Consumer Education and Protection
Standard marks and consumer organisations
Read the marks on a label.
Standardisation is basic to quality. So buy products that carry standard marks.
| Mark | For |
|---|---|
| ISI | Bureau of Indian Standards certification: foods, electrical goods, soaps, detergents, paints, paper (some are mandatory) |
| Agmark | agricultural products |
| FPO | fruit and vegetable products (minimum standards, limits on metals and preservatives) |
| Woolmark | pure wool |
| Silk Mark | 100% natural silk |
| Hallmark | precious metals (gold, silver), tested for purity at an assaying centre |
| Ecomark | environment-friendly products (an earthen pot logo) |
| FSSAI | food standards, under the FSS Act 2006 |
Government bodies: the Bureau of Indian Standards, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, and consumer protection councils at the central and state levels.
Voluntary consumer organisations test products, spread awareness, handle complaints and publish magazines:
- VOICE (Delhi): 'Consumer Voice';
- CERC (Ahmedabad): 'Insight';
- Consumers Union (USA): 'Consumer Reports'; the UK's 'Which'; Australia's 'Choice'.
For example, before buying gold jewellery, look for the Hallmark; before buying an electric iron, look for the ISI mark. Look for the mark before you buy.
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