What is the Difference Between ISO and BIS?

Minakshi Bindhani

11 Apr, 2023

ISO and BIS are two of the most commonly used standards organisations globally and play an essential role in shaping the products and services we use daily. While both organisations are dedicated to promoting standardisation and quality control, some critical differences are worth exploring in detail.

ISO refers to International Organization for Standardization, which is a non-governmental organisation that was founded in 1947. ISO creates and promotes international standards in various fields, including manufacturing, technology, and services. The organisation comprises national standards bodies from over 160 countries and has published over 23,000 international standards.

BIS, on the other hand, stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, which is a national standards body in India. BIS was established in 1987 to promote standardisation, certification, and quality control in various industries in India. BIS creates and enforces standards across various sectors, including chemicals, food, and textiles.

What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a national standards body in India that operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in India. It was established in 1987 under the BIS Act of 1986.

The primary mandate of the BIS is to develop, maintain, and promote standards across various industries in India. These standards cover products, services, and systems, and they are designed to ensure quality, safety, and reliability.

The BIS also offers product certification schemes that enable manufacturers to certify their products to meet the relevant Indian standards. This helps to build consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of products sold in the Indian market.

The BIS has regional offices across India, and it works closely with industry associations, consumer organisations, and other stakeholders to develop and maintain standards that meet the needs of Indian society. The BIS is also a member of international standards organisations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC^[1]).

What is  International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

It is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that develops and publishes voluntary international standards for various industries and fields. It was founded in 1947, and its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

ISO standards provide a common framework, terminology, and requirements that help organisations of all sizes operate more efficiently and effectively and ensure quality, safety, and reliability in their products and services. The standards cover many areas, such as management systems, environmental management, quality management, social responsibility, etc.

ISO is made up of member organisations from over 160 countries, each of which represents the standardisation activities of its respective country. The organisation’s technical committees, subcommittees, and working groups are responsible for developing and revising ISO standards through a consensus-based process that involves input from industry experts, academics, consumer representatives, and other stakeholders.

ISO standards are not legally binding but are widely recognised and adopted by businesses, governments, and other organisations worldwide. Compliance with ISO standards can help organisations improve their reputation, increase customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Significance of ISO and BIS:

ISO and BIS are influential organisations in their respective fields. Below are some of the critical significance of ISO and BIS:

• International standardisation: ISO develops and promotes international standards in various fields, which helps to facilitate international trade and promote best practices worldwide.
• Improved quality: Implementing ISO standards can help organisations produce quality products and services, improving customer satisfaction and business outcomes.
• Sustainability: ISO has developed standards related to environmental management and sustainability, which can help organisations reduce their environmental impact and operate more sustainably.
• Consistency: ISO standards provide a framework for organisations to follow, which promotes consistency in processes and procedures across different locations and departments.
• Innovation: ISO standards can help organisations innovate by providing a common framework for testing and certification, facilitating the development of new products and services.

Significance of BIS:

• National standardisation: BIS develops and enforces standards for industries and sectors within India, which helps to ensure that products and services meet the needs of the Indian market.
• Safety and quality: BIS standards are designed to ensure the safety and quality of products and services, essential for protecting consumers and promoting trust in businesses.
• Regulatory compliance: Many BIS standards are mandatory, meaning companies must comply with operating in specific industries or sectors.
• Industry-specific standards: BIS has developed industry-specific standards for a wide range of sectors, including food, chemicals and textiles,  which can help companies improve the safety and quality of their products.
• Consumer protection: BIS standards help to protect consumers by ensuring that products and services meet certain quality and safety standards.

In summary, ISO and BIS are influential organisations that promote standardisation, improve quality, ensure safety, and facilitate international trade. Understanding the significance of ISO and BIS organisations can help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about which standards to follow and how to improve their operations.

Critical differences between ISO and BIS

• Scope: ISO is an international organisation that creates and promotes standards for various industries and sectors. The standards developed by ISO are recognised and used worldwide. On the other hand, BIS is a national organisation that primarily sets standards for industries and sectors within India. While BIS standards are widely used within India, they may need to be recognised or accepted in other countries.
• Focus: ISO is dedicated to promoting standardisation in various fields and has published standards for everything from environmental management to quality management systems. On the other hand, BIS has a more narrow focus and primarily focuses on standardisation within specific industries and sectors. For example, BIS creates India’s food safety and quality control standards.
• Organisational Structure: ISO comprises national standards bodies worldwide and operates as a decentralised network of experts and organisations. On the other hand, BIS is a centralised organisation that the Government of India governs. This means that BIS has more direct control over the standards created and enforced within India.
• Certification: ISO offers certification programs for a wide range of international standards recognised worldwide. BIS also offers certification programs, but these certifications primarily focus on industries and sectors within India. While BIS certifications may be recognised within India, they may not be recognised or accepted in other countries.
• Adoption: ISO standards are adopted by several countries and organisations worldwide. In contrast, BIS standards are primarily adopted and enforced within India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ISO and BIS have different scopes, focus, organisational structures, and certification programs. While ISO is an international organisation that creates and promotes standards for a wide range of industries and sectors, BIS is a national organisation that primarily sets standards for industries and sectors within India. Understanding the differences between ISO and BIS, the two organisations, is essential for businesses and individuals to make informed decisions about which standards to follow and which certifications to pursue.

Also Read:
How to Obtain BIS Certificate in India?
What is the Significance of BIS Certification?
ISO Certification – How to Obtain ISO Certificate?