India seeks to transform National Test House into global certification body

Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for the transformation of the National Test House (NTH) into a premier global testing and certification organization. Speaking at the inauguration of a new NTH building in Bengaluru during the agency's 115th Foundation Day, Joshi noted that India is now the 13th nation in the world to have its measurement standards globally recognized.

To support India's goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub, Joshi suggested the government may explore converting the NTH into a company to increase its responsibility and ensure its certificates gain worldwide acceptance. He emphasized the need for the NTH to expand its capacity into emerging sectors, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace, defense, and electronics.

Currently, the NTH is receiving testing samples from countries such as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Dubai. The minister highlighted that strengthening domestic testing infrastructure is essential to reducing dependence on foreign laboratories and supporting the country's growing export and manufacturing sectors.