Blog Details
BIS certification
A detailed guide to comprehending BIS certification.
In the current global economy, where the importance of quality and safety standards cannot be overstated, certification plays a crucial role in guaranteeing that products adhere to the necessary standards. An example of a notable certification in India is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. This page provides an in-depth exploration of BIS certification, including its historical background, significance, procedure, advantages, and the role played by BIS in enhancing the quality and safety of products.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification refers to the process of obtaining certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is a national standards body in India. It signifies that a product meets the specified quality and safety standards set by BIS.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is a method for certifying items in the Indian market, guaranteeing their quality, safety, and reliability. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national organization responsible for setting standards in India, functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, which is a part of the Government of India. The certification functions as a symbol of quality assurance for consumers, manufacturers, and importers, aiding in the establishment and maintenance of a benchmark for products produced or sold in India.
History and Evolution of BIS
The origin of BIS may be traced back to the foundation of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) in 1947, shortly after India achieved independence. The ISI was assigned the duty of devising national standards to facilitate the systematic growth of industries and to enhance consumer well-being by guaranteeing the accessibility of high-quality products.
The Indian Standards Institution underwent a restructuring and rebranding process in 1986, resulting in its transformation into the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as mandated by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. The objective of this shift was to enhance the institution's capabilities and broaden its involvement in the process of establishing and verifying product standards. The BIS currently functions as a governmental entity with the responsibility of ensuring the coordinated advancement of standardization, labeling, and quality certification of products.
The BIS accreditation is of great significance for multiple reasons:
Consumer Protection: BIS certification provides consumers with the guarantee that the products they buy adhere to the specified quality and safety criteria. It functions as a protective measure against inferior or hazardous items, therefore ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.
Market Access: BIS certification is obligatory for specific items, including those produced domestically and those imported, to be eligible for sale in the Indian market. Obtaining this certification is crucial for producers and importers who aim to enter the Indian market.
Legal Compliance: In India, specific products are required to obtain mandatory BIS certification according to various regulatory regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to legal repercussions, such as monetary fines and the need to recall products.
The BIS accreditation offers manufacturers and enterprises a competitive advantage by showcasing their dedication to quality and safety. Consumers are more inclined to trust and choose certified products than non-certified alternatives.
Standardisation: The BIS has a crucial role in establishing standards for products, guaranteeing that they have consistent quality and performance. The process of standardisation has a positive impact on industries, customers, and the economy as a whole by encouraging consistency in both production and consumption.
The BIS certification process refers to the procedure used to obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The acquisition of BIS certification entails a series of stages that differ based on the type of product and whether it is produced domestically or imported. The following are the general steps:
Submission of Application:
Manufacturers or importers are required to submit an application to BIS, indicating the specific product category for which they are seeking certification. The application must encompass detailed information, such as the precise specifications of the product, the intricate specifics of the manufacturing process, and the exact whereabouts of the manufacturing facility.
Review of the documentation:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) undertakes a comprehensive examination of the submitted papers to verify their adherence to the applicable Indian standards. This review evaluates the product's design, materials, and production procedures.
Quality Assurance:
The product must undergo thorough testing in laboratories certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that it complies with the specified standards. The testing method assesses multiple aspects, such as safety, performance, durability, and environmental impact.
Inspection of a factory:
BIS conducts a factory inspection for domestic producers to evaluate their manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and adherence to standards. This inspection guarantees that the production facility upholds a uniform standard of quality.
License Grant:
After passing the testing and factory inspection, BIS issues a license to utilise the BIS Standard Mark (also known as the ISI mark) on the certified product. This symbol indicates that the product complies with the mandatory requirements set by the Indian authorities.
Surveillance and monitoring:
The Bureau of International requirements (BIS) regularly performs surveillance and monitoring of certified items to guarantee ongoing adherence to established requirements. This include the implementation of random testing on samples obtained from the market, as well as conducting inspections of manufacturing facilities.
The BIS provides a range of certification systems tailored to accommodate diverse product types and industries. The prevailing schemes encompass:
Certification Scheme for Products:
The Product Certification Scheme is the most commonly employed BIS certification scheme. This applies to a wide range of products, such as electrical appliances, consumer goods, building materials, and others. Products that have been certified under this method are identified with the ISI mark.
