Cluster Based Test Facility for MSME

Some important points from “Guide line for utilisation of CBTF by MSME’s”

1. (iii) CBTFs for their operation shall adhere to the guidelines issued by the Laboratory Policy and Planning Department (LPPD) (Document reference DOC: BIS/CBTF/2020, as revised from time to time).
2. (i) For the purpose of operation of SIT (Scheme of Inspection and Testing) by MSMEs, the CBTFs (Cluster Based Test Facility) may be treated as in-house test facility except for the following:

(a) Tolerances of size and geometry (e.g. dimensions, shape in the form of flatness, straightness etc.)

(b) Visual examination up to 10x magnification level.

(c) Workmanship like absence of blur, solder flux splatter, sharp edges etc.

(d) Any requirement which necessitates quality checks during the production process.

3. (i) The management of CBTFs may or may not be independent of any industry of the cluster. Based on the location of CBTF in the cluster, two general illustrations are given below for guidance purposes:

(a) Outside the premises of any MSME manufacturer (licensee or applicant) –  This CBTF situation includes but is not limited to testing facility of industry association, government institutions, or any laboratory setup by entrepreneur(s) etc.

(b) Within the premises of any manufacturer (licensee or applicant)

4. (iii) The manufacturer shall also be responsible for maintaining proper records in-house as per SIT and making satisfactory arrangement for handling of samples along with proper identification. The CBTF may also be insisted upon to maintain the manufacturer-wise records for movement of samples, test results etc.
5. (iii) The manufacturer shall ensure that any changes made in the CBTF, as given in 5(ii) above, are maintained with change date and verified during the next factory visit. Any actions on the manufacturer arising due to CBTF shall be handled by concerned BO under whose jurisdiction CBTF is located keeping all other BOs informed, wherever required.
6. (i) Based on the request received from the manufacturer (applicant or licensee)for considering CBTF as their in-house test facility, the concerned BO shall arrange (through certification officer or agent, as applicable) to verify the testing facilities required for testing of the product. During the visit, the capacity of CBTF w.r.t testing shall also be assessed vis-à-vis the number of manufacturers utilizing this facility so as to ensure that utilization of multiple manufacturers does not hinder the operation of SIT by individual manufacturers.
7. (ii) During operation of licence, if there is/are any issues/difficulties in utilisation of CBTF, the manufacturer shall communicate the same to BIS immediately. The licensee manufacturer on its own shall suspend the use of Standard Mark immediately under intimation to BIS.