Why is it in News?
→ Bureau of Indian Standards celebrated its 79th Foundation Day on 6 January 2026.
→ The occasion highlighted BIS reforms, digital initiatives, and global harmonisation of standards.
Important Points:
- BIS is India’s National Standards Body under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Initially established as Indian Standards Institution (ISI) on 6 January 1947.
- Statutory backing provided by the BIS Act, 2016.
- Vision focuses on transforming “Made in India” into “Trusted by India and the World”.
- 94% of Indian standards harmonised with ISO and IEC standards.
- Annual Minimum Marking Fee concessions: 80% (Micro), 50% (Small), 20% (Medium).
- Silver HUID Hallmarking Scheme mandates HUID-based marking for gold jewellery.
- BIS Standardisation Portal enables end-to-end digital standards development.
- SHINE Scheme promotes women-centric quality awareness.
- Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022–27 guides future standardisation.