BIS Seizes 130 GFRP Reinforcement Bars in Coimbatore Over Certification Violations

Coimbatore:

Acting on credible intelligence about the alleged misuse of the BIS Standard (ISI) Mark, officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Coimbatore Branch Office, carried out an enforcement search and seizure operation at Evershine Dynamic Corporation Limited on Mill Road in Coimbatore on Wednesday.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 130 Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars, valued at around ₹2 lakh, for alleged violations of the BIS Act, 2016.

During the inspection, BIS officials found that the company was allegedly storing and selling Solid Round Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars bearing the BIS Standard (ISI) Mark without possessing a valid BIS licence. According to BIS, the use of the ISI Mark without authorisation amounts to misuse of the BIS Standard Mark and is a violation of the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Ramesh K., Director and Head of the BIS Coimbatore Branch Office, said legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible. He stated that offences under Section 28 of the BIS Act are punishable with imprisonment of up to two years for a first conviction, or a fine of not less than ₹2 lakh, which may extend to ten times the value of the goods, or both.

BIS urged consumers to purchase only products carrying the genuine ISI Mark along with a valid BIS licence number, which can be verified through the BIS CARE mobile application. The Bureau also advised manufacturers and suppliers to strictly comply with the provisions of the BIS Act and applicable Quality Control Orders, stating that non-compliance not only compromises consumer safety but also attracts penal action under the law.

The Bureau further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected misuse of the ISI Mark or the sale of uncertified products to the nearest BIS office or through the BIS CARE app.

What exactly are GFRP bars?

Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars are high-strength reinforcement bars made from glass fibres embedded in a polymer resin. They are increasingly used instead of conventional steel reinforcement bars (TMT bars) in construction projects

Since these bars are used as structural reinforcement in concrete, BIS certification is important to ensure they meet the required safety and quality standards.