New Delhi, August 25: India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Tuesday that the government is working to simplify the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification rules for semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), and other high-tech companies looking to establish manufacturing units in the country. The aim is to reduce regulatory challenges for investors and develop India as a global electronics manufacturing hub.
Speaking at a roundtable meeting on semiconductors and AI held in Tokyo, Goyal stated that the semiconductor sector has been included in the national priorities. He assured that both central and state governments would fully support Japanese companies exploring investment opportunities in India.
“We want to make India a global electronics manufacturing center,” he emphasized, adding that the government will assist investors in identifying suitable local partners and stakeholders.
Goyal noted that industry representatives have raised concerns regarding the BIS certification process. They reported facing complexities in obtaining certification for several specialized machines, tools, and components needed for high-tech manufacturing when importing them into India.
Taking these concerns seriously, the Commerce and Industry Ministry and BIS have been instructed to develop a new framework aimed at facilitating the import and use of such equipment and components. This initiative is designed to prevent unnecessary delays in establishing new manufacturing units in India.
He mentioned that the proposed system would consider various levels of exemptions, including options based on specific sectors, companies, or projects.
“After returning to India, we will work on this framework and seek solutions through collective exemptions, product-based exemptions, project-based exemptions, or company-level exemptions,” Goyal stated.
He stressed that the government’s goal is to ensure that companies starting production in India have timely access to necessary products, equipment, and services, so that regulatory processes do not hinder their projects.
The minister also highlighted the growing strategic cooperation between India and Japan, noting that the relationship offers extensive opportunities in areas like new technologies, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain development.
Currently, India is focusing on developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem and attracting global technology companies. The government is implementing several policy measures to expand electronics manufacturing and chip production capabilities.
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