About BIS

• • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standard Body of India. It is a statutory organization established under the BIS Act 2016. 
  • BIS is responsible for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.

• BIS is involved in various activities like standard formulation, certification of products, hallmarking, testing and calibration scheme, etc.

• BIS works under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

About BIS Certification 

• BIS Product Certification Scheme is one of the largest in the world, with over 26500 licensees covering more than 900 products. 
• BIS Certification in India is provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards. 
• BIS Certification allows the licensees to use the popular 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 a licence to use the BIS Standard Mark. 

Products that Require Mandatory BIS Certificate

• BIS certification scheme is basically voluntary in nature. However, for a number of products compliance to Indian Standards is made compulsory by the Central Government under various considerations viz. public interest, protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of environment, prevention of unfair trade practices and national security. 
• The following are products that require mandatory BIS License or Certification.
  • Cement
  • Household electrical goods
  • Food and related products
  • Diesel engines
  • Oil pressure stoves
  • Automobile accessories
  • Cylinders, Valves and Regulators
  • Medical Equipment
  • Steel Products
  • Electrical Transformers.

Why in News?

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, has created a new department for standardisation on issues related to environment and ecology named as Environment and Ecology Department (EED). 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044735