The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on August 23rd 2024, released a significant notification that amends the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This amendment introduces new fee structures and relaxations that impact various organizations, from large industrial enterprises to micro enterprises.
Overview of the Amendments
The recent amendment, known officially as the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Amendment Regulations, 2024, brings several key updates:
Fee Structure Changes
The most notable changes are in the application fees, audit fees, and licence or certificate of conformity fees.
Detailed Breakdown of Fee Structures
1. Application Fee
The application fees have been revised for various categories:
- Large Industrial Enterprises: Rs 1,000.00
- Micro, Small, and Medium Industrial Enterprises (MSMEs): Rs 500.00
- Central/State Government Organizations: Rs 500.00
Note: Libraries, laboratories, schools, colleges, polytechnics, training institutes, research institutes, and healthcare establishments, along with Central/State/Local Government and charitable organizations operating on a no-profit-no-loss basis, will be classified as small enterprises.
2. Audit Fee
Audit fees have been updated for units both within India and abroad:
- For Units Located Within India:
- Large Industrial Enterprises: Rs 12,000.00 Per Man-day
- Small and Medium Industrial Enterprises: Rs 9,000.00 Per Man-day
- Central/State Government Organizations: Rs 9,000.00 Per Man-day
- Micro Enterprises: Rs 3,000.00 Per Man-day
Notes:
- Travel costs up to 250 kilometres and the auditors’ stay costs will be borne by the applicant or license holder.
- The above rates apply to small enterprises as defined.
- For Units Located Outside India:
- Rs 12,000.00 per man-day.
- All expenses, including those for travel and stay of BIS certification officers, will be borne by the license holder.
3. Licence or Certificate of Conformity Fee / Re-certification Fee
The fees for licensing or re-certification have been adjusted as follows:
- Large Enterprises: Rs 2,000.00 for three years
- Small and Medium Enterprises: Rs 1,000.00 for three years
- Micro Enterprises: Rs 200.00 for three years
4. Licence Fee for Multiple Service Outlets
For organizations with multiple sites performing similar activities:
- An additional licence fee equivalent to 50% of the standard licence fee or certificate of conformity fee per site will be applicable.
5. Flexibility in Fee Structures
The new regulations also introduce several relaxations:
- Application Fee Relaxation:
- For any subsequent applications (e.g., a second application), no application fee will be charged.
- Audit Fee Relaxation:
- If actual travel costs are less, the Deputy Director General of the Region can grant a relaxation of up to Rs 4,000.00 per man-day for large enterprises and Rs 3,000.00 per man-day for small and medium enterprises.
- No relaxation will be provided for micro enterprises.
- Licence Fee Relaxation:
- No licence fee will be charged for libraries, laboratories, schools, colleges, polytechnics, training institutes, research institutes, healthcare establishments, and charitable organizations operating on a no-profit-no-loss basis.
Impact of the Amendments
These changes aim to streamline the fee structure and make compliance more affordable, especially for smaller enterprises and non-profit organizations. By reducing the financial burden on micro enterprises and non-profit entities, the BIS hopes to encourage wider adherence to conformity assessments and standards, ultimately improving quality and safety across various sectors.
For larger organizations, while the fees remain substantial, the changes in application and audit fee relaxations provide some flexibility and potential cost savings, particularly concerning travel and re-certification.
Conclusion
The amendments to the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations signify a shift towards more inclusive and adaptable fee structures. By understanding these changes, organizations can better plan their compliance strategies and manage costs effectively.
