US, Canada, Taiwan seek clarity on BIS norms on Toys, Chemicals, Auto components

New Delhi, Nov 22 (KNN) Raising concerns at India's quality control orders for toys, chemicals, ICT products and automobile parts, Canada, Taiwan and the US have said that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) lacks transparency and are unclear, reported ET.

They also asked India to reinstate full and permanent recognition of results from internationally accredited labs, in a submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) last week.

Citing difficulties with foreign inspections due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lack of virtual audits, they said a "total halt in exports by US and Canadian companies occurred, and trade continues to be greatly impacted", said the report.

Understating that BIS possesses the authority to recognise laboratories for the purposes of standardization and quality control, including institutions outside of India, they said however, the process through which institutions can obtain recognition is unclear and lacks transparency.

They said that at present, exporters whose products have already been certified by accredited international laboratories report that results from these laboratories are not being accepted as proof of compliance with the requirements of the Compulsory Registration Order and the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment scheme.

Citing American companies testing to international standards to have their products undergo duplicative testing in case of polyethylene products and toys, they said, "As a result, exporters are forced to undertake duplicative testing...This is especially important where compliance with previously voluntary India-specific standards has become mandatory."

They argued that this raises "serious concerns about the treatment of foreign suppliers, which are subject to various conformity assessment procedures requiring foreign inspection across sectors, including automotives, chemicals, and toys".  (KNN Bureau)