23-Dec-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards published 21,890 standards for products, process specification, service sectors, code of practice and methods of test terminology

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed that Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, formulates Indian Standards in various sectors. Through its standards, BIS ensures quality consciousness amongst manufacturers, industry, consumers & various government departments. These standards benefit industry of any size and across all sectors by ensuring efficiency in processes and quality of products/services, help in adoption of new technologies, build productivity, reduce costs and enable access to markets. The standards also provide a range of other benefits including facilitating trade, providing investment confidence, fostering innovation and supporting government policies and regulations. These National Standards are developed with the objective of harmonious development of the activities of standardisation, and quality assurance of goods and articles. Till date, 21,890 Standards for products, process specification, service sectors, code of practice, methods of test terminology have been published by the BIS.

As a policy, while developing any Indian Standard, BIS technical committees consider the availability of an International Standard (International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on the subject. The committees try to align the standard with the International standards to the extent possible At times, ISO/IEC standards are not adopted in totality by the concerned technical committee taking into account the country specific concerns on health, safety, environment, national security and prevention of deceptive practices. At present, 87% of the Indian standards are harmonized with ISO/IEC standards for which the International Standards exists.

Government of India has identified twelve Champion Services Sectors (CSS) in the Indian National Strategy for Standardization (INSS) for focused attention so as to realize their full potential. These Champion Services Sectors include:

1. Information technology and information Technology Enabled Services (IT & ITeS)
2.  Medical Value Travel Services
3. Transport and Logistics Services
4. Tourism and Hospitality Services
5. Accounting and Finance Services
6. Audio Visual Services
7. Communication Services
8. Legal Services
9. Construction and Related Engineering Services
10. Environmental Services
11. Financial Services and
12. Education Services

Considering this and to give due importance to the services sectors, the Standards Advisory Committee(SAC) of Bureau of Indian Standards created the Services Sector Division Council in the field of services sectors. The Division Council is functional since 2020.

The Central Government has also notified several products mandating BIS Standards in view considerations like human health/ safety, protection of environment, public interest etc. During the last 03 years, 197 products have been notified by the Central Government for compulsory BIS certification.

21-Dec-2022: To safeguard and protecting consumer interest from fake and deceptive reviews in e-commerce, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notifies framework

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified framework on ‘Online Consumer Reviews — Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’ on 23.11.2022 for safeguarding and protecting consumer interest from fake and deceptive reviews in e-commerce. The standards are voluntary and are applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews. The guiding principles of the standard are integrity, accuracy, privacy, security, transparency, accessibility and responsiveness.

The standard prescribes multiple methods to verify whether the review author is a real person and confirm the identity of the review author. These include –

1. Verifying the email address by sending one or more emails and awaiting a response;
2. Verifying the review author’s domain name and email address extension in comparison with the online review subject and/or the name of the evaluated product or service;
3. Sending an email that asks the review author to confirm their registration by clicking on a link;
4. Verification by a programme that protects websites;
5. Verification by telephone call or SMS;
6. Verification of identification by Single Sign-On (SSO);
7. Verification of identification by geolocation or IP address;
8. Verification by the review administrator that the review author’s email address is valid prior to publishing a first review; and
9. Verification by using a single user per email address; and
10. Verification using the captcha system.

The organization is required to develop a written code of practice, communicated and made available to all management and staff, which outlines how the standard and the guiding principles in it will be met and maintained.

12-Dec-2022: BIS issues standards for organizations publishing consumer reviews

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standard Body of India, has published an Indian Standard, IS 19000:2022, ‘Online Consumer Reviews - Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’.

This standard provides requirements and recommendations for the principles and methods for review administrators to apply in their collection, moderation and publication of online consumer reviews. The standard prescribes specific responsibilities for the review author and the review administrator.

This standard is applicable to any organization that publishes consumer reviews online, including suppliers/sellers of products and services that collect reviews from their own customers, a third-party contracted by the suppliers/sellers or an independent third party.

It lays down the process which demonstrates the commitment of consumer review sites that they value their customers and provide reviews that can be trusted. It would help building confidence among consumers to purchase goods online and help them take better purchase decisions. The standard is expected to benefit all stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem, i.e. consumers, e-commerce platforms, sellers etc.

Over the last few years, there has been a steady rise in e-commerce transactions across the country. Reviews posted online play a significant role in making purchase decisions and consumers exceedingly rely on reviews posted on e-commerce platforms to see the opinion and experience of users who have already purchased the goods or services

As online reviews are increasingly influential to consumers’ purchasing decisions, it is important to both consumers and suppliers/sellers that the same are managed effectively to build confidence in the quality, integrity, accuracy and transparency of reviews.

7-Dec-2022: BIS issues All India First License for Bullet Resistant Jackets and Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers exposed to heat

Bureau of Indian Standards felicitated All India First license as per IS 17051:2018 and IS 15748:2022 to two companies at an event recently.

IS 17051:2018 prescribes the minimum performance requirements of bullet resistant jackets for protection against small arms and ammunition. This standard specifies the performance requirements for 6 threat level and can sustain the threat from 7.62 X 39 mm AK 47 with hard steel core bullet and 7.62 X 54 R armour piercer incendiary rounds. IS 15748 specifies performance requirements for protective clothing, which are designed to protect the wearer’s body from heat and/or flame and includes the performance requirements of Heat resistance, Limited flame spread, Dimensional change of textile materials, tensile strength, tear strength etc.

Director General, BIS Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari emphasized that these standards are expected to ensure availability of quality product and will also assist stakeholders in streamlining their procurement procedure. DDG Certification BIS, Shri H J S Pashricha congratulated licensee for successfully implementing these standards which is importance from the perspective of national security and safety of industrial worker.

