Union Minister of State: BIS Should Elevate the Made in India Brand

As the Indian economy continues to grow and contribute significantly to global trade, the Union Minister has emphasized the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) role in prioritizing quality. He highlighted the BIS's critical function in boosting economic growth, promoting the 'Made in India' label, and establishing Brand Bharat on the international stage. Currently, over 22,300 standards are in effect, with 94% aligned with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.

On October 14, 2024, during an event at the National Institute of Training for Standardization in Noida to mark World Standards Day, Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, stressed the importance of delivering high-quality products and services as India strives to become the world's third-largest economy.

"The well-being of consumers hinges on their access to high-quality products, which in turn supports industry growth and profitability," the Union Minister stated, underscoring the demand for superior goods.

Enhancing the 'Made in India' Label

The Union Minister highlighted a comprehensive approach that recognizes the interdependence between consumers and producers, fostering a strong quality ecosystem. Shri Joshi underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India to be synonymous with top-quality standards globally.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in driving the country's economic growth, enhancing the 'Made in India' label, and establishing Brand Bharat on the international stage. Under the guidance of the honorable Prime Minister, the new BIS Act of 2016 aims to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the 'Make in India' initiative.

The Union Minister also expressed appreciation for efforts to standardize products, recognizing its importance in promoting quality and competitiveness.

Products Subject to Compulsory Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of products according to Indian Standards (IS). Under the BIS Act of 1986, while all products manufactured in India are subject to voluntary certification, certain categories require compulsory certification.

A total of 380 products fall under this mandatory BIS certification (Scheme-1). Manufacturers utilize this certification to assert the quality and standards of their products, reinforcing their commitment to safety and compliance.

Government Drives Awareness and Engagement

Shri Joshi emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about standards to empower consumers. He noted that a significant challenge for the government is to generate widespread interest in the BIS’s standards programs among citizens.

He stressed the need for the government to encourage consumers to verify ISI and BIS certifications before purchasing products, highlighting this as a key challenge. As the fifth-largest economy in the world, India aims to enhance standards that serve as the foundation for societal safety, quality, and trust in products and services.

According to the Union Minister, these standards act as catalysts for industrial growth, technological advancement, and societal well-being. They facilitate both international and domestic trade while contributing to environmental sustainability and economic development.

Launch of the BIS Care App

During the event, Shri Joshi announced the launch of the BIS Care App 3.0, a comprehensive platform designed to empower consumers. This app allows users to verify the authenticity of BIS-certified products and hallmarked jewelry, and it enables them to report substandard products or misuse of the BIS Standard Mark.

The upgraded BIS Care App 3.0 features enhanced tools to provide stakeholders with relevant information on standards and certification. Additionally, the minister introduced a film promoting BIS’s standards activities and a Quality Quest Game aimed at educating consumers about quality.

To commemorate World Standards Day, he also released Reference Handbooks outlining essential national standards and distributed comic books created by BIS to Standards Clubs across the country.

Shri B.L. Verma, the Union Minister of State, along with Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and other key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, attended the event.

BIS Registration Requirements for Electronic Toys: Government Guidelines

The BIS is responsible for issuing ISI Certification for electronic products, including toys and video games, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. This certification aims to protect consumers from hazardous and substandard products by regulating toy quality.

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Toy Order mandates seven Indian standards addressing various safety concerns for toys, aligning with international safety standards developed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). BIS registration guarantees adherence to the highest safety standards, enhancing brand credibility and customer assurance.

Conclusion

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that every Indian should have access to safe, reliable products and high-quality services through BIS. He further emphasized the need for BIS to prioritize quality in the rapidly growing global trade landscape.

The BIS plays a crucial role in strengthening the 'Made in India' label and establishing Brand Bharat internationally. Shri Joshi reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to be recognized for its high-quality standards and to strive for alignment with global benchmarks.

For businesses looking to enhance product quality and safety, visit Absolute Veritas to explore BIS registration services. This will ensure quality, safety, and global recognition for your products, helping you succeed in the 'Made in India' movement.