What is BIS Certification? Complete guide for BIS Certification - Process, Types & Validity

Introduction 

BIS certification is a certificate for safety and quality, granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), for all products that are covered under the applicable product checklist. There is a need for manufacturers and importers to understand the importance of acquiring a BIS mark and to abide by the compliance requirements in the Indian market. Manufacturers and importers complying with the BIS India regulations can get the BIS license and thus use the ISI mark (‘BIS Standard Mark’) on their products. The ISI marking demonstrated that the product complies with the BIS regulations ad set performance and safety benchmarks in the Indian market. 

Let us understand in detail what a BIS certificate means, what its types are, and how to obtain a BIS license in India.

What is a BIS Certification?

A BIS certification is a safety and quality assurance that is granted by the BIS to products that are specified to be mandatorily registered under the various BIS schemes in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards, being the statutory body governing the quality and performance benchmarks and standards of the Indian market, aims to make sure that the products meet strict regulations and testing requirements before being sold in the Indian market. 

Why is a BIS License important in India? 

A BIS License in India is certainly important for many reasons, such as the following:

• A Legal Necessity 
  Many notified products in India must comply with Indian Standards under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS certification in India is mandatory for these products to be legally imported or sold.
• Standardization of products
  Processes like BIS audits and technical requirements promote uniform quality across industries by enforcing consistent technical standards, eventually helping in the national economic efficiency.
• Prevents substandard goods
  The BIS requirement is mandatory for businesses that are dealing with a variety of products, as it regulates the market by blocking the entry of inferior or fake products.
• International trade recognition
  BIS certification aligns Indian products with global quality regulations. This helps in facilitating export potential and acceptance in global markets. 

Who Needs a BIS Certification in India? 

All manufacturers as well as importers of notified products being sold in India must get a BIS certification. However, it is important to consider the following aspects:

• The BIS certificate is only granted to the manufacturers.
• Importers who are selling notified products in India must ask the manufacturers of the product to have a BIS license and get a copy of the same to ensure compliance.
• Traders and distributors also do not get a BIS license directly, and they can ask their manufacturer to give them a copy of the BIS certificate.
• Foreign manufacturers have to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to proceed with the BIS application in India.
• Also, foreign manufacturers get a BIS certification under the Foreign Manufacturer’s Certification Scheme (FMCS).

Types of BIS Licenses

There are different types of BIS licenses issued for varying categories of products. Let us understand these in detail. 

ISI Mark Certification Scheme (for Domestic Manufacturers)

Manufacturers of various product categories that have been notified by the BIS have to get the BIS ISI Certification. The products, such as ceiling fans, oil pressure stoves, cement, digital thermometers, etc., that have been listed for compulsory BIS ISI mark certification have to follow the BIS-established regulations and meet the necessary quality and safety parameters to be eligible for sale in India. On verifying the credibility and granting the ISI mark certification to the products, the BIS also gives a unique CML number to the goods and articles being sold in the Indian market. 

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronics & IT Goods

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) in 2012 by issuing the ‘Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012’. Initially covering 15 categories of electronic items, the list of products, such as electronic games, LED lighting chains, and mobile phones, under BIS CRS registration has since been expanded to include additional electronics and IT goods, notified by the BIS. The BIS grants a license to manufacturers