BIS Certification Online in India – Apply for BIS Registration
BIS Certification is an important product-compliance requirement for manufacturers, importers and businesses dealing with products covered by applicable Indian Standards and government notifications. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body and operates various conformity-assessment schemes for products.
BIS certification is generally voluntary; however, the Government of India makes certification compulsory for specified products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other notifications. For products covered by compulsory certification requirements, businesses may need a valid BIS licence, registration or Certificate of Conformity before manufacturing, importing, selling or distributing the product in India.
NSC India provides professional assistance for BIS Certification, product eligibility assessment, documentation, application preparation, testing coordination, compliance support, renewal and related BIS requirements.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a conformity-assessment process through which products are assessed against applicable Indian Standards. Depending on the applicable BIS scheme, conformity may involve product testing, manufacturing-facility assessment, quality-control requirements, inspection, registration or certification.
The certification process is designed to help ensure that regulated products meet prescribed quality, safety and performance requirements.
For products covered under mandatory requirements, the applicable BIS approval is necessary for lawful market access in India. BIS maintains an updated list of products under compulsory certification.
What is BIS?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards.
BIS functions as India’s national standards body and develops, promotes and operates standards and conformity-assessment systems for products and services.
The BIS product-certification framework includes different schemes depending on the nature of the product and applicable regulatory notification.
What is a BIS Certificate?
A BIS certificate or licence is an official approval issued under the applicable BIS conformity-assessment framework.
The document confirms compliance with the relevant requirements for the products and manufacturing premises covered by the approval.
A BIS certificate should not be treated as a blanket approval for every product manufactured by a business. The scope of approval depends on the applicable product, Indian Standard, manufacturing location, models or variants and certification scheme.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory in India?
BIS certification is not mandatory for every product.
The BIS certification system is generally voluntary. However, the Central Government makes certification compulsory for specific products through Quality Control Orders and other legal notifications based on considerations such as public safety, health, environmental protection, prevention of unfair trade practices and national security.
If a product falls under a compulsory BIS requirement, the manufacturer or importer must comply with the applicable certification or registration requirements before placing the product on the Indian market.
What is a Quality Control Order (QCO)?
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a government notification that makes compliance with specified Indian Standards compulsory for particular products.
Where a product is covered by a QCO, the applicable entity may be required to obtain a BIS licence, registration or other conformity approval before manufacturing, importing, distributing or selling the product.
The applicable product list and QCO requirements can change, so businesses should verify the current BIS notification before applying.
BIS Certification Schemes
BIS operates multiple conformity-assessment schemes.
The major schemes relevant to product certification include:
Scheme-I – Product Certification / ISI Mark
Scheme-I is the traditional BIS product-certification scheme associated with the ISI Mark.
It involves assessment of manufacturing facilities, production processes, quality-control systems and product conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.
BIS states that Scheme-I is the product-certification scheme for use of the ISI Mark.
Scheme-II – Registration Scheme
Scheme-II is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) used for notified electronics and information-technology goods.
Under this framework, manufacturers make a declaration of conformity based on applicable requirements and obtain BIS registration for covered products.
BIS maintains the current list of products covered under Scheme-II, including notified electronics and IT goods.
Scheme-IV – Certificate of Conformity
Scheme-IV provides a conformity-assessment route for specified products where a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is applicable.
The exact requirements depend on the relevant product and Indian Standard. BIS publishes separate guidelines for grant, renewal and surveillance under Scheme-IV.
Scheme-X – Certification Scheme
Scheme-X applies to specified products covered by the applicable BIS conformity-assessment framework.
The requirements depend on the product, applicable Indian Standard and relevant government notification.
What is the ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark is the BIS Standard Mark used for products certified under the applicable BIS certification scheme.
It indicates that the product has been assessed under the relevant BIS requirements and is covered by a valid BIS licence.
Businesses must use the mark only in accordance with BIS licence conditions and applicable marking requirements.
What is BIS CRS Registration?
BIS CRS Registration refers to registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme for notified electronics and IT products.
Unlike the traditional ISI Mark licence, CRS operates through a registration-based conformity framework for products included in the applicable government notification.
BIS maintains the current list of products covered under Scheme-II and related notifications.
