Lok Sabha Question No. 6071 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Establishment of a Bharat Standards Authority and Reforms in Legal Metrology
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6071

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## ESTABLISHMENT OF A BHARAT STANDARDS AUTHORITY AND REFORMS IN LEGAL METROLOGY

6071 SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken concrete steps to establish a Bharat Standards Authority through new  legislation  to  create  a  comprehensive,  unified  and  future-ready  national  standardisation framework and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  studied  international  best  practices  in  standardisation  and  quality infrastructure to further strengthen country's quality ecosystem and global competitiveness; and
- (c) whether  representations  seeking  amendments  to  the  Legal  Metrology  framework  to  improve efficiency, ensure national uniformity and enhance country's credibility in international trade have been examined and if so, the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L. VERMA)

- (a) :  India's efforts to foster a standardization framework began in 1947 with the establishment of the Indian Standards Institute (ISI) on January 6, 1947.

Thereafter,  in  1986,  the  Bureau  of  Indian  Standards  (BIS)  was  created  through  an  Act  of  Parliament known as The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. BIS was established for the harmonious development of  the  activities  of  standardisation,  marking  and  quality  certification  of  goods  and  for  matters  connected therewith or incidental thereto and took over all the functions of ISI.

The most recent legislative milestone was the enactment of the BIS Act of 2016, which came into force on October 12, 2017, establishing BIS as the National Standards Body of India with expanded powers and responsibilities.  BIS  is  effectively  discharging  all  roles  and  functions  as  the  National  Standards  Body  of India.

The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder contain adequate  provisions  to  create  a  comprehensive  standardization  framework  in  the  country.  Whenever  a situation so demands, amendments have been made to BIS Rules, 2018 and BIS (Certification) Regulations 2018 to strengthen the standardization and certification framework in the country.

(b)  :  BIS  has  systematically  assessed  international  practices  to  enhance  India's  quality  standards  through multiple  mechanisms  including  process  of  harmonization  with  existing  international  standards  capacity building programmes and international cooperation frameworks which facilitates exchange of global best practices.

Bureau  of  Indian  Standards,  as  the  National  Standards  Body  of  India,  represents  India  in  two  major international standards development organisations, namely ISO (International organisation for Standardization)  and  IEC  (International  Electrotechnical  Commission).  Similarly,  the  National  Standards Bodies of other countries also are members of ISO and IEC.

BIS regularly holds positions in most of the Governing bodies of ISO and IEC. BIS experts through interaction with international experts in these fora regularly update themselves of international best practices and appropriately implement them in India.

Further, BIS technical experts participate in the technical committees of ISO and IEC and contribute to the  development  of  international  standards.  Whenever,  Indian  standards  are  developed,  and  ISO/IEC standards  exist  on  the  same  subject,  a  conscious  decision  is  taken  to  adopt/adapt  these  international standards.  At  present  93.7%  of  Indian  Standards  that  have  corresponding  ISO/IEC  standards  have  been harmonized with their international counterparts.

(c)  :  Representations  suggesting  amendments  to  improve  the  efficiency  and  cohesiveness  of  the  Legal Metrology system have been duly examined. Accordingly, the legal framework under the Legal Metrology Act,  2009  and  its  associated  rules  has  been  updated  to  reflect  global  best  practices.  Steps  taken  include strengthening  enforcement  mechanisms,  removing  redundancies  and  simplifying  compliance  procedures. Digital solutions have also been implemented, such as providing all services online, QR code labeling for specific declarations on electronic products, and integration with platforms like the National Single Window System (NSWS), thereby improving ease of doing business and enhancing consumer confidence.

In  addition,  significant  progress  has  been  made  in  strengthening  India's  role  in  the  international metrology  landscape.  India  has  been  authorized  to  issue  OIML  approval  certificates  for  weighing  and measuring  instruments, placing it among  a  select group  of countries recognized  for metrological competence. Infrastructure upgrades, stakeholder consultations, and the adoption of unified standards across states  have  contributed  to  building  a  cohesive  and  internationally  credible  Legal  Metrology  system  that supports trust in Indian products in global markets.

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 have been further amended to strengthen consumer protection, transparency and regulatory alignment. The labelling requirements for medical devices have  been  harmonised  with  the  Medical  Devices  Rules,  2017  to  ensure  consistency  in  declarations  and facilitate  ease  of  compliance.  Further,  the  provision  for  declaration  of  Unit  Sale  Price  on  pre-packaged commodities has been introduced to enable consumers to make informed price comparisons. Additionally, a new sub-rule (10A) has been inserted in Rule 6 mandating e-commerce entities selling imported products to display the country of origin through searchable and sortable filters on their platforms, thereby enhancing transparency in online marketplaces.

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