Shri Ashish Kansal, Director of M/s SMPP Pvt. Ltd. during his address emphasized that this Indian standard on Bullet resistant Jacket is far more stringent than the NIJ standard which is being used by our armed forces till now and has been published after due consultation with all stake holders.

Shri Navin Gupta, Director of Star Safety Hub while appreciating the efforts of BIS, highlighted that with the availability of BIS certified product, the user can be assured of maximum protection with best comfort and designs.

The All India First license was felicitated to M/s SMPP Pvt. Ltd., Palwal for Bullet Resistant Jackets as per IS 17051:2018 and to M/s Star Safety Hub, Faridabad for Protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat as per IS 15748:2022.

30-Nov-2022: BIS signs MoU with top six engineering institutes of India for introducing Indian standards as a part of curriculum

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with top six engineering institutes of India for introducing Indian standards as an integral part of the curriculum. This is initiative is towards institutionalizing engagement of BIS with the eminent institutes for securing active participation of academia.

The MoU was signed with Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Indian Institute of Technology Madras and National Institute of Technology Trichy on 28 November 2022 for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization Chair Professor’ at these institutes.

The establishment will promote excellence and leadership in teaching and research & development in the field of Science and various disciplines in the respective institutes.

Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS during the signing said that the MoU between the premium academic institutes & BIS would strengthen and enhance the standards formulation activity by facilitating Research & Development projects, encouraging involvement of young minds in the area of standardization process and jointly organizing seminars, conferences, workshops symposia or lectures, training and short-term education programs. He also emphasized on the need to engage with start-ups & incubation centres at Academic Institutions in formulation of new standards and compliance with the existing. It is also anticipated that technology innovation and standards development shall be interwoven seamlessly to foster development of technology-oriented products and services.

Prof. Prof Vikas Dubey, Dean (R&D) IIT BHU; Dr. Narayana Prasad Padhy, Director MNIT; Dr. Suhas S. Joshi, Director, IIT Indore; Prof. T.N Singh, Director IIT Patna; Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras and Dr. S. Muthukumaran, Dean R&C, NIT Trichy assured commitment towards this initiative and agreed to extend all the necessary support.

31-Oct-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards signs MoU with Technical institutions for active engagement of academia in standards formulation

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and NIT Rourkela here today for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization Chair Professor’ at these institutes.

This is an initiative towards institutionalizing its engagement with the eminent institutes of the country for securing active participation of academia in standards formulation and making teaching of Indian standards an integral part of the curriculum. This will promote excellence and leadership in teaching, research and development in the field of Science and various Engineering, disciplines.

On this occasion, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS said that the MoU would facilitate the research & development, teaching and training in the field of Standardization and Conformity Assessment in the country with focus on the areas of civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, earthquake engineering, development and management of water resources and renewable energy projects, infrastructure development, medical biotechnology and nanotechnology, biotechnology, biomaterials, etc. The association would also enhance the involvement of youngsters in standardization, so as to make them future ready professionals and instill a sense of quality consciousness. It is also anticipated that technology innovation and standards development shall be interwoven seamlessly to foster development of technology-oriented products and services.

Prof Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources & Alumni, IIT Kanpur; Prof Rajiv Shekhar, Director, IIT(ISM), Dhanbad; and Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela assured commitment towards this initiative and agreed to extend all the necessary support.

14-Oct-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards, Mumbai organises Conclave –“Manak Mahotsav” on occasion of World Standards Day

On the occasion of World Standards Day, Bureau of Indian Standards, Mumbai today organized a Standards Conclave –“Manak Mahotsav” based on the theme ‘Standards for Sustainable Development Goals - A Shared Vision for a Better World’.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the conclave virtually. Addressing 200 participants attending the conclave, Consumer Affairs Minister said that with the mantra of quality and sustainability, we can create brand value for Indian products across the world. “For 'Brand India' to emerge across the globe, we need a change in mind set towards quality standards and become more conscious towards their importance.”

The Consumer Affairs Minister said that Standards are critical for realizing the mission and commitment of 130 crore Indians to the nation India further by 2047. “'Standards' are the new parents. Those who control standards also control markets, prices, processes, manufacturing and innovation”.

The Union Minister further said that when the nation sets benchmarks for standards, it is a reflection of its growth potential. “The nation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, regards 'Standards' as a key pillar of growth”

Lauding BIS for its efforts, the Consumer Affairs Minister further said that it is time for BIS to become a benchmark in quality-control, quality-assessment and quality assurance. “BIS must revive, realize and add 'sustainability' in existing and new standards that they create as a part of the Standards National Action Plan”.

The Controller of Legal Metrology, Maharashtra Dr. Ravinder Singal lauded the efforts taken by BIS in creating awareness about standards and quality at various platforms.

Station Director, Tarapur Atomic Power Station, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. Shri Sanjay Mulkalwar, informed that nuclear energy can help in achieving the goals of sustainability. He stated that by 2070, India will have zero emission in energy production. He also informed about the CSR activities carried out by NPCIL.

The All India First licensees and long-standing licensees of product as well as management system licensees of Western Regional Office of Bureau of Indian Standards were felicitated during the event.

Smt. Nishat s. Haque, Deputy Director General, BIS Western Region, Shri Ameer Uz Zaman, Senior Director, Mumbai Branch Office-I, BIS and other dignitaries also attended the event.

Earlier today, BIS Mumbai organised Quality Run (Walkathon) near the Juhu Beach in Mumbai. Bollywood Actory Shri Punit Issar graced the occasion and flagged off the run. The event aimed at creating awareness among people about the standards and quality was attended by around 200 BIS officials and youngsters

Every year on 14 October, the members of the International Electrotechnical Commission, International Organization for Standardization and International Telecommunication Union celebrate World Standards Day, as a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards.

