India to Ease BIS Certification Rules for High-Tech Manufacturers, Piyush Goyal Says
TOKYO/NEW DELHI — India is working on a framework to ease Bureau of Indian Standards certification requirements for high-tech companies, including semiconductor and artificial intelligence firms, seeking to establish manufacturing operations in the country, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Tuesday.
Speaking at a roundtable on semiconductors and AI in Tokyo, Goyal said the government has identified the semiconductor sector as a priority and would support Japanese companies exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.
“We would like to make India a global electronics manufacturing hub,” Goyal said, adding that the government would also help companies identify suitable partners and investors.
Goyal said he had taken note of concerns raised by industry representatives over BIS certification requirements, particularly for specialized equipment and components used by high-tech manufacturers.
He said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and BIS have been directed to develop a framework that would make it easier for such equipment and components to enter India for manufacturing purposes.
The proposed system could include exemptions for certain sectors, companies, products or projects, depending on industry requirements.
“We will work on the framework as I get back to India and find a solution for bulk exemption or product or project-wise exemption or company-wide exemption,” Goyal said.
He said the goal is to ensure manufacturers can obtain the products, equipment and services they need in a timely manner while addressing regulatory requirements that could otherwise slow investment and production.
Goyal also highlighted growing cooperation between India and Japan, saying the relationship offers significant opportunities for deeper collaboration in advanced technology and manufacturing.
India has been seeking to expand its domestic semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem by attracting global technology companies, suppliers and investors.
Japanese companies are expected to play a significant role in those efforts through investment, technology partnerships and supply-chain development. (Source: IANS)
