India to ease BIS certification rules for high-tech firms: Piyush Goyal

Tokyo/New Delhi: The Indian government is working on a framework to ease Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements for high-tech companies, including semiconductor and artificial intelligence firms, looking to establish manufacturing operations in the country, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a roundtable on semiconductors and AI in Tokyo, Goyal said the government has identified the semiconductor sector as a priority and assured Japanese companies that they would receive support from both the Centre and state governments as they explore 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 in the country.

Goyal said he had taken note of concerns raised by industry representatives regarding BIS certification requirements, particularly for specialised equipment and components needed by high-tech manufacturers.

He said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and BIS had already been directed to develop a framework that would facilitate the entry of such equipment and components into India for manufacturing purposes.

The proposed framework could allow exemptions at different levels, including for specific sectors, companies, products or projects, depending on the requirements of the industry.

“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 emphasised that the objective was to ensure timely availability of products, goods and services for companies setting up manufacturing facilities in India, while addressing regulatory concerns that could affect their operations.

The minister also highlighted the growing strategic alignment between India and Japan, saying the relationship presents significant opportunities for deeper cooperation in advanced technologies and manufacturing.

India is seeking to build a stronger semiconductor ecosystem and attract global technology companies and suppliers as it expands domestic electronics manufacturing and chip-making capabilities. Japanese companies are expected to play an important role in this effort through technology, investment and supply-chain partnerships.

IANS