About BIS: BIS is the National Standard Body working under the Ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Government of India. Our objective is the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, product testing and quality certification of goods in the country. BIS has been providing traceable and tangible benefits to the national economy in several ways – providing safe reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports, and imports substitute; controlling over the proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and testing.

7-Oct-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards signs MoU with Testing, Inspection, Certification Council

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India signed an MoU with Testing, Inspection, Certification Council, India.

The two organizations will collaborate to promote and harmonise the implementation of standards and quality, safety and sustainability practices in laboratories. The organizations resolved to further work to improve the responsiveness for laboratories and exchange and disseminate the global best practices in the field of laboratories. The MoU was signed on 29 September 2022. Following which, a seminar on “Emerging Global Trends in Laboratories for AatmaNirbhar Bharat” is being jointly organized by the two organizations on 3rd Nov 2022 in New Delhi.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS and Ms. Hanane Taidi, Director General, TIC Council. The MoU was signed by Shri Rajeev Sharma, Deputy Director General Laboratories, BIS and Shri Shashi Bhushan Jogani, Chairman, TIC.

Both the organisation looks forward to a mutually prosperous journey together. TIC Council (Testing, Inspection, Certification Council) is a global trade association representing the independent third-party testing, inspection and certification industry (TIC).

6-Oct-2022: Collaborative efforts between Bureau of Indian Standards and International Electrotechnical Commission for wider promotion of Standards

The Secretary-General & CEO, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Mr. Philippe Metzger during a recent visit to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) emphasized on the collaboration between BIS and IEC. He had an intensive interaction with Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS and encouraged Indian Standards community to take up further leadership positions in technical, policy and governance bodies of IEC.

Presently, India is a member of IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB) and Market Strategy Board (MSB), the highest policy-making bodies of IEC responsible for technical matters and for identifying relevant subject areas for future work respectively. India also contributes in the technical work of IEC through its participation in Technical Committees (TCs), Subcommittees (SCs) and their groups.

During the interaction, BIS officials discussed how both the organizations could have deeper engagements and can promote standards. Mr. Metzger had fruitful deliberations with Indian standards community to address needs and expectations of the community, members representing India in IEC Governance bodies. Representatives of relevant Industry associations discussed the significance of IEC from Indian perspectives, and prospects for further collaborations between BIS and IEC.

IEC is a not-for-profit organization developing International standards in the field of electrical and electronics, based in Geneva. India through the Indian National Committee of IEC (INC-IEC) is participating and contributing to the work of IEC. DG BIS is the President of the INC-IEC.

21-Jul-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards publishes 10 Indian Standards on safety aspects of Toys related to physical safety, safety against chemicals, flammability, electrical safety

Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body of India has published 10 Indian Standards on safety aspects of Toys related to physical safety, safety against chemicals, flammability, electrical safety etc. These standards prevent the use of unsafe and toxic materials in manufacturing of toys.

Out of these 10 standards, 7 are the part of Quality Control Order (QCO) on ‘Safety of Toys’. This Quality Control Order makes it mandatory that toys for children under 14 years of age conform to 7 Indian Standards (List attached) for Safety of Toys and bear a Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under licence from BIS.  This Government guideline came into force from 1st Jan 2021.

BIS grants licences to toy manufacturing units based on an assessment of their manufacturing and testing capability through factory visit as well as testing of toys in a BIS Lab or BIS Recognized Lab as per the Indian Standards. No person is permitted to manufacture, import sell or distribute, store, hire, lease or exhibit for sale toys which do not conform to the Indian Standard and do not bear BIS Standard Mark i.e. “ISI Mark” under a licence from BIS.

Before licence is granted, toys undergo stringent tests for various physical, chemical and electrical safety requirements to ensure that they are safe for children. Tests are done to check choking hazard, sharp points (Sharp Point Test) and sharp edges (Sharp Edge Tests) which could puncture the skin and injure a child. Chemical tests are done to determine concentration of certain toxic elements such as antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium in toys to ensure that they are within safe limits. The safety with respect to electrical aspects of toys is ensured by carrying out tests for power input, electric strength, moisture resistance, heating & abnormal operation. Also tests like mechanical strength, construction, screws & connections, protection of cords & wires, clearances & creepage distances, components, resistance to heat & fire etc.

Even after BIS licence is granted, toy manufacturing units are required to ensure that the toys produced by them are tested regularly and follow a defined Scheme of Inspection and Testing. As a part of its market and factory surveillance activities, BIS conducts surveillance visits at the licensed manufacturing units and also draws samples of toys from the factories and the market and gets them tested at BIS labs and BIS recognized labs. More than 800 Toy manufacturers, mostly from the MSME sector, have already taken BIS certification.

