BIS Certification in India: Complete Guide for Domestic & Foreign Manufacturers

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification comes from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It shows that products in India are safe, reliable, and of good quality. The BIS, formerly known as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), serves as the national body for standards. It creates and enforces standards for different industries.

Products with the BIS logo or ISI mark meet Indian standards. This means they follow strict rules for safety, quality, and performance. 

The term "BIS approved" means that a product has passed strict tests. It has also gone through checks to ensure it meets standards. This makes the product legal to sell in India.

With over 20,000 standards covering sectors like electronics and information technology, food, construction, and automotive, BIS certification is mandatory for products under compulsory certification. To enter the Indian market, you need a BIS license. This applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

Understanding BIS Certification: Meaning and Relevance

The BIS certification means more than just a regulatory requirement. It shows a commitment to consumer safety and quality. The BIS certificate full form is the Bureau of Indian Standards Certification. 

It helps standardize products. This protects public health, supports environmental sustainability, and ensures fair trade practices.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) runs the compulsory registration scheme (CRS). It requires BIS certification for electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and power adapters. Products without the BIS logo on products or a valid registration number face market restrictions, fines, or legal penalties.

Why is BIS Certification Important?

1. Legal Compliance: The BIS certification scheme ensures adherence to the Indian Standards Institution guidelines. Selling non-compliant products can lead to seizures or bans.
2. Consumer Trust: The ISI mark or standard mark assures buyers of product reliability, boosting brand credibility.
3. Global Market Access: For foreign manufacturers, BIS registration via the FMCS demonstrates compliance with Indian norms, easing market entry.
4. Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing under conformity assessment protocols minimizes risks of substandard products.

Products Under Compulsory BIS Certification

The list of products requiring BIS certification spans 380+ categories, including:

• Electronics and IT Goods (e.g., batteries, LED lights, smartwatches).
• Chemicals and Petrochemicals (e.g., PVC pipes, LPG cylinders).
• Food and drinks (like bottled water and milk powder).
• Automotive Components (e.g., tires, helmets, safety glass). 

A complete list is available on the BIS portal under “products under compulsory certification.”

BIS Certification Process: Step-by-Step

1. Identify Applicability: Determine if your product falls under the compulsory registration scheme (CRS) or voluntary certification.
2. Submit Application: File through the BIS portal. Include details like product type, manufacturing address, and Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) information for foreign applicants.
3. Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-recognized labs to verify compliance with Indian Standards Institution norms.
4. Factory Inspection: BIS officials audit manufacturing facilities to assess quality control processes.
5. License Grant: After a successful evaluation, BIS registration is given. It includes a unique registration number and permission to use the BIS logo on products.

ISI Mark Registration for Domestic Manufacturers

Domestic manufacturers can obtain the ISI Mark through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I. The process involves:

1. Application Submission: Apply online via the BIS portal (www.manakonline.in), providing details of the manufacturing unit and product.
2. Product Testing: Submit product samples to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing against relevant Indian Standards.
3. Inspection: BIS conducts an on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess compliance with quality control measures.
4. License Grant: Upon successful evaluation, BIS issues a license to use the ISI Mark on the product.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronics

Under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), certain electronic products require CRS registration:

1. Test Request Generation: Log in to the CRS portal (www.crsbis.in), generate a test request, and select a BIS-recognized laboratory.
2. Product Testing: Send product samples to the selected laboratory for testing.
3. Application Submission: After receiving the test report, submit the application online along with the report and other required documents.
4. Grant: Upon successful evaluation, BIS grants registration for the product.

Hallmarking Registration for Jewellers

Jewellers wishing to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery must register with BIS

1. Online Registration: Visit the BIS portal (www.manakonline.in) and apply for registration.
2. Certificate Issuance: BIS issues a certificate of registration, which is valid for a lifetime.
3. Compliance: Jewellers must adhere to BIS guidelines and ensure the purity of the jewellery.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) helps international manufacturers get BIS certification. This allows them to enter India’s large consumer market.

Under this plan, foreign companies must choose an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). This is a legal entity in India that will act as their contact with the BIS. The AIR assumes responsibility for ensuring compliance, submitting documentation, and addressing queries during the certification process.

