## 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 pertaining to Scheme I of Schedule II. The amendment, detailed in notification No. CMD2G18 dated June 24, 2022, introduces revisions to unit rates for various products under mandatory certification, affecting large, medium, and small-scale enterprises. The core purpose is to update the schedule of charges for certification based on unit quantity and enterprise size, impacting the cost of compliance with Indian Standards (IS). The key finding is that this amendment modifies the financial aspects of the BIS certification process for a range of manufactured goods, impacting various business sizes.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of the amendment to the Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, as published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4 on June 27, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Amendment to:** Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, specifically Scheme I of Schedule II, as originally notified via CMD 2G18 dated 05th August, 2021.
* **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** To revise and update the unit rates applicable for certification under the BIS conformity assessment scheme, based on the type of enterprise and product.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The provided text suggests the amendment is likely driven by a need to adjust the financial framework of the BIS certification process. Changes in market conditions, production costs, or other economic factors likely necessitate these updated rates for different product categories and sizes of enterprises. The consistent application of "All" in the SLAB designations for most product categories indicates an effort to streamline charges for all enterprise sizes.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment *specifically* modifies the Schedule within the original BIS notification by inserting new entries after serial number 1340. These new entries primarily relate to the unit rates for various products, categorized by:
* **Sr. No.:** A sequential identification number (1341 - 1370).
* **Standard Number:** References to specific Indian Standards (e.g., IS 17263:2019, IS 8391 Part 3: 2019).
* **Unit for Quantity:** Specifies the unit of measurement (e.g., 1 MT, 1 sq m, 1 Panel, 1 No., 1 Door, 1 Pcs, 1 Piece).
* **Unit Rate (Micro Enterprises):** Monetary value (in INR, presumably) applicable to Micro Enterprises.
* **Unit Rate (Small and Medium Enterprises):** Monetary value applicable to Small and Medium Enterprises.
* **SLAB1, SLAB2, SLAB3:** Specifies rates applicable to unit quantities. "All" in most columns indicates the unit rate applies regardless of quantity.
* **Effective Date:** Date from which the amended rates are applicable (either 11052022, 02062022 or 22062022).
**Difference and Effect:** The amendment directly alters the cost associated with obtaining BIS certification for the listed products. Businesses, particularly those operating as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, will experience a change in their certification expenses. The specific impact (increase or decrease) depends on the product, unit of measurement, and the previous rate (which is not provided in this amendment text).
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The direct target audience and stakeholders are:
* **Manufacturers:** Specifically, those producing goods covered by the listed Indian Standards (e.g., manufacturers of products adhering to IS 17263:2019, IS 8391 Part 3: 2019, etc.).
* **Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs):** These enterprises are directly impacted by the differentiated unit rates outlined in the amendment.
* **Large Scale Enterprises:** Though the document focuses on MSMEs, large enterprises are also affected.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the responsible body for implementing and enforcing these changes.
* **Timelines:** The amendment specifies effective dates (11052022, 02062022 and 22062022) from which the revised rates are applicable. Companies seeking certification after these dates will be subject to the new fee structure.
* The effective date is linked to the Sr. No. For example, Sr. No. 1341 - 1351 has the effective date of 11052022.
* Sr. No. 1352 - 1363 has the effective date of 02062022.
* Sr. No. 1364 - 1370 has the effective date of 22062022.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcome *of these specific changes* is to adjust the cost burden associated with BIS certification. This adjustment could be aimed at:
* Reflecting changes in production costs or market prices.
* Promoting compliance by making certification more affordable for MSMEs.
* Ensuring the financial sustainability of the BIS certification program.
The potential impact includes:
* Changes in manufacturers' overall cost of compliance.
* Potential adjustments to product pricing.
* A possible increase or decrease in the number of companies seeking BIS certification, depending on the rate changes.
**9. Conclusion:**
The amendment to the Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, as detailed in this notification, represents an adjustment to the financial aspects of product certification under BIS. By revising unit rates for various products and enterprise sizes, the amendment directly impacts manufacturers seeking to comply with Indian Standards. This amendment is significant because it alters the cost landscape of compliance. Further investigation into the specific rationale behind these rate adjustments would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their long-term implications.
Key Entities Referenced
New Delhi: Capital of India, place of publication of the gazette notification.
ASHADHA: Month in the Hindu calendar, mentioned in relation to the date.
The Gazette of India: Official government journal publishing notifications and legal notices.
Bureau of Indian Standards: National Standards Body of India responsible for standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018: Regulations governing conformity assessment procedures by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Department of Consumer Affairs: A department of the Indian government.
H J S PASRICHA: Scientist F Dy. Director General Certification at Bureau of Indian Standards
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of the printing press.
Controller of Publications, Delhi: Publishing authority.