BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers 

Introduction

Expanding business into the Indian market involves more than simply manufacturing high-quality products. Foreign manufacturers must also ensure that their products comply with Indian regulations and standards. FMCS Certification under BIS for foreign manufacturers is one of the schemes that ensures that products being exported to India meet the quality and safety standards as specified by the BIS in India.

FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is regulated by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II, Conformity (Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and the BIS Act, 2016, for Foreign Manufacturers. Through FMCS, BIS grants licences to eligible foreign manufacturers after verifying that their products and manufacturing units comply with the relevant Indian Standards.

Once approved, foreign manufacturers can use the ISI Mark on the products for exporting and selling them in the Indian market.

What is BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?

BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is a certification scheme regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifically for manufacturers having manufacturing units outside India. It is issued by BIS under the authority of the BIS Act,2016. 

Under this scheme, foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS ISI Certification for products covered under the BIS Applicable Product Checklist. The licence allows manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on products that meet the applicable Indian Standard (IS).

FMCS is a route for overseas manufacturers to apply for the certification. It is granted by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), the BIS authority that issues certificates to overseas manufacturers. 

Who Should Apply for BIS FMCS Certification?

Any foreign manufacturer who exports or sells the notified products that fall under the mandatory BIS Product Checklist can apply for the BIS License under FMCS.

Apart from the mandatory Product list, a foreign manufacturer can apply for voluntary ( Not Mandatory) products as well under FMCS to gain customer trust and for marketing purposes, as a BIS-ISI mark product is seen as reliable, safe to use, and to mitigate the fear of low-quality products. 

Manufacturers from different countries such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Taiwan, and many other countries may need FMCS Certification before exporting products to India.

Note: It is important to note that importers and distributors cannot apply for FMCS Certification on behalf of a manufacturer. The foreign manufacturing unit must always submit the application. However, they can be their AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) and help them to find a reliable compliance partner in India. 

Benefits of FMCS BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS FMCS Certification is a legal requirement for many notified products to export into the Indian market. Many products are covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders issued by the Government of India. These products cannot be exported without the required BIS license. BIS FMCS allows foreign manufacturers to stay compliant with the Indian Standards and sell the products in India.

Maintaining BIS compliance enables foreign manufacturers to build lasting relationships with Indian distributors, retailers, and customers. It results in long-term business growth opportunities for foreign manufacturers in India. Brand Liaison makes legal compliance easy, as we are in direct contact with the BIS officer for proper follow-ups.

List of the Products covered under the FMCS Scheme

BIS FMCS Certification applies to a wide range of products that fall under the mandatory BIS Certification Scheme. Some commonly certified product categories include:

• Electrical Wires, Cables & Protection Devices
• Household Electrical Appliances
• Steel & Steel Products
• Cement & Cement-Based Products
• Plywood & Wood-Based Boards
• Cookware, Kitchen Utensils & Stainless-Steel Products
• Footwear
• Toys (Electric & Non-Electric)

Before exporting these products into India, Brand Liaison helps foreign manufacturers to be eligible for FMCS in every possible manner. We help foreign manufacturers to check their eligibility for BIS Certification for the Indian Market. If they meet the requirements, the manufacturers can get the certification under the FMCS scheme and sell in the Indian Market. 

What are the Documents required for FMCS BIS Certification?

Accurate documentation plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth certification process. While the required documents may vary depending on the product category, the following are commonly required:

• Legal address proofs of the factories
• Product specification
• Details of raw material, machinery, and testing equipments
• Details of QC Staff and other basic details of the factory
• Factory Test Report of the Product
• Main Application Form
• Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

What is the Step-by-Step Procedure for getting a BIS FMCS License?

