BIS Act 2016 - Bureau of Indian Standards Act

An Act to provide for the establishment of the Bureau of Indian Standards, for the regulation and promotion of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods, and for matters connected to that or incidental to that.

The Bureau of Indian Standards is a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, established through an Act of Parliament, namely the (Bureau of Indian Standards) BIS Act 2016, for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to related matters in the country.

The post-independence era witnessed several developments in standardization, testing, and quality mark. These were instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for the modern quality infrastructure needed to meet the challenges posed by changing scenarios.

What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016?

An Act to establish the Bureau of Indian Standards to provide for standards to be observed in connection with products and processes; to strengthen the standard-setting system in the country by providing for the development of standards through an open, transparent and consensus-based process; to promote conformity assessment; to promulgate quality management principles for adoption by all public and private sector entities in their respective areas of activities and operations; to provide for testing and certification of products; to promote self-declaration of conformity with standards as a means of conformity assessment; to establish a licensing system for laboratories and for matters connected in addition to that or incidental to it.

Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016 Provision

The Act provides for establishing the Bureau of Indian Standards as the National Standards Body (NSB) of India and laying down the standards for goods and services in India. It provides the registration of persons and organizations with the NSB or any authorized agency established by it. The Act provides that no person shall manufacture, store, sell, or distribute goods that do not conform to the prescribed standards. The Minister-in-charge may notify a particular good or service as notified goods or notified services, and this Act shall mandatorily cover such goods or services.

The Central Government may establish an accreditation body for accrediting certification agencies and make rules to regulate such bodies' functions, powers, and duties. It also makes provisions for setting up an appeals board at the national level to hear appeals against decisions passed by the NSB or an authorized agency.

The Authority set up under this Act has the power to call for information from manufacturers, importers, dealers, and distributors on standardization and quality assurance of goods or services covered under this Act. Such Authority has also been given the power to search premises and seize counterfeit goods.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016 Function

The main functions and powers of the Bureau are enumerated in the Act, which includes:

• To lay down product standards ensuring quality, safety, and reliability of goods.
• To lay down standards for processes services, including financial services relating to production, processing, and service sectors.
• To promote self-regulation in the field of quality by adopting existing standards or laying down new standards for goods or services.
• To provide testing facilities for establishing conformity to standards or specifications notified under the Act.
• To grant license based on the qualification criteria available in the guidelines.

FAQs on BIS Act 2016

Q.1) What does the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 cover?

An Act to provide for the establishment of Bureau of Indian Standards, for the assessment and certification of products, processes, and services, for providing hallmarking to articles of precious metals, and for matters connected in addition to that or incidental to it.

Q.2) When was the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 enforced?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, was announced on March 22, 2016, and enforced on October 12, 2017.

Q.3) Which Ministry is responsible for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016?

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution are responsible for the BIS Act, 2016.

Q.4) What is the Bureau of Indian Standards?

It is the National Standards Body of India for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods and matters connected with it.