The FMCS process involves several critical steps:

1. Application Submission: Foreign manufacturers must submit a detailed application through the BIS portal, including factory details, product specifications, and AIR credentials. This step also requires proof of manufacturing capabilities, such as ISO certifications or quality management system (QMS) documentation.
2. Document Scrutiny: BIS officials review technical documents, including product design schematics, test reports from accredited labs, and manufacturing process details. Electronics and IT products must meet CRS rules set by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
3. Factory Inspection: BIS conducts unexpected or scheduled audits of overseas manufacturing facilities to verify adherence to Indian standards. Inspectors evaluate raw material sourcing, production workflows, and quality control mechanisms. Non-compliance here can lead to application rejection or delays.
4. Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-approved labs in India and other countries. This checks for safety, durability, and performance. For example, electronic devices undergo rigorous checks for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and energy efficiency.
5. Annual Surveillance: Post-certification, manufacturers must undergo yearly audits and submit renewal documents to retain their BIS license. The AIR plays a crucial role in coordinating these activities and ensuring timely updates.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Securing BIS certification demands meticulous preparation of technical, legal, and administrative documents. Below is a comprehensive breakdown:

1. Factory and Business Licenses:
   • Valid manufacturing licenses issued by the home country’s regulatory body.
   • Proof of factory registration, including address, layout, and machinery details.
   • Foreign applicants must submit equivalent certifications, such as CE or FCC. They should also provide translated copies if the documents are not in English.
2. Test Reports from BIS-Approved Labs:
   • Product-specific test reports confirming compliance with relevant Indian Standards (IS). For instance, IT hardware must meet IS 13252 (Part 1) for safety.
   • Reports must be recent, within 90 days of applying. They should include details like voltage tolerance, material composition, and failure assessment.
3. Product Design and Technical Specifications:
   • Engineering drawings, circuit diagrams, and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
   • User manuals and warranty documents in English and local Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Tamil).
4. Affidavit of Conformity:
   • A legal declaration signed by the manufacturer and AIR, affirming that the product meets BIS standards.
   • A judicial authority must notarize and stamp it.
5. AIR Authorization Letter:
   • A power of attorney (POA) authorizing the AIR to act on the manufacturer’s behalf.
   • Includes the AIR’s contact details, PAN card, and proof of Indian residency.
6. Additional Documents for CRS Products:
   • Self-declaration of conformity (DoC) for electronics under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.
   • Proof of compliance with MeitY’s testing protocols, such as SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) reports for mobile phones. Tips for Efficient Documentation:
     • Translate non-English documents through government-approved agencies.
     • Use digital tools like the BIS portal’s document checklist to avoid omissions.
     • Retain copies of all submissions for future audits or renewals.

Challenges in Obtaining BIS Certification

While BIS certification unlocks India’s market, the journey is fraught with obstacles:

1. Complex Documentation:
   • Navigating the labyrinth of technical standards (e.g., IS 16046 for batteries) requires expertise. Misinterpretation of guidelines often leads to application rejections. For example, confusing ISI mark requirements for steel products with those for electronics can cause costly delays.
   • Small manufacturers struggle with creating detailed quality manuals or process flowcharts, necessitating third-party consultancy services.
2. Testing Delays:
   • High demand for BIS-recognized labs results in backlogs. The certification process for LED lamps experienced a delay of 4 to 6 months. This happened during India's solar electrification effort in 2022.
   • Retesting because of non-compliance amplifies costs. One automotive component manufacturer reported spending ₹8 lakh 
     ($9,600) on three rounds of brake pad testing.
3. High Costs: 
   Fee Breakdown:
   • Application Fee: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (12–60Month)
   • Testing Charges: ₹50,000–₹2 lakh (600–2,400) per product
   • Audit Fees: ₹25,000–₹75,000 (300–900) per inspection
   • Annual License Renewal: ₹1 lakh–₹5 lakh (1,200–6,000)
   • Hidden costs include logistics for sample shipments, legal notarization, and AIR retainers.
4. Language and Cultural Barriers:
   • Foreign manufacturers often misinterpret standards because of translation errors. For instance, a Korean toy maker mislabeled phthalate-free plastics as “non-toxic,” leading to a compliance violation.
   • BIS officials may prioritize domestic applicants, inadvertently lengthening processing times for FMCS cases.
5. Post-Certification Compliance:
   • Maintaining consistent quality across production batches is challenging. In 2021, a Chinese power bank manufacturer lost its BIS license after audit failures revealed substandard lithium cells.
   • Market surveillance teams conduct random checks, and noncompliant products face recalls or blacklisting.

