Latest news with #BureauofIndianStandards
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
IBJA asks Bureau of Indian Standards to implement mandatory self-hallmarking of silver products by jewellers
The India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) has written to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to implement mandatory self-hallmarking of silver products by jewellers themselves instead of hallmarking agencies, otherwise there could be high costs for jewellers which they may be forced to pass to consumers. The jewellery and gold trade association said moving bulky silver artefacts like silver utensils, furniture and idols to hallmarking centres will result in high logistic costs. For small items like jewellery and silverwares the weight is very less and hence the price is also within Rs 3,000 as per current silver price. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA PGDM MCA Finance Digital Marketing Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Public Policy Healthcare Cybersecurity Others healthcare Degree Product Management Leadership Project Management Operations Management CXO Data Science others Data Analytics Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details "To carry out hallmarking of these small items may be expensive affair for jeweller and consumer as well. Further hallmarking agency may not be able to handle so much volume of small silver items/jewellery," IBJA's national secretary Surendra Mehta wrote in the letter dated July 18. At present, there are 1622 hallmarking and assaying centres in the country. The IBJA letter suggested jewellers can themselves assign a unique code for every piece and put the code in the invoice too. It also said other existing rules and fines for gold hallmarking can also be amended. IBJA in the letter said as silver price has surged in market, it is essential that consumers are not cheated. "We have found that more and more consumers are now opting for silver jewellery and bypassing gold jewellery purchase. However, silver jewellery and artefacts hallmarking are not mandatory in nature and these leaves ample room for consumers to be cheated by jewellers," said the letter. Silver on Friday was trading at Rs 1,14,252 per kg at the retail end. Cheating is rampant in silver jewellery, said Chirag Sheth, principal consultant (South Asia) of Metals Focus, a London-based precious metals consulting firm. "Payal that women wear on their feet is the most sold silver jewellery product in India. They control 50% of the silver jewellery market that stood at 2,700 tonnes in 2024. It is well known in the industry circles that many a time jewellers use silver alloys in this product, which customers are unable to find out. So hallmarking is definitely required for silver items. Also, the demand for silver jewellery is increasing among the young crowd because of the affordability of the product and they are asking for hallmarking." Sheth said silver jewellery consumption has grown three-fold from 900 tonnes in 2010 to 2,700 tonne in 2024. India depends on imported silver to meet its domestic demand.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Arora meets Goyal, seeks support for Pb's industrial & logistics hub
Ludhiana: Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora called on Union minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi Monday and raised the state's industry related issues with him. In a statement issued here, Arora said on his request, the Union industry minister has promised to provide the latest equipment to all govt R&D centres in Punjab, as part of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) scheme. This followed after Arora presented him a letter requesting Rs 100 crore grant for the Indian Association of Hand Tools (IAHT), Ludhiana. In the letter, Arora asserted that a vital infrastructure is the need of the hour for IAHT, which is a crucial manufacturing and export hub. The absence of modern testing and certified lab facilities limits its global competitiveness, he added. Arora further said this will help establish the latest tool room, design development & reverse engineering facilities. Testing & evaluation, and metrology labs are needed to ensure international quality compliance heat treatment facility to improve durability, he explained. He also highlighted the need for the establishment of an advanced welding training workshop, inclusive of consultancy fees for designing course materials and evaluation of structures in line with international standards Arora also presented another letter to the Union minister for strategic infrastructure support in Punjab. Taking up the matter of the economic corridor along Delhi-Katra Expressway, he stated that "to address the outflow of industries and boost investment, we propose developing a modern economic corridor along the Delhi-Katra passing through Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Sangrur, and Malerkotla- connecting key regions and facilitating seamless movement of goods and services. This corridor can host modern industrial parks, plug-and-play infrastructure, and IT hubs." Further, Arora called for the upgradation of Ludhiana-Rewari Route for double stack container movement. He said the Ludhiana-Rewari route is a key logistics link connecting Punjab to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Brand Liaison Empowering Businesses with End-to-end Compliance Support
