Standardization is the process of formulating and applying rules for an orderly approach to a specific activity for the benefit and with the cooperation of all concerned, and in particular for the promotion of optimum overall economy taking due account of functional conditions and safety requirements. It is based on the consolidated results of science, technique and experience.
Under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, Bureau establishes Indian Standards in relation to any article or process and amends, revises or cancels the standards so established as may be necessary, by a process of consultation involving consumers, manufacturers, Government and regulatory bodies, technologists, scientists and testing laboratories through duly constituted committees of the Bureau.
For formulation of Indian Standards, BIS functions through the Technical Committee structure comprising of Division Councils, Sectional Committees, Subcommittees and Panels. Division Councils are set up by Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) in defined areas of industries and technologies for formulation of standards. These include representatives of various interests such as consumers, regulatory and other Government bodies, industry, scientists, technologists, testing organizations and consultants. BIS officer is the Member Secretary of the Division Council. The Division Councils setup Sectional Committees within their areas, define their scopes, appoint their Chairmen and members and coordinate their activities.
There are 14 Division Councils and over 650 Technical Committees that have so far developed over 19000 Indian Standards. Over 350 new and revised standards are being formulated each year by BIS. Indian Standards formulated by BIS cover various aspects such as product standards (specifications), methods of test, codes of practice, guides, recommendations, terminology, dimensions, symbols etc.
The committee structure of BIS seeks to bring together all those with substantial interest in particular project, so that standards are developed keeping in view national interests and after taking into account all significant view points through a process of consultation. Decisions in BIS technical committees are reached through consensus. As a policy, the standards formulation activity of BIS has been harmonized as far as possible with the relevant guidelines as laid down by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). BIS, being a signatory to the 'Code of Good Practice for the preparation, adoption and application of standards (Article 4 of WTO-TBT Agreement, Annex 3)' has also accordingly aligned its standards formulation procedure.
For further details please contact : Chief(Standardization)