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The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted a major enforcement search and seizure operation at M/s Femina Shopping Mall Private Limited on Williams Road in Tiruchirappalli after receiving information regarding the sale of products without mandatory BIS certification.
The operation was carried out on Thursday under the provisions of Section 28 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, by a BIS team comprising Rino John S, Scientist-E and Director, and Arivazhagan A, Scientist-D and Joint Director. According to BIS, the enforcement action was initiated following credible information that the shopping mall was allegedly stocking and selling products that fall under mandatory BIS certification but did not bear the required ISI Standard Mark. During the inspection, officials found several categories of products requiring compulsory BIS certification being stored and sold without the mandatory ISI certification. The products seized during the operation included electric and non-electric toys, stainless steel potable water bottles, domestic stainless steel vacuum flasks, stainless steel utensils and electric food mixers. BIS officials said products valued at more than Rs 5 lakh were seized during the operation for alleged violations of the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016. Ramesh K, Director and Head of the BIS Coimbatore Branch Office, said legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for the violations. He stated that under Section 28 of the BIS Act, 2016, a first-time offence is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh, or a penalty that may extend to ten times the value of the goods, or both. BIS warned that the sale and use of uncertified or sub-standard products could pose serious risks to consumer safety. It advised consumers to purchase only products carrying the genuine ISI Mark, along with the applicable Indian Standard number and a valid CM/L licence number, which can be verified through the BIS CARE App. The agency also urged manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to strictly comply with the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016, and the applicable Quality Control Orders, stating that failure to obtain mandatory BIS certification not only compromises public safety but also attracts penal action. BIS appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspected misuse of the ISI Mark or the sale of uncertified products to the nearest BIS office or through the BIS CARE App. Complaints regarding BIS-certified products can also be made to the BIS Coimbatore Branch Office. (ANI)
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