New Delhi [India], July 18: India's dynamic and fast-growing market is bustling with innovations in all sectors like electronics, electricals, telecom, and household products. Moreover, with rising consumer awareness and stronger emphasis being laid on energy efficiency and sustainability, the Indian government and statutory regulatory bodies have made product certification a non-negotiable aspect for businesses in the Indian market. Whether it's a smart appliance, a wireless gadget, or a component of industrial equipment, products being regulated and made accessible to the consumers in the market today must meet regulatory standards like BIS (ISI & CRS), BIS Scheme X, BEE, WPC, TEC, LMPC, and EPR before reaching Indian shelves. For manufacturers, importers, and global brands trying to enter and smoothly operate in this booming market economy, the compliance requirements can often feel overwhelming. That's where Brand Liaison steps in, as a service provider, along with being a trusted certification partner. With deep industry knowledge and expertise, and a decade of hands-on experience, Brand Liaison ensures comprehensive support to businesses. Let's explore how Brand Liaison, as a top-trusted compliance management consultancy firm, helps overcome compliance challenges and ensures your products meet all regulatory requirements with ease. Essential Product Certifications for the Indian Market Whether you're launching consumer electronics, telecom devices, energy-consuming appliances, wireless-based products, or various other types of goods in the market, for smooth operation, Indian regulations demand adherence to several technical and safety standards. Some key certifications mandatory for the Indian market, and being thoroughly assisted by Brand Liaison, include: 1. BIS Certification BIS is a quality assurance certification, granted for a variety of products in the Indian market. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national body that ensures products meet quality and safety benchmarks. Under BIS, there are three major certification schemes: ISI Mark Certification: This is required for products like cement, steel, pressure cookers, electrical wires, and other critical items. The ISI mark assures people that the product abides by the Indian safety and performance standards. CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): This covers everyday electronic and IT products like LED bulbs, mobile phones, power banks, and TVs. Before they are allowed to be sold, these products must be tested in BIS-approved labs. BIS Scheme X Certification: Some products, such as low-voltage switchgear, control gear products, and industrial chemicals, are to be registered for a Scheme X Certification under BIS. 2. BEE Certification BEE certification is an energy-efficiency assuring registration, meant for the notified energy-consuming appliances in the market. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is under the Ministry of Power, established to encourage energy conservation by regulating energy-consuming appliances that use less power while also delivering promising optimal performance. There is a 5-star rating scheme of BEE that offers the star rating label to energy-consuming appliances based on their energy efficiency. More stars on an appliance indicate more energy efficiency. If you're making or importing appliances like fans, geysers, or air conditioners, BEE certification is a must. 3. TEC Certification If your product connects to a telecom network like a router, modem, switch, or IoT (Internet of Things) device, it falls under TEC's MTCTE program (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment). The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) ensures these devices are safe, secure, and compatible with Indian networks. It's a mandatory requirement for businesses dealing with telecommunication products in the Indian market. 4. WPC ETA Approval Selling wireless gadgets that are Wi-Fi or BT (Bluetooth)-enabled, like Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, etc., requires a WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) from the WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) Wing. This approval or certification, as it is commonly called, confirms that the wireless-based devices use only government-approved, license-free frequency bands and don't interfere with other signals. Without an ETA license, such products can get stuck at customs or face legal hurdles in the Indian market. 