Consumers should ensure that they purchase only safe toys bearing the “ISI Mark” from the market. Also, consumers must complaint if they see any toy being sold without the “ISI Mark”. Complaints can be filed through BIS Care app (download from Google Play Store) or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Out of the 10 standards published by BIS on safety aspects related to physical safety, safety against chemicals, flammability, electrical safety etc., 7 standards that are the part of Quality Control Order on ‘Safety of Toys’, are detailed below:

1. IS 9873 (Part 1):2019/ ISO 8124-1 : 2018 Safety requirements for toys: Part 1 Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
2. IS 9873 (Part 2) : 2017/ ISO 8124-2 : 2014 Safety requirements for toys: Part 2 Flammability requirements
3. IS 9873 (Part 3) : 2020/ ISO 8124-3 : 2020 Safety requirements for toys: Part 3 – Migration of certain elements
4. IS 9873 (Part 4) : 2017/ ISO 8124-4 : 2014 Safety of Toys Part 4 Swings, Slides and Similar Activity Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Family Domestic Use
5. IS 9873 (Part 7) : 2017/ ISO 8124-7 : 2015 Safety of Toys Part 7 Requirements and Test Methods for Finger Paints
6. IS 9873 (Part 9) : 2017 Safety of Toys Part 9 Certain Phthalates Esters in Toys and Children Products
7. IS 15644:2006/ IEC 62115: 2003 Safety of Electric Toys

24-Jun-2022: BIS formulates performance standards for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Bureau of Indian Standard, National Standard Body of India, has published standards for Test Specifications for Lithium-ion Traction Battery Packs and Systems (Performance Testing) for Electrically Propelled Road Vehicles. The standard IS 17855: 2022 for these battery packs and systems is harmonized with ISO 12405-4: 2018.

This standard incorporates the test procedure for basic characteristic of performance, reliability and electrical functionality for the battery packs and system for either high power or high energy application. This standard is formulated considering real life scenarios for an electric vehicle such as vehicle is in parking (battery is not used for extended period of time), battery system is being shipped (stored), operating battery at low and high temperature etc., accordingly various tests are incorporated in this standard.

Safety and performance are two critical aspects of electronic devices. Requirement of Battery system for use as a power source for propulsion of vehicles are significantly different from battery used for consumer electronics or stationary use.

Electric vehicles are vehicles that operate on electric motor and rechargeable batteries. Over the past decade, Electric vehicles have grown in terms of visibility and availability in the market. For safety of consumer, reliability and safety, Energy storage systems become critical part of any EV. Most of the EVs use Lithium-ion batteries because of its high power to weight ratio.

Further, keeping view on safety aspect of batteries for EV, Bureau of Indian Standard is in the process of publishing 2 more standard related to batteries for various passenger and goods carrying vehicles (L, M and N category)

17-Jun-2022: First grassroots innovation-based standards formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The first official standard for a grassroots innovation has been set up for clay cooling cabinet Mitticool developed by Shri Mansukh Bhai Prajapati, from Wankaner, in Gujarat. The standard set up by the Bureau of India Standards is necessary after a particular stage for scaling up and entering the cross-border markets. 

National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, put forward this idea at the Innovations Scholars In-residence Programme held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. BIS took cognizance of this innovative technology and subsequently engaged with NIF to develop a new Indian Standard -- IS 17693: 2022  ‘Non-electric cooling cabinet made of clay’.

The IS 17693: 2022 Non-electric Cooling Cabinet Made of Clay is the first standard rooted in a grassroots innovation - ‘Mitticool Refrigerator’. The standard specifies the construction and performance requirements of a cooling cabinet of the natural refrigerator made out of clay which operates on the principle of evaporative cooling. These cabinets may be used to store perishable foodstuff without the need of electricity. It provides a natural coldness to foodstuffs so that they remain fresh without deteriorating their quality.

The standard helps in the endeavour of BIS to fulfil 6 of out 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 5 (Gender equality), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

The standard can help grassroots innovations march hand-in-hand with innovations in the formal sector. Some benefits that are expected to accrue to the innovation are – facilitation of trade and commerce, improvement of processes and making them more efficient, guidance in consistent functioning and quality, simplifying comparison of products and services, promoting further technological developments and so on.

The impact of the ‘Mitticool Refrigerator’ has already been exponential, and it is poised to grow by attaining this significant milestone of setting standards. It is already playing a lead role in reviving the pottery culture, tradition, and heritage; connecting people back to roots in better, healthier ways; promoting sustainable consumption; economically empowering the indigent community; working towards green and cool earth, economic development and employment generation; and contributing towards rural women upliftment and making them financially independent. These achievements will receive a boost with the new standard.

16-Jun-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) develops an Indian Standard for 'Non-electric cooling cabinet made of clay'

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, has developed an Indian Standard, IS 17693: 2022 for 'non-electric cooling cabinet made of clay'.

Named as ‘Mitticool refrigerator’, Shri Mansukh Bhai Prajapati from Gujarat is the innovator behind the refrigerator which projects an eco-friendly technology.

BIS standard specifies the construction and performance requirements of a cooling cabinet made out of clay, which operates on the principle of evaporative cooling. These cabinets may be used to store perishable foodstuff without the need of electricity.

This standard helps BIS in fulfilling 6 out of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like No poverty, Zero hunger, Gender equality, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and Responsible consumption and production.

It is a natural refrigerator made primarily from clay to store vegetables, fruits, milk, and also for cooling water. It provides natural coolness to foodstuffs stored in it without requiring any electricity. Fruits, vegetables, and milk can be stored reasonably fresh without deteriorating their quality.

The efficacy of the product is boundless.  To name a few, it is playing an influential role in reviving the pottery culture, tradition, and heritage; connecting people back to roots in better healthier ways; promoting sustainable consumption; economically empowering the indigent community; working towards green and cool earth, economic development and employment generation; and finally contributing towards rural women upliftment and making them financially independent.

‘Mitticool Refrigerator’ was exhibited at the 4th batch of Innovations Scholars In-residence Programme held at Rashtrapati Bhawan (2017) in partnership with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) that scouts, supports, and spawns grassroot innovations developed by individuals and local communities in any technological field, helping in product and professional development without any help from the formal sector.

Refrigeration is a food storage technique that prevents bacterial growth whereby increasing its shelf life and making it fit for consumption.

In this era, where the world is dominated by technology and advancement, there are people in our country who still bank on traditional cooling.  Clay pots have been an integral part of Indian kitchens until factory-made products of variety of materials invaded the market.  

