BIS announced to develop Standards for Solid Waste Management and Potable Drinking Water

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on 12 February 2015 announced to develop Standards for Solid Waste Management and Potable Drinking Water.

The move is aimed at promoting the use of available Indian Standards on street food and public supply of potable drinking water. These standards will be made mandatory in phased manner.

The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Further, the Ministry also announced to amend the BIS Act, 1986. BIS Act is being amended comprehensively for the first ever after it being enacted in the year 1986.

The proposed amendments are:

• Misuse of ISI mark is being made a cognizable offence.
• For the first time, provision is being made to make distributor and retailer liable for conformity to quality standards.
• Product liability and power to recall products and provision of compensation to consumers is also proposed.

These amendments will empower the government to bring more products under mandatory certification.

BIS is also preparing for an aggressive media plan for promotion of its brand. It will facilitate the consumers for not only getting quality products but also save them from cheating and fraud.