LPT 705

COURSE TITLE- ADVANCES IN QUALITY CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS

ASSIGNMENT ON

ISO CERTIFICATION, CODEX ALIMENTARIUS, BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD

ISO refers to International Organization for Standardisation. It is an independent organisation that provides
standards in terms of quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services provided by businesses. With
the increasing competition among the business, it is important to deliver high quality of goods & services in
order to sustain in the market. ISO certification helps to improve your business credibility as well as overall
efficiency of the business.

What are ISO standards?

ISO is the International Organisation for Standardisation, founded in 1947, that establishes standards for
businesses and organisations in 163 countries worldwide. The international indication ISO is derived from
the Greek word ‘equal’ and can be understood in all languages. On an international level, ISO often
collaborates with IEC; the International Electrotechnical Commission. In the Netherlands, for example, the
national body that manages the ISO standards is the NEN; the Netherlands Normalisation Institute.

ISO makes documents with required standards, specifications, guidelines or characteristics. These can
consistently be used by companies and ensure that materials, products, processes and services are suitable
for their purpose. Additionally, ISO ensures that these requirements are accepted in all connected countries,
to ensure standardisation. With an ISO certification, companies show that their products, services or
systems meet the agreed specifications. Additionally, the ISO standards support innovation and advance the
worldwide quality, safety and reliability.

Reliability -With an ISO certification and/or quality label, companies have the opportunity to demonstrate
their reliability to their surroundings, such as purchasers, suppliers, business partners and government.
Reliability is an abstract term and is expressed in quality, safety, environment and durability of products
and/or services. Safety specifically, for instance, can refer to ICT and information security, food safety,
aviation safety and health safety. With an ISO standard, companies demonstrate that they meet the
requirements of international legislation and regulation and adhere to these. An ISO certificate also ensures
a reduced risk of liability. Companies show that they are a serious player, which strengthens their
competitive position. Particularly in the field of tendering, it’s important that companies have an ISO
certificate. ISO can also be a requirement to be considered for orders by large contractors or from
decentralised government and municipalities, for instance.

What is Certification (Codex) Certification is the procedure by which official or officially recognized
certification bodies provide written or equivalent assurance that foods or food control systems conform to
requirements. Certification of food may be, as appropriate, based on a range of inspection activities which
may include continuous on-line inspection, auditing of quality assurance systems, and examination of
finished products.
What is Certification (ISO) • Certification: Third-party attestation related to products, processes, systems
or persons
• Attestation: issue of a statement, based on a decision following review that fulfilment of specified
requirements has been demonstrated
• Review: verification of the suitability, adequacy, effectiveness of selection and determination activities,
and the result of these activities, with regard to fulfilment of specified requirements by an object of
conformity assessment.
ISO Certification is a seal of approval from a 3rd party body that a company runs to one of the
internationally recognised ISO management systems. The certification can be used to tender for business as
a proof of a company’s credibility but also to install confidence in the potential client that you will keep
your promises. ISO certification is a statement to your stakeholders, employees and senior management that
the business wishes to operate to a set framework in order to achieve its company objectives. Be this
customer satisfaction objectives, production objectives or environmental objectives etc. By setting
yourselves the task of maintaining an external certification you are proving the company’s commitment to
these objectives as well as increasing the credibility and customer confidence in the brand / service or
product.
For example by running a quality management system, a company can stay in control of its processes and
procedures, ensure if anything does go wrong it is rectified quickly, efficiently and to the satisfaction of the
customer. It can also ensure a smooth line of communication between employees, suppliers and customers
at all times.

Many public and private sector tenders request ISO certification as either a pre-requisite to moving to the
next stage or as a filter to remove companies from the tender process. By achieving the ISO certification
that your customers give weight to, ensures that you are on a ‘level playing field’ with your potential
competitors and improves your chances of successfully tendering. Many companies we work with report a
major internal efficiency improvement which allows them to achieve greater results both in a sales and
operational capacity. ISO certification certifies that a management system, manufacturing process, service,
or documentation procedure has all the requirements for standardization and quality assurance. ISO
(International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental, international
organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and
systems.ISO certifications exist in many areas of industry, from energy management and social
responsibility to medical devices and energy management. ISO standards are in place to ensure consistency.
Each certification has separate standards and criteria and is classified numerically.