Difference Between BIS Certification and BIS CRS Registration
| Particular | BIS Certification – Scheme-I | BIS CRS – Scheme-II |
|---|---|---|
| Main Mark/Approval | ISI Mark | BIS Registration Mark |
| Common Products | Various notified industrial/consumer products | Notified electronics and IT products |
| Assessment | Manufacturing and product conformity assessment | Self-declaration based registration framework |
| Testing | As prescribed under applicable scheme | Recognised laboratory testing as applicable |
| Factory Assessment | Generally applicable under Scheme-I | Different framework |
| Authority | BIS | BIS |
| Requirement | Mandatory where notified | Mandatory for products covered by CRS |
The correct scheme depends on the product and applicable notification.
Who Needs BIS Certification?
BIS compliance may be relevant for:
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Manufacturers
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Indian manufacturers
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Foreign manufacturers
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Importers
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Brand owners
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Product manufacturers
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Electronics manufacturers
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Electrical equipment manufacturers
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Construction-material manufacturers
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Consumer-product businesses
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Industrial-product manufacturers
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Companies supplying regulated products
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Businesses importing products covered by QCOs
The requirement depends on the product category and applicable notification.
BIS Certification for Manufacturers
Manufacturers producing products covered by mandatory BIS requirements must obtain the applicable BIS approval before placing those products on the market.
The manufacturer should have appropriate production facilities, process controls, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities required for the relevant Indian Standard.
BIS states that manufacturers applying for a product-certification licence must possess the necessary manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control systems and testing capabilities.
BIS Certification for Importers
Importers dealing with products covered by compulsory BIS requirements may need to ensure that the applicable foreign manufacturer has obtained the required BIS approval.
Importing a regulated product without the required conformity approval can create regulatory and customs-related issues.
The exact requirement depends on the product and applicable QCO or BIS scheme.
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers supplying regulated products to India may need to obtain the applicable BIS approval.
For non-electronic products covered under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), BIS provides a dedicated certification route. BIS explains that FMCS is intended for foreign manufacturers seeking a BIS licence for applicable products other than electronics and IT products covered under the separate registration scheme.
BIS Certification for Electronics Products
Many electronics and IT products fall under BIS’s Compulsory Registration Scheme.
Examples of notified product categories include certain:
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Laptops
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Tablets
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Televisions
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Computer monitors
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Electronic games
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Audio/video equipment
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IT equipment
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Electrical and electronic products
The applicable product list can be amended through government notifications, so the current BIS list should always be checked before applying.
BIS Certification for Electrical Products
Certain electrical products are covered by compulsory BIS requirements.
Depending on the product, the applicable scheme may involve ISI Mark certification or another BIS conformity-assessment route.
The relevant Indian Standard and current QCO should be identified before starting the application.
Products Covered Under BIS Certification
The compulsory BIS framework covers products across multiple industries.
Examples may include:
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Electrical appliances
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Electronics and IT products
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Cement
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Steel products
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Construction materials
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Chemicals
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Batteries
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Cables
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Household products
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Automotive components
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Toys
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Food-related products
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Industrial equipment
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Solar and renewable-energy products
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Other notified products
This is not an exhaustive list. The exact requirement depends on the current BIS product list and applicable government notification.
How to Check Whether a Product Requires BIS Certification?
The first step is to identify the exact product and applicable Indian Standard.
Businesses should verify:
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Product name
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Product category
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Technical specifications
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Applicable Indian Standard
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BIS certification scheme
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Current QCO
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Manufacturer location
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Product models or variants
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Testing requirements
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Marking requirements
BIS provides an official list of products under compulsory certification.
How to Find the Applicable Indian Standard?
The applicable Indian Standard is essential for determining BIS requirements.
BIS advises manufacturers to search the relevant Indian Standard against their product through the official BIS systems. If the appropriate standard cannot be identified, the manufacturer may contact the relevant BIS technical department.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The exact documents depend on the product and BIS scheme.
Common documents may include:
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Company PAN
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GST Registration Certificate
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Certificate of Incorporation
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Partnership Deed, where applicable
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Manufacturing-unit address proof
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Factory layout
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Manufacturing process details
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Product technical specifications
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Product drawings
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Product photographs
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List of machinery
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Testing equipment details
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Quality-control information
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In-house testing arrangements
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Calibration certificates
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Raw-material details
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Test reports
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Authorised signatory details
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Trademark/brand documents, where applicable
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Other documents required by BIS
The BIS requirements can differ significantly between product categories and schemes.
