Difference Between ISI Mark And AGMARK Certification

The difference between ISI Mark and AGMARK Certification is crucial for understanding product authenticity and quality in India. These certifications will help the sellers gain consumer trust and assure buyers that the products meet established safety and quality standards.

The ISI Mark certifies consumer and industrial products, while AGMARK applies specifically to agricultural produce. Both certifications are essential for ensuring product reliability, market credibility, and compliance with safety guidelines set by their respective regulatory authorities. When purchasing products, we frequently encounter these marks, which indicate that a product has met specific quality criteria and is safe for consumption. In this article, we will explore the differences between AGMARK and ISI Mark, diving into their details and examining their significance across various industries.

What Is the ISI Mark?

The ISI Mark, which stands for Indian Standards Institute, is now managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification mark signifies that a product complies with Indian Standards. It is mandatory for specific categories of products, including electrical appliances, cement, LPG cylinders, and food items such as packaged drinking water, milk powder, and cooking oil.

The ISI Mark ensures that products meet specific quality standards and are safe for consumer use. It guarantees that items are manufactured according to established guidelines and have undergone rigorous testing for quality and safety. Widely recognised throughout India, products bearing the ISI Mark enjoy increased credibility and trust among consumers.

What Is AGMARK Certification?

AGMARK is a certification mark specifically used for agricultural products in India. It is administered by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

This certification primarily applies to various agricultural commodities, such as grains, cereals, pulses, spices, edible oils, and other related products. The main objective of AGMARK certification is to ensure that agricultural goods meet specific quality and grade standards. By doing so, it helps standardize market prices, informs consumers about the quality of the products they purchase, and promotes fair trade practices for farmers.

Also Read: Difference Between ISO and ISI Mark

Difference Between ISI Mark And AGMARK Certification

The ISI Mark and AGMARK certifications are two distinct certifications in India, each serving a specific purpose and applying to different types of products. Here are the key differences:

• Purpose and Scope:
  • ISI Mark: Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, this certification focuses on ensuring the quality and safety of a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Such as electrical appliances, automotive components, cement, and steel.
  • AGMARK Certification: This certification is specifically for agricultural products, which shows that the product has met set standards of quality, and grade.
• Issuing Authority:
  • ISI Mark: The ISI mark is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, which serves as the national standards body in India.
  • AGMARK Certification: Administered by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. It is a part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• Applicability:
  • ISI Mark: Applicable to a wide range of manufactured and consumer goods across various industries.
  • AGMARK Certification: Specifically applicable to agricultural products such as grains, cereals, pulses, spices, and edible oils.
• Focus on Standards:
  • ISI Mark: Ensures adherence to specific quality and safety standards set by BIS, covering aspects like performance, safety, and overall quality.
  • AGMARK Certification: Focuses on ensuring that agricultural products meet minimum quality and grade standards, providing consumers with information about the product’s quality and origin.
• Consumer Information:
  • ISI Mark: Offers assurance to consumers regarding the safety and quality of the products they purchase.
  • AGMARK Certification: Provides consumers with information about the quality and grade of agricultural products, aiding them in making informed purchasing decisions.
• Product Categories:
  • ISI Mark: Covers a broad variety of products from diverse industries.
  • AGMARK Certification: Primarily applies to agricultural commodities.

How Do ISI And FSSAI Certifications Differ?

The FSSAI certification applies only to food products, ensuring their safety and quality. In contrast, the ISI certification covers a broader range of products, including industrial items, building materials (like cement and steel), electrical appliances, LPG cylinders, cooking oil, packaged drinking water, and more, verifying their compliance with Indian Standards.

What Is The Significance Of Hallmarks?

Just like the ISI Mark and Agmark, the Hallmarks are also used to provide certification for the quality of the products. Hallmarks provide quality and purity assurance for gold jewellery.

How Are AGMARK And FSSAI Different?

Agmark and FSSAI are different as Agmark certification is needed for agricultural foods to guarantee their quality, while FSSAI licensing is for covering every food item that includes agricultural and non-agricultural products. The other difference between them is that FSSAI is a government agency, while Agmark is the certification provided by the statutory authorities.

Which Departments Issue The AGMARK?

Department of Agriculture, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare are the statutory bodies responsible for the administration of Agmark under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Government of India.