5. EPR Authorisation Today's market is not just about innovation—it's also about responsibility. If a business entering the Indian market deals in products that create environmental waste, like electronics, batteries, or plastic packaging, they'll need to register under EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). EPR ensures that producers take utmost responsibility for the end-to-end lifespan of their products and of what happens to these after consumer use. Whether it's recycling e-waste, collecting used batteries, or reducing pollution through appropriate disposal and reuse of the waste, EPR Authorisation is a commitment to a cleaner planet. There are three major EPR categories: • E-Waste: For items like mobile phones, computers, and accessories • Plastic Waste: For brands using plastic packaging or selling plastic goods • Battery Waste: For any business selling lithium-ion, alkaline, or other battery types 6. LMPC Registration (Legal Metrology for Packaged Commodities) For manufacturers, importers, and sellers of pre-packaged products in India, gaining an LMPC registration is mandatory under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. This is particularly because consumers have the right to clear and honest information about what they're buying. LMPC ensures that all packages sold in India impart true and relevant knowledge regarding the various details like MRP, net quantity, weight, etc. Common Challenges Faced by Businesses While various regulatory certifications are an unskippable step for market credibility for businesses, the path to obtaining them can be a bit difficult to tackle. Many businesses struggle with the procedural and technical demands to operate smoothly in the Indian market. Below are some of the common challenges businesses usually face: • Complex Documentation Requirements: There are a lot of documentation requirements ranging from manufacturer details, energy performance data, to lab reports and declarations. The paperwork involved is undoubtedly extensive and highly technical. Any errors in the same can delay the entire process. • Coordination with Accredited Labs: Product testing for several compliance requirements must be conducted in specific government-approved labs. Scheduling and managing these tests can become time-consuming and confusing, especially if there is no expert help. • Lack of Clarity on Procedures: The certification process involves multiple steps, which makes it hard for businesses to know what comes next or how to proceed correctly. • Limited In-House Expertise: Most companies lack dedicated teams for various certifications. This means that the existing staff must juggle core duties with compliance tasks, which often leads to stressful procedures and more chances of delays. • Uncertainty About Timelines: There is always uncertainty about timelines when it comes to the certification procedures. This always causes delays for businesses in market entry or shipments. How Brand Liaison Simplifies the Certification Journey Brand Liaison is a top-trusted compliance management consultant, helping businesses with comprehensive certifications for the Indian market. We provide complete certification and post-approval support. Here's how Brand Liaison eases the certification process for your business: • Expert Consultation: Whether it's BIS CRS for IT products, ISI for industrial items, TEC for telecom, BEE for star-labelled appliances, or EPR for environmentally regulated products, our team of dedicated and expert consultants evaluates your product category and guides you with tailored solutions for your business. • End-to-End Document Preparation : We help businesses to effectively prepare and validate all technical documents, declarations, test reports, and forms as per regulatory norms to avoid errors or rejections during submission, and prevent last-minute hassles and unnecessary delays. • Lab Testing Coordination: We coordinate directly with government-recognised labs (NABL, BIS, TEC, etc.) to get your product tested and ensure all results meet the applicable standards, to be compliant, and eligible for the Indian market. • Label/Marking Assistance: We assist businesses in label generation and mark usage, whether it's for BEE star labels, BIS CRS logos, ISI marks, TEC certificates, or WPC ETA documents, to ensure legal product sales. • Budget-Friendly Compliance Packages: With cost-effective compliance and certification solutions, we offer competitive pricing to support startups, MSMEs, and global brands alike, offering compliance without financial strain. Conclusion Regulatory compliance is no longer optional as it has become a key requirement for businesses aiming for credibility, market access, and long-term sustainability in the Indian market. From safety and quality assurance to environmental responsibility, certifications like BIS, BEE, TEC, WPC, and EPR are essential to stay compliant and competitive in the Indian economy. top videos View all At Brand Liaison, we help businesses meet compliance requirements with ease and efficiency. With deep industry experience and technical knowledge regarding various certifications for the Indian market, our team ensures that your compliance journey is smooth, timely, and stress-free. Get in touch with Brand Liaison, your one-stop solution for compliance management today, to ensure your product is market-ready and compliant with India's regulatory ecosystem. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 16:15 IST News agency-feeds Brand Liaison Empowering Businesses with End-to-end Compliance Support Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
AIAMA to adopt BIS certification for agarbathi industry to benchmark quality