Process of getting ISO certification.

• Pre-Requisite to ISO Certification Process in India

• Process for ISO Certification in India
• Cost involved in the ISO Certification Process
• Time involved in the ISO Certification Process

Pre-Requisite to ISO Certification Process in India

a. Choosing the type of ISO Certification

First of all, you need to choose the type of ISO certification required for your business.
There are various types of ISO certification available such as:
ISO 9001 2008 – Quality Management
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
ISO 27001 – Information security Management
ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management and so on.

b. Choosing an ISO Certification Body

It must be noted that ISO itself does not provide certification to the companies. Certification is done by the
external bodies. It is very important that you choose recognized and credible certification body.
While choosing the ISO registrar, you should keep the following in mind:

• Evaluate several ISO Certification service providers.

• Check if they are following the CASCO standards. CASCO is the ISO committee that works on
issues relating to conformity assessment.
• Check whether it is accredited or not. Accreditation is not compulsory but they must meet the
requirements of ISO Accreditation bodies.
Process for ISO Certification

a. Create an application /contract

The applicant and the registrar should agree on a contract. This contract usually defines rights and
obligations of both parties and includes liability issues, confidentiality, and access rights.

b. Quality Documents Review

The ISO auditor will view all your quality manuals & documents related to various policies & procedures
being followed in the organization. Review of existing work will help the ISO auditor to identify the
possible gaps against the requirements stipulated in the ISO standards.

c. Make an Action Plan

After the ISO auditor communicates the existing gaps in your organization, you should prepare an action
plan to eliminate these gaps. Prepare the list of the required tasks to be performed to bring the desired
changes in your organization. You may be required to give training to your employees to work efficiently
while adapting to new procedures. Make all the employees aware of the ISO standards in terms of work
efficiency and quality standards.

d. Initial Certification Audit

The initial certification audit is divided into two categories- Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Stage 1:
The ISO auditor will audit the changes made by you in the organization. They will then try to identify the
possible non-conformities in your systems and procedures to the desired quality management system. They
will divide these non-conformities into minor and major non-conformities. The applicant must carefully
assess all these non-conformities and get it aligned as per the desired quality standards through
modification in the techniques and processes used by the organisation.
Stage 2:
After all the required changes are done in the organisation, the ISO auditor does the final auditing. The
auditor will check whether all the non-conformities have been eliminated or not as per ISO quality
standards. If the ISO auditor is satisfied, they will prepare the final ISO audit report and forward it to the
registrar.

e. Completing the ISO Certification

After all non-conformities are addressed and all the findings are put in the ISO audit report, the registrar
will grant you the ISO certification.

f. Surveillance Audits
Surveillance audit is basically conducted to ensure that ISO quality standards are being maintained by the
organization.It is conducted from time to time.
Cost involved in the ISO Certification Process
Cost for getting ISO certification is not fixed and varies from organization to organization. The ISO
certification agency calculates the cost of ISO certification separately for each organization after
considering them on different parameters such as :

• Number of employees
• Number of Processes
• Level of risk associated with the scope of services of the organisation
• Complexity of the management system
• The number of working shifts etc.
Time involved in the ISO Certification Process

Time taken in completing the whole process of ISO certification also varies from organization to
organization. The fair idea can be given by the ISO certification agency after assessing the size of the
company.
Generally, the time required to complete the process of ISO certification is approximate :

• Small organisations: 6-8 months

• Medium organisations: 8-12 months
• Large organisation: 12-15 months

ISO 9001 Definition

The certification ISO 9001:2008 includes three components: ISO, 9001, and 2008. Here's what each
component represents:

ISO

As mentioned above, ISO refers to the International Organization for Standardization. This organization
develops the standards, and it does in order to certify businesses or organizations. Certification is handled
third-party and tested annually.

