The symbol 'ECOMARC' is related to which of the following ?
- (a)Goods of best quality
- (b)Safe goods for environment
- (c)Exported goods
- (d)Imported goods
Correct — B, Safe goods for environment. The symbol 'Ecomark' (spelt 'ECOMARC' in the question) is a certification mark launched by the Government of India in 1991 and administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is awarded to consumer products that are environment-friendly — i.e. that meet prescribed criteria for the least harm to the environment over their life-cycle. So the Ecomark identifies goods that are safe for the environment.
- (a)Goods of best quality — Wrong — general product-quality assurance is signified by the ISI mark (BIS) or, for food, AGMARK; the Ecomark specifically certifies environmental friendliness, not overall 'best quality'.
- (c)Exported goods — Wrong — the Ecomark has nothing to do with export status; it is a domestic eco-labelling certification for environment-friendly products.
- (d)Imported goods — Wrong — the Ecomark does not denote imported goods; it certifies the environmental credentials of a product regardless of origin.
Ecomark is India's voluntary eco-labelling scheme, instituted in 1991 by the Ministry of Environment and administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Products carrying the Ecomark — soaps, detergents, paper, textiles, cosmetics and more — must meet specified criteria for reduced environmental impact across their life-cycle, alongside meeting the relevant BIS quality standards. Its logo is an earthen pot, chosen because it uses a renewable resource, generates no hazardous waste and represents harmony with the ecosystem.
The trap is mixing up India's certification marks. The ISI mark = product quality/safety standards; AGMARK = agricultural produce quality; Hallmark = gold purity; and Ecomark = environment-friendliness. Focus on the 'eco' in the name — it points to the environment — so 'safe goods for environment' is the answer.
- Ecomark was launched in 1991 by the Government of India (Ministry of Environment).
- It is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- It certifies environment-friendly consumer products meeting prescribed life-cycle criteria.
- Its logo is an earthen pot; distinct from ISI (quality), AGMARK (agri) and Hallmark (gold).
- Confusing Ecomark (environment) with ISI (quality) or AGMARK (agricultural produce)
- Reading 'best quality' into an environmental certification
UPPSC & UPSC test what each certification mark signifies — remember Ecomark = environment-friendly, ISI = quality standard, AGMARK = agri produce, Hallmark = gold.
'Eco mark' is given to the Indian products that are
- (a) pure and unadulterated
- (b) rich in proteins
- (c) environment friendly
- (d) economically viable
Answer(c) environment friendly
Identical concept — UPSC asked the very same thing ('Eco mark' is given to products that are environment friendly), directly confirming the Ecomark = environment-safe goods answer.
- practice — not a real PYQ
Which Indian certification mark is awarded to agricultural products for quality?
- (a)Ecomark
- (b)ISI mark
- (c)AGMARK
- (d)Hallmark
Answer(c) AGMARK — it certifies the quality of agricultural produce; Ecomark certifies environment-friendliness.
- practice — not a real PYQ
The Ecomark scheme in India is administered by which body?
- (a)Central Pollution Control Board only
- (b)Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- (c)FSSAI
- (d)NITI Aayog
Answer(b) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — BIS administers the Ecomark scheme (launched 1991) for environment-friendly products.