16-Mar-2022: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made two Indian Standards pertaining to drinking water

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made two Indian Standards pertaining to drinking water, namely, IS 10500:2012 on Drinking Water – Specification and IS 17482:2020 on Drinking Water Supply Management System - Requirements for Piped Drinking Water Supply.

BIS quality standards are not mandatory for civic agencies engaged in supplying drinking water to houses across the country.

Water Supply is a State subject and it is the responsibility of the State Government/Urban Local Bodies to plan, design, execute, operate and maintain the water supply systems.

Since August 2019, the Government of India in partnership with States is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) - Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household by 2024. Under Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guideline, IS 10500:2012 is to be adopted for ensuring safe drinking water supply and States/ UTs have been advised to carry out testing of drinking water sources once in a year for chemical and physical parameters and twice in a year for bacteriological parameters.

15-Jun-2021: Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery comes into force from tomorrow - 16th June

Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery is going to come into force from tomorrow, 16th June, 2021.

Based on extensive consultations with stakeholders, following decisions were taken-

1. Hallmarking will be initially be starting from.256 districts of the country which have Assaying marking centres.
2. Jewellers with annual turnover upto Rs. 40 lac will be exempted from mandatory Hall Marking.
3. Export and re-import of jewelry as per Trade Policy of Government of India - Jewellery for international exhibitions, jewellery for government approved B2B domestic exhibitions will be exempted from mandatory Hall Marking.
4. Gold of Additional carats 20, 23 and 24 will also be allowed for Hall Marking.
5. Watches, fountain pens and special types of jewellery viz. Kundan, Polki and Jadau will be exempted from Hall Marking.
6. Jewellers can continue to buy back old gold jewellery without hallmark from consumer.
7. In order to give adequate time to the manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of Gold Jewellery, there would be No penalties till August end.

Old jewellery can be got hallmarked as it is, if feasible by the jeweller or after melting and making new jewellery.

A committee constituting of representatives of all stake holders, revenue officials and legal experts will.be formed to look into the issues that may possibly emerge during the implementation of the scheme.

Shri Goyal said that constructive suggestions are always welcome and implementation should be effective.  It may be noted that Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery was earlier set to begin from 15th June 2021.

Under Hallmarking scheme of Bureau of Indian Standards, Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognise testing and Hallmarking centres. BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, were implemented w.e.f. 14.06.2018. Hallmarking will enable Consumers/Jewellery buyers to make a right choice and save them from any unnecessary confusion while buying gold. At present, only 30% of Indian Gold Jewellery is hallmarked.

The Hallmarking of jewellery/artefacts is required to enhance the credibility of gold Jewellery and Customer satisfaction through third party assurance for the marked purity/fineness of gold , consumer protection. This step will also help to develop India as a leading gold market center in the World.

It is to be noted that there has been 25% increase in A&H centers in the last five years. The number of A&H centers have increased from 454 to 945 in the last five years. At present 940 Assaying and Hallmarking centers are operative. Out of this 84 AHCs have been setup under Govt. subsidy scheme in various Districts.

Presently A&H Centre’s can hallmark 1500 articles in a day, the estimated hallmarking capacity of A&H Centre’s per year are 14 crore articles (Assuming 500 articles per shift &300 working days.

According to World Gold Council, India has around 4 lakh Jewellers, out of this only 35879 have been BIS certified.

1-Jun-2021: RDSO ( Research Design & Standards Organization) becomes the FIRST Institution to be declared SDO under  one "One Nation One Standard" mission on BIS ( Bureau of Indian Standards)

RDSO (Research Design & Standards Organization) of Indian Railways has become the FIRST Institution to be declared SDO under  "One Nation One Standard" mission on BIS ( Bureau of Indian Standards) which is Institution under Department of Consumer Affairs.

This unique initiative of two organizations under GOI is going to set a template for all the rest of leading research and standard development organizations in the country to follow and adapt World Class Standards.

It may be noted that to attain “ Nation One Standard” vision of Govt. of India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body, has launched a scheme which provides for “Recognition of SDO”. Through this scheme, BIS aims at aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities and dedicated domain specific expertise available with various organizations in the country engaged in standards development in their specific sectors, and enable convergence of all standard development activities in the country resulting in “One National Standard for One Subject”.

Research Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow, which is the sole R&D Wing of Ministry of Railways, is one of India’s leading Standard formulating Body undertaking standardization work for railway sector.

RDSO took the initiative to seek recognition as a Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme. In the process, RDSO reviewed its Standard Formulation procedures to realign them with the Best Practices of Standardization, encoded in the WTO-TBT “Code of Good Practice” and also mandated by the Bureau (BIS) as essential criteria for recognition as SDO.

BIS, after reviewing the Standard Making Procedures of RDSO, has granted recognition to RDSO on 24th May 2021 as SDO (Standard Developing Organization). With this recognition, RDSO becomes the first Standard Developing Organization in the country to be granted recognition under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme. The scope of RDSO’s recognition as SDO, as approved by the Bureau (BIS), is “Standards Developing Organization for products, processes and services for railway transportation sector in India”. The recognition is valid for 3 years and will require renewal after completion of the validity period. 

The Standard formulation procedures at RDSO will now be more focussed on Consensus-based decision making and will entail extensive engagement of all stakeholders including Industry, Academia, Users, Recognized Labs, Test Houses etc, in the process of Standard making from the very early stages i.e. from Conceptualization to finalization of Standards. Some of the major benefits that will flow out of this recognition by Bureau of Indian Standards, under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme, include Larger participation of Industry / Vendors / MSME’s / Technology Developers in IR Supply Chain, Increased competitiveness amongst Industry / Vendors, Reduction in Cost, Quantum improvement in Quality of Product & Services, Smooth Induction of latest evolving & emerging technologies on IR, Reduced dependence on imports, Thrust on “Make-in-India”, Improvement in Ease-of-Doing-Business, Recognition of RDSO on International Standards Making Bodies and Integration with Global Supply Chain / Global Trade.

