Quick Answer – BIS Certification is a mandatory compliance requirement for importing notified products that are covered under the applicable BIS product list in India. The exact requirement depends on the product category, applicable Indian Standard, and relevant government QCOs. Foreign manufacturers need to follow schemes such as FMCS or CRS, depending on the product. The process includes checking BIS applicability, identifying the relevant standard, product testing, preparing and submitting documents, and factory assessment where applicable. Brand Liaison, with 10+ years of experience in BIS Certification Compliance, makes the certification journey simple and easy for importers.
Introduction
Importing the notified products into India is not only about shipping goods and clearing customs. For products covered under the applicable BIS product list, obtaining the mandatory BIS approval is an important part. These products must meet Indian quality and safety requirements before they can be imported and sold in the Indian market.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issues the BIS Certification and regulates product quality and conformity with Indian Standards. The Government of India has made it mandatory for specific notified products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other applicable requirements.
For imported notified products, the BIS Certification process depends on the product category, relevant Indian Standard, and notification covering that product. Foreign manufacturers also need to obtain a licence under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), depending on the product.
Why is BIS Certification Required for Imports?
BIS certification for imported products is a mandatory compliance requirement that confirms a notified product listed in the applicable product list, manufactured outside India, meets the prescribed Indian Standard and regulatory requirements.
The foreign manufacturer must complete the applicable conformity assessment or registration process before the product is sold into the Indian market. They can apply for the license through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for notified products. Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to an overseas manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.
Note: The notified electronics and IT products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) follow a different registration route. Therefore, importers should first check which BIS requirement applies to their particular product.
Which Imported Products Need BIS Certification?
Depending on the applicable notification, imported products that require mandatory BIS Certification in India include:
- Steel and steel products
- Cement and construction materials
- Chemicals and industrial products
- Electrical appliances
- Household and consumer products
- Toys
- Footwear
- Furniture
- Certain machinery and equipment
- Electronics and IT products
- LED and lighting products
- Adapters and power-related products
- Other products notified under compulsory certification or registration schemes
However, the exact requirement depends on the product and the Indian Standard applicable to it. Therefore, checking only the product name or HS code is not enough. The product specifications, intended use, Indian Standard, and applicable notification should also be examined.
Which BIS Certification Route Applies to Imported Products?
Imported products can fall under different BIS conformity assessment routes. Two important routes for foreign manufacturers are FMCS and CRS.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) Process
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is introduced for manufacturers whose factories are located outside India. Under this scheme, BIS grants a licence to the foreign manufacturer for products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.
The process generally involves:
- Preparation of the Documents
The applicant should prepare the documents as per the prescribed checklist. For foreign manufacturers, 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 to initiate the certification process. - 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 tested in BIS-accredited laboratories, as per relevant standards. The product sample will be selected by a BIS officer during the inspection. - Grant of BIS ISI Certification
After verifying the details, credibility, and audit report, the BIS ISI certification will be granted to the foreign applicant under the FMCS.
Note: Instead of the importers, the foreign manufacturer applies for the BIS licence. BIS specifically states that an importer cannot directly apply; they can request a copy of the license from the actual manufacturer for import and sale in the Indian market.
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) Process
Certain notified electronics and IT products are covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. Under this, overseas manufacturers must submit products for testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory and then apply for registration with the required documents and test reports.
The process for getting BIS CRS registration does not follow the same steps as the foreign factory inspection route for FMCS. The process generally involves:
- Preparation of the Documents
The applicant should prepare the documents as per the prescribed checklist. - Product Testing
The product sample of the lead model will be tested in BIS-accredited laboratories, as per relevant standards. - Submission of the Application
The applicant needs to submit the application along with the test report and fees to the BIS authorities to initiate the registration process. - Grant of BIS CRS Registration
After verifying the details, credibility, and test report, the BIS CRS Registration will be granted to the applicant.
For imported electronics and IT products, the manufacturer must therefore check whether the product is covered under the CRS applicable product list and complete the applicable registration requirements before placing the product in the Indian market.
Read More: How to apply for BIS Certificate Online? -
How to apply for BIS Registration through MANAK Online
What Is the Role of the Foreign Manufacturer?
For importing and selling the notified products requiring BIS approval in India, the foreign manufacturer plays the central role in obtaining certification. Under FMCS, the overseas manufacturer must:
- Manufacture the product according to the applicable Indian Standard
- Maintain appropriate testing facilities and equipment
- Follow the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
- Complete the required BIS assessment process
This is important for importers who source the same product from different factories. A certificate associated with one manufacturing location should not automatically be treated as covering products made at another factory.