Documents for BIS CRS Registration
Depending on the product and applicable CRS requirements, documents and information may include:
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Manufacturer details
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Factory address
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Product details
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Model numbers
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Technical specifications
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Test report from a recognised laboratory
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Brand details
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Authorised signatory information
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Declaration and undertaking
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Other documents prescribed under the applicable scheme
Documents for BIS ISI Mark Licence
For Scheme-I applications, the applicant may need to provide:
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Application information
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Factory details
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Manufacturing process
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Quality-control arrangements
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Testing facilities
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Product specifications
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Machinery details
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Raw-material details
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Test reports
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Technical documents
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Calibration records
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Other scheme-specific documents
The exact checklist should be prepared according to the relevant Indian Standard.
BIS Certification Process
Step 1 – Identify the Product
Identify the exact product, model, technical specifications and intended use.
Step 2 – Check BIS Applicability
Determine whether the product is covered by a compulsory BIS requirement or QCO.
Step 3 – Identify the Indian Standard
Find the applicable Indian Standard and conformity requirements.
Step 4 – Identify the BIS Scheme
Determine whether Scheme-I, Scheme-II, Scheme-IV, Scheme-X, FMCS or another applicable route applies.
Step 5 – Prepare Technical Documents
Prepare the product specifications, manufacturing information, quality-control details and other required documents.
Step 6 – Product Testing
Where required, submit product samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory or conduct testing according to the applicable scheme.
Step 7 – Online Application
BIS accepts product-certification applications through its online system. The applicant submits the prescribed application, documents and fees through the applicable BIS portal.
Step 8 – Factory Assessment
For applicable certification schemes, BIS may assess the manufacturing premises, production processes, quality-control systems and testing capabilities.
Step 9 – Compliance Evaluation
BIS evaluates the application, test reports, inspection findings and conformity of the product with the relevant Indian Standard.
Step 10 – Grant of Licence / Registration
If all applicable requirements are satisfied, BIS grants the relevant licence, registration or certificate.
Step 11 – Use of BIS Mark
The manufacturer may use the applicable BIS Standard Mark only according to the conditions and scope of the approval.
Step 12 – Post-Certification Compliance
The licence holder must continue to comply with applicable testing, quality-control, surveillance, marking and renewal requirements.
Factory Inspection for BIS Certification
For applicable product-certification schemes, BIS may inspect the manufacturing facility to assess:
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Manufacturing infrastructure
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Production process
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Quality-control system
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Testing facilities
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Raw-material controls
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Product testing
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Process controls
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Record maintenance
BIS confirms that licence grant is based on assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities, along with establishing product conformity through applicable testing.
Product Testing for BIS Certification
Product testing is an important part of BIS conformity assessment.
The product may need to be tested against the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard.
Depending on the scheme, testing may be conducted through a recognised third-party laboratory, manufacturing premises or a combination of methods.
BIS Recognised Laboratory
Testing requirements depend on the relevant BIS scheme and product standard.
Applicants should use laboratories recognised or otherwise accepted under the applicable BIS requirements.
A valid test report should correspond to the product, manufacturer, model and applicable Indian Standard.
BIS Certification Validity
BIS certification is not automatically permanent.
The applicable licence or registration remains subject to the conditions of the relevant scheme, including renewal, fees, surveillance and continuing conformity.
BIS publishes separate guidelines dealing with renewal and surveillance under its product-certification framework.
BIS Certification Renewal
Businesses must monitor the validity of their BIS licence or registration and complete renewal requirements within the prescribed period.
Renewal may involve:
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Renewal application
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Applicable fees
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Updated documents
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Testing requirements
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Surveillance compliance
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Continued conformity
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Other requirements prescribed by BIS
Allowing a certification to expire can create a compliance gap.
BIS Surveillance
BIS may conduct factory and market surveillance to verify continuing conformity.
Surveillance can include:
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Factory visits
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Product sampling
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Laboratory testing
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Review of quality-control records
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Market-sample testing
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Verification of marking
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Compliance review
BIS publishes dedicated guidelines for both factory and market surveillance.
BIS Certificate Suspension
A BIS licence or registration may be subject to suspension or other regulatory action where the licence holder fails to maintain applicable requirements.
Possible issues may include:
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Product non-conformity
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Failed surveillance testing
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Misuse of the BIS Standard Mark
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Failure to comply with licence conditions
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Inadequate quality control
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Failure to cooperate with BIS assessment
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Other regulatory violations
BIS Certificate Cancellation
Persistent non-compliance can result in cancellation of the applicable BIS approval.
Businesses should therefore maintain continuous compliance rather than treating BIS certification as a one-time registration.
BIS Marking Requirements
A BIS Standard Mark must be used according to the conditions of the applicable licence or registration.
