GUWAHATI: Officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Guwahati Branch Office, conducted a search and seizure operation at the premises of Hanuman Steel and Shiv Alloys Steel in Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, on Wednesday, September 16.
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The operation was carried out following specific information received by BIS and a subsequent discreet investigation by the bureau.
During the operation, BIS officials found that the establishments were allegedly engaged in the manufacture, storage and sale of Cast Billet Ingots without a valid BIS licence or authorisation.
A total of 173.5 metric tonnes of Cast Billet Ingots were seized during the operation. The seized material was valued at nearly ₹87 lakh.
BIS said action is being initiated against the offenders under Section 17(1) of the BIS Act, 2016. Under the provision, violations can attract imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of not less than ₹2 lakh, or both.
Cast Billet Ingots are covered under Indian Standard IS 14650:2023 and have been notified by the Government of India for compulsory BIS certification.
The BIS Act also prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, hiring, leasing, storage or exhibition for sale of goods covered under compulsory certification without a Standard Mark, except under a valid licence.
BIS has urged citizens to report cases involving misuse of the ISI mark or the sale of products without mandatory BIS certification.
According to the Scientist E / Director and Head of the BIS Guwahati Branch Office, the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.