FOPSIA alleges import of bicycles, reflectors without BIS certification

Ludhiana, Dec 22 (KNN) The Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA) in a letter to the government of India has raised concerns regarding illegal cycle reflectors being bought into the country.

Speaking to The Tribune, Badish Jindal, the president of FOPSIA, said the government had made it mandatory to use reflectors on bicycles for safety purposes. Lately, strictness was adopted to ensure that reflectors were put on bicycles.

However, within the country, there are only two or three companies manufacturing the reflectors. Since it had become mandatory to install the reflectors, many bicycle manufacturers were getting these from China and Taiwan in an illegal manner, he said.

The Indian government allows products meant for safety purposes to be imported from other countries, provided they are registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

“Not just reflectors alone but bicycles equipped with reflectors are also coming to India without BIS certification. If the measure has been introduced for the safety of the people, it should be ensured that the reflectors serve the purpose well and are certified by the BIS,” he said.

Jindal pointed out that FOPSIA have requested the government to look into the matter and make sure that no product comes in the country without BIS certification.  (KNN Bureau)