Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will streamline approval processes for high-tech companies to accelerate hardware deployments.
The Indian government is preparing a new framework to simplify Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements for high-tech companies establishing manufacturing units in the country. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the proposed changes will specifically benefit firms operating in sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Speaking at a roundtable on semiconductors and AI in Tokyo on Tuesday, August 25, Goyal confirmed that the government has designated the semiconductor industry as a key priority sector. He assured Japanese companies that they would receive backing from both central and state governments if they choose to explore manufacturing opportunities in India. This initiative aims to lower barriers for advanced technology firms launching operations in India while strengthening the nation’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
“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 acknowledged concerns raised by industry representatives regarding BIS certification processes, particularly for specialized equipment and components required by high-tech manufacturers. He stated that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the BIS have been directed to develop a streamlined framework to facilitate the entry of such equipment and components into India for manufacturing purposes. Under the proposed system, exemptions could be granted at various levels—including for specific sectors, companies, products, or projects—tailored to industry needs.
“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 emphasized that the objective is to ensure the timely availability of products, goods, and services for companies setting up manufacturing facilities, while simultaneously addressing regulatory hurdles that could impede their operations.
Highlighting the growing strategic alignment between India and Japan, Goyal noted that the bilateral relationship offers significant opportunities for deeper cooperation in advanced technologies and manufacturing. India is actively working to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem and attract global technology firms and suppliers as it expands its domestic electronics manufacturing and chip-making capabilities. Japanese companies are expected to play a pivotal role in this expansion through technology transfers, investments, and supply-chain partnerships.