Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department

Product Standards

Any product service can be evaluated by a consumer against following standards:

(1) Mandatory standards laid down by Law

(2) Specifications given by manufacturer

Mandatory Standards by Law:

These are laid down under various acts and rules that govern specific classes of products as well as by general laws that are applicable. Various agencies are involved in standard setting and enforcement in respect of each product sense.

(a) "Bureau of Indian Standards" has laid down 'Mandatory Standards' in case of certain very critical products that have to be compulsorily followed by manufacturers of these products. www.bis.org.in lists the products and standards thereof.

(b) Food Laws:

Prevention of Food Adulteration Act lays down standards for food products to be upheld by manufacturers and traders. Consumers are to be aware of whether products meet local standards.

S.No.	Law	Ministry	Nature	Field enforcement
1.	Prevention of Food Adulteration Act	Health	Mandatory	Food Inspectors
2.	Agriculture Produce (Grading & Marking) Act	Agriculture	Voluntary	Agriculture Marketing Officer
3.	Bureau of Indian Standards Act	Food & Consumer Affairs	Mandatory & Voluntary	BIS Regional Offices
4.	Essential Commodities Act	Food & Consumer Affairs	Mandatory	Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department Field officers

(c) Weights and Measurements Act 1976:

This Act lays down standards relating to weights, measures and enforcement mechanism. The Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977 lays down packaging and labeling standards for products. The Controller of Legal Metrology in the State and the Inspectors of Labor in districts are the enforcement officers.