Ensuring Safety Through Standards: Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 and the Role of Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. in BIS Certification

Komal3 July 2025

Introduction

India’s regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving to enforce quality and safety across critical industries. One notable step in this direction is the issuance of the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 by the Ministry of Textiles, under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. This order mandates BIS certification for several categories of protective textiles to ensure public safety and uniform product quality.

As compliance becomes a legal necessity, the role of specialized consultancy firms such as Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. has become vital in helping manufacturers navigate the BIS certification process with ease and accuracy.

Overview of the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022

Issued on April 10, 2023, and effective from October 7, 2023, the Protective Textiles QCO mandates BIS certification for a range of safety-critical textile products. These items must:

Conform to the relevant Indian Standards (IS)
Bear the BIS Standard Mark
Be licensed under Scheme-I of Schedule-IIof the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018

List of Covered Items and Corresponding Indian Standards

BIS Certification requirements and stakeholder information.
Sl. No.	Product Description	Indian Standard (IS)	Standard Title
1	Curtains and Drapes	IS 15741:2007	Textiles – Resistance to Ignition of Curtains and Drapes – Specification
2	Upholstered Composites for Non-Domestic Furniture	IS 15768:2008	Textiles – Resistance to Ignition of Upholstered Composites for Non-Domestic Furniture – Specification
3	Protective Clothing for Firefighters	IS 16890:2018	Textiles – Protective Clothing for Firefighters – Specification
4	Protective Gloves for Firefighters	IS 16874:2018	Textiles – Protective Gloves for Firefighters – Specification
5	Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat	IS 15748:2022	Textiles – Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat (excluding firefighters and welders)
6	Clothing from Limited Flame Spread Materials for Protection Against Heat and Flame	IS 15742:2007	Textiles – Requirements for Clothing from Limited Flame Spread Materials – Specification
7	High-Visibility Warning Clothing	IS 15809:2017	High Visibility Warning Clothes – Specification (First Revision)
8	Protective Clothing for Welding and Allied Processes	IS 16655:2017	Textiles – Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Allied Processes
9	Tactical 3-Point Sling	IS 16725:2018	Textiles – Tactical 3-Point Sling Universal – Specification
10	Pouches for Ammunition and Grenades (Nylon-66)	IS 16726:2018	Textiles – Pouch for Ammunition and Grenades Made of Disruptive Pattern Nylon 66 – Specification
11	Bullet Resistant Jackets	IS 17051:2018	Textiles – Bullet Resistant Jackets – Performance Requirements
12	Water-proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho	IS 17286:2019	Textiles – Water-proof Multipurpose Rain Poncho with Convertibility as Bivouac – Specification

Note: The latest versions of the above standards, as amended and published by BIS from time to time, will be applicable from their date of publication.

Role of Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. in Facilitating BIS Certification

With BIS certification being compulsory under the QCO, manufacturers often face challenges related to technical understanding, documentation, and process execution. This is where Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. plays an indispensable role as a trusted BIS certification consultancy partner.

End-to-End BIS Certification Management

Omega QMS offers a comprehensive service package to streamline the entire certification lifecycle. This includes:

Preparing application documents
Liaising with BIS authorities
Managing testing processes and factory audits
Ensuring timely certification

Interpretation of Technical Standards

For many textile manufacturers, especially MSMEs, understanding and complying with IS specifications is challenging. Omega QMS:

Interprets applicable standards
Advises on product and process modifications
Helps implement necessary quality management systems

Coordination with Testing Laboratories

Most BIS certifications require testing from BIS-recognized labs. Omega QMS:

Selects suitable testing laboratories
Coordinates sample submission
Ensures test results meet the specified IS standards

Audit Preparation and Compliance Assurance

The BIS process includes a factory audit, where adherence to quality norms is evaluated. Omega QMS:

Conducts pre-audit assessments
Rectifies compliance gaps
Prepares teams for successful audit outcomes

Speed and Efficiency

Time is critical—especially with mandatory orders like the Protective Textiles QCO. Omega QMS:

Minimizes delays in document handling and communication
Accelerates test report generation and application approval
Helps clients meet strict regulatory timelines

Post-Certification Services

BIS licenses require regular renewal and audits. Omega QMS provides:

Assistance in license renewals
Adding new product categories
Regular compliance checks

Support for Foreign and Export-Oriented Units

Omega QMS also assists foreign manufacturers under the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) and supports Indian exporters in aligning with both BIS and global standards.

Conclusion

The Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 is a strong regulatory initiative aimed at reinforcing safety and quality benchmarks in the Indian textile industry. However, navigating the technical, procedural, and statutory requirements can be overwhelming. With its deep expertise and hands-on support model, Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. plays a crucial role in helping manufacturers achieve BIS certification with efficiency and confidence.

For any enterprise engaged in the manufacture or supply of protective textiles, Omega QMS is an essential ally in meeting compliance requirements and enhancing product credibility in both domestic and global