Union Cabinet gives nod to introduction of Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved introduction of Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 in coming session of Parliament.
The new bill seeks to replace the existing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 1986 with an aim to bring in more products under the mandatory standard regime and end the inspector raj.
Facts about Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

• Add provision for establishment of statutory Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.
• The Bureau will perform its functions through a Governing Council consisting of President and other members.
• Standardization regime: Besides articles and processes the goods, services and systems will be brought under the mandatory standardization regime in order to ensure quality products to consumers.
• Mandatory certification regime: Empower government to bring mandatory certification regime for articles, processes or services which it considers necessary.
• In this case certification will be from the point of view of safety, health, security, environment, prevention of deceptive practices, etc.
• It will help consumers to receive ISI certified products and help in prevention of import of sub-standard products.
• Simplified conformity assessment schemes: In order to allow ease of doing business, the bill allows multiple types of simplified assessment schemes.
• It includes Self Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) against any standard which will give multiple simplified options to manufacturers.
• Mandatory hallmarking: provisions related to compulsory hallmarking of precious metal articles.
• Strengthening penal provisions: It will help for better and effective compliance of law and enable compounding of offences for violations.

Implications

• Help to promote a culture of quality of products and services with a broad objective of consumer’s welfare through mandatory and voluntary compliance with Indian standards.
• Improve enforcement of Indian standards through the process of product certification and Certificate of Conformity.
• Promote harmonious development of the activities of standardization including marking and quality certification of goods and services.
• It will widen the scope of conformity assessment and also enhances the penalties by making offences compoundable.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015