If you are planning to manufacture, import or sell products in India, one of the first compliance questions to consider is whether your product requires certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
BIS certification is an important part of India's product quality and safety framework. Depending on the product category and applicable government notifications, manufacturers may need to obtain a BIS licence or registration before placing their products on the Indian market.
However, getting a BIS certificate is not simply a matter of filling out an online form. The process may involve identifying the correct Indian Standard, checking mandatory certification requirements, preparing technical documents, arranging product testing and completing a factory assessment.
The procedure also differs depending on the product. Some products follow the ISI Mark certification route, certain electronic and IT products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), and eligible foreign manufacturers may need to follow the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
UMS Product Compliance Services Pvt. Ltd. (UMSPCS) provides consultancy support to manufacturers, importers and foreign companies seeking guidance on BIS certification and product compliance in India.
This guide explains how to get BIS certificate, the steps involved, documents required, expected costs and timelines, and how to identify the correct certification route.
What Is a BIS Certificate?
A BIS certificate is an approval, licence or registration granted under the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards conformity assessment scheme.
BIS is India's national standards body. It develops Indian Standards and operates product certification schemes to assess whether products meet the relevant technical and quality requirements.
Depending on the certification scheme, an approval may authorise a manufacturer to use the applicable Standard Mark or place a registered product on the market under the prescribed conditions.
A BIS certificate is not a universal approval covering every product manufactured or sold by a company. Its scope depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard, brand, model, manufacturing premises and certification scheme.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory in India?
BIS certification is generally voluntary unless the Central Government makes compliance compulsory for a particular product through a Quality Control Order (QCO), notification or other applicable legal provision.
If a product is covered by a compulsory certification requirement, the manufacturer or other responsible applicant must follow the applicable BIS scheme before placing the product on the market, subject to relevant exemptions and provisions.
Before applying, check:
Whether the product appears in the current compulsory certification list.
Whether a QCO or other notification applies.
Which Indian Standard covers the product.
Whether the implementation date has arrived.
Whether any exemption or special provision applies.
Which BIS certification scheme is relevant.
Do not assume that every product requires an ISI Mark or that every imported product follows the same certification route.
Which BIS Certification Scheme Do You Need?
The first important step is selecting the correct scheme. The process depends on the product and the applicable regulatory requirements.
1. ISI Mark Certification for Indian Manufacturers
The ISI Mark certification route is used for products covered by the relevant BIS product certification scheme.
It generally involves product testing and assessment of the manufacturer's production facilities and quality-control arrangements.
Indian manufacturers producing products covered by compulsory ISI certification requirements may need to obtain the applicable licence before selling them in India.
2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronic Products
The Compulsory Registration Scheme applies to notified electronic and IT products covered by the relevant government orders.
Under CRS, the applicable product is tested according to the relevant Indian Standard through a BIS-recognised laboratory, and the manufacturer applies for registration through the prescribed portal.
Examples of product categories covered by CRS notifications have included mobile phones, laptops, power adaptors, power banks, LED products and other notified electronic or IT equipment.
The current product list and applicable standard should always be checked before starting the process.
Learn more about BIS Certification for Electronic Products.
3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Foreign manufacturers producing eligible products covered by the FMCS route may apply for BIS certification to sell those products in India.
The process can involve product testing, factory assessment, documentation and compliance with the applicable licensing conditions.
FMCS does not apply to every foreign-manufactured product. Notified electronic and IT products generally follow the applicable CRS requirements instead.
Learn more about BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers.
4. Other BIS Certification Schemes
Certain products may be covered by other conformity assessment schemes, including Scheme X or other applicable certification arrangements.
The correct route should be established from the product category, relevant Indian Standard and current regulatory notification.
How to Get a BIS Certificate in India: Step-by-Step Process
The following is a general guide to obtaining BIS product certification. The actual procedure may differ between ISI Mark certification, CRS, FMCS and other schemes.
Step 1: Identify Your Product and Manufacturer Details
Start by collecting the basic information about the product.