9001

The number appearing after ISO classifies the standard. All standards within the ISO 9000 family refer
to quality management. ISO 9001 is among ISO's best-known standards, and it defines the criteria for
meeting a number of quality management principles. It helps businesses and organizations be more efficient
and improve customer satisfaction.

2008

The final number in an ISO certification refers to the version of the standard that's being met and is
represented by the calendar year those standards were launched. 2008 is the fourth edition of ISO 9001. The
newest version, ISO 9001:2015, was launched in September 2015.

What Does ISO 9001 Certification Mean?

If an organization bills themselves as "ISO 9001 Certified," this means that the organization has met the
requirements designated under ISO 9001. ISO 9001 requires organizations to define and follow a quality
management system that is both appropriate and effective while also requiring them to identify areas for
improvement and take action toward those improvements.

As a result, it's typically understood that an organization claiming ISO 9001 certification is an
organization with products and services that meet quality standards.

Advantages ISO Standards Certification

For a lot of companies, the ISO certificate is an efficient tool. The fact that it concerns an international
recognition offers the possibility to operate beyond national borders, which means that companies can come
into contact with more clients. Moreover, an ISO certification offers a distinctive feature. Many clients
prefer working with ISO-certified companies. In case of (international) tenders, it’s also inevitable to have
an ISO predicate as an organisation. Without registration, it’s impossible or the entire product will become
even more difficult. The benefits of ISO certification for your organisation are it:
1. Ensures that your product, or your service, is controlled, consistent & will improve
2. Gives your customers confidence that your business is well run
3. Is often a requirement before your business can tender for work
Companies with an ISO label work on their image and communicate towards the rest of the world that they
work in conformity with international standards. This shows their buyers and customers that they are doing
business with a serious party and that they are assured that service and customer settlement are optimized.

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 CODEX ALIMENTARIUS

FOOD SAFETY – A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Introduction
Adequate, safe and wholesome food is a vital element for the achievement of acceptable standards of
living. There is increasingly worldwide concern about food safety and animal and plant health. The WTO
Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures sets out the basic rules for food safety and animal and
plant health regulations. It applies to all such measures which may, directly or indirectly, affect
international trade. All countries have the right to adopt or enforce necessary measures to protect human,
animal or plant life or health, subject to the requirement that these measures are not applied in a manner
which would constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination between Members where the
same conditions prevail.
The major objectives of the work of Codex Alimentarius Commission [CAC] are to protect the health of the
consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade as well as to facilitate international trade in food. The
National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare acts as the liaison
office to coordinate with the other concerned government departments (at central and state level), food
industry, consumers, traders, research and development institutions to ensure fulfill this objective. Article 7
of the Agreement requires the members to provide information on Sanitary or Phytosanitary requirements
in the country. For this purpose each Member is required to ensure that one Enquiry Point exists which is
responsible for answering all reasonable questions from interested Members as well as to provide relevant
documents relating to SPS Regulations adopted or proposed, etc.

Codex Alimentarius Commission [CAC]

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in 1963 by Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop food standards, guidelines
and related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. The
main purpose of this Programme is to protect the health of consumers, ensure fair practices in the food
trade, and promote coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and
non-governmental organizations. These standards are accepted by World Trade Organization (WTO) in
settling disputes in international trade.
Codex Alimentarius is a collection of standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations.
The Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene introduces the use of the Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP), being the prime food safety management system. Several significant issues, vital
to fulfilling the objectives of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, namely, protecting the health of
consumers, ensuring food safety and promoting fair global trade practices are under discussion across
several Codex Committees that focus on Food Safety Objectives.

Standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations

Codex standards usually relate to product characteristics and may deal with all government-regulated
characteristics appropriate to the commodity, or only one characteristic. Maximum
residue limits (MRLs) for residues of pesticides or veterinary drugs in foods are examples of standards
dealing with only one characteristic. There are Codex general standards for food additives and
contaminants and toxins in foods that contain both general and commodity- specific provisions. The Codex
General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods covers all foods in this category. Because
standards relate to product characteristics, they can be applied wherever the products are traded.
Codex methods of analysis and sampling, including those for contaminants and residues of pesticides and
veterinary drugs in foods, are also considered Codex standards.
Codex codes of practice – including codes of hygienic practice – define the production, processing,
manufacturing, transport and storage practices for individual foods or groups of foods that are considered
essential to ensure the safety and suitability of food for consumption. For food hygiene, the basic text is
the Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene, which introduces the use of the Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety management system.
Codex guidelines fall into two categories: • principles that set out policy in certain key areas; and
• guidelines for the interpretation of these principles or for the interpretation of the provisions of the Codex
general standards.
Interpretative Codex guidelines include those for food labelling, especially the regulation of claims made
on the label. This group includes guidelines for nutrition and health claims; conditions for production,
marketing and labelling of organic foods; and foods claimed to be ―halal‖.
Commodity standards By far the largest number of specific standards in the Codex Alimentarius is the
group called ―commodity standards‖. The major commodities included in the Codex are:
•cereals, pulses (legumes) and derived products including
• fats and oils and related products
• fish and fishery products
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• processed and quick-frozen fruits and vegetables
• fruit juices
• meat and meat products; soups and broths
• milk and milk products
• sugars, cocoa products and chocolate and other miscellaneous products
The Commission‟s operations Compiling the Codex Alimentarius As stated in Article 1 of the
Commission‘s Statutes, one of the principal purposes of the Commission is the preparation of food
standards and their publication in the Codex Alimentarius. The legal base for the Commission‘s operations
and the procedures it is required to follow are published in the Procedural Manual of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission. Like all other aspects of the Commission‘s work, the procedures for preparing
standards are well defined, open and transparent. In essence they involve:
• The submission of a proposal for a standard to be developed by a national government or a subsidiary
committee of the Commission. This is usually followed by a discussion paper that outlines what the
proposed standard is expected to achieve, and then a project proposal that indicates the time frame for the
work and its relative priority.
• A decision by the Commission or the Executive Committee that a standard be developed as proposed.
―Criteria for the Establishment of Work Priorities‖ exist to assist the Commission or Executive Committee
in their decision-making and in selecting the subsidiary body to be responsible for steering the standard
through its development. If necessary, a new subsidiary body – usually a specialized task force – may be
created.
• The preparation of a proposed draft standard is arranged by the Commission Secretariat and circulated to
member governments for comment.
• Comments are considered by the subsidiary body that has been allocated responsibility for the
development of the proposed draft standard, and this subsidiary body may present the text to the
Commission as a draft standard. The draft may also be referred to the Codex Committees responsible for
labelling, hygiene, additives, contaminants or methods of analysis for endorsement of any special advice in
these areas. • Most standards take a number of years to develop. Once adopted by the Commission, a Codex
standard is added to the Codex Alimentarius.
Revising and adapting: keeping the Codex Alimentarius up to date The Commission and its subsidiary
bodies are committed to keeping the Codex standards and related texts up to date to ensure that they are
consistent with current scientific knowledge and with the needs of the member countries. The procedure for
revision or consolidation follows that used for the initial preparation of standards.
General Subject Committees These Committees are so called because their work has relevance for all
Commodity Committees and, because this work applies across the board to all commodity standards,
General Subject Committees are sometimes referred to as ―horizontal committees‖. General Subject
Committees develop all-embracing concepts and principles applying to foods in general, specific foods or
groups of foods; endorse or review relevant provisions in Codex commodity standards; and, based on the
advice of expert scientific bodies, develop major recommendations pertaining to consumers‘health and
safety. Six of the General Subject Committees have the responsibility of ensuring that specific provisions in
Codex commodity standards are in conformity with the Commission‘s main general standards and
guidelines in their particular areas of competence.
They are:
• Committee on Food Additives
• Committee on Contaminants in Foods
• Committee on Food Hygiene
• Committee on Food Labelling
• Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
• Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses These Committees may also develop
standards, maximum limits for additives and contaminants, codes of practice or other guidelines for either
general application or in specific cases where the development of a complete commodity standard is not
required. For example, the Committee on Food Hygiene has developed a Code of Hygienic Practice for
Spices and Dried Aromatic Plants, and the Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (divided into
two committees in 2006) has developed a Standard for Maximum Levels of Lead in Foods. The
Committees on Food Labelling and on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses have worked together
to prepare the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Claims. The Committee on Pesticide Residues and the
Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods prepare MRLs for these two categories of chemicals
used in agricultural production. The Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification
Systems deals with the application of standards to foods moving in international trade, in particular to the
regulatory measures applied by governments to assure their trading partners that foods and their production
systems are correctly regulated to protect consumers against foodborne hazards and deceptive marketing
practices.
Commodity Committees The responsibility for developing standards for specific foods or classes of food
lies with the Commodity Committees. In order to distinguish them from the ―horizontal committees‖ and
recognize their exclusive responsibilities, they are often referred to as ―vertical committees‖.
Commodity Committees convene as necessary and go into recess or are abolished when the Commission
decides their work has been completed. New Committees may be established on an ad hoc basis to cover
specific needs for the development of new standards. There are currently five Commodity Committees that
meet regularly:
• Committee on Fats and Oils
• Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
• Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Committee on Milk and Milk Products
• Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

