If you are buying an ISI-marked product in India, one of the easiest ways to check whether the product is genuinely BIS certified is to verify its CML number. The CML number, commonly displayed as CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX, is the BIS licence number associated with a manufacturer and its certified product.
Checking the CML number online can help consumers, distributors, retailers and businesses verify whether an ISI Mark is genuine and whether the licence information matches the product.
In this guide, we explain how to check CML number online in India, how to use the BIS Care App, what information you can verify and what to do if the details do not match.
What Is a CML Number?
A CML number is the licence number associated with a BIS product certification licence. BIS states that the licence number is indicated along with the BIS Standard Mark, generally in the format CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX. It helps identify the licensed manufacturing unit associated with the certified product.
For products carrying the ISI Mark, checking the CML number is an important step in determining whether the certification information is genuine.
However, simply seeing an ISI logo or a CM/L number printed on a product does not mean that the product is automatically genuine. The licence details should be verified through official BIS resources.
Why Should You Check a CML Number Online?
Fake or unauthorised ISI markings can mislead consumers. BIS itself warns about misuse of the Standard Mark by manufacturers or traders who do not hold a valid BIS licence.
A CML number verification can help you:
Check BIS licence details
Verify an ISI-marked product
Identify the licensed manufacturer
Check the relevant Indian Standard
Compare the product information with the certification details
Identify potentially unauthorised use of the ISI Mark
This is particularly useful when purchasing products where quality and safety are important.
How to Check CML Number Online?
The easiest option for consumers is to use the official BIS Care App.
BIS says that its BIS Care App is available for Android and iOS and is free to download. It includes a “Verify Licence Details” feature that allows consumers to check the authenticity of products carrying the BIS Standard Mark.
Step 1: Find the CML Number
First, look at the product, packaging or marking and locate the BIS Standard Mark.
The licence number is generally shown in the format:
CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX
Make a note of the complete number before starting the verification.
Step 2: Download BIS Care App
Download the official BIS Care App from the relevant app store.
BIS states that the application is free to download and supports multiple languages.
Step 3: Register Your Mobile Number
Install the application and complete the required registration process using your mobile number.
Step 4: Select “Verify Licence Details”
Open the BIS Care App and select the “Verify Licence Details” option.
This feature is specifically provided to help consumers check the authenticity of products carrying the BIS Standard Mark.
Step 5: Enter the CML Number
Enter the CML/CM-L number shown on the product.
Make sure that you enter the number correctly, including all relevant digits.
Step 6: Check the Licence Information
After submitting the number, review the information displayed by the BIS system.
Compare the details with the actual product, including the manufacturer, product description and applicable Indian Standard.
If the information does not correspond with the product you are checking, further investigation may be necessary.
What Information Can You Verify?
A BIS licence record can provide important information associated with the certification.
Depending on the applicable record and system, users may be able to verify information such as:
Manufacturer or licence-holder details
Product covered by the licence
Indian Standard number
Licence status
Scope or varieties covered
Manufacturing location
Licence validity information
BIS documentation indicates that licence records can include the licence validity, current status, Indian Standard, product and approved scope.
This information is useful because a valid CML number alone is not enough. The product and manufacturer should also correspond to the licence details.
How to Check Whether an ISI Mark Is Genuine?
The ISI Mark is the BIS Standard Mark used for applicable certified products. BIS explains that a genuine Standard Mark is accompanied by the relevant licence number, which helps identify the manufacturing unit.
To perform an effective ISI Mark verification:
Locate the ISI/BIS Standard Mark.
Find the CM/L licence number.
Enter the number into the official BIS verification facility.
Review the manufacturer details.
Check the product and Indian Standard.
Compare the online information with the physical product.
If there is a mismatch, do not assume the product is genuine.
What If the CML Number Is Not Found?
If a CML number cannot be verified, do not immediately conclude that the product is fake. First, check whether:
The number was entered correctly.
The product is covered under a different BIS certification or registration scheme.
The marking is unclear or incorrectly printed.
The licence information has changed.
If the product appears to be using the BIS Standard Mark without a valid licence, BIS provides complaint mechanisms for reporting suspected misuse. BIS conducts enforcement activities against unauthorised use or imitation of the Standard Mark.
Can You Check CML Number Without the BIS Care App?
Yes. BIS provides online information and licence-related resources through its official website and e-BIS systems. The BIS website also provides an Online Information – List of BIS Licences resource.
For the most reliable verification, consumers should use official BIS services rather than relying on third-party websites claiming to verify CML numbers.
CML Number vs BIS Certificate Number
People often use terms such as CML number, BIS licence number, BIS certificate number and ISI licence number interchangeably.
For products certified under the relevant BIS product certification scheme, the licence number associated with the Standard Mark is commonly shown as CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX. BIS refers to this as the licence number.
The exact certification or registration identification can differ depending on the BIS scheme applicable to a particular product. Therefore, businesses should identify the correct BIS scheme before relying on a particular number format.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check CML number online is an important step for verifying an ISI-marked product in India. Consumers can use the official BIS Care App and BIS online resources to verify licence details and compare them with the information printed on the product.
Before purchasing an ISI-marked product, check the CM/L number, manufacturer, product details and applicable Indian Standard rather than relying only on the ISI logo.
For manufacturers and businesses, maintaining a valid BIS licence and using the Standard Mark only according to BIS requirements is essential. BIS also provides online resources for manufacturers applying for product certification and for checking applicable standards and licensing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a CML number?
A CML number is the BIS licence number associated with a certified product and is generally displayed in the format CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX.
2. How can I check my CML number online?
You can use the official BIS Care App and select Verify Licence Details to check information associated with an ISI-marked product.
3. Is CML number verification free?
The BIS Care App is free to download and provides the Verify Licence Details feature.
4. Can I verify an ISI Mark using the CML number?
Yes. The CML/CM-L number can be used through BIS's licence verification facilities to check certification information associated with the Standard Mark.
5. What should I do if a CML number appears fake?
Compare the licence information with the product and, if you suspect misuse of the BIS Standard Mark, use the complaint mechanisms provided by BIS. BIS actively takes enforcement action against unauthorised use of its Standard Mark.
Comments