Weavers’ association seeks delay in BIS rules to safeguard textile growth

The association warned that immediate implementation of BIS standards could disrupt the textile sector’s growth, posing significant challenges for industrialists and affecting the industry’s competitive edge.

The Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWWA) has urged the Union Textile Ministry to postpone the implementation of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for textile machinery until March 2027. This appeal was made directly to the Union Textile Minister, Giriraj Singh, in New Delhi.

FOGWWA highlighted the textile industry’s dependence on high-speed, modern technology machines that are primarily imported, as no domestic manufacturers currently produce such advanced equipment. Attempts by local manufacturers to develop these machines have reportedly been unsuccessful.

The association warned that immediate implementation of BIS standards could disrupt the textile sector’s growth, posing significant challenges for industrialists and affecting the industry’s competitive edge. Concerns were raised about potential declines in fabric exports, reduced employment opportunities, and challenges in competing with global textile producers such as China.

The appeal emphasised the need to balance standardisation efforts with maintaining industrial competitiveness in a sector that is steadily expanding and adopting new technologies. FOGWWA’s request aims to allow time for the domestic textile machinery ecosystem to strengthen and develop advanced manufacturing capabilities.