Surat :Relief for Powerloom Weavers as Government Defers BIS Certification on Polyester Yarn

Surat: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India, has provided much-needed relief to powerloom weavers engaged in manufacturing polyester yarn by deferring the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCO) for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification on three varieties of polyester yarn. Originally scheduled to come into effect on July 3, the QCO orders will now be implemented from October 5,2023.

The decision to postpone the QCO orders came after strong representation by the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWA), led by Ashok Jirawala, and former president of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), Ashish Gujarati. Both associations made a compelling case for the deferment to the Union Minister for Health, Mansukh Mandaviya.

Following the representation, Arun Baroka, Secretary of the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry, met with the delegation members from Surat in the first week of July and assured them of the extension of the QCO orders.

Reacting to the news, Ashok Jirawala, President of FOGWA, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The entire powerloom weaving community in Surat, the country’s biggest polyester fabric hub, is celebrating as the government has extended the QCO orders for three months, i.e., until October 5. We had demanded an extension for six months.”

The deferment of the QCO orders brings a sigh of relief to Surat’s textile industry, which has been grappling with challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in the supply chain. The QCO orders, which mandated BIS certification for polyester yarn, raised concerns among textile manufacturers about potential disruptions and increased compliance costs.

This move provides much-needed breathing space for the industry, allowing manufacturers to focus on recovery and streamlining operations without the immediate burden of compliance. The government’s decision reflects its commitment to engaging in dialogue and addressing the needs of the industry during these challenging times.

The textile sector plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, providing employment and driving export revenues. The deferment of the QCO orders demonstrates the government’s recognition of the importance of sustaining and supporting this vital industry.

The Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry (FIASWI) argues that polyester yarn is primarily an industrial raw material, and buyers and customers are already well-informed about their specific requirements for yarn quality. They contend that the BIS certification scheme, which is voluntary in nature, should not be made mandatory.

Moreover, FIASWI highlights that the non-availability of high-quality yarn from the international market might lead to unfair trade practices among domestic yarn manufacturers. To address this, numerous overseas manufacturers have applied for BIS certification since December 2021. However, there has been a delay in the inspection process, creating a significant gap between the demand and supply of Polyester Fully Drawn Yarn (FDY).

With the deferment of the QCO orders, the powerloom weavers and textile industry in Surat can now focus on recovery and growth, buoyed by the government’s responsiveness to their concerns. As October approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor developments and work towards a sustainable future for the industry.