British Standards Institution

UK national standards body. Although government funded, the institution is independent. The BSI interprets international technical standards for the UK, and also sets its own.

The BSI was founded in 1901, taking its present name in 1931 after receiving a royal charter in 1929. For consumer goods, it sets standards which products should reach (the BS standard), as well as testing products to see that they conform to that standard, as a result of which the product may be given the BSI ‘kite’ mark. This symbol is used under licence on condition that the BSI is able to inspect the product or company on a regular basis to ensure standards are maintained. The BSI sets such standards in a variety of industries such as construction, electrical products, engineering, and textiles.