Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Why in news?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrates its Foundation Day on January 6th, marking the establishment of a pivotal institution committed to promoting and maintaining standards across industries in India

About:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national statutory body responsible for the development and implementation of standards in India.

It plays a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of goods and services in the country.

Establishment and Legal Framework:

• Established: BIS was established under the BIS Act, 2016.
• Objective: The main goal of BIS is the harmonious development of standardization and quality assurance for goods, articles, and services. This ensures consumer safety, promotes fair trade, and enhances the quality of products and services available in the market.

Functions of BIS:

• Standardization: BIS develops and implements standards across various industries, ranging from consumer goods to industrial products, helping to ensure consistency and safety.
• Quality Assurance: The Bureau conducts quality assessments and certifications to ensure that products meet defined standards, thus protecting the interests of consumers.
• Certification: BIS is responsible for certifying products and processes through the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark, a symbol of quality and trust.
• Consumer Protection: Through its standards and certifications, BIS helps safeguard consumers from unsafe or substandard products.

Administrative Control:

• Ministry: BIS functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.

International Representation:

• BIS represents India in global standardization bodies, specifically:
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): BIS plays a role in setting international standards across a wide range of industries.
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): BIS also participates in the development of global standards in the field of electrotechnology.

BIS is instrumental in ensuring the quality and safety of products in India. By developing and promoting standards, it fosters consumer trust, enhances product quality, and facilitates trade. Additionally, its role in international standardization forums ensures that India is aligned with global best practices.

What is ISO?

• It is anindependent, non-governmental international organizationwith a membership of167 national standard bodies.
• Through its members, itbrings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standardsthat support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

What is IEC?

• The IEC is aglobal, not-for-profit membership organization, whose workunderpins quality infrastructure and international trade in electrical and electronic goods.
• The IECbrings together more than 170 countriesand provides a global, neutral and independent standardization platform to 20 000 experts globally.
• Itadministers 4 Conformity assessment systemswhose members.