The All-India Agarbathi Manufacturing Association (AIAMA) on Friday said it would adopt the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification to maintain a quality benchmark for the ₹8,000-crore agarbathi industry in India. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, president of the AIAMA, told The Hindu that the apex body was focusing on value addition, premiumisation, innovation, and quality. 'Through this initiative, we aim to instil pride and deepen the sense of belonging among all stakeholders in the agarbathi ecosystem,' said Mr. Ramanjaneyulu, who is also the director of Ambica Agarbathies Aroma & Industries based in Hyderabad. Addressing the media, Arjun Ranga, immediate past president of AIAMA and MD of Cycle Pure Agarbatti, said, 'Over the years, the global demand for agarbathis has witnessed a significant rise. Our vision is to bring the entire agarbathi fraternity up to speed with the evolving business landscape and more exciting opportunities.' According to him, India currently produces between 16,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes of incense sticks a month, and over two lakh women are employed in the industry. The country exports ₹1,000 crore worth of agarbathis to 120 countries, while 80% of the production is sold in domestic markets. The AIAMA directly and indirectly represents over 800 and 3,000 agarbathi manufacturers, respectively, across the country. Cumulatively, the industry has over 5,000 different agarbathi products. As a step towards building a holistic ecosystem, the AIAMA will organise a three-day expo and conference scheduled from November 6 to 8 in Bengaluru, which will feature discussions on various issues including policies, employment opportunities, sourcing raw materials, trends around consumer behavior, and new products, packaging innovations and technology upgradation. 'The showcase will feature rare agarbathi samples, iconic photographs, prestigious awards, and other significant memorabilia. It is designed not only to honour the journey of the industry but also to inspire future generations of agarbathi entrepreneurs,' said Mr. Ranga, who is also the chairperson, AIAMA EXPO. To be spread across 1,20,000 sq. ft, the expo will feature curated seminars that would cover various aspects of the agarbathi industry, including job creation, sourcing of raw materials, research on new fragrances, packaging developments, women empowerment, export opportunities and new-age marketing. The expo would be held in support of the Fragrance and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI), Mumbai; the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj; and the Essential Oils Association of India (EOAI). Over 5,000 delegates and exhibitors from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and a few European countries are expected to participate. Commenting on growth, Mr. Ramanjaneyulu said the industry was witnessing an emergence of newer products like yoga, meditation, and non-prayer niches. The demand for prayer products, especially agarbathis, has seen a sharp increase in the last five years in India and across the globe, found a study done by the AIAMA.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Surat's push pays off: 9-karat gold to be hallmarked
Surat: In a significant move for the Indian jewellery industry, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Friday announced that 9-karat gold jewellery will now be eligible for hallmarking. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Until now, hallmarking was allowed only for gold jewellery of 14 karats and above. The decision comes after sustained efforts and repeated representations from the Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association (SJMA) and other industry stakeholders. The inclusion of 9-karat gold in the hallmarking process is expected to open up new opportunities for jewellery manufacturers, enabling them to offer innovative and affordable designs. Experts believe this change will enhance consumer confidence, as hallmarking assures the purity and quality of gold — particularly important for the relatively less popular 9-karat category. The development is also likely to benefit the lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery segment, which is fast gaining traction due to its affordability and appeal to younger consumers. "The demand for higher-karat jewellery will always be there, but now those with a lower budget won't have to leave stores empty-handed," said Amit Korat, president of SJMA. "Hallmarking of 9-karat jewellery will build trust among consumers and expand the market." With gold prices soaring globally in recent months, jewellers have increasingly turned to lower-karat options to maintain affordability. Surat, known as a major hub for diamond and studded jewellery manufacturing, is at the forefront of this shift. The city has over 400 jewellery manufacturing units, many of which are adapting to the growing demand for cost-effective LGD and 9-karat gold pieces. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "In the US, LGD silver jewellery is becoming a popular trend. India could follow suit. While it is legally permissible to sell lower-karat gold with a declaration, hallmarking adds an extra layer of credibility," Korat added. Industry insiders say this policy change could be a turning point, expanding the jewellery market to a broader customer base and reinforcing India's position as a global player in affordable fine jewellery.
