How the BSTI evaluates and ensures that products and services inside the country meet Bangladesh Standards (BDS).
BSTI History and Establishment
In the subcontinent, the activities of the National Standards Organisation started with the establishment of the Indian Standards Institute in 1946. More than a century after the end of colonial rule in 1947, in 1958, the Pakistan Standards Institute (PSI) was established in the then Pakistan. Earlier, Central Testing Laboratory (CTL) was established in Dhaka under the Colombo Plan in 1956. PSI office was established in Dhaka in 1963. After independence in Bangladesh, CTL and BDSI, these two organisations functioned as separate entities with their respective responsibilities.
According to the decision of the then cabinet, on 16 May 1983, the Central Testing Laboratory (CTL) under the Science & Technology Division and the semi-governmental organisation Bangladesh Standards Institution (BDSI) were merged to form ‘The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution’ issued by the Government of Bangladesh on 25 July 1985. Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) was formed through Ordinance, 1985.
Then in 1995, the Department of Marketing and Classification of Agricultural Products under the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of Bangladesh merged with BSTI. The said Ordinance was made into the ‘Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institutions Act-2018’. At present, BSTI is performing its assigned duties as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Industries.
The vision of BSTI is to develop as a state-of-the-art institution in formulating and implementing standards and ensuring accurate weights and measures. The mission of BSTI is promoting international and regional standards by formulating, implementing product and service standards and ensuring correct weight and measurement of products and providing support to domestic and international trade by protecting the interests of consumers and stakeholders.
The BSTI has several wings to ensure standards are maintained across a variety of aspects of products and services. The BSTI ensures this through several wings: Certification Marks (CM) Wing, Standard Wing, Chemical Testing Wing, Physical Testing Wing, Metrology Wing, and Management System Certification Wing. Consumers are most familiar with the CM Wing as it issues the BSTI seal commonly seen on products on shelves at retail stores.
BSTI Certification Marks (CM)
Certification Marks are the certification of a product or service in accordance with a prescribed national standard (BDS) by a third party neutral organisation and permission to use the quality mark in favour of the certified product or service. As a result of such certification of quality by a third neutral organisation, the consumer of the product or service becomes confident and accepts that product or service. A standard mark on the label or package of a product certified under the Certification Marks Scheme enables consumers to distinguish quality products from untested or substandard products in the market.
Prioritizing public health and public safety, the government has so far brought a total of 184 industrial products including 78 agricultural and food products under Mandatory Certification Marks Scheme or Mandatory Certification Marks Scheme (MPCS) through the issuance of Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) at various times.
CM Process Map
The flowchart outlines the process by which the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) grants Certification Marks (CM) to products, ensuring they meet the Bangladesh standards (BDS). The process begins with the submission of an application form by manufacturers or companies seeking certification. BSTI reviews and accepts the application, recording it officially. The next step involves gaining approval for a factory inspection, during which BSTI inspectors visit the factory to verify that the production processes adhere to required standards and collect product samples for testing. These samples are rigorously tested in BSTI laboratories to ensure compliance with BDS. The results, along with a detailed inspection report, are submitted to BSTI for review. If the product meets all standards, the application is approved, and the applicant pays the necessary fees. BSTI then grants the license, and the product receives the Certification Mark. This thorough process, which includes detailed reporting, factory inspections, and sample testing, ensures that products with the BSTI CM are reliable and meet national standards, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and promoting safety.
The Bigger Picture
In Bangladesh, it is crucial for products sold in retail stores to carry the BSTI seal for several significant reasons. Firstly, the BSTI seal indicates that a product has been thoroughly inspected and tested to meet the Bangladesh standards (BDS), ensuring its quality and safety for consumers. This helps prevent the distribution of substandard or potentially harmful products, thereby protecting public health and safety.
Secondly, the BSTI seal fosters consumer confidence. When shoppers see the seal, they can trust that the product has undergone rigorous evaluation and complies with national standards. This trust is especially important in a market where counterfeit or low-quality products might be prevalent.
Furthermore, carrying the BSTI seal is often a legal requirement for certain products, particularly those that impact health and safety, such as food items, electrical goods, and construction materials. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, and failure to adhere can result in legal consequences, including fines, product recalls, or business closures.
Finally, having the BSTI seal can enhance a product’s marketability. Retailers and consumers tend to prefer certified products, which can lead to increased sales and a better reputation for manufacturers. This certification can be a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets.
