BIS is continuously evolving in its pursuit of excellence, in various fields of its activities. Innovation is the cornerstone of any organizational evolution; and continuous creation of intellectual property, through research, is the foundation of such innovations. As per BIS Act, 2016, Section 10 (2) (d), one of the functions of the Bureau is to undertake, support and promote such research as may be necessary for formulation of Indian Standards. With a view to aid the creation of a vibrant atmosphere of research in BIS, where fertile minds can work on generation of knowledge, which can create evidence for trying out new ideas & innovations, eventually leading to progressive organizational evolution with the aim to meet its objectives, serve better and excel in all spheres of its activities, a draft research policy has been formulated as provided at Annex I.

TSDSI, as an organizational partner of 3GPP has transposed 3GPP standards (same as Recommendations ITU-R  M.2012-4) totaling 402 in numbers and had provided to TEC for adoption as national standards by TEC. These radio interface standards detail the features and parameters of IMT-Advanced like compatibility, international roaming, and access to high-speed data services.   These standards have been processed for adoption as per the “Standardization Guide – A policy document for adoption of the domestic/international standards into national standards”. Now, these standards [TSDSI transposed 3GPP standards (402 Nos.)] have been approved for adoption into national standards.

TSDSI, as a partner type 1 of oneM2M has transposed oneM2M (release2) specifications totaling 27 documents in numbers and had provided to TEC for adoption as national standards by TEC. These specifications address the need for common M2M service layer that can be readily embedded within various hardware and software and relied upon to connect the myriad of devices in the field with M2M application servers worldwide. These transposed documents cover oneM2M functional architecture, requirements, Service layer control protocols, Management enablement etc.  These specifications have been processed for adoption as per the “Standardization Guide – A policy document for adoption of the domestic/international standards into national standards. Now, these standards [TSDSI transposed oneM2M (release2) specifications] have been approved for adoption into national standards.

Government’s telecom standard body TEC is providing free access to all technical documents to stakeholders with a view to easing manufacturing and public procurement hassles. The access to Generic Requirements (GRS), Interface Requirements (IR), Essential Requirements (ERs) has been made free. Telecom gear makers are required to follow the technical standards set by TEC for supplying telecom equipment. Every player was required to purchase GRs, IRs and ERs for getting their product tested and also submit the same to meet the tender requirement of the public sector telecom firms. 

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched the Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and three portals – the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS on  www.manakonline.in for consumers. The mobile app BIS-Care can be operated on any Android phone and can be downloaded free from Google play store. Consumers can check the authenticity of the ISI-marked and hallmarked products and lodge complaints using this app. The Minister said that the government has taken several steps to protect the interests of consumers.

The Consumer Protection Act,2019 comes in to force from 20 July, with its salient features including the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. This new Act will empower consumers and help them in protecting their rights through its various notified rules and provisions like Consumer Protection Councils, Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, Mediation, Product Liability and punishment for manufacture or sale of products containing adulterant / spurious goods.

In tune with the agenda of 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), the government has started promoting 'Make in India' products on government procurement portal Government e-Marketplace (GEM). Launched in 2016, GeM portal is used for online purchases of goods and services by all the central government ministries and departments. Currently, government departments, ministries, public sector units, state governments, and Central Armed Police Forces are allowed to carry out transactions through this portal. Items on sale include a wide range of products - from office stationery to vehicles.

As India strives towards self-reliance, imports of many non-essential items will be curbed from March 2021. BIS is ready with the regulations prescribed by the Commerce Ministry for quality imports, many sub-standard and non-essential imports will be stopped from March 2021. BIS is set to frame quality norms for 371 items by March 2021 which will include multiple segments, from steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electrical machinery to furniture and toys. The identified tariff lines include Chinese products too and they are trying to frame standards and make them mandatory.

India has notified the World Trade Organization its intention to make it mandatory for telecom products sold, imported or used in the country, including feedback device, transmission terminal equipment and broadband equipment, to be tested and certified by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

In three separate submissions made to the WTO Committee on Technical Barrier to Trade on the three identified items, India sought comments from WTO members on the mandatory certification regime within 30 days.