You should know:
Product name and description.
Intended use and application.
Brand or trade name.
Model numbers and product variants.
Manufacturer's legal name.
Manufacturing unit address.
Product specifications and technical details.
Correct product identification is essential because BIS requirements depend on the product's scope and classification.
Step 2: Check Whether BIS Certification Is Required
Check whether the product is covered by a compulsory certification notification or QCO.
If certification is compulsory, identify the applicable implementation date and scheme. If it is voluntary, assess whether obtaining certification is commercially or technically appropriate.
A product-specific applicability review can help prevent businesses from applying under the wrong scheme.
Step 3: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard (IS Number)
Every BIS product certification application must be associated with the relevant Indian Standard or other applicable technical requirements.
The standard describes the product requirements and may specify:
Product dimensions and construction.
Material requirements.
Performance criteria.
Safety requirements.
Sampling and testing methods.
Marking and labelling requirements.
Manufacturers can use the BIS standard search facility or seek clarification from the relevant BIS technical department if the correct standard is unclear.
Step 4: Review the Manufacturing and Quality-Control Facilities
For certification routes involving manufacturing assessment, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to produce products consistently in conformity with the applicable standard.
Depending on the product, the manufacturer may need:
Appropriate production machinery.
Suitable manufacturing infrastructure.
In-process quality controls.
Finished-product inspection procedures.
Required testing equipment.
Trained technical and quality-control personnel.
Production and testing records.
Reviewing these arrangements before applying can help identify gaps that need attention.
Step 5: Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare the company, product, technical and manufacturing documents required under the selected certification scheme.
Documents should be accurate and consistent. Differences in the company name, manufacturing address, brand or model information can create avoidable questions during assessment.
A general document checklist is provided below. The final list depends on the product and scheme.
Step 6: Arrange Product Testing
Product testing is an important part of many BIS certification processes.
Samples must be tested according to the applicable Indian Standard and the testing procedure prescribed for the selected scheme.
Depending on the route, testing may be conducted through BIS-recognised laboratories, prescribed third-party arrangements or other permitted facilities.
For CRS, manufacturers generally need to obtain a test report from a BIS-recognised laboratory and submit the application through the CRS portal according to the applicable procedure.
For ISI certification, testing and sample evaluation follow the relevant BIS certification guidelines.
Step 7: Submit the BIS Application
For the relevant product certification licence process, applications are submitted online through the prescribed BIS portal.
For Scheme I product certification, manufacturers can refer to the official BIS application guidance and the Manakonline portal.
The application may require:
Applicant and manufacturer details.
Product and Indian Standard information.
Brand and model details.
Manufacturing unit information.
Technical and quality-control documents.
Test-related information.
Prescribed application fees and other applicable payments.
The CRS and FMCS processes have their own applicable portals, forms and requirements.
Step 8: Complete Factory Inspection or Assessment, Where Applicable
For certification schemes involving factory assessment, BIS may examine the manufacturing premises and evaluate whether the manufacturer can maintain consistent product conformity.
The assessment may cover:
Production facilities and machinery.
Manufacturing process.
Raw material inspection.
In-process quality checks.
Testing equipment.
Calibration and maintenance records.
Finished-product testing.
Quality-control documentation.
Product identification and traceability.
The exact assessment requirements depend on the certification scheme and product.
Step 9: Resolve Technical Queries and Complete Compliance Requirements
During the process, the authority or laboratory may raise questions about documents, test results, product specifications or manufacturing arrangements.
The applicant should respond with accurate information and complete any required corrective action, additional testing or document submission.
Step 10: Receive the Applicable BIS Approval
If the application satisfies the applicable requirements, BIS may grant the relevant licence or registration.
Before using the Standard Mark or making certification claims, check the approved product scope, brand, model, manufacturing premises and applicable conditions.
Step 11: Maintain Compliance After Certification
Obtaining certification does not end the manufacturer's responsibilities.
