**Executive Summary**
On March 18, 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Mumbai hosted an Industry–Consumer Connect Programme to mark World Consumer Rights Day. The event underscored the intersection of law, ethics, and standardization in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring product safety. Key discussions focused on certification frameworks, hallmarking developments, and the legal empowerment of consumers through existing protection frameworks.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Role of Standards and Quality Assurance**
* Standardization is critical for safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring quality and safety across all products and services.
* BIS certification frameworks are designed to support quality assurance and facilitate market access, contributing to the "Ease of Doing Business."
* Technical updates were provided regarding recent developments in hallmarking and the future trajectory of standardization.
**Ethics and Self-Regulation in Industry**
* While regulatory frameworks provided by institutions like BIS are essential, true consumer protection relies on the intent of businesses to operate fairly.
* Ethical business conduct and self-regulation are considered vital components for maintaining a competitive and fair market landscape.
**Legal Framework and Consumer Empowerment**
* The evolution of consumer protection laws in India has significantly increased the relevance of legal awareness among the public.
* Current legislations empower individuals to seek redressal and ensure accountability from service and product providers.
**Impact Analysis**
**Industry Representatives**
**Impact**
Businesses are encouraged to align with BIS certification frameworks to ensure quality and market access. There is an increased emphasis on moving beyond mere compliance toward ethical self-regulation.
**Action Required**
Industry players must focus on fair business intent and utilize BIS certification and hallmarking standards to ensure their products meet safety and quality requirements.
**Consumers and Consumer Organizations**
**Impact**
Consumers benefit from increased awareness of their legal rights and the role of standards in protecting their interests.
**Action Required**
Individuals and organizations should leverage the consumer protection framework to seek redressal for grievances and remain informed about standardization and quality markers.
**Academia**
**Impact**
The academic community is recognized as a key stakeholder in providing legal perspectives on the evolution of consumer rights and protection laws.
**Action Required**
Academic institutions are encouraged to continue fostering legal awareness and contributing to the dialogue regarding the legislative frameworks that empower consumers.
Key Entities Referenced
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The national standards body of India responsible for organizing the dialogue and establishing the regulatory frameworks for product quality and safety.
Industry–Consumer Connect Programme: An initiative launched by BIS to bridge the gap between industry stakeholders and consumers through awareness of rights and standardization.
Council for Fair Business Practices: An organization focused on promoting ethical business conduct, self-regulation, and fair treatment of consumers in the market.
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai: The academic institution providing legal perspectives on the evolution of consumer protection laws and legal awareness in India.
Consumer protection laws: The legislative framework in India discussed as the primary mechanism for empowering individuals to seek redressal and ensure business accountability.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
BIS Mumbai hosts Industry–Consumer Dialogue
to mark World Consumer Rights Day 2026
BIS event underscores Role of Law, Ethics and Standards in
Consumer Protection
Posted On: 18 MAR 2026 5:50PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, 18th March 2026
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organized an Industry–Consumer Connect
Programme to mark World Consumer Rights Day 2026 in Mumbai today. Scientist-E
& Head, Mumbai Branch Office (BIS), Shri Pinaki Gupta delivered the welcome
address, setting the tone for the occasion by emphasizing the importance of
consumer awareness and standardization. The inaugural address was delivered by
Deputy Director General (Western Region), BIS, Shri V. Gopinath who highlighted
the critical role of standards in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring
quality and safety across products and services.
The programme featured distinguished Guests of Honour, Shri Swapnil S. Kothari,
President, Council for Fair Business Practices, and Prof. (Dr.) Amol Deo Chavhan,
Dean of Academics and Director, IQAC, Maharashtra National Law University,
Mumbai. Shri Swapnil S. Kothari focused on the importance of ethical business
conduct and self-regulation in today’s competitive market landscape. He emphasized
that while regulatory frameworks and standards laid down by institutions like BIS
are critical, true consumer protection begins with the intent of businesses to operate
fairly.Prof. (Dr.) Amol Deo Chavhan brought in a legal and academic perspective on
consumer rights. His address elaborated on the evolution of consumer protection
laws in India and the increasing relevance of legal awareness among consumers. He
discussed how legislations, including the consumer protection framework, empower
individuals to seek redressal and ensure accountability.The technical sessions covered key topics relevant to industry and consumers alike.
Scientist-C, BIS, Shri Anurag delivered a presentation on “BIS Certification Enabling
Ease of Doing Business,” emphasizing how certification frameworks support quality
assurance and market access. This was followed by sessions on “Recent
Developments in Hallmarking” by Scientist-D, BIS, Shri Ashish Wakle and “Future of
Standardization” by Scientist-D, BIS, Shri Shivam Agarwal.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Scientist-E & Head, Western
Regional Laboratory, BIS, Dr. Anil Kapri. The event witnessed active participation
from stakeholders including industry representatives, academia, and consumer
organizations, reinforcing the shared commitment towards consumer empowerment
and quality consciousness.
PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/ Priti Malandkar
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