BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS)

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The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national Standards Body of India working

under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and

Government of India. It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986

which came into effect on 23 December 1986. The Minister in charge of the Ministry or

Department having administrative control of the BIS is ex-officio President (Emaad

Amin) of the BIS.

The organization was formerly the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), set up under the

Resolution of the then Department of Industries and Supplies, dated 3 September

1946. The ISI was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

The Bureau is a Body Corporate consisting of 25 members representing both Central

and State Governments, industry, scientific and research institutions, and consumer

organizations. Its headquarters are in New Delhi, with regional offices in Kolkata,

Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi and 20 branch offices.

BIS is a founder member of International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). It

represents India in ISO, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the

World Standards Service Network (WSSN).

The BIS product Certification Scheme is one of the largest in the world. It is in

existence for more than 58 years. ISI mark on their product, which is synonymous with

quality products. BIS also operates Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme under

which overseas manufacturers can be granted licence to use the BIS Standard Mark.

One of the major functions of the Bureau is the formulation, recognition and promotion

of the Indian Standards. As on 31 August 2013, Standards formulated by BIS, are in

force. These cover important segments of economy, which help the industry in

upgrading the quality of their products and services.

Certification Schemes based on categorization of products in terms of risk to health;

safety; environment; products from small scale to large scale industry; maturity of

industry as a whole for the product etc. have been introduced.

Objectives

Harmonious development of standardization, marking and

quality certification

To provide new thrust to standardization and quality control

To evolve a national strategy for according recognition to

standards and integrating them with growth and

development of production and exports

An I – Care Programme has been launched at national level for effectively engaging

with all stakeholders especially consumers, industry and market. I – Care Programme

also aims at enhancing interaction with industries to solve their problem and

encourage them to come forward to take licence from BIS.