In a significant step towards bolstering the medical textiles sector, the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with FICCI and BIS, recently organized the 6th National Conclave on Standards & Regulations under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). The event brought together over 150 participants, including government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and experts from various technical textile categories.
One of the key highlights of the conclave was the release of four new standards by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aiming to revolutionize the medical textiles industry in India. The standards, which come into effect immediately, cover critical areas of medical textiles, ensuring products meet stringent quality regulations and global benchmarks.
The newly introduced standards are as follows:
(i) IS 18266:2023 – Textiles — Medical Respirator — Specification:
This standard sets the specifications for medical respirators, emphasizing their vital role in healthcare settings, especially during the ongoing pandemic. It ensures that the medical respirators meet the required quality standards and provide optimal protection to healthcare workers and patients alike.
(ii) IS 18309:2023 – Geosynthetics — Prefabricated Vertical Drains for Quick Consolidation of Very Soft Plastic Soil — Specification:
Addressing soil stabilization and drainage challenges, this standard focuses on the use of geosynthetics for quick consolidation of soft plastic soil. Such textiles are crucial in civil engineering projects, where they help enhance soil stability and improve construction efficiency.
(iii) IS 18158:2023 – Textile — Floor Covering – Artificial Grass Carpet made of Synthetic Yarn for Landscape — Specification:
This standard sets the guidelines for artificial grass carpets made of synthetic yarn specifically designed for landscaping purposes. It ensures that these textiles are durable, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing, further promoting the development of green spaces.
(iv) IS 18161:2023 – Textiles — Light Weight Jute Sacking Bags for Packing 50 kg Mustard Seed, Niger Seed, and Ragi — Specification:
Focusing on sustainable packaging solutions, this standard outlines the specifications for lightweight jute sacking bags, facilitating efficient storage and transportation of agricultural produce.
Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, highlighted the significance of quality standards in technical textiles. She emphasized that these standards not only ensure safety and reliability but also have a direct impact on the consumption of technical textile products in India. Ms. Shah also stressed the importance of mapping technical textiles with relevant HSN codes, which will streamline trade tracking and boost the implementation of flagship schemes like PM MITRA and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
Shri. Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, underscored the need for effective implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and the alignment of Indian standards with global benchmarks. He revealed that 32 new technical textiles’ HSN codes have been notified, and QCOs for 56 technical textile items, including 6 for medical textiles, are underway. These measures are aimed at ensuring that technical textiles produced in India meet international quality standards and open up opportunities for global markets.
The conclave also emphasized the collaboration between Certification Agencies, Research Organizations, Industry, Academia, and the Ministry for identifying gaps and furthering the growth of the technical textiles sector.
With these latest standards and regulations, India’s medical textiles industry is poised for a transformative surge. By adhering to global benchmarks, ensuring top-notch quality, and promoting innovation, India is cementing its position as a major player in the technical textiles landscape, offering tremendous opportunities for both investors and consumers. The efforts of the Ministry of Textiles, as part of the NTTM, have set the stage for an exciting future for medical textiles in the country.