BIS Care is a digital initiative by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India. BIS Care is primarily known as a mobile application launched to empower consumers and promote transparency in product quality, safety, and certification. The app is part of BIS’s larger mission to ensure that products and services in India conform to prescribed quality standards.
What is BIS?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It was established under the BIS Act, 2016, and is responsible for the harmonized development of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods in India. BIS sets quality benchmarks and enforces compliance through various schemes, such as the ISI mark, Hallmarking for gold and silver, and Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronics and IT goods.
Introduction to BIS Care App
To enhance consumer engagement and simplify access to product certification details, the BIS launched the BIS Care mobile application. This app is available for download on Android and iOS platforms. The primary purpose is to help consumers verify the authenticity of ISI-marked products, hallmarked jewellery, and registered electronics.
Key Features of the BIS Care App
- Verify Product Certification
Users can enter or scan the license number, registration number, or hallmarking number printed on products to check whether the product is genuinely certified by BIS. - Check Hallmarked Jewellery
For jewellery buyers, the app allows verification of the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code (Hallmark Unique Identification) printed on each hallmarked gold or silver item. This ensures the jewellery’s purity and authenticity. - Lodge Complaints
Consumers can directly file complaints against non-standard or fake products through the app. Complaints can be registered against manufacturers, retailers, or even specific products. - Access to Standards
The app provides information about different Indian Standards (IS) that apply to various products and services, improving consumer awareness. - User-Friendly Interface
With a simple and intuitive interface, BIS Care aims to encourage even first-time smartphone users to participate in quality assurance efforts.
Benefits of BIS Care
- Consumer Empowerment: The app puts the power of quality verification in the hands of everyday consumers.
- Transparency: It increases transparency in the certification process and reduces the circulation of counterfeit or substandard products.
- Improved Compliance: Manufacturers are encouraged to comply with standards, knowing that consumers can easily verify their products.
- Better Grievance Redressal: The complaint feature ensures prompt action on consumer concerns, building trust in BIS mechanisms.
Importance of BIS Certification
BIS certification is mandatory for several critical product categories, including:
- Electrical appliances (e.g., electric irons, switches)
- Packaged drinking water
- Cement
- Pressure cookers
- Helmets
- Jewellery (hallmarking)
By verifying BIS certification, consumers can ensure that products meet safety, quality, and performance standards.
Conclusion
The BIS Care app is a step forward in promoting a culture of quality consciousness in India. It bridges the gap between consumers and standardization authorities, creating a more informed and vigilant public. In an age where counterfeit products are increasingly common, tools like BIS Care are crucial in safeguarding consumer rights and promoting industry accountability. As more people start using the app, it is expected to play a significant role in ensuring product reliability and building a stronger quality ecosystem in India.