What is BIS?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016, and operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. BIS is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating Indian Standards, ensuring quality certification, and promoting safe, reliable, and high-quality goods and services.
Through its comprehensive standardization and certification framework, BIS plays a vital role in supporting industry, safeguarding consumer interests, and strengthening India’s position in the global market. Its work directly contributes to national initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Key Functions of BIS
- Standards Formulation
BIS develops and publishes Indian Standards through a transparent and consultative process involving stakeholders from industry, academia, government bodies, and consumer organizations. These standards cover diverse sectors such as engineering, chemicals, textiles, food, electronics, and services, aiming to enhance product quality, interoperability, and environmental sustainability.
- Conformity Assessment and Certification
BIS operates multiple certification schemes to ensure that products meet defined quality and safety standards:
- ISI Mark Certification Scheme: Certifies products conforming to Indian Standards, signifying quality, safety, and trust.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Mandates registration of certain electronic and IT products before sale in India.
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): Enables overseas manufacturers to certify their products for the Indian market.
- Hallmarking Scheme: Certifies the purity and fineness of gold and silver jewellery, assuring authenticity to consumers.
- Laboratory Services
BIS maintains a strong testing infrastructure through its network of state-of-the-art laboratories and also recognizes external labs. These laboratories support certification processes and help manufacturers verify product quality through rigorous testing.
- Training and Capacity Building
Through the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS), BIS offers national and international training programs in standardization, conformity assessment, quality management, and laboratory practices. These programs help build technical expertise among professionals, industry personnel, and government officials.
- Consumer and Public Engagement
BIS actively promotes quality consciousness and educates consumers about the importance of standards through awareness campaigns, grievance redressal mechanisms, and consumer outreach programs. It encourages public participation in standardization and ensures that consumer rights are protected.
Why BIS Matters?
- Ensures quality, safety, and reliability of products and services
- Builds consumer confidence through certification marks like ISI and Hallmark
- Supports fair trade practices and industry competitiveness
- Facilitates international trade through globally recognized standards
- Contributes to public health, safety, and environmental protection
- Aligns with national missions and policy goals
BIS is committed to creating a quality-first ecosystem in India, ensuring that products and services meet high standards, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth, sustainability, and consumer protection. For more information, visit: www.bis.gov.in
NOTE: For official website, you can visit at: https://www.bis.gov.in/ and https://www.manakonline.in/