The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Southern Regional Laboratory (SRL), Chennai, celebrated World Standards Day 2026 by organising a technical seminar on “Building Stronger Testing Ecosystems – Empowering Laboratories to Support MSMEs” at The Le Royal Méridien, Alandur, Chennai.
The seminar highlighted the importance of testing laboratories in strengthening quality infrastructure, ensuring compliance with Indian Standards and improving the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Representatives from BIS, the MSME-Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, the National Test House and other institutions participated in the programme.
Dr. Surya Kalyani S, Scientist-E and Head of BIS Southern Regional Laboratory, delivered the welcome address. She highlighted the laboratory's role in supporting standardisation and conformity assessment through reliable testing facilities and emphasised the need for stronger coordination between laboratories, industries and MSMEs.
Shri S. D. Dayanand, Scientist-F, Senior Director and Head of BIS Chennai Branch Office, read the World Standards Day message, highlighting the importance of standards in ensuring product quality, safety and reliability.
Shri M. A. J. Vinod, Scientist-F and Deputy Director General of BIS Southern Regional Office, delivered the inaugural address. He described MSMEs as important contributors to economic growth, employment, innovation and exports. He stressed that reliable testing helps establish consumer trust and enables enterprises to meet quality requirements and compete in domestic and international markets.
He also highlighted BIS initiatives to strengthen testing infrastructure, expand access to laboratories, integrate NABL-accredited laboratories into certification schemes and promote digital reporting. Affordable testing facilities, he said, would help MSMEs overcome compliance barriers.
Chief guest Smt. K. V. Reshma, Additional Director, MSME-Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, delivered the keynote address. She stressed the importance of Indian Standards, testing facilities and technology upgradation in improving product quality and competitiveness.
Technical sessions covered MSME testing requirements, BIS certification support, and testing, calibration and technical assistance available through the National Test House.
An open house session enabled participants to interact with experts and clarify queries. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Dinesh Rajagopalan L, Scientist-D and Joint Director, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory.
The seminar reaffirmed BIS's commitment to empowering MSMEs through accessible testing facilities and improved quality compliance.