BIS Certification

• Domestic manufacturers: Companies producing items within India that fall under the BIS certification requirement.
• Importers: Importing regulated products into India.
• Exporters: Especially foreign manufacturers aiming to sell their goods in India.
• Jewelry businesses: For hallmarking of gold and silver products.

1. Manufacturers of Mandatory Certified Products

For some products, BIS certification is mandatory as per Indian regulations. Manufacturers of these products, whether based in India or abroad, must obtain BIS certification to sell their products in the Indian market. This includes:

• Electronics and IT Goods: Items like mobile phones, laptops, LED lights, power banks, and set-top boxes.
• Electrical Appliances: Products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, electric irons, immersion heaters, and microwave ovens.
• Steel and Metal Products: Including certain grades of steel bars, wires, and other construction materials.
• Cement: Both ordinary Portland cement and other varieties must be BIS certified.
• Pressure Cookers: All types of pressure cookers need mandatory BIS certification.
• Automobile Tires: Specific types of vehicle tires, including for two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.
• Food-Related Items: Packaged drinking water, bottled natural mineral water, and infant food products.

2. Importers of Products under Compulsory Certification

Importers who bring products into India that fall under the mandatory BIS certification list must ensure that the products are BIS certified. This applies to products like electronics, toys, and various appliances. Imported goods must meet Indian safety standards before they can be sold in the Indian market.

3. Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers wishing to export certain regulated products to India need BIS certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The FMCS ensures that products manufactured outside India comply with Indian standards before entering the Indian market.

4. Jewelry Manufacturers (Gold & Silver)

Jewelry manufacturers who sell gold and silver jewelry in India need to obtain BIS hallmarking certification to indicate the purity of the metals. Hallmarking is compulsory for certain categories of jewelry and artifacts.

5. Manufacturers Seeking Voluntary BIS Certification

Even when BIS certification is not mandatory, manufacturers of products like household goods, kitchenware, and other consumer goods may apply for voluntary certification to boost credibility and consumer confidence by showcasing their product’s quality and safety standards.

6. Government Contracts

For companies or manufacturers looking to supply goods to government projects or tenders, BIS certification may be required as part of the qualifying criteria, even if it is not mandatory for the general market.

1. Application Form

• Filled and signed BIS Application Form V (for Indian manufacturers) or Form VI (for foreign manufacturers).
• Application should clearly mention the product category and relevant Indian Standard (IS code).

2. Business Documents

• Company Registration Certificate or Incorporation Certificate.
• GST Registration for Indian manufacturers.
• Factory License or Manufacturing License.
• For foreign manufacturers, proof of legal identity and business registration in their home country.

3. Product Information

• Detailed description of the product (technical specifications, composition, design, etc.).
• Bill of materials (BOM) used in product manufacturing.
• Product's test report (from a BIS-recognized laboratory), showing compliance with relevant Indian standards.
• User manual or operating instructions for the product.

4. Testing Reports

• Test reports from BIS-recognized or accredited laboratories demonstrating that the product complies with the applicable Indian Standard.
• In some cases, samples of the product may be required for testing during the application process.

5. Manufacturing Details

• Layout plan of the manufacturing facility.
• List of machinery and equipment used in the production process.
• Quality control plan outlining measures taken to maintain product quality during manufacturing.
• Information on raw materials and their suppliers.

6. Authorized Signatory Documents

• Authorization letter nominating a person as the official signatory for submitting the application and receiving certification.
• Photo ID and address proof of the authorized signatory.

7. Test Procedure Documents

• In-house testing capabilities (if applicable), including details of equipment and processes used for internal quality checks.
• Calibration certificates of testing equipment used in the factory.

8. For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

• Declaration of conformity to Indian standards.
• Letter of appointment of an Indian representative (AIR), who will act as a liaison between the foreign manufacturer and BIS.
• Copies of the export documentation for the product intended to be sold in India.

9. Other Supporting Documents

• A copy of the previous BIS license (if applying for renewal).
• If applicable, any documents showing compliance with international standards (for dual certifications).

1. What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a mark of quality, safety, and reliability for products, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It ensures that products comply with Indian standards, making them safe for consumers.

2. Which products require mandatory BIS Certification?

Certain products, such as electrical appliances, IT products, cement, steel, pressure cookers, automobile tires, and packaged drinking water, require mandatory BIS certification before they can be sold in India.

3. What are the different types of BIS certification schemes?

• ISI Mark Certification: For domestic products across various industries.
• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Mainly for electronics and IT products.
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): For foreign manufacturers exporting to India.
• Hallmarking: For gold and silver jewelry to indicate purity.

4. Is BIS certification mandatory for all products?

No, BIS certification is only mandatory for certain product categories. However, manufacturers can apply for voluntary certification for other products to enhance market credibility and consumer trust.

5. How do I apply for BIS Certification?

• Submit an application form to BIS with the required documents.
• Provide samples for product testing at BIS-approved laboratories.
• Facilitate factory inspection (if required).
• Once the product meets the BIS standards, certification will be issued.

6. What documents are required for BIS Certification?

Required documents include:

• Company registration
• Product details and test reports
• Manufacturing process details
• Quality control plans
• Authorized signatory documents
• For foreign manufacturers, additional documents like an Indian representative’s details are needed.

7. How long does it take to get BIS Certification?

The process usually takes around 30-60 days, depending on the product, test results, and completion of all formalities.

8. What is the cost of obtaining BIS Certification?

The cost varies based on factors like the product type, testing fees, factory inspection, and whether it's for domestic or foreign manufacturers. Costs typically include:

• Application fees
• Testing fees
• Annual license fees

9. How long is BIS Certification valid?

BIS certification is generally valid for 1 to 2 years, after which it needs to be renewed. Manufacturers need to follow regular audits and testing to maintain the certification.

10. How do I renew BIS Certification?

Renewal involves submitting an application, undergoing fresh product testing, and possibly a factory inspection. It must be done before the current certification expires.

11. What happens if a product is sold without BIS Certification?

Selling products without mandatory BIS certification can lead to legal penalties, fines, product recalls, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

12. What is the ISI mark?

The ISI mark is a certification mark used on products in India to indicate conformity with the Indian Standards set by BIS. It’s mandatory for many products such as electrical appliances and construction materials.

13. What is the difference between ISI Mark and BIS Certification?

• The ISI mark is a specific certification for products manufactured domestically and signifies compliance with Indian Standards.
• BIS Certification is a broader umbrella under which different schemes (like ISI, CRS, FMCS, and Hallmarking) are offered.

14. What is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)?

The CRS applies primarily to electronic and IT products. Manufacturers or importers must get their products registered with BIS to comply with Indian standards. It ensures safety for consumers in high-tech goods.

15. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). They must also appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to facilitate communication with BIS.

16. Is BIS Certification mandatory for importers?

Yes, if the product falls under the mandatory certification category. Importers must ensure that the product complies with BIS standards before it is sold in India.

17. What is the penalty for not complying with BIS standards?

Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, seizure of the products, cancellation of the business license, and legal action, including imprisonment in severe cases.