The onus of complying with the terms and conditions, which entail conformance to the established Six principles of Standardization with greater emphasis on maintaining Transparency, Openness, Impartiality, Effectiveness, Coherence and Development Dimension, in the process of Standard making, will improve the overall confidence and trust of Industry and Technology Developers in the standards setting body i.e. RDSO and motivate all stakeholders to contribute in Standard formulation for Railway Sector in the country. It will also help in harmonizing the standardization activity thereby providing opportunity for greater participation of all stakeholders in formulation & implementation of National Standards and creating in the long run, a Brand India identity for quality of product manufactured inter the country.

Participatory approach to Development of standards involving all stake holders  in the process of standard making from the very early stages is set to reduce the time between development of standards and their ground adaptation or user utilisation.

The initiative set to usher in more faster transition from development of technology & innovation stage to actual use on ground.

24-May-2021: Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery to begin from 15th June

Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery is set to begin from 15thJune 2021.In view of Covid, Government accepted the request of stakeholders to give Jewellers some more time to get prepared for implementation and resolve issues. Earlier it was expected to be implemented from 1stJune 2021.

A committee was formed to ensure proper coordination and resolve the implementation issues. Pramod Tewari DG (BIS) would be the convener of Committee. Additional Secretary, Smt. Nidhi Khare, Department of Consumer Affairs and representatives of Jewellers Associations, trade, hallmarking bodies etc. are going to Constitute the committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Goyal said that India must have the world's best standards in Gold Jewellery. He said that Customers must get Hallmark certified Gold at Earliest all across the country without any further delay.

Shri Goyal was reviewing progress made in the implementation of mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery in India at a webinar and conference organized by Bureau of Indian Standards, Department of Consumer Affairs, GOI. The meeting was attended by various associations of Bullion trade, Hallmarking centers, Jewellers from across the country, trade and export bodies of Gold business besides officials of Department of Consumer Affairs and BIS.

Under Hallmarking scheme of Bureau of Indian Standards, Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognise testing and Hallmarking centres. BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, were implemented w.e.f. 14.06.2018. Hallmarking will enable Consumers/Jewellery buyers to make a right choice and save them from any unnecessary confusion while buying gold. At present, only 30% of Indian Gold Jewellery is hallmarked.

Shri Goyal said that constructive suggestions will be incorporated and teething issues in implementation would be resolved.

Earlier, Quality control order for mandatory hallmarking of Gold Jewellery/artefacts were issued by the Government on 15thJan 2020, but the last date was extended to 1stJune 2021 to clear old stock of non-hallmarked jewellery.

The Hallmarking of jewellery/artefacts is required to enhance the credibility of gold Jewellery and Customer satisfaction through third party assurance for the marked purity/fineness of gold , consumer protection. This step will also help to develop India as a leading gold market center in the World.

It is to be noted that there has been 25% increase in A&H centers in the last five years. The number of A&H centers have increased from 454 to 945 in the last five years. At present 940 Assaying and Hallmarking centers are operative. Out of this 84 AHCs have been setup under Govt. subsidy scheme in various Districts.

Presently A&H Centre’s can hallmark 1500 articles in a day, the estimated hallmarking capacity of A&H Centre’s per year are 14 crore articles (Assuming 500 articles per shift &300 working days.

According to World Gold Council, India has around 4 lakh Jewellers, out of this only 35879 have been BIS certified.

7-Jan-2021:  Bureau of Indian Standards celebrates the 74th foundation day on 6th January 2021

The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce & Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal attended the 74th foundation day celebration of Bureau of Indian Standards on 6th January 2021.  On this occasion he inaugurated the Toy Testing facilities, which BIS has created across three of its laboratories and announced the launch of Certificate Courses on Assaying & Hallmarking as well as Quality Control.

While lauding BIS for its state-of-the-art facilities, Shri Goyal stated that the facilities have been created at the most appropriate time as the Government has recently brought “Toys” under mandatory BIS certification. The test facilities will act as an enabler for about over 5000 industrial units, including micro & small ones for implementing the standards.  He said that this industry would be able to compete with foreign manufacturers and prevent the influx of imported toys, which are of substandard quality. This step will also take care of the concerns regarding the safety of toys and possible detrimental effects on health of children. He said that the Government wants to support & help the Indian toy industry so that Indian products can survive the competition given by imported toys. The imported toys may seem cheaper in the short run but the cost to health shall make them costlier in the long run.

Shri Goyal also appreciated the action of BIS for creating the test facilities for Helmets, an important product directly related to the safety and preservation of human lives.  He informed that Helmets have already been brought under mandatory BIS certification in order to ensure that the helmets being sold in the market meet the required quality specifications.

On this occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal also announced the launch of Certificate Courses on Assaying & Hallmarking and Quality Control by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).  These courses would meet the twin objectives of bridging the competence gap both for A&H personnel and Quality Control Personnel as well as facilitate the availability of competent human resources in A&H Centres throughout the country. He said that the availability of skilled testing personnel would lead to better customer confidence in certified products, thereby enhancing customer protection and satisfaction. This will make the industry, particularly the MSMEs, “Atmanirbhar” for quality assessments and thereby promote “Make in India” and “Skill India” initiatives by the Government.