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):
The CRS is a compulsory requirement for electronic and IT goods. As part of this program, producers are required to register their products with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before to selling them in the Indian market. Products falling under the CRS category must adhere to precise safety and performance criteria.
The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a program designed to certify manufacturers from other countries.
The international producers Certification Scheme (FMCS) enables international producers to acquire Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for items intended for commercialisation in India. This approach is especially applicable to imported items that necessitate compulsory BIS certification.
Eco Mark Scheme:
The Eco Mark Scheme is an optional certification program for items that satisfy environmental criteria in addition to quality standards. Products that have been certified under this program are labelled with the Eco Mark, which signifies their environmentally friendly characteristics.
Hallmarking Scheme:
The Hallmarking Scheme is applicable to goods made of precious metals, such as jewellery made of gold and silver. It guarantees the integrity and quality of these items, giving consumers assurance about the genuineness of their purchases.
In India, the government has enacted regulatory regulations that make BIS certification required for certain products. The products listed below are inclusive of, but not restricted to:
Electrical appliances and equipment:
Electric irons, refrigerators, air conditioners, and electric motors are required to obtain BIS certification in order to guarantee compliance with safety and performance criteria.
Cement and building materials:
BIS certification is necessary for cement, steel bars, and other construction materials to guarantee their robustness, longevity, and adherence to national regulations.
Components used in the automotive industry.
Automotive components such as tires, safety glass, and brake linings must undergo BIS certification to ensure the safety and dependability of vehicles on Indian roads.
Edible goods:
BIS certification is necessary for specific food items such as packaged drinking water, milk powder, and infant food to guarantee compliance with health and safety regulations.
Electronics for personal use:
Mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic equipment are required to be registered under the compulsory registration scheme (CRS) and obtain BIS certification prior to their sale in India.
The BIS certification provides a multitude of advantages to firms, consumers, and the overall economy:
Consumer confidence:
BIS accreditation offers consumers confidence in the quality, safety, and dependability of products. The ISI logo serves as a widely acknowledged emblem of reliability, facilitating consumers in making well-informed choices when acquiring goods.
Access to the market:
Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification as a requirement to access the Indian market. It allows firms to adhere to regulatory mandates and broaden their market penetration.
Adherence to legal requirements:
Obtaining BIS certification enables enterprises to adhere to Indian legislation, hence minimising the likelihood of encountering legal complications, penalties, and product recalls.
Reputation of a brand:
Products that display the BIS certification mark are often seen as having superior quality and being safer, which in turn improves the brand's reputation and credibility.
Worldwide acknowledgement:
The BIS certification is globally acknowledged, which simplifies the process of exporting certified products to nations that adhere to Indian norms.
Financial savings:
Obtaining BIS certification can result in cost savings by diminishing the probability of product failures, recalls, and consumer complaints. Additionally, it assists businesses in circumventing legal repercussions linked to non-compliance.
Ecological Accountability:
The Eco Mark Scheme promotes the adoption of ecologically friendly practices by producers, which in turn contributes to sustainable development and reduces the environmental effect of products.
Issues and Disapproval of BIS Certification
Although BIS certification provides certain advantages, it is not exempt from difficulties and criticisms:
Bureaucratic procedures:
The BIS certification process is characterised by its time-consuming and bureaucratic nature, resulting in delays in product launches and market access. Manufacturers frequently have difficulties in negotiating the intricate documentation and testing requirements.
Financial consequences:
Acquiring BIS certification might incur significant costs, especially for SMEs. Testing, factory inspections, and compliance expenses can be too high for certain organisations, making them difficult to afford.
Insufficient Testing Infrastructure:
There is a limited supply of testing facilities that have been approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which can cause delays in the process of obtaining certification. Manufacturers may encounter difficulties in gaining access to certified facilities, particularly in geographically isolated regions.
Uneven application of rules:
There have been cases of inconsistent enforcement of BIS certification criteria, resulting in the availability of non-certified or substandard items on the market.
Implications of Global Trade:
Certain overseas manufacturers perceive BIS certification as an obstacle to trade, especially when Indian norms deviate significantly from global standards. This can pose difficulties for international trade and the ability to enter and operate in markets.
For more reference visit to https://ascentinspecta.com/bis-marking.html