In a significant move to strengthen the culture of quality and standardization among regional industries, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jamshedpur Branch Office, organised an Industry Meet-cum-Sensitization Programme on Friday at Bistupur.
The event drew an impressive turnout, with 110 industry representatives from across sectors gathering to discuss the expanding ambit of mandatory BIS certification and the roadmap for compliance.
The programme was inaugurated by Kunal Kumar, Director and Head of BIS Jamshedpur Branch Office, who underlined the urgency for industries—both uncertified and partially certified—to align with national standards. He informed participants that over 750 products are now covered under mandatory certification, spanning categories such as Cast Iron, Aluminium, Copper, Footwear, Toys, Electrical Appliances, and Furniture, for which compliance will be obligatory from next year.
“Quality control and standardization are not just regulatory requirements; they are essential for consumer safety, market credibility, and long-term business sustainability,” he said, while also encouraging attendees to watch BIS’s weekly ‘Standard Watch’ bulletin to stay updated.
The gathering was graced by special guests Braj Bihari Prasad, Quality Head, Tube Division, Tata Steel Ltd., and Santokh Singh, Vice President, Adityapur Small Scale Industrial Area Association.
Sharing Tata Steel’s experience, Prasad highlighted the company’s collaborative journey with BIS and pledged support to MSMEs seeking guidance on compliance. “Tata Steel is ready to help regional industries adopt Quality Control Orders smoothly,” he assured.
Santokh Singh called upon non-licensee manufacturers, particularly in Cast Iron and Ferro Alloys, to secure their BIS licences promptly amid tightening regulatory frameworks.
The technical sessions were highly informative and interactive: Kaushalendra Kumar, Scientist-E, presented an overview of BIS’s role, certification schemes, and the broader benefits of standardization. Prabhunath Yadav, Scientist-D, detailed how to identify products under mandatory certification, navigate the licensing procedure, and use the Manakonline portal—demonstrating the application process live. Dilip Chattar, Scientist-D, outlined licensing guidelines, terms, and conditions applicable to manufacturers.
Participants engaged enthusiastically, raising queries on certification timelines, testing protocols, and fee structures. Around ten industry representatives confirmed their intent to apply for BIS certification in the immediate future, reflecting the programme’s impact.
Among the key topics discussed were the ISI Mark licensing process, the role and functions of BIS, and the importance of aligning production practices with sustainability-focused standards.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, with organisers and participants alike describing it as a timely and constructive step toward reinforcing quality culture in the region’s industrial landscape.