Context: Recently, the Government of India launched a scheme through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aimed at upgrading and fortifying the laboratory network across the country.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• About: "It is the National Standards Body of India responsible for the harmonious development of standardization, marking, and quality certification activities for goods, along with related matters."
• Establishment: Under the BIS Act 2016
• Headquarters: New Delhi and its 05 
• Regional Offices: Kolkata (Eastern), Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central).
• Composition of BIS: The BIS comprises 25 members from various sectors such as Central or State Governments, industry, scientific and research institutions, and consumer groups.

oThe Minister heading the administrative department of the BIS serves as its ex-officio President.

• Functions of BIS

oRepresentation on International Forum: BIS represents India in global standardization bodies like ISO, IEC, and WSSN.

oFormulating and Promoting Standards: BIS plays a vital role in formulating, recognizing, and promoting Indian Standards, aiding industries in enhancing product and service quality.

oCertifying Products: BIS assesses products to ensure compliance with specified standards or regulatory requirements.

oStandards for Foreign Manufacturers: BIS offers certification for foreign manufacturers, enabling them to mark their products with the BIS Standard Mark.

oPenalties for Violation: BIS takes action against firms failing to meet Indian standards.

oConsumer Awareness: BIS conducts programs to educate consumers about ISI-marked item standards and their misuse.