Majority of Brics standards agencies sign cooperation pact

Majority of Brics standards agencies sign cooperation pact

Majority of Brics standards agencies sign - The majority of Brics standards agencies have recently concluded a landmark collaboration agreement during a high-level meeting in Bengaluru, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This memorandum of understanding (MoU) marks a strategic step toward strengthening quality infrastructure across Brics nations and addressing shared challenges in trade and consumer protection. By fostering coordination among member countries, the pact aims to align technical standards with the evolving needs of emerging economies while promoting safer, more competitive products on the global market.

Signatories and Participation Dynamics

Of the 11 Brics nations, six—India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and China—have formally committed to the MoU. Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE are anticipated to join following internal approvals, which are expected to be completed soon. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has opted out of recent Brics meetings under India’s leadership, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs. This partial participation highlights the diverse priorities among members but underscores the strong momentum of collaboration among the majority of Brics standards agencies.

The agreement was signed during a two-day summit attended by representatives of Brics National Standards Bodies (NSBs). The event, which concluded on Friday, emphasized the importance of shared knowledge and best practices in standardization. Delegates from India, Russia, China, and other signatories highlighted how joint efforts can streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and create more harmonized standards across regions. This collaborative framework is seen as a foundation for addressing technical barriers that have historically hindered trade between developing economies.

Strategic Objectives and Global Alignment

The MoU seeks to unify strategies for lowering technical trade barriers and ensuring product safety, which are critical for enhancing market access. By aligning with international standards set by bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the majority of Brics standards agencies aim to create a more inclusive and representative global standardization landscape. This approach not only addresses the unique needs of Brics nations but also positions them as key players in shaping international norms for technology and trade.

The cooperation pact will focus on areas such as digital standards, green technologies, and consumer goods. These sectors are expected to drive innovation and sustainability, as noted by officials. Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the process must remain inclusive and transparent, ensuring that all nations have a voice in shaping standards. He also pointed out that the pact will help create a more resilient and adaptable quality infrastructure, crucial for meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.

Impact on Trade and Innovation

With Brics nations accounting for nearly half the world’s population and 40% of global GDP, the MoU represents a significant shift in how emerging economies engage with international trade. The majority of Brics standards agencies aim to reduce non-tariff barriers through coordinated efforts, enabling smoother cross-border transactions. This is particularly important for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often struggle with compliance costs and disparate technical requirements. By harmonizing standards, the pact is expected to create a level playing field and stimulate economic growth.

The workshop on AI standardization, scheduled for the summit’s final day, will further explore the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of Brics cooperation. Delegates from India, Russia, China, Brazil, and the UAE will discuss how to develop frameworks that support innovation while ensuring ethical and safety standards. This focus on AI aligns with the broader objectives of the MoU, which includes fostering technological progress and preparing for the challenges of the 21st-century economy. The collaboration is seen as a model for how standards can drive both economic and social development.

Experts stress that the MoU is a pivotal step in empowering Brics nations to influence global standardization. "The majority of Brics standards agencies are now poised to lead in setting benchmarks for critical technologies like AI and renewable energy," said Dr. Ravi Kumar, a policy analyst at the Centre for Global Governance. "This partnership will not only enhance domestic industries but also position the Brics bloc as a key actor in global trade negotiations." The agreement is expected to strengthen trust among member countries, as evidenced by the growing number of product certifications and voluntary standards issued by the BIS, which now exceed 26,793 certifications and 24,330 standards as of November 2025.