The following Commodity Committees work through correspondence or are in recess:

• Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
• Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate
• Committee on Meat Hygiene
• Committee on Natural Mineral Waters
• Committee on Sugars
• Committee on Vegetable Proteins

Applying Codex standards The harmonization of food standards is generally viewed as contributing to the
protection of consumer health and to the fullest possible facilitation of international trade. For this reason,
the Uruguay Round Agreements on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and on
Technical Barriers to Trade (SPS and TBT Agreements) both encourage the international harmonization of
food standards. Differing legal formats and administrative systems, varying political systems and
sometimes the influence of national attitudes and concepts of sovereign rights impede the progress of
harmonization and deter the acceptance of Codex standards.
Despite these difficulties, however, the process of harmonization is gaining impetus by virtue of the strong
international desire to facilitate trade and the desire of consumers around the world to have access to safe
and nutritious foods. An increasing number of countries are aligning their national food standards, or parts
of them (especially those relating to safety), with those of the Codex Alimentarius. This is particularly so in
the case of additives, contaminants and residues, i.e. the invisibles.

Codex Maximum Limits for Pesticides Residues in Food & TBT Agreement A country which accepts a
codex maximum limit for pesticides residues in foods according to the provision of General Principles of
the Codex Alimentarius should be prepared to offer advice and guidance to exporters and processors of
food for export to promote understanding of and compliance with the requirements of importing countries.
Technical barriers to trade (TBT) generally result from the preparation, adoption and application of
different technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. If a producer in an exporting country
‗A' wants to export to an importing country ‗B'; he will be obliged to satisfy the technical requirements
that apply in country ‗B', with all the financial consequences this entails. The importing country agreeing
Codex MRLs have a right to reject consignment on different technical regulations.
Codex India “Codex India” the National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) for India, is located at the
Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOH&FW), Government
of India. It coordinates and promotes Codex activities in India in association with the National Codex
Committee and facilitates India‘s input to the work of Codex through an established consultation process.

Role of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare/Directorate General of Health Services (Codex Contact
Point)
NOW FSSAI
Food Legislation and food control infrastructure should be sufficiently developed in the country to enable
provide adequate health protection and in the well being of its citizens. It should be ensured that all types of
food are free from any hazards responsible for adverse health effects. The Food is also a vital and critical
item of international trade. We know that the observance of food hygiene principles is a condition of utmost
importance. ‗Food hygiene' comprises conditions and measures necessary for the production, processing,
storage and distribution of food, designed to ensure a safe, sound, wholesome product fit for human
consumption. This can be achieved by evolving a ‗Food System' regulated by competent Food Laws. In
India, Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA Act) is the relevant Act. It is governed by the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government Of India. This Ministry is responsible for framing or
amending the laws and providing guidelines to the State Governments/Local Bodies for implementation of
Rules/provisions contained under this Act. PFA Act is the statutory Act under which the quality and safety
of food at the national level is regulated. As per the provisions of the Act, Central Government has
constituted a Committee called the Central Committee for Food Standards (CCFS). The CCFS is assisted
by various Sub Committees. This Committee reviews the standards of food articles to regulate their
manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale and import on regular basis. This Committee also
undertakes to promote co-ordination of work on food standards being carried out by international
governmental and non-governmental organizations. It has been well realized that the prime duty of this
Committee is to help and guide the Central Government to promote consistency between international
technical standards and domestic food standards, so as to keep the country in pace with international
activities. This exercise greatly helps the country, in playing a constructive and beneficial role in
international trade. The National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) for India is located at the Directorate
General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOH&FW), Government of India,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi. It coordinates and promotes Codex activities in India in association with the
National Codex Committee and various Shadow Committees and facilitates India's input to the work of
Codex through an established consultation process. The Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare (MOH&FW) has been designated as the nodal Ministry for liaison with the
Codex Alimentarius Commission [CAC].

