Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
  2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS):
  • BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016
  • It works under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
  • It was formerly the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), set up under the Resolution of the Department of Industries and Supplies in 1946.
  • The ISI was registered under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.
  • A new Bureau of Indian standard (BIS) Act 2016 was brought into force in 2017.
  • BIS has its Headquarters in New Delhi.
  • President, Ex-officio: Hon’ble Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
  • Vice President, Ex-officio: Hon’ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
  • Objectives:  harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
  • BIS represents India in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
  • BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways: providing safe, reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification, and testing.
  • It operates product certification schemes through which it grants licenses to manufacturers covering practically every industrial discipline, from agriculture and textiles to electronics.
  • Certification by the BIS is mandatory for certain classes of products—such as milk powder, X-ray equipment, and gas cylinders—that directly affect public health and safety.
    • In other cases, voluntary, or optional certification or self-certification by the manufacturer may be permitted.
  • The BIS employs a large staff of engineers, scientists, and statisticians; testing is carried out in its own laboratories as well as in independent facilities that demonstrate compliance with laboratory guidelines established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

BIS is involved in various activities as given below:

  • Standards Formulation
  • Product Certification Scheme
  • Compulsory Registration Scheme
  • Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
  • Hall Marking Scheme
  • Laboratory Services
  • Laboratory Recognition Scheme
  • Sale of Indian Standards
  • Consumer Affairs Activities
  • Promotional Activities
  • Training Services, National & International level
  • Information Services
What is ISO?
  • It is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standard bodies.
  • Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
What is IEC?
  • The IEC is a global, not-for-profit membership organization, whose work underpins quality infrastructure and international trade in electrical and electronic goods.
  • The IEC brings together more than 170 countries and provides a global, neutral and independent standardization platform to 20 000 experts globally.
  • It administers 4 Conformity assessment systems whose members.
AGMARK
  • The full form of AGMARK is Agriculture marketing. The term agmark was coined by joining the words ‘Ag’ to mean agriculture and ‘mark’ for certification mark.
    • This term was introduced originally in bill presented in Parliament for the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act.
  • It stands for a certification mark on an agricultural product stating that it satisfies the standards prescribed by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under the Agricultural Produce Act,1937.
  • Agricultural products including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable oils, ghee, spices, honey, creamery butter, wheat, atta, besan, etc. have been notified with grade standards. The current AGMARK covers 222 agricultural commodities.
  • There are 11 Regional offices, 26 Sub offices, 11 Regional laboratories, and Central Agmark Laboratory to implement the certification.
  • AGMARK acts as a third-party authorization for agricultural products that are produced and consumed in India.
  • It is legally enforced in India by the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937.
  • The headquarters of AGMARK is in Haryana.
  • The standards to certify the products are laid down according to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • It is mandatory for edible oils and fat spread.