The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is preparing to launch its Annual Programme for Standardisation (APS) for the year 2025-26, aiming to introduce new standards and revise existing ones. This initiative, as announced on Friday, aims to enhance the quality of products and services across industries and align Indian standards with globally accepted benchmarks.
Promoting Standard Adoption and Digital Tools
BIS has been focusing on increasing the adoption rate of its 23,000+ existing standards. To streamline the process, it has introduced a digital interface allowing stakeholders, including ministries and industry associations, to submit proposals and track their progress online. This digital initiative aims to ensure faster, more transparent development of standards.
Call for Collaboration
During a recent stakeholder meeting, BIS Director General Pramod Kumar Tiwari encouraged ministries and industry associations to actively contribute by suggesting new standards and nominating experts for their formulation.
He emphasized that the APS 2025-26 will follow a strategic, need-based approach to identify priority areas, particularly those aligned with key government schemes and emerging industry trends. “This programme will help promote the adoption of critical standards and ensure smooth implementation across sectors,” Tiwari stated.
Mapping Standards with Government Initiatives
Before finalizing the APS 2025-26, BIS conducted a comprehensive mapping exercise, aligning existing Indian standards with various Government of India schemes, such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Additionally, focus group discussions were held from August 2024 to January 2025 to identify areas needing urgent standardisation.
Enhancing Implementation and Enforcement
The APS 2025-26 will target priority sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital services to ensure seamless integration of BIS standards. In addition to formulation efforts, BIS continues to enforce compliance through search and seizure operations. Recently, BIS raided multiple e-commerce companies and seized uncertified goods that violated BIS standards.
Penalties for Violations
Under Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016, defaulters face strict penalties. Those found selling non-compliant products could be fined a minimum of Rs 2 lakh, with penalties extending up to ten times the value of the goods. Serious violators may also face imprisonment for up to two years.
