To provide the advantages of Standardisation to stakeholders (including consumers), the Bureau of Indian Standards (erstwhile Indian Standards Institution) started operating the Product Certification Scheme. The scheme was formally launched in 1955 and is popularly known as the ‘ISI Mark Scheme’. Through the legislation enacted by the Parliament of India, i.e. the BIS Act, 2016. BIS has been authorised to undertake Conformity Assessment of Goods, Articles, Services, Systems and Processes as per the schemes notified through regulations, i.e. the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Conformity Assessment Schemes of BIS are based on ISO/CASCO Standards.
The Conformity Assessment Schemes of BIS are operated through a network of 38 Branch Offices across the country and five Regional Officers overseeing the work of the Branch Offices. The Product Certification Scheme is based on principles laid down for the type 4 scheme as per ISO/IEC 17067. Under this scheme, certification is awarded to the manufacturer for the use of ISI Standard Mark on a product after assessing the manufacturing and testing capabilities of the manufacturer as well as ensuring conformity of the product to the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard(s) through testing. During the operation of certification, surveillance visits of the manufacturer’s premises, testing of products drawn from the factory and open market etc are carried out by BIS to maintain a close vigil of the operation of the certifications as well as the quality of goods bearing BIS Standard Mark.
The popularity of the BIS Product Certification Scheme is evident from the fact that 1171 products are covered under this scheme with more than 41,000 certifications in operation. Although the Scheme is voluntary in nature, the Government of India on various considerations like public interest, protection of human, animal or plant health, the safety of the environment, prevention of unfair trade practices etc. has notified various products for compulsory compliance to Indian Standards through Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The regulatory authorities (i.e Departments/Ministries of the Central Government) have notified QCOs covering over 493 products mandating BIS product certification/registration and use of Standard Mark.
The product certification activities based on technical regulations act as a pillar of quality infrastructure in the country. The functioning of quality eco-system is supported by a certification function through which benefits derived across various segments are as follows:
* Consumers – The presence of a BIS Standard Mark on a product is an assurance of conformity of the product to the requirements of Indian Standard Specifications. The Conformity Assessment Schemes of BIS provide confidence to consumers about the quality, safety and reliability of products and ensure consumer protection.
* Industry including MSMEs – The opportunity to an enterprise is facilitated through its level playing field of certification activity operated through various Conformity Assessment Schemes of BIS. India manufacturers, especially micro & small enterprises, derive tangible benefits through Conformity Assessment Schemes of BIS in terms of competing with other large-scale manufacturers and gaining access and acceptability in the domestic market.
* Government – The regulatory authorities use the tool of product certification especially where the non-conformities may have serious consequences. The common consumers don’t always have the resources and capacity to check product compliance. The compulsory mandate of product certification and the presence of certification mark aims at fulfilling the regulatory objectives. Further, for various other stakeholders like Ministries (Central as well as State) and Organisations thereunder including the public sector undertakings and autonomous organisations/institutions, the purchase of products with BIS Standard Mark reduces the burden of repeat testing of the product to verify its quality.
* International trade – Product certification aids in gaining the confidence of consumers across the globe. Many domestic manufacturers gain first-hand experience about certification through BIS only and get geared and fine-tuned to the certification requirements of potential export destinations.
Go Back