On this occasion, Shri Goyal also unveiled the bust of Padma Shri Dr. Lal C Verman, the Founder Director of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). He lauded the contribution of Dr. Lal C Verman in the fields of standardization and development of quality eco-system in the country. He emphasized the need for BIS to work for making India a place for production of quality goods and services which can be recognized across national boundaries.

While addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve appreciated BIS for starting the toy testing facility and certificate courses. He said BIS has taken several new initiatives in recent past and these new initiatives will further enhance the operational quality and efficiency of BIS.

Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs Smt. Leena Nandan, DG, Bureau of Indian Standards Shri P.K. Tiwari and many other senior officials were also present on this occasion.

Background:

With a aim to encourage the production of safe toys in the country, BIS has brought out a series of standards related to safety of toys, namely IS 9873 Part 1 to 9 and IS 15644 pertaining to Electrical Safety of Toys (List of Standards enclosed).In order to address the safety concerns, toys have been brought under the category of “products under compulsory certification” of BIS by MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), which is effective from 1st Jan 2021.

The QCO will further give impetus to the manufacture of toys locally and will go a long way in implementing the flagship “Make in India” program of Government of India. With a view to support the Industry, especially the MSME sector for conformity assessment of toys manufactured in India as per the relevant Indian Standards, BIS decided to create testing facility for Toys in 5 BIS labs to support the Indian industry. The testing facility for toys have been completed at Central Laboratory. Anticipating huge inflow of samples in future, the work towards completion of testing facility in other BIS Laboratories is underway.

27-Jul-2020: Shri Ram Vilas Paswan launches BIS Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today launched the Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and three portals – the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS on  www.manakonline.in for consumers. The mobile app BIS-Care can be operated on any Android phone. This app is operational in Hindi and English language and can be downloaded free from Google play store. Consumers can check the authenticity of the ISI-marked and hallmarked products and lodge complaints using this app. The Minister said that the government has taken several steps to protect the interests of consumers.

Shri Paswan said that another important aspect of BIS functioning is certification and surveillance to enforce the implementation of standards. The Minister informed that the BIS is strengthening its capacity of enforcement by implementation of e-BIS, an integrated portal covering all its functions, enlisting the services of outside agencies for factory and market surveillance and development of mobile app-based and AI-enabled surveillance methods. He said it is important to ensure that consumers are aware of the standards and quality products and become a part of our efforts to eliminate the supply of sub-standard products. In the briefing, the Minister also informed that BIS is developing a portal on Consumer Engagement, which will facilitate the online registration of Consumer Groups, submission of proposals and approval thereof, and complaint management.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan also spoke about the plan to implement One Nation, One Standard, and said that BIS has formulated a scheme for the recognition of other Standard Development Organizations in the country with the objective of harmonization of standard formulation. It is under examination and will be launched soon. The Minister touched upon the Government’s thrust on the use of non-tariff barriers to regulate export and import and highlighted the role BIS was playing in the formulation of Quality Control Orders to make the standards mandatory. He said that BIS has actively collaborated with various Ministries and Departments to help them issue QCOs for 368 products and work on the formulating QCOs for 239 products is in progress. After standards becoming mandatory, manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, have to comply with them. He said that the number of licenses, which is about 37000 at present, issued by BIS is likely to see a sharp jump because of QCOs.

Shri Paswan said that to achieve the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and protect the interests of consumers, BIS had to further strengthen its efforts to formulate standards in the areas important for boosting our exports and regulating the import of cheap and sub-standard products. He informed that Department of Consumer Affairs has approved the Standard National Action Plan and identified the important sectors of economy for development of standards.

Shri Paswan also reiterated upon the need for helping MSMEs and touched upon the relaxations given to the MSMEs to cope with COVID-19. He said that not only the Minimum Marking Fee was reduced by 40%, but they were given the option to deposit the fee in two instalments. The deadline for renewal of license was also extended to 30th September, 2020.

During the present Covid-19 Pandemic, BIS also developed COVID standards for Cover-all and Ventilators and issued norms for grant of licence for N95 Masks, surgical masks, and eye protectors. This has resulted in increase in the production of ISI-marked PPE items. Daily production capacity for ISI-marked N95 masks in the country has gone up from less than two lakh to more than four Lakh.

Shri Paswan also talked of the expansion and modernization of BIS labs and said that testing facilities for drinking water and assaying of gold jewellery are being created not only in 8 BIS labs, but in several branch offices, like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Bhopal, Raipur and Lucknow.

Bureau of Indian Standards through the National Institute of Standardization at Noida has been imparting training to various stakeholders, as training plays an important role in the promotion and implementation of standards. Through it has now formulated a comprehensive Training Policy and chalked out an action plan to reach out to industry, consumer organizations, and Govt. officials in a big way through online and offline courses. Shri Paswan made special mention of the initiative to integrate the standards into the curriculum of professional education in the country. An Approach Paper, he said, has been developed and shared with MHRD, AICTE and other stakeholders.

Later, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan informed the media that all the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 have come into force from 24th July, 2020 including the Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020. The new Consumer Protection Act 2019 was implemented throughout the country from 20.7.2020. In his address, Shri Paswan said that the new Act provides several measures, through rules, for the purposes of preventing unfair trade practices in e-commerce and also to protect the interest and rights of the consumers by establishing mechanism for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes. He said that the Central Government has accordingly notified the Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020. He further added that the rules will apply to all goods and services bought or sold over digital or electronic network, all models of e-commerce, including marketplace (such as Amazon and Flipkart) and inventory models (where the e-commerce entity also owns the stocks). These Rules specify duties and liabilities of the e-commerce entities (market place & inventory model) and sellers on market place e-commerce entities.

