Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 - Detailed Information

For businesses that produce ropes out of recycled plastic, there is a new set of regulations under the 2024 Quality Control Order. A Quality Control Order has been published by the Ministry of Textiles pursuant to the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, as the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026. The amendment provides for a temporary exemption, effective on 5th June 2026, in certain cases involving rope and cordage goods made out of plastic waste.

The amendment has altered the earlier version of the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, which came into existence on 3rd October 2024, in favour of manufacturers of recycled plastic products.

What is the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026?

The Amendment Order 2026 has provided a proviso added to Clause 3 of the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Order, 2024. An exception has been made by the Central Government in favour of products or articles mentioned under Serial Number 7 of the QCO, when produced out of recycled plastic waste for a period of twelve months after the Amendment Order is published.

These products need not comply with the requirements of the QCO, as it requires compliance with standards.

What Change Has Been Introduced in the Amendment Order?

On June 5, 2026, the Government granted a temporary exemption and published an amendment to the 2024 Order, granting additional time to manufacturers producing rope and cordage products from recycled plastic waste.

This means such products can be manufactured, imported, or sold without complying with the QCO requirements for products listed under Serial Number 7 when they are made out of recycled plastic waste. This will help encourage recycling initiatives and support compliance requirements.

How Long Will the Exemption Remain Valid?

The BIS Certification Exemption is valid for 12 months, starting on the date of publication of the Ropes and Cordages (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026.

• The Amendment is temporary; after the exemption period expires, compliance requirements may become applicable until further government notifications are issued.
• The order applies only to products made out of recycled plastic waste.
• The products covered under Serial Number 7 are applicable under (QCO) 2026.

Which Products Are Covered?

The Exemption is applied only to the products covered under Serial Number 7:

• Textiles Manila Ropes Specification IS 1084
• Fibre ropes - Polyester 3-, 4-, 8- and 12-strand ropes 
• Textiles - Composite synthetic fibre ropes
• Textiles - Mixed Polyolefin Fibre Ropes
• Steel wire ropes - Fibre main cores 
• Fibre ropes - Polyamide 3-4- 8- and 12-Strand ropes 
• Fibre ropes - Polypropylene split film, monofilament and multifilament (PP2) and polypropylene high-tenacity multifilament(PP3) - 3-, 4-, 8- and 12-strand ropes
• Fibre ropes Polyethene 3 - and 4-strand ropes
• Fibre ropes of polyester/ polyolefin dual fibres

Why Has the Government Introduced This Exemption?

The Government has introduced this order to initiate a step towards supporting quality products and eco-friendly practices for protecting the environment:

• Promoting Recycling: Through this Recycled Plastic Waste Exemption, the government supports the use of recycled plastic waste in manufacturing operations by providing temporary relief from compliance requirements
• Promotes Sustainability: The government encourages sustainability by promoting manufacturing practices and circular economy initiatives.
• Supporting Recycling Initiatives: BIS QCO for Rope manufacturers using plastic waste may require additional time to get aligned with applicable quality standards and certification requirements. 
• Encourage Waste Utilisation: The amendment balances environmental goals with the need to maintain product quality, contributing to the effective utilisation of plastic waste by reducing the environmental burdens associated with plastic disposal.

Impact on Manufacturers and Importers

The introduction of QCO for ropes and cordages for Manufacturers producing rope and cordage products from recycled plastic waste can benefit from:

• As a temporary compliance relief, eligible manufacturers are not required to comply with the Quality Control Order during the 12-month exemption period.
• The exemption applies to both domestically manufactured and imported products, provided they are manufactured from recycled plastic waste.
• The exemption helps reduce the regulatory burden by providing manufacturers with operational flexibility to continue their production activities.
• Manufacturers and businesses can continue supplying eligible products without QCO-related compliance obligations. 
• Businesses should prepare for compliance requirements after the exemption period expires. 

Conclusion

The Ropes and Cordages Quality Control Amendment Order 2026 introduces a temporary exemption and a practical measure by the Indian government to maintain product standards in the Indian market for products covered under Serial number 7 made out of recycled plastic waste. The amendment reflects the Government's focus on supporting the use of recycled materials.

These standards will help manufacturers in the ropes and cordages industry to contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and more competitive market.