Does an Importer Need to Apply for BIS Certification?
No, it depends on the BIS scheme applicable to the product.
Under BIS ISI Mark, the foreign manufacturer applies for the BIS ISI Mark certification process under the FMCS scheme and appoints an AIR to submit the application on its behalf. The importer cannot apply directly for the licence but can get a copy of the license from the actual manufacturer.
Under CRS, the foreign manufacturer follows the applicable registration procedure, generally through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). In this case, the importers can only request a copy of CRS Registration for import and sale in India.
Therefore, importers should coordinate with their overseas manufacturer before importing the notified products. They must verify that the supplier has the correct and valid BIS approval for the exact product and manufacturing location.
What Is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?
An Authorized Indian Representative, commonly known as an AIR, acts as the Indian representative for a foreign manufacturer whose factory location is outside India during the BIS certification or registration process to submit the application
The AIR can assist with communication and coordination with BIS to support the foreign manufacturer in submitting the BIS application.
Brand Liaison also acts as an AIR for the foreign manufacturers to submit the applicable BIS application and get the certification faster.
What Are the Documents Required for BIS Certification?
The list of documents depends on the product, Indian Standard, and BIS scheme. However, documents required for BIS Certification in India generally include:
- Company registration documents
- Factory details
- Product specifications
- Test reports
- Manufacturing information
- Authorization documents
- Quality system details
Moreover, manufacturers must provide appropriate manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control, and testing capabilities for the applicable Indian Standard. The final document requirements should always be checked as per the specific BIS scheme.
How Does BIS Certification Help Importers?
For an importer, checking BIS compliance before shipment can help make the import process more organised.
It can help the importer:
- Confirm whether the product is legally covered for import and sale
- Select compliant foreign suppliers
- Reduce the risk of regulatory delays
- Verify the manufacturer's BIS approval
- Ensure the correct product and model are covered
- Avoid importing products that do not meet applicable Indian Standards
- Plan certification requirements before placing purchase orders
BIS certification is therefore not simply a document to keep on record. For products under mandatory requirements, it is part of the regulatory requirements for entering the Indian market.
What Should an Importer Check Before Importing a BIS-Notified Product?
Before importing a notified product from an overseas manufacturer, an importer should verify the following:
- Product applicability:
Check whether the product is covered under a mandatory BIS requirement. - Applicable Indian Standard:
Confirm the correct IS number and scope. - BIS Certification route:
Determine whether FMCS, CRS, or another BIS route applies. - Manufacturer details:
Check the name and address of the actual manufacturing facility. - Product or model details:
Ensure that the specific product, model, or varieties being imported are covered by the approval. - Validity of approval:
Verify that the BIS licence or registration is valid at the time of import. - Marking requirements:
Check whether the product must carry the BIS Standard Mark, registration number or other prescribed markings. - Additional approvals:
Check whether the product also requires WPC, BEE, EPR, LMPC or another regulatory approval.
This last point is particularly important because BIS certification does not automatically replace other mandatory approvals.
What are the Other Approvals Required for Imports?
Imported products require multiple Indian certifications or approvals depending on their category and intended use.
For example:
- For Wireless products: WPC/ETA approval
- For Pre-packaged goods: Legal Metrology and LMPC requirements
- For Electrical appliances: BEE Certification
- For Electronic products: EPR Registration for e-waste
- For Battery products: EPR Registration for battery waste
- For Oil: EPR Registration for used oil
- For Tyres: EPR Registration for tyre waste
- For Plastic Packaging: EPR Registration for plastic waste
- For Telecom products: TEC/MTCTE Certification
Therefore, an importer should conduct a complete compliance assessment instead of checking only BIS certification.
What Happens If a Product Is Imported Without BIS Compliance?
Importing a product covered under mandatory BIS requirements without the required approval creates regulatory and commercial difficulties. Depending on the applicable law, notification, and circumstances, non-compliant products may face the following actions:
- No customs clearance
- Financial losses
- Loss of market opportunities
- Product seizures
For this reason, importers should complete the compliance check before shipment rather than waiting until the goods reach India.
Who Must Comply?
BIS compliance for imported products is mandatory for both the foreign manufacturer and the Indian importer, but their responsibilities are not exactly the same.
