The journey of setting up the Standards was initiated in post-independence by setting up of an organization called the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) which concentrated on standardization activity. For providing the advantages of standardization to common consumers, ISI started operating the Certification Marks Scheme (Scheme) which was formally launched in 1955-56.

The Scheme enabled the grant of licenses to manufacturers producing goods in conformity with Indian Standards and to apply ISI Mark on their products. To meet the requirements of the Certification Marks Scheme a laboratory was started in 1963. The product certification was being operated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act, 1952.

Since the formulation of standards and other related work were not governed by any legislation, a Bill to regulate the same was introduced in the Parliament in Nov 1986 pursuant to which the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) came into existence. The Act gave it broadened scope as it took over activities of the erstwhile ISI while promoting governments’ vision of building a climate of quality, consciousness, and greater participation of consumers in formulation and implementation of national standards.

BIS focuses on the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. The Indian Standards have been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy by – providing safe reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and imports substitute; control over the proliferation of varieties, etc. through standardization, certification, and testing.