The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organized an MSME Stakeholder Conclave in collaboration with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Chennai, on 09 October 2026, at the MSME-DFO, Chennai. 

The conclave was organized as part of BIS's series of awareness and stakeholder outreach initiatives in  connection with the celebrations of World Standards Day 2026, with the objective of promoting awareness  and encouraging the adoption of Indian Standards among MSMEs and other stakeholders. 

Delivering the welcome address, Shri S. D. Dayanand, Senior Director & Head, BIS  Chennai, highlighted the vital role of MSMEs in manufacturing, economic growth, employment  generation and innovation. He emphasized that adherence to quality requirements and Indian Standards  enhances competitiveness, builds consumer confidence and improves market access for MSMEs. He encouraged participants to utilize the programme to gain a better understanding of BIS certification  procedures, applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs), testing facilities, and the concessions and benefits available to MSMEs from BIS, MSME and NTH. 

Shri G. Velladurai, Joint Director & Head, MSME Testing Centre, Chennai, delivered the inaugural  address and a technical session on “MSME Technology Centre Support for Quality and Technology  Upgradation.” He highlighted the contribution of MSMEs to national development and emphasized that  adherence to Indian Standards, coupled with access to testing and technology-upgradation facilities, enables enterprises to manufacture quality products, earn consumer trust and compete effectively in  domestic and international markets. 

Shri Muninarayana R., Director, BIS Chennai, delivered a session on Overview of BIS,  familiarizing participants with the organization's mandate and key activities in standardization, conformity  assessment and quality assurance. He elaborated on BIS certification procedures, applicable Quality  Control Orders (QCOs), marking fee concessions and relaxations relating to testing facilities. He  highlighted the concessions available under BIS certification schemes, including annual minimum  marking fee concessions of 80% for micro and startup enterprises, 50% for small enterprises, 20% for medium enterprises, and an additional 10% for women entrepreneur-led enterprises. He also  advised stakeholders and consumers to verify the authenticity of the ISI Mark, Hallmark and registrations under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) through the BIS Care App and the BIS portal. 

Dr. Seebai T. Joint Director, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory, Chennai, delivered a  session on “Financial Aid for MSME for Creating Test Facilities including imported testing equipment, from BIS.” She explained the assistance available for establishing common testing facilities to strengthen  quality infrastructure and enhance the competitiveness of MSME clusters.

Shri S. Mani, Scientist D (Mechanical) National Test House (Southern Region), Chennai, highlighted  the testing, calibration, inspection and quality-evaluation services offered by the National Test House. He  encouraged MSMEs to make effective use of these facilities and avail applicable discounts. 

The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which participants had the opportunity to  clarify their queries and gain insights into standardization, certification, testing facilities and technology upgradation support. 

The conclave reaffirmed BIS Chennai's commitment to promoting quality consciousness, strengthening  stakeholder engagement and supporting MSMEs in adopting Indian Standards to enhance product quality,  consumer confidence and competitiveness. 

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