In pursuance of sub paragraph 2 of paragraph 5 of Scheme I of Schedule II of Bureau of Indian Standards

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, specifically focusing on a notification published on April 28th, 2022. This amendment introduces a new serial number and associated details regarding unit rates applicable to different sized enterprises (Micro, Small, Medium, and Large) under Scheme I of Schedule II. The core purpose of this amendment appears to be the introduction of a new Indian Standard (IS) code related to piece-based products and the associated fee structure for certification based on enterprise size. The key finding is the detailed breakdown of rate applicability for different enterprises, suggesting a tiered approach to certification costs. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a specific amendment to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, based solely on the provided policy text. The report focuses on a notification published on April 28th, 2022, and analyzes its key provisions, target audience, and potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment To:** Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, specifically Scheme I of Schedule II. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective appears to be to insert a new entry into the schedule of the notification related to a specific Indian Standard (IS 3:2014) applicable to "PIECE" products, and define a tiered fee structure for conformity assessment based on the size of the enterprise applying for certification. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment. The likely reason for this specific amendment is to incorporate a new standard (IS 3:2014) into the BIS conformity assessment scheme and to establish a clear and differentiated rate structure based on the size of the enterprise seeking certification. This may be intended to make certification more accessible for smaller enterprises. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically changes the schedule of the original notification (CMD2G18 dated 05th August 2021) by inserting a new entry. The following changes are implemented: * **Specific Part Changed:** The schedule of the notification CMD2G18 dated 05th August 2021, specifically after serial number 1339. * **New Rule/Provision:** A new serial number (1340) is added with the following details: * **Indian Standard Number:** 3:2014 * **ISIEC:** 61331 * **Unit:** PIECE * **Large Enterprises:** SLAB1 Quantity 85000, Rate applicable to SLAB 6.00 * **Medium Enterprises:** SLAB2 Quantity 68000, Rate applicable to SLAB 0.00 * **Small Enterprises:** NIL, Rate applicable to SLAB 0.00 * **Micro Enterprises:** 0.00 * **Effective Date:** 21042022 (April 21, 2022 - Assuming DDMMYYYY format) * **Effect of Change:** The amendment introduces a new standard for certification and provides a cost structure where larger enterprises pay a per-unit rate, while medium and small enterprises may have reduced or waived fees, and micro enterprises are indicated as having a 0.00 rate. The absence of the "ALL" designation found in the Large Enterprise column from the other columns suggests there are different quantity ranges ("SLABs") for application of the rates, though the precise parameters are not in the provided text. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * Manufacturers of products falling under Indian Standard 3:2014, classified as "PIECE" units. * Enterprises of all sizes (Micro, Small, Medium, and Large) seeking BIS certification for products under IS 3:2014. * The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) itself, as the implementing and regulatory body. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Department of Consumer Affairs. * **Timelines:** The amendment is effective from April 21, 2022. * **Procedures:** While specific procedures are not detailed in this text, it can be inferred that enterprises seeking certification under IS 3:2014 will need to apply through BIS and adhere to the specified rate structure based on their enterprise size. The "SLAB" structure implies quantity-based thresholds, though the exact values are not specified. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this specific amendment are: * **Increased adoption of IS 3:2014** among relevant manufacturers. * **Greater accessibility of BIS certification** for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) due to the potentially reduced certification costs. * **Streamlined implementation of BIS conformity assessment** by clarifying the rate structure for IS 3:2014. * **Potential increase in the number of certified products** adhering to IS 3:2014, ultimately improving product quality and safety. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, detailed in the April 28th, 2022, notification, introduces a new Indian Standard (IS 3:2014) and implements a tiered rate structure for certification based on enterprise size. This amendment is significant as it aims to promote broader adoption of quality standards, especially among MSMEs, by potentially lowering the financial barriers to certification. Further clarification from BIS regarding the exact application of "SLAB" rates would be beneficial.

Key Entities Referenced