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Bureau of Indian Standards - Product Certification Schemes

Scheme for Testing and Inspection

The Scheme of Testing and Inspection ( STI ) is a document which specifies the control over production process which the firm is required to exercise for operating the certification marks licence. This is prepared by BIS in consultation with the first applicant for the product. For subsequent applications, the applicability of the available STI is reviewed and changes made if necessary. The STI contains, inter alia the following provisions: a) Markings to be applied on the product and the method of applying the Standard Mark b) Definition of control unit c) The levels of control to be applied d) acceptance criteria, control unit wise e) Frequency of sampling and tests on raw materials, in process materials and finished products g) Directions to licensees in event of quality related problems h) A clause requiring free replacement of goods in case a complaint is established bonafide. GRANT OF LICENCE A licence is granted to the applicant if results of preliminary inspection and independent testing are satisfactory, and the applicant has paid the advance minimum marking fee. The initial validity of the licence is for one year, which can
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Bureau of Indian Standards - Product Certification Schemes

be extended on application for further periods of two years at a time, subject to satisfactory operation of the licence. The scope of a licence can be extended at any time by adding more varieties covered by the Indian Standard, after due testing. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OVER LICENSEE'S PERFORMANCE After the grant of licence, the manufacturer is authorized to mark his products on condition that he implements the STI fully, his products conform to the Indian Standard and he maintains a record of tests carried out. Post certification controls are exercised through surveillance inspections at the licensees unit periodically. During these inspections, thorough technical auditing of the quality control system is carried out with reference to the STI document. Samples of current production are tested, and also drawn for testing in BIS or independent laboratories. Additional controls are maintained by drawal of market samples and getting them tested in independent laboratories. The results of inspections and product testing are communicated to the licensee as appropriate with suitable advices. Marking can be stopped if consistent deficiencies are observed. Licence is renewed at the end of its validity after a review of past performance. A Licence can be suspended or cancelled following serious discrepancies, particularly if the product does not conform to the Indian Standard. For further information please contact : Director ( Central Marks )

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