Date extended for getting BIS mark

Coimbatore: The Finance Ministry has extended the time limit up to December 31 for the pump manufacturers to get the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark for availing themselves of the SSI duty exemption. In a statement, Mr C.R. Shanmughasundaram, President, SIEMA, and Mr G. Rajendran, Convenor, Joint Action Council, said initially the Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, had agreed to extend the time limit up to July 31 this year for the small and tiny pump manufacturers to get the BIS certification to be eligible for the SSI exemption. But these units expressed their inability to create testing facilities at their factories and prepare samples within the timeframe earlier specified and sought extension of time by six months.

In response to the request, the Finance Minister has given time till December 31 to comply with the rule. The small and tiny pump manufacturers have said the Government's decision would greatly benefit the industry.