BIS conducted 26 raids against the misuse of ISI mark in various parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Gujarat, a release of BIS' southern regional office said in Chennai.

In Tamil Nadu, a raid was carried out at the premises of Arivazhagan in Chennai for processing packaged drinking water, it said.

In Maharashtra, BIS carried out raid at 13 premises for using ISI brand without getting proper licence. These included sellers of LPG tubing and water proofing cement compounds, plywood and blockboards and HDPE pipes.

In Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, six raids (two each) were conducted, three raids in Orissa and one each in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, it said.

"Nationwide raids are conducted regularly against the manufacturers or traders found engaged in illegal manufacturing or dealing in consumer and other goods, chief vigilance officer, BIS, Anant Dhul, said.

The release also said that strict actions would be taken against those who manufacture 15 items, which were brought for compulsory certification last year, and misuse ISI mark without a valid licence from BIS.

The items included cable, electrical switches, MCBs, energy meters, electrical irons and other appliances.