Standards/ TBTs / IPR-Market Access
Lab testing in India should be of world standards
The Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister has called for embarking on Mission 'one nation one standard' and make India the leader in setting global benchmarks in setting standards. He said that lab testing in India should be of world standards and modern equipment and latest technologies should be used. BIS should explore international partnerships and associations to achieve synergy in the field. He said that "gap analysis" of BIS and government labs be taken up on a priority basis as well. In management parlance, gap analysis refers to the comparison of actual performance with potential or desired performance.
BIS reaches out to developing nations for adoption of Indian Standards
The BIS has shared the Indian Standards catalogue and guidelines for adoption of Indian Standards with National Standards Bodies (NSBs) of 21 countries with whom India has cooperation arrangements. This is to create awareness on indigenous Indian Standards among developing and least developed countries and to encourage them to use these wherever suitable, the consumer affairs ministry has urged the external affairs ministry to disseminate information on free availability of indigenous Indian Standards in countries through Indian missions.
DoT directs all state procurements to be of local cyber security products
The DoT has directed to give preference to locally produced cybersecurity products in public procurement. “Preference has to be given to ‘Make in India’ cyber security products in public procurement by central ministries/departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government organisations,” the DoT said in a circular issued. The development came after the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology said that it was awash with complaints from droves of indigenous cyber product companies about the challenges, they were facing in participating in public procurement of such products.
Rise in customs duty on auto parts to support local manufacturing
With an eye on supporting domestic manufacturers, the government proposed an increase in customs duty on certain imported components used in automobiles. In the Budget 2021-22, the Finance Minister proposed an increase in customs duty of various parts including ignition wiring sets, safety glass and parts of signalling equipment to 15 % with effect from February. The government said the changes in basic customs duty is for creating a level-playing field for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other domestic manufacturers.
Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 extended for 6 months till September 2021
The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry announced extension of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of Government of India. The present Policy which came into force on 1st April 2015, was for 5 years and was extended thereafter upto 31st March, 2021. In view of the unprecedented situation arising out of the pandemic Novel COVID-19, which is persisting, the Government has decided to continue benefits under various export promotion schemes by extending existing Foreign Trade Policy by another six months i.e. up to 30th September, 2021 which will provide continuity in the policy regime. Similar extension is made in the related procedures, by extending validity of HandBook of Procedures.
‘BIS Talks’ Films series on standardization in different technology sectors
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has brought out 'BIS Talks' Films series on standardization in different technology sectors. The films are primarily educational in nature and present an overview of the standardization activities carried out through Technical Committees of BIS. It is envisaged that this knowledge would enable various stakeholders such as industry, academia, research & development institutions, Govt. Bodies, laboratories etc. to reap the benefits of standardization and also to contribute towards strengthening it through their valuable inputs. The 'BIS Talks' Films can be accessed through our website www.bis.gov.in or directly through the link http://203.153.41.213:8081/php/bistalks/.