BIS Launches Silver Refinery Scheme and Digital Standard Reader on World Standards Day
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched a Silver Refinery Scheme at the national celebration of World Standards Day in New Delhi on 14 October 2026, with Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi presiding. Modelled on the existing Gold Refinery Scheme, it licenses refineries and mints after assessing their refining processes and testing infrastructure. Marked silver bullion and coins will carry the BIS Standard Mark, the word SILVER, a purity grade of 999.9, 999.5 or 999.0, the manufacturer's mark and a unique batch serial number. BIS also unveiled a Digital Standard Reader turning XML standards into interactive SMART standards, plus seven new Indian Standards.
The Bureau of Indian Standards is India's national standards body, now governed by the BIS Act, 2016, and functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, with headquarters in New Delhi | World Standards Day is observed on 14 October, marking the 1946 meeting of delegates that led to the founding of the ISO | Hallmarking of gold jewellery in India is carried out by BIS using a six-digit alphanumeric HUID