He said that the e-commerce entities will be required to provide details on their platforms about their legal name, principal geographic address of headquarters/all branches, name and details of website and contact details like e-mail address, fax, landline and mobile numbers of customer care as well as of grievance officer. They are also required to provide information relating to return, refund, exchange, warranty and guarantee, delivery and shipment, modes of payment, grievance redressal mechanism, payment methods, security of payment methods, charge-back options, etc. Under the rules, e-commerce entities should not impose cancellation charges on consumers cancelling orders after confirmation unless similar charges are also borne by them in case of unilateral cancellation of orders by them.

In case of an e-commerce entity offering imported goods or services for sale, it has to mention the name and details of the importer. A seller on a market place will provide all relevant details about the goods and services offered for sale including country of origin which are necessary for enabling the consumer to make an informed decision at the pre-purchase stage.

The Minister said that every e-commerce entity is required to establish a grievance redressal mechanism and to appoint a grievance officer, whose name, designation, contact details are required to be displayed on its platform. The e-commerce entities are to ensure that the grievance officer acknowledges the receipt of any consumer complaint within forty-eight hours and redresses the complaint within one month from the date of receipt of the complaint.

He said that the violation of the rules will be dealt with under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. In case of class action regarding unfair trade practice and misleading advertisements, the Central Consumer Protection Authority can take action. For any compensation, a consumer can approach a Consumer Commission of appropriate jurisdiction.

2-Aug-2019: Pashmina Products Receive BIS Certification

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity. The Standard is being released in Leh.

The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina and also protect the interests of local artisans and nomads who are the producers of Pashmina raw material. It will also assure the purity of Pashmina for customers.

The BIS certification of Pashmina will go a long way in discouraging counterfeit or substandard products presently mislabeled and sold as genuine Pashmina in the market. It will ensure better prices for the goat herding community in Ladakh as well as for the local handloom artisans producing genuine Pashmina products, currently a disadvantaged lot due to rampant marketing malpractices.

The nomadic Pashmina herders live in the hostile and tough terrain of Changthang and are solely dependent on Pashmina for their livelihood. At present, there are 2400 families rearing 2.5 lakh goats. This initiative of hallmarking Pashmina will protect the interests of these families, motivate the younger generation to continue in this profession as well as encourage more families to take up this occupation.

Ladakh produces 50 MT of the finest grade of Pashmina in the world (12-15 microns) and this initiative will provide further impetus towards value addition of Pashmina in Ladakh. Ministry of Textiles is processing a proposal for funding of Rs. 20 crore for a de-hairing plant for Leh which along with this initiative will lead to progress in the Pashmina sector in Ladakh.

The Changthangi or Pashmina goat, is a special breed of goat indigenous to the high altitude regions of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, known as Pashmina once woven. The Textiles are handspun and were first woven in Kashmir. The Changthangi goat grows a thick, warm undercoat which is the source of Kashmir Pashmina wool – the world’s finest cashmere measuring between 12-15 microns in fiber thickness.

These goats are generally domesticated and reared by nomadic communities called the Changpa in the Changthang region of Greater Ladakh. The Changthangi goats have revitalized the economy of Changthang, Leh and Ladakh region.

25-Aug-2018: BIS to set standards for the services sector too

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has kicked off the process to set new standards to measure quality of services offered to consumers across different sectors, including telecom, aviation, e-commerce and healthcare.

Service sector is one of the key sectors of the Indian economy with a huge potential to grow into one of the largest markets of the world. Standards can play a major facilitative role in this regard. It is important that the standardisation needs and priorities of the sector are determined.

During the meeting, the BIS pointed out that the initial focus will be the 12 champion services sectors identified by the government. These include IT, tourism and hospitality, transport and logistics, accounting and finance services, legal services, communication services and construction.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards is set to formulate a framework for quality services that should be provided to consumers and also talk about the benchmarks to deal with consumer complaints or after sales service in an effort to ensure quality in the services sector.

At a meeting with industry bodies, it has been decided that the BIS will set up a separate ‘divisional council’ for services in a month’s time. Under this, different technical committees will be set up — one for each service. The committees will have various stakeholders such as government officials, experts and industry representatives.

Poll feedback: The process was initiated after concerns over lack of standardisation, particularly with regards to after-sales service, in their feedback to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

In a poll, online community network LocalCircles found that in the absence of defined customer service standards in the country, a majority of consumers were not happy with after-sales services. As per the poll, 43% feel that mobile handset and computer manufacturers are the worst in after-sales services, followed by white goods firms (38%) and automobile companies (11%). About 93% of respondents said brands should at least acknowledge complaints from users within 72 hours. Many consumers complained that customer service numbers of many companies do not work.

14-oct-2017: Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 brought into force with effect from 12th October, 2017

A new Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on 22nd March, 2016, has been brought into force with effect from 12th October, 2017. The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India. The Act has enabling provisions for the Government to bring under compulsory certification regime any goods or article of any scheduled industry, process, system or service which it considers necessary in the public interest or for the protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of the environment, or prevention of unfair trade practices, or national security. Enabling provisions have also been made for making hallmarking of the precious metal articles mandatory.

The new Act also allows multiple type of simplified conformity assessment schemes including self-declaration of conformity against a standard which will give simplified options to manufacturers to adhere to the standards and get certificate of conformity. The Act enables the Central Government to appoint any authority/agency, in addition to the BIS, to verify the conformity of products and services to a standard and issue certificate of conformity. Further, there is provision for repair or recall, including product liability of the products bearing Standard Mark but not conforming to the relevant Indian Standard. The Hon’ble Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said that the new Act will further help in ease of doing business in the country, give fillip to Make In India campaign and ensure availability of quality products and services to the consumers.