BIS Certification Product Categories

Certification SchemeProduct Categories

1. ISI MarkElectrical Appliances - (e.g., fans, geysers), Construction Materials (e.g., cement, steel), Automotive Components (e.g., helmets, tires), Food Products (e.g., packaged water, milk powder), Household Items (e.g., pressure cookers, LPG cylinders), Chemicals (e.g., PVC pipes, LPG cylinders), IT & Electronics (e.g., batteries, LED lights, smartwatches)
2. CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)- Mobile Phones, Laptops and Tablets, Set-Top Boxes, Power Adapters, UPS/Inverters, Smart Watches, Power Banks
3. Hallmark- Gold (22K, 24K), Silver (92.5%)
4. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)- Chemicals (e.g., acetone, toluene), Cement (e.g., ordinary Portland cement), Steel Products (e.g., galvanized steel strips), Footwear (e.g., sandals, slippers), Glass Products (e.g., safety glass for road transport)

Benefits of BIS Certification

BIS certification offers multifaceted advantages, positioning businesses for long-term success:

1. Unfettered Market Access:
   • Government tenders, including those for smart cities and defense, mandate BIS registration, creating lucrative opportunities.
2. Enhanced Brand Credibility:
   • The ISI mark and BIS logo are synonymous with quality in India. A Nielsen survey found that 78% of Indian consumers like products with the BIS mark. They connect this mark with safety and durability.
   • Global brands like Xiaomi and Bosch leverage BIS compliance to differentiate themselves from uncertified competitors.
3. Risk Mitigation and Legal Protection:
   • Avoid penalties under the BIS Act 2016. This law can impose fines up to ₹5 lakh ($6,000) and jail time for selling non-compliant goods.
   • Certification minimizes recalls, as seen in 2023 when certified electric heaters avoided a nationwide recall because of faulty thermostats.
4. Streamlined Export-Import Processes:
   • BIS-certified products clear customs faster, reducing warehousing costs. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) prioritizes certified goods under its “Trusted Trader” program.
   • Mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with countries like Japan enable certified manufacturers to expedite approvals in partner markets.
5. Competitive Edge in E-Commerce:
   • Platforms like Amazon India and Flipkart mandate BIS certification for electronics sold online. Certified sellers report 30– 40% higher visibility and sales.
6. Sustainability Alignment:
   • BIS standards increasingly emphasize eco-friendly practices. For example, IS 17899 mandates energy-efficient cooling systems for ACs, aligning with India’s net-zero goals.

PSR Compliance Consultant for BIS Certificate

Navigating the complexities of BIS certification demands technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and strategic coordination—especially for foreign manufacturers unfamiliar with India’s compliance landscape. This is where partnering with a PSR Compliance Consultant becomes invaluable.

PSR Compliance consultants focus on BIS certification schemes. They make the process easier, from paperwork to audits after approval. They ensure that everything follows the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) guidelines.

Role of PSR Compliance Consultants

1. End-to-End Guidance:
   PSR consultants create a roadmap for your product category. This includes the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronics and the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
   They help explain standards. One standard is IS 13252 for IT equipment. Another is IS 16046 for lithium-ion batteries. This ensures your product meets all the necessary requirements.
2. Documentation Mastery:
   From preparing test reports to drafting the Affidavit of Conformity, consultants eliminate errors that cause delays. They do practice factory checks to find issues with quality, materials, or labels (like where the BIS logo goes).
3. Liaison with BIS Authorities:
   Consultants act as intermediaries between your team and BIS, addressing queries, scheduling factory inspections, and resolving disputes. They know the BIS process well, which helps cut approval time by 30–40% — like with solar inverters and medical devices.
4. Pre-Testing and Mock Audits:
   To avoid costly retesting, consultants conduct pre-compliance checks in partner labs. They check factories to find problems with quality, materials, or labels (like the BIS logo placement).
5. Post-Certification Support:
   Beyond obtaining the BIS license, consultants assist with annual renewals, surveillance audits, and handling non-compliance notices.