Businesses should not use the BIS mark on products that are outside the approved scope.
Incorrect or unauthorised use of the BIS mark may result in regulatory action.
BIS Certification for Government Tenders
Certain government procurement requirements may specify BIS certification or conformity with particular Indian Standards.
Where a tender requires BIS certification, the bidder should ensure that its product and certification scope satisfy the tender conditions.
BIS certification can therefore support eligibility for procurement opportunities where such certification is specifically required.
BIS Certification for Exporters
Exporters manufacturing products for the Indian market may need BIS approval where the product is covered by mandatory requirements.
For foreign manufacturers, the applicable route may include FMCS or another scheme depending on the product.
BIS Certification for Imported Products
Importers should verify whether the imported product is covered by a QCO or compulsory BIS requirement.
If certification is mandatory, the relevant manufacturer and product should have the required BIS approval before import and sale in India.
BIS Certification Cost
The cost of BIS certification depends on the product and certification scheme.
Possible cost components may include:
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Application fee
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Registration/licence fee
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Product testing fee
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Laboratory charges
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Inspection charges
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Annual licence fees
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Renewal fees
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Travel or assessment-related expenses
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Consultancy/professional fees
Because BIS fees vary by scheme and product, a fixed universal BIS certification cost should not be quoted without reviewing the specific product.
BIS Certification Processing Time
The processing time varies according to:
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Product category
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BIS scheme
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Testing requirements
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Documentation
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Factory readiness
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Laboratory testing
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Inspection
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Departmental queries
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Non-conformities
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Applicant response time
Therefore, businesses should not assume one fixed timeline for every BIS application.
Common Reasons for BIS Application Delay
Applications may face delays because of:
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Incorrect product classification
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Wrong Indian Standard
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Incomplete technical documents
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Incomplete test reports
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Laboratory issues
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Manufacturing-facility deficiencies
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Missing quality-control records
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Incorrect application details
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Product-model mismatch
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Incomplete factory information
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Delayed response to BIS queries
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Non-conformity during inspection
Common BIS Certification Mistakes
Businesses should avoid:
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Applying under the wrong BIS scheme
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Using an incorrect Indian Standard
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Submitting incomplete technical documents
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Using an invalid or unsuitable test report
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Failing to prepare the manufacturing facility
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Providing inconsistent product information
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Using the BIS mark outside the approved scope
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Ignoring renewal dates
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Failing to maintain quality-control records
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Assuming BIS certification is mandatory for every product
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Assuming BIS certification is unnecessary for a product covered by a QCO
BIS Certification for MSMEs
MSMEs manufacturing regulated products may also need to obtain BIS certification where the product is covered by mandatory requirements.
The certification requirements remain dependent on the applicable product standard and scheme.
BIS also provides guidance and certain facilities for MSMEs under applicable certification frameworks.
BIS Certification for Startups
Startups manufacturing physical products should determine BIS applicability before launching products in the Indian market.
Obtaining the appropriate certification at the right stage can help avoid compliance issues after manufacturing or importing begins.
BIS Certification and Trademark
BIS certification and trademark registration are different.
Trademark registration protects a brand name, logo or other eligible mark.
BIS certification concerns product conformity with applicable standards.
A business may need both, depending on its business model.
BIS Certification and ISO Certification
BIS and ISO certifications serve different purposes.
ISO certification generally relates to management-system standards, while BIS product certification focuses on conformity of specified products with Indian Standards.
Having ISO certification does not automatically replace BIS certification where BIS approval is mandatory.
BIS Certification and FSSAI
BIS certification and FSSAI licensing are separate regulatory requirements.
A food business may require FSSAI registration/licence, while a particular product may separately be subject to BIS requirements.
The applicable requirements should be checked independently.
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers – FMCS
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a BIS certification route for foreign manufacturers seeking a BIS licence for applicable products other than electronic and IT products covered by the separate registration scheme.
The foreign manufacturer must satisfy the applicable manufacturing, testing and conformity requirements.
How to Check BIS Certification Status?
BIS certification or registration status can be verified through the relevant official BIS systems.
Businesses should verify:
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Certificate/licence number
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Manufacturer name
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Product
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Model
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Scope
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Validity
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Status
BIS provides official mechanisms for checking certification and registration information.
How to Download BIS Certificate Online?
Once the applicable BIS approval has been issued, businesses can access certificate information through the relevant BIS online system.
The exact download procedure depends on the applicable scheme and portal.