Depending on the scheme, ongoing obligations may include:
Following the applicable Indian Standard.
Maintaining production and quality-control records.
Conducting required routine testing.
Using the mark only as authorised.
Cooperating with surveillance or inspection.
Meeting licence renewal or continuation requirements.
Reporting relevant changes when required.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The document checklist depends on the product, applicant and certification route. Commonly requested documents may include the following.
Company and Applicant Documents
Company incorporation or registration certificate.
Business address proof.
Details of authorised signatory.
Manufacturing unit address.
Authorisation letter, where applicable.
Business licence or manufacturing registration, where required.
Product and Technical Documents
Product name and description.
Applicable Indian Standard number.
Product specifications and technical datasheet.
Product photographs.
Brand and model details.
Technical drawings, where required.
User manual and product labels, where applicable.
Raw material specifications.
Manufacturing and Quality-Control Documents
Manufacturing process flow chart.
List of machinery and equipment.
Testing equipment details.
Quality-control procedures.
Calibration records, where applicable.
In-house testing arrangements.
Details of technical and quality-control personnel.
Factory layout and process information, where required.
Testing and Additional Documents
Product test reports, where applicable.
Declarations and undertakings.
Sample details.
Documents prescribed by the relevant BIS product manual.
Additional documents requested during assessment.
Foreign manufacturers may need additional documents and local representative arrangements depending on the certification scheme.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a BIS Certificate?
There is no single fixed price for every BIS certificate.
The total cost depends on the product, certification scheme, applicable Indian Standard and the work involved.
Typical cost components may include:
| Cost component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Prescribed fee for submitting the application |
| Testing charges | Laboratory testing and sample evaluation |
| Inspection charges | Factory assessment or inspection, where applicable |
| Licence or registration charges | Prescribed certification-related fees |
| Marking fee | Product-specific marking fee, where applicable |
| Additional expenses | Retesting, documentation or other applicable requirements |
| Consultancy charges | Professional assistance, if engaged |
The official fee structure may differ between certification schemes and can be revised. Therefore, businesses should check the current BIS fee schedule rather than relying on a general estimate.
For a product-specific estimate, the product name, Indian Standard, manufacturing location and certification route should be reviewed first.
How Long Does It Take to Get a BIS Certificate?
The time required depends on the selected scheme, product category, testing arrangements, document readiness and assessment requirements.
The process can take longer when:
The applicable Indian Standard is unclear.
Documents are incomplete.
Product samples do not meet the requirements.
Laboratory testing is delayed.
Manufacturing facilities need improvement.
Factory inspection identifies gaps.
Additional information or retesting is required.
BIS publishes indicative processing information for particular certification procedures. These timelines should not be treated as guaranteed completion dates. The actual period depends on the application and the applicable process.
Can an Importer Apply for a BIS Certificate?
This depends on the certification scheme.
For ISI Mark product certification, the application is generally linked to the manufacturer and the manufacturing premises. An importer cannot simply use another manufacturer's licence as their own.
Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer is responsible for applying for the applicable licence; an importer cannot apply on the manufacturer's behalf as the FMCS applicant.
For CRS, the manufacturer applies under the applicable registration procedure. Foreign applicants may need to appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) if they do not have the relevant office or establishment in India, subject to the applicable guidelines.
Importers should identify the product's certification requirement and verify that the approval covers the actual manufacturer, brand and model being imported.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for BIS Certification
1. Choosing the Wrong Indian Standard
A similar product may be covered by a different Indian Standard. Confirm the exact product scope before arranging testing.
2. Applying Under the Wrong Certification Scheme
ISI Mark, CRS and FMCS are not interchangeable. The correct route depends on the product and applicable regulations.
3. Ignoring Manufacturing Readiness
For schemes involving factory assessment, inadequate production or testing facilities can create difficulties during evaluation.
4. Submitting Inconsistent Documents
Company names, addresses, brand details and model numbers should match across the application and supporting records.