Obtaining FMCS BIS Certification involves multiple stages. Here are the steps that foreign manufacturers must know for a smooth process:

• Preparation of the Documents
  The applicant should prepare the documents as per the prescribed checklist. An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be appointed to proceed with the application.
• Submission of the Application 
  The applicant needs to submit the application to the BIS authorities with the application fee to initiate the certification process.
• Scrutiny of Application
  After the application is submitted, the BIS officials conduct a detailed scrutiny of the application and supporting documents. It helps them to verify that the information provided by the foreign manufacturer is in accordance with the applicable Indian Standard.
• Factory Inspections by BIS Officials
  The BIS officials will visit the factory to conduct factory inspections to review the manufacturing processes and quality assurance as per BIS Standards.
• Product Testing
  The product sample will be decided (chosen) by a BIS officer during the inspection. The product sample will be tested in BIS-accredited laboratories, as per relevant standards.
• Grant of BIS ISI Certification
  After verifying the legality of the applicant, audit report, and BIS-accredited lab test report, the BIS ISI certification will be granted to the foreign applicant under the FMCS. 

How to Apply online for BIS FMCS Certification?

Foreign Manufacturers can apply for BIS FMCS Certification online through MANAK Online. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Visit the MANAK Online Portal

First of all, access the official MANAK Online website and select the relevant certification scheme that you have to proceed with.

Step 2: Create and Verify User Account

Create an account and register by providing basic details such as company information, email address, and contact details. After that, users have to verify the account details to activate it.

Step 3: Select the Applicable BIS Scheme

Choose the certification scheme that is relevant to your product category.

Step 4: Prepare Product Testing

Arrange for product testing through a BIS-recognized laboratory if it is required under the applicable scheme.

Step 5: Upload Documents and Submit Application

Upload all necessary technical, legal, as well as compliance documents through the portal. Then, review the application carefully and submit it for further processing.

Step 6: Pay Applicable Fees and Get Approval

Complete payment of application and certification fees through the online payment gateway that is provided on the portal. Once all requirements are fulfilled, BIS grants the license. 

What is the Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

The Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) plays an essential role in the FMCS Certification process. An AIR acts as a link between the foreign manufacturer and BIS authorities for getting the certificate.

Choosing Brand Liaison as an experienced AIR helps foreign manufacturers avoid unnecessary delays and ensures smooth communication throughout the certification process.

What is the Timeline and Validity of BIS FMCS Certification?

Standard Timeline: In general, the BIS FMCS certification process takes 5-6 months from application submission to licence approval for foreign manufacturers.

Validity: The BIS License under FMCS is initially valid for 1 year; after that, it can be renewed by submitting relevant documents and the applicable fee. No Audit is required in the renewal process.

Even after certification, foreign manufacturers must continue maintaining post-compliance because BIS may conduct market sample surveillance and inspections to ensure that applicable standard requirements and compliance are maintained.

What is the cost of BIS FMCS Certification for a foreign Manufacturer?

The certification cost may vary depending on several factors. Have a look at the complete breakdown for an easy estimate: 

How can Brand Liaison help foreign manufacturers with BIS FMCS Certification?

Brand Liaison is the best BIS ISI Certification Consultancy firm that provides one-window solutions to foreign manufacturers throughout the FMCS Certification journey.

Our services include:

• Product eligibility assessment
• Identification of applicable Indian Standards
• Documentation support
• Application preparation and filing
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) service
• Coordination with BIS officials
• Assistance in Factory audit
• Timely Completion of Service with extensive liaison with BIS officials
• Licence renewal support
• Post-certification compliance assistance
• Technical support as applicable

Our experienced team works closely with foreign manufacturers and BIS to ensure accurate documentation, compliance with technical requirements, and the timely submission of all required information. This helps ensure the timely completion of the certification process.

Conclusion

BIS FMCS Certification is an essential requirement for foreign manufacturers who export the notified products to India. It ensures that exported products comply with Indian quality and safety standards.

Although the certification process involves documentation, factory inspections, product testing, and regulatory coordination, proper planning and expert guidance can make the process much smoother.

Brand Liaison helps foreign manufacturers and exporters to identify the applicable certification requirements early, prepare complete documentation, and maintain compliance throughout the validity of the licence. Contact Brand Liaison today and make the certification journey simple and smooth.