2024 Autumn Conference hosted by the Korean Society for Standards Certification and Safety, at JEJU Islands, Nov 2024

The discussions focused on ensuring active involvement of consumer organizations in the development of International Standards to put forth the country’s viewpoints effectively, keeping in view its trade interests to result in the formulation of an International Standard with which the country’s (eg, Indian Standards) could be harmonized and adopted under a dual numbering scheme.

Harmonizing regulations and reducing discrepancies between domestic and international requirements & boosting international participation, can significantly benefit economic, technical, and regulatory landscapes.

Develop global awareness campaigns on consumer product safety and encourage businesses and other stakeholders to participate in such activities.

Examine, when developing or reviewing domestic, government-initiated standards or technical regulations, the possibility of alignment with existing international standards.

Strengthen dialogue with emerging and developing economies to foster robust and inclusive consumer Standards that support sustainable growth and economic development. MoUs/ Bilateral agreements with the National standards bodies of other countries to enhance international trade and technical co-operation.

Importance of Sustainability in Standards: Environmental Stewardship Standards development includes considerations for the entire product lifecycle, such as resource usage, emissions, waste management, and the impacts of infrastructure on the environment.

CERC who is represent on the Governing Council of BIS, highlighted that The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) incorporates sustainability by embedding it into various Indian Standards through initiatives like the Standards National Action Plan 2022-27, new amendments to standards, and the establishment of the Environment and Ecology Department (EED) to address areas such as waste management, circular economy, and water quality. This comprehensive approach aims to meet the SDGs and improve global reputation, and also promote responsible resource use across Indian industries.