Businesses should retain a digital copy of the approval and verify the certificate details before using it for business or compliance purposes.
Why Choose NSC India for BIS Certification?
Product Eligibility Assessment
We help identify whether your product may fall under mandatory BIS requirements and determine the applicable certification route.
Documentation Support
Our team helps organise the required business, technical and manufacturing documents.
Application Assistance
We assist with preparation and online submission of BIS applications.
Testing Guidance
We help businesses understand the applicable testing and laboratory requirements.
Compliance Support
We assist with documentation and preparation for applicable BIS inspection and compliance requirements.
Renewal Assistance
We can help businesses monitor and manage BIS renewal requirements.
How NSC India Can Help
Our BIS Certification assistance may include:
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Product eligibility assessment
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Applicable Indian Standard identification
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BIS scheme identification
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Document checklist
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Technical-document preparation
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Application preparation
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Online filing assistance
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Testing coordination guidance
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Factory-inspection preparation
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BIS query assistance
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Certification tracking
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Renewal assistance
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BIS certificate verification guidance
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CRS registration assistance
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FMCS guidance
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Post-certification compliance support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a conformity-assessment process through which products are assessed against applicable Indian Standards under the relevant BIS scheme.
What is the full form of BIS?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards.
Is BIS certification mandatory?
Not for every product. BIS certification is generally voluntary, but the Government of India makes certification compulsory for specified products through QCOs and other notifications.
Which products require BIS certification?
The requirement depends on the current government notifications and BIS compulsory-certification list. Products from areas such as electronics, electrical goods, construction materials, chemicals and other sectors may be covered.
What is a QCO?
A Quality Control Order is a government notification that makes compliance with specified Indian Standards compulsory for particular products.
What is an ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark is the BIS Standard Mark used for products certified under the applicable BIS product-certification scheme.
What is BIS CRS?
BIS CRS is the Compulsory Registration Scheme applicable to notified electronics and IT products.
What is the difference between BIS and CRS?
BIS product certification under Scheme-I generally involves licensing for use of the ISI Mark, while CRS is a registration framework for notified electronics and IT products.
Can an importer obtain BIS certification?
The applicable BIS requirement depends on the product and scheme. For imported products, the foreign manufacturer may need the relevant BIS approval, while the importer must ensure compliance with applicable import requirements.
Can a foreign manufacturer obtain BIS certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can obtain applicable BIS approval through routes such as FMCS for eligible products.
Is BIS certification required for all imported products?
No. It is required where the imported product falls under applicable compulsory BIS requirements.
What documents are required for BIS certification?
Documents vary by product and scheme but may include company documents, factory details, technical specifications, manufacturing-process information, quality-control details, test reports and other supporting documents.
Is product testing required?
Testing requirements depend on the BIS scheme and product. Testing may be required through a recognised laboratory or other testing arrangement prescribed by BIS.
Is factory inspection required?
For applicable certification schemes, BIS may inspect the manufacturing premises and assess manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities.
How long does BIS certification take?
There is no single timeline applicable to every product. Processing depends on testing, documents, inspection, compliance and BIS review.
What is the cost of BIS certification?
The cost varies depending on the product, scheme, testing, inspection and applicable BIS fees. Professional consultancy charges are separate.
Is BIS certification permanent?
No. BIS approvals are subject to applicable validity, renewal, surveillance and continuing compliance requirements.
Can BIS certification be renewed?
Yes, subject to the applicable BIS scheme and renewal requirements.
What happens if BIS certification expires?
The business may no longer be permitted to use the applicable BIS mark or rely on the expired approval for products covered by mandatory certification requirements.
Can I check BIS certification online?
Yes. BIS provides official systems for checking certification and registration information.
Can I download my BIS certificate online?
Depending on the applicable scheme, certificate information can be accessed through the relevant BIS online system.
Does ISO certification replace BIS certification?
No. ISO certification and BIS product certification are different. ISO certification does not automatically satisfy a mandatory BIS requirement.
Does BIS certification provide a trademark?
No. BIS certification and trademark registration are separate.
Can NSC India help with BIS Certification?
Yes. NSC India can assist with product eligibility, documentation, application preparation, testing guidance, inspection preparation, certification support and renewal.
Get BIS Certification Assistance from NSC India
Are you a manufacturer, importer, brand owner or product-based business looking for BIS Certification?
NSC India can assist you in understanding the applicable BIS requirements, preparing documentation, coordinating the application process and managing related compliance requirements.
Apply for BIS Certification with NSC India today.