Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated World Standards Day 2026 through a technical seminar organised by the BIS Southern Regional Laboratory (SRL), Chennai, on the theme 'Building Stronger Testing Ecosystems – Empowering Laboratories to Support MSMEs'. The programme highlighted the critical role of testing laboratories in strengthening quality infrastructure, supporting compliance with Indian Standards and enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance product quality and competitiveness.

  

The programme brought together representatives from BIS, the MSME-Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, the National Test House and other stakeholders to deliberate on testing requirements, quality compliance and institutional support available to MSMEs.

The programme commenced with an invocation and lighting of the lamp, followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Surya Kalyani S, and Head, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory. She highlighted the important role played by SRL in supporting BIS's standardisation and conformity assessment activities through reliable testing facilities. She emphasised that laboratories serve as a vital link between Indian Standards and their implementation, helping verify whether products meet prescribed quality, safety and performance requirements. She also underscored the need for stronger interaction between laboratories, industries and MSMEs, noting that the technical seminar would provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, addressing testing-related challenges and creating greater awareness of the laboratory facilities and support available to enterprises.

Shri S. D. Dayanand, Senior Director & Head, BIS Chennai Branch Office, read the World Standards Day message, emphasising the importance of standards in promoting quality, safety and reliability across products and services. The message highlighted the significance of collaboration among standards organisations, testing laboratories, industry and other stakeholders in building a robust quality ecosystem.

Shri M. A. J. Vinod, Scientist-F and Deputy Director General, BIS Southern Regional Office, delivered the Inaugural Address, highlighting that MSMEs are a vital engine of India's economic growth, generating employment, driving innovation and contributing significantly to exports. He stressed that quality begins in the laboratory and that reliable testing is essential to establishing trust, verifying conformity with Indian Standards and enabling MSMEs to compete effectively in domestic and international markets.

He emphasised BIS's commitment to strengthening the country's quality infrastructure by integrating NABL-accredited laboratories into its certification schemes, expanding access to testing facilities, building the capacity of MSMEs and promoting digital integration for transparent and traceable reporting. He also highlighted the importance of making testing more accessible and affordable, thereby reducing compliance barriers and helping enterprises improve product credibility, access BIS certification and meet global benchmarks. He called for greater collaboration among public institutions, private laboratories and industry to build a stronger testing ecosystem that supports MSME growth and advances the vision of “Made in India, Made for the World.”

The programme was presided over by the Chief Guest, Smt. K. V. Reshma, Additional Director, MSME-Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, who delivered the Keynote Address. She highlighted the significant contribution of MSMEs to National Development through employment generation, entrepreneurship, industrial growth and economic progress. She emphasised that adherence to Indian Standards, supported by access to testing facilities and technology-upgradation opportunities, enables enterprises to manufacture quality products, earn consumer confidence and strengthen their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. She underscored the importance of closer coordination between government agencies, standards organisations and testing laboratories to help MSMEs overcome technical challenges, improve compliance and pursue sustainable growth.

A dedicated technical session featured presentations by Shri Selwin Samraj, Assistant Director, MSME Development and Facilitation Office, on testing and quality compliance requirements for MSMEs; Smt. M. Arul Sathya, Scientist-E and Director, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory, on BIS support for MSMEs through standardisation and certification; and Shri Divi Rajagopala Rao, (NDT)/CVO, National Test House, Chennai, on testing, calibration and technical support available to MSMEs for strengthening product quality and ensuring compliance.

The technical discussions provided a platform for participants to gain insights into testing and quality-compliance requirements, understand the support available through BIS and other institutions, and explore ways to improve access to reliable testing facilities. An Open House Session enabled participants to interact with the experts and clarify queries relating to testing, standards and technical support.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Dinesh Rajagopalan L, Joint Director, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory, followed by the National Anthem and lunch.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of a strong and accessible testing ecosystem in translating standards into measurable improvements in product quality and safety. The seminar reiterated BIS's commitment to strengthening laboratory capabilities, promoting stakeholder collaboration and empowering MSMEs to embrace quality, enhance consumer confidence and contribute to India's industrial development.

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