5. Using an Unacceptable Test Report
Testing must follow the applicable scheme's laboratory and report requirements. Confirm the permitted laboratory and report validity before arranging tests.
6. Assuming One Certificate Covers Every Product
Certification is limited to the approved scope. A licence or registration for one model or manufacturing location does not automatically cover all other products or factories.
7. Ignoring Post-Certification Conditions
Manufacturers must continue following the applicable testing, marking, surveillance and renewal requirements after receiving approval.
How UMSPCS Can Help You Get a BIS Certificate
Obtaining BIS certification involves technical requirements, documentation and coordination with the relevant testing and certification processes.
UMS Product Compliance Services Pvt. Ltd. (UMSPCS) provides consultancy support to Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers and businesses seeking to understand BIS requirements for the Indian market.
Our support may include:
Product applicability assessment: Reviewing whether the product may fall under compulsory BIS certification.
Indian Standard identification: Helping identify the relevant IS number and product scope.
Certification route guidance: Explaining the applicable ISI, CRS, FMCS or other relevant route.
Documentation assistance: Helping organise company, product and technical documents.
Testing coordination: Supporting the planning and coordination of required product testing.
Application assistance: Helping prepare information for the applicable application process.
Factory readiness guidance: Explaining manufacturing, quality-control and testing requirements.
Inspection preparation: Helping manufacturers understand the applicable assessment process.
Post-certification guidance: Explaining licence conditions and continuing compliance responsibilities.
Our approach is to understand the product and its regulatory requirements before recommending the next steps.
Learn more about BIS Certification Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I get a BIS certificate in India?
First, identify your product and check whether BIS certification is compulsory. Then determine the applicable Indian Standard and certification scheme, prepare the required documents, complete testing and submit the application through the prescribed portal. Factory assessment may also be required, depending on the scheme.
2. Is BIS certification compulsory for every product?
No. BIS certification is generally voluntary unless the Central Government makes it compulsory for a product through a QCO, notification or other applicable legal provision.
3. Who can apply for a BIS certificate?
The eligible applicant depends on the certification scheme. For ISI certification and FMCS, the application is generally linked to the manufacturer. CRS applications are also made by the manufacturer under the applicable registration procedure.
4. What documents are required for BIS certification?
Common documents include company registration details, factory information, product specifications, brand and model details, manufacturing process information, quality-control documents and applicable test reports. The exact checklist depends on the product and scheme.
5. Is product testing compulsory for BIS certification?
Testing is an important part of BIS certification and registration. The laboratory, sample requirements and testing procedure depend on the applicable scheme and product.
6. Is factory inspection required for a BIS certificate?
Factory assessment is required under many product certification procedures, including the applicable ISI licensing process. Other schemes may follow different assessment arrangements.
7. How much does BIS certification cost in India?
The cost depends on the product, certification scheme, testing charges, prescribed BIS fees, marking fees and other applicable expenses. A product-specific review is necessary for a reliable estimate.
8. How long does it take to obtain a BIS certificate?
The timeline varies by certification scheme, product, testing, document readiness and assessment. BIS publishes indicative timelines for certain procedures, but actual processing time may differ.
9. Can a foreign manufacturer obtain BIS certification?
Yes. Eligible foreign manufacturers can apply through the applicable BIS route. FMCS covers eligible products other than electronic and IT products handled under the CRS route. Other product-specific schemes may also apply.
10. Can one BIS certificate cover multiple manufacturing locations?
Not automatically. Separate applications or licences may be required for different manufacturing premises, depending on the applicable scheme and product requirements.
11. Can I sell my product while the BIS application is under process?
If the product is covered by a compulsory certification requirement, do not assume that submitting an application permits you to sell it without the required approval. Check the applicable notification, implementation date and any relevant exemption.
12. Can UMSPCS help me obtain a BIS certificate?
UMSPCS can assist with product applicability assessment, Indian Standard identification, documentation, testing coordination, application preparation and certification-related guidance. The final certification decision rests with BIS or the authority responsible for the applicable scheme.
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