National Codex Contact Point [NCCP] The National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) acts as the liaison
office to coordinate with the other concerned government departments (at central and state level), food
industry, consumers, traders, research and development Institutions and academia. National Codex
Committee and its Shadow Committees are to ensure that the government is backed with an appropriate
balance of policy and technical advice upon which to base decisions relating to issues raised in the context
of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its subsidiary bodies.

Core Functions of NCCP-INDIA The NCCP has to perform the following core functions, established by
the Codex Alimentarius Commission for National Codex Contact Points :
Act as a link between the Codex Secretariat and India Member Body;
Coordinate all relevant Codex activities within India ;
Receive all Codex final texts (standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other advisory texts) and
working documents of Codex Sessions and ensure that these are circulated to all those concerned;
Send comments on Codex documents or proposals to the CAC or its subsidiary bodies and /or the Codex
Secretariat within the time frame;
Work in close cooperation with the National Codex Committee and its Shadow Committees;
Act as a channel for the exchange of information and coordination of activities with other Codex
Members;
Receive invitations to Codex Sessions and inform the relevant chairpersons and the Codex Secretariat of
the names of participants representing India;
Maintain a library of Codex final texts; and
Promote Codex Activities throughout India.

National Codex Committee of India

The Department of Health in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has constituted the National Codex
(Food Products Standards) Committee (NCC) for liaison with the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
According to the Government of India Resolution GSR 762 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, the National Codex (Food Products Standards) Committee shall meet as and when necessary to
consider the various issues that may be discussed at the annual meetings of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission and prepare necessary material thereof. The work of the Committee includes- standards for all
the principal foods whether processed, semi-processed or raw for the distribution to the consumer. It also
includes provisions in respect of food hygiene, food additives, pesticide residues, contaminants, labeling
and preservation, methods of analysis and sampling, etc.
Terms of Reference of NCC-INDIA:
To advise government on the implications of various food standardization, food quality and safety issues
which have arisen and related to the work undertaken by the CAC so that national economic interest is
taken into account, or at least considered, when international standards are discussed;
To provide important inputs to the government so as to assist in ensuring quality and safety of food to the
consumers, while at the same time maximizing the opportunities for development of industry and expansion
of international trade;
To appoint sub-committees (shadow committees) on subject matters related to the corresponding Codex
Committees to assist in the study or consideration of technical matters; and
To meet as and when necessary to formulate national position.

Functions of NCC- INDIA

To cooperate with the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme and to nominate delegates to attend
Codex meetings;
To formulate national position in consultation with the members of NCC in the matters of Codex;
To study Codex documents, collect and revise all relevant information relating to technology, economics,
health and control system, so as to give supporting reasons to the government in the acceptance of Codex
Standards or otherwise;
To identify organizations to take action for generation of data base or preparation of base paper projecting
the country's interest for interacting with the CAC; and
To cooperate with other local/regional or foreign organizations dealing with activities relating to food
standardization.

