synthetic Microfibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2022. Directorate General of Foreign Trade textile import controls, including Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate requirements, apply as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

5603 94 90

Chapter

56 · Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 16481:2022 · effective 03-04-2023

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 16481:2022 for synthetic microfibres for use in cement-based matrix. Verify the supplier's CM/L number, licensed product scope, and manufacturing facility address on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Synthetic Microfibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2022 · S.O. 1654(E) dated 05-04-2022 · S.O. 4608(E) dated 29-09-2022
2
Ensure every consignment unit bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the product itself; packaging-only marking does not satisfy the statutory requirement.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 1654(E) dated 05-04-2022
3
Accompany the consignment with a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country, or a valid test report from TC or CSRTI, certifying absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes. Imports from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo dye testing.
General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy · DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry, supported by the PSIC and relevant test reports. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or product-scope-mismatched CM/L triggers consignment detention.
Synthetic Microfibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2022 · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962
5
If the nonwoven goods are geotextiles used as protection or cushioning materials, verify whether IS 16090:2013 also applies under S.O. 1706(E). A separate CM/L licence against IS 16090:2013 is required for that product category; a single IS 16481:2022 licence does not cover geotextiles.
S.O. 1706(E) dated 10-04-2023 · BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Scheme-I of Schedule-II

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is assuming one BIS Quality Control Order governs all nonwovens above 150 g/m2 imported under HSN 5603 94 90. In practice, two concurrent QCO obligations operate on the same tariff line: IS 16481:2022 for synthetic microfibres in cement-based matrix (S.O. 1654(E) / S.O. 4608(E)) and IS 16090:2013 for protective geotextiles (S.O. 1706(E)). An importer who secures a CM/L under one standard and ships product falling within the other standard's scope faces detention at port on the uncovered category — the licence must match the specific product application, not merely the HSN.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 5603 94 90 require BIS certification?

Yes. Synthetic microfibres for use in cement-based matrix under this tariff line require ISI Mark Scheme certification against IS 16481:2022, mandatory with effect from 03 April 2023 under the Synthetic Microfibres for Use in Cement Based Matrix (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2022. Geotextiles used as protection or cushioning materials require a separate CM/L against IS 16090:2013.

Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate required for every consignment under this HSN?

Yes, for textile and textile article imports under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy. Imports from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo dye testing, but the PSIC for composition and dye certification is otherwise required.

Does a CM/L licence against IS 16481:2022 also cover geotextile nonwovens imported under the same HSN?

No. IS 16481:2022 covers synthetic microfibres specifically for cement-based matrix applications. Geotextiles used as protection or cushioning materials are governed separately by IS 16090:2013 under S.O. 1706(E); a distinct CM/L is required for that product application.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all synthetic microfibre variants and manufacturing facilities?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific to the licensed product specification and named manufacturing facility; microfibres outside the licensed specification or produced at an unlicensed plant are not covered, and customs detains consignments on a scope mismatch with the BIS register.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.