- Foreign manufacturers and exporters – they must obtain the applicable BIS certification such as FMCS or CRS for the notified product by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative.
- Indian importers – Importers cannot directly apply for the certification. They must ensure that the foreign manufacturer has a valid BIS approval before importing their products and selling in India.
Moreover, importers should coordinate with the foreign manufacturer well before shipment to ensure it meets the applicable Indian Standard or has valid BIS approval.
How Customs Clearance Works for BIS Products?
If a product covered under mandatory BIS requirements is imported into India, the importer must ensure that it has the required BIS approval for customs clearance. Import-related declarations are processed through the ICEGATE/Single Window system, while consignments are selected for verification under the Risk Management System (RMS).
The practical process generally involves:
- Valid BIS approval: The manufacturer should have a valid BIS licence (CM/L) or CRS registration (R-Number), as applicable, to export the product, model, and manufacturing facility.
- Accurate documents: The importer must have accurate and applicable BIS licence or registration details, test reports, and other required documents for shipping the notified product during the clearance process.
- Labeling and Marking of a product: The product packaging should follow the applicable requirements, such as correct labeling and marking, and correspond with the relevant licence or registration details.
Note: Any mismatch, such as an expired approval, a model not covered under the licence, or incorrect product marking, can lead to additional verification, legal action, or delays in the customs clearance process.
Labelling & Country-of-Origin Rules for Imports
Acquiring a valid BIS certification does not mean eliminating the marking and labelling requirements. For imported products, the information printed on the product and packaging should be accurate and should match the BIS certificate.
Important details include:
- BIS Standard Mark – Products covered under the applicable ISI/FMCS requirements should have the prescribed ISI Standard Mark and CM/L number. Electronic products under CRS should follow the applicable marking requirements, including the R-Number.
- Details of Importer – Importer details such as the name and complete address should be mentioned on the imported product or packaging.
- Country of origin – The country from which the product is imported should be clearly provided as required under applicable customs and Legal Metrology requirements.
- Model and product details – The model number and other printed details should match the product covered by the BIS approval and relevant test documents.
Thus, checking these details before shipment can help reduce avoidable compliance issues and delays during import.
Why Should BIS Applicability Be Checked Before Importing?
BIS compliance should be considered during the product sourcing stage, not after the shipment has already been arranged.
A simple compliance check before ordering can help answer important questions:
- Does my product require BIS certification?
- Which Indian Standard applies?
- Which BIS scheme should be followed?
- Who needs to apply for the approval?
- Does the foreign manufacturer need an AIR?
- Is product testing required?
- Is factory inspection applicable?
- Are any additional approvals required?
Getting these answers early allows the importer and manufacturer to plan the certification process before the goods are shipped to India.
How Can Brand Liaison Help With BIS Certification for Imports?
Importing a notified product involves coordination between the foreign manufacturer, importer, testing laboratory, and BIS. Brand Liaison helps businesses understand and manage these requirements.
Brand Liaison is the top BIS Certification Consultant in Delhi with 10+ years of experience, 5000+ certificates, 1000+ BIS projects, and 500+ FMCS projects. Our expert team has supported international businesses such as PT Dharma, Thanh Thanh Dat Ltd, and other foreign manufacturers with their certification requirements for the Indian market
Our support can include:
- Product eligibility assessment
- Identification of the applicable Indian Standard
- Selection of the appropriate BIS certification route
- Document preparation support
- Coordination with BIS-approved laboratories for product testing
- Application preparation assistance
- Authorized Indian Representative support, where applicable
- Factory inspection and assessment coordination
- Regular industry and QCO updates
- Post-certification compliance support
- Renewal, modification, and other BIS-related assistance
Brand Liaison also helps importers to identify whether additional approvals such as WPC, BEE, EPR, LMPC, or TEC/MTCTE apply to their notified products.
Conclusion
BIS certification is an important part of importing notified products listed in India's mandatory product list. However, the requirement does not apply to every imported product, and the applicable certification route depends on the product, Indian Standard, and government notification.
Foreign manufacturers may need to follow FMCS or CRS, while importers need to verify that their supplier has the correct and valid approval for the products being sourced.
Do you want to check BIS requirements for imported products? Connect with Brand Liaison, a trusted BIS Certification Consultant in India for BIS applicability assessment, certification support, testing coordination, and end-to-end compliance assistance.
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