Shadow Committees of NCC-India The NCC has been authorized to appoint Shadow Committees (sub-
committees) on subject matters corresponding to the Codex subcommittees to assist the NCC in the study
or consideration of technical matters. Officers in the rank of Joint Secretary in the concerned
Department/Ministry who handle the subject at the policy level and also serve as the members of the NCC
are nominated as the Chairpersons of these Shadow Committees. Specialized experts in the relevant field
are nominated as members of these Shadow committees. These list of experts are reviewed from time to
time to ensure that they meet the ongoing requirements of India. Currently, the Shadow Committees assist
the National Codex Committee in the following areas:

Codex Commission
Regional Coordinating Committee for Asia
General Principles
Food labelling
Methods of Analysis and Sampling
Pesticides Residues
Food Hygiene
Food Additives and Contaminants
Food Export and Import and Certification Systems
Special Dietary Uses
Fish and Fishery Products
Oils and Fats
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Milk and Milk Products
Cocoa Products and Chocolate
Mineral Water
Genetically Modified Food

Terms of Reference of Shadow Committees The terms of reference of the Shadow Committees under
NCC are:
To advise the NCC on the implications of various food standardization, food quality and safety issues
which have arisen and related to the work undertaken by the relevant Subsidiary Body/Task Force so that
national economic interest is taken into account or at least considered when international standards are
deliberated by the CAC; and
 To follow the Codex agenda of the relevant Subsidiary Body and provide important inputs to the
government so as to assist in ensuring quality and safety of food to the consumers while at the same time
safeguard national interests and maximize the opportunities for development of industry and expansion of
international trade.

Functions of Shadow Committees

To study Codex documents, collect and revise all relevant information relating to technology, economics,
health and control system so as to give supporting reasons to the government in the acceptance of Codex
Standards or otherwise;
To formulate national position in consultation with the members of the Shadow Committee with respect
to the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the Subsidiary Body and transmit them same through the
NCCP;
To formalize the delegation for the meeting in consultation with the NCCP and transmit the names to the
host secretariat through the NCCP; and
To recommend to the NCC regarding the position to be taken during the Sessions of the Commission
with respect to agenda items relevant to the terms of reference of the Shadow Committees.

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BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD (BIS)

BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the
national economy in a number of ways – providing safe reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards
to consumers; promoting exports and imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through
standardization, certification and testing.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis
of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. It is established by the
Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 which came into effect on 23 December 1986. The Minister in
charge of the Ministry or Department having administrative control of the BIS is the ex-officio President of
the BIS. The organisation was formerly the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), set up under the
Resolution of the Department of Industries and Supplies No. 1 Std. (4)/45, dated 3 September 1946. The
ISI was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Formed 23 December 1986; 33 years ago

Headquarters Manek Bhawan, Old Delhi
Agency Pramod Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Director
executive General
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Parent agency
Public Distribution
Website bis.gov.in

A new Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on 22 March 2016 has been
brought into force with effect from 12 October 2017. The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.

As a corporate body, it has 25 members drawn from Central or State Governments, industry, scientific and
research institutions, and consumer organisations. Its headquarters are in New Delhi, with regional offices
in Eastern Region at Kolkata, southern Region at Chennai, Western Region at Mumbai, Northern Region
 at Chandigarh and Central Region at Delhi and 20 branch offices. It also works as WTO-TBT enquiry point
for India.

Keeping in view, the interest of consumers as well as the industry, BIS is involved in various
activities as given below:

▪ Standards Formulation

▪ Product Certification Scheme

▪ Compulsory Registration Scheme

▪ Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

▪ Hall Marking Scheme

▪ Laboratory Services

▪ Laboratory Recognition Scheme

▪ Sale of Indian Standards

▪ Consumer Affairs Activities

▪ Promotional Activities

▪ Training Services, National & International level

▪ Information Services

Regulatory Framework

Indian Standards Bill, 2015

The Bill was passed on 8 March 2016 by the Rajya Sabha. The new Bill will repeal the existing Bureau of
Indian Standards Act, 1986. The main objectives of the proposed legislation are:

• To establish the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.
• The Bureau to perform its functions through a governing council, which will consist of President
and other members.
• To include goods, services and systems, besides articles and processes under the standardization
regime.
• To enable the government to bring under the mandatory certification regime for such articles,
processes or service which it considers necessary from the point of view of health, safety,
environment, prevention of deceptive practices, consumer security etc. This will help consumers
receive ISI certified products and will also help in prevention of import of sub-standard products.
• To allow multiple types of simplified conformity assessment schemes including self-declaration of
conformity (SDOC) against any standard which will give multiple simplified options to
manufacturers to adhere to standards and get a certificate of conformity, thus improving the 'ease of
doing business'.
• To enable the Central Government to appoint any authority in addition to the Bureau of Indian
Standards, to verify the conformity of products and services to a standard and issue certificate of
conformity.
• To enable the Government to implement mandatory hallmarking of precious metals articles.
• To strengthen penal provisions for better effective compliance and enable compounding of offences
for violations.
• To provide recall, including product liability of products bearing the Standard Mark, but not
conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
• Repeal of the BIS Act of 1986.[6]
• The Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016 received the assent of the President on 21 March 2016[7]
Organisation

National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS)

It is a training institute of BIS which is set up in 1995. It is functioning from Noida, Uttar Pradesh,
India. The primary activities of NITS are:-

• In-House and Open Training Programme for Industry

• International Training Programme for Developing Countries (Commonwealth countries)
• Training Programme to its employees.

Collaboration with international standards bodies

BIS is a founder member of International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). It represents India in
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) and the World Standards Service Network (WSSN).

Activities

Standard formulation and promotion

One of the major functions of the Bureau is the formulation, recognition and promotion of the Indian
Standards. As on 1 January 2019, over 20,000 Standards have been formulated by BIS, are in force. These
cover important segments of economy, which help the industry in upgrading the quality of their products
and services.

BIS has identified 15 sectors which are important to Indian Industry. For formulation of Indian Standard,
it has separate Division Council to oversee and supervise the work. The Standards are regularly reviewed
and formulated in line with the technological development to maintain harmony with the International
Standards.

Product Certification

For Indian manufacturers

Product Certifications are to be obtained voluntarily. For, some of the products like Milk powder, Drinking
Water, LPG Cylinders, etc., certification is mandatory. Because these products are concerned with health
and safety.

For foreign manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers of products who intend to export to India also may obtain a BIS product certification
license. For some products various Indian government ministries/departments/agencies makes its
compulsory to have BIS certification. Towards this, BIS launched its Product Certification Scheme for
overseas manufacturers in the year 2000, which is called Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.
Under the provisions of this scheme, foreign manufacturers can seek certification from BIS for marking
their product(s) with BIS Standard Mark. The foreign manufacturer needs to appoint an Authorised Indian
Representative who will be an Indian Resident to act as an agent between BIS and the manufacturer.
Depending on the product, the manufacturer has to imprint one of two possible marks on the product label.
The Standard Mark or the ISI Mark. The Standard Mark is compulsory for certain types of electronics and
IT goods, whereas the ISI mark is mandatory for product categories such as cement, household electrical
products, food products, steel materials, etc. The ISI mark is also used for several voluntary BIS
certification product categories.
For Indian importers

Indian importers who intend to get Certification Mark may apply for the license. However, the assessment
visit is paid to the original product manufacturer.

Management System Certification

• Quality Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 9001.

• Environmental Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 14001.
• Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification Scheme IS 18001.
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Scheme IS 15000.
• Food Safety Management System Certification IS/ISO 22000.
• Service Quality Management System Certification Scheme IS 15700.
• Energy Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 50001.
• Medical Devices Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 13485.
• Social Accountability Management System Certification Scheme IS 16001.
• Integrated Management System Certification Scheme.
• Road Traffic Safety Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 39001.
• Ready Mixed Concrete Certification Scheme.
• Integrated Milk Certification Scheme.
• Adventure Tourism Safety Management System Certification Scheme IS/ISO 21101.
• Food Safety Auditing as per Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Audit) Regulations, 2018

REFERENCES-

I) Isoindia.org.in
II) Fssai.gov.in
I III) Bis.gov.in

SUBMITTED BY-

Bharat L. Mundhe DATE-20/05/2020

Phd Scholar, I Semester
Dept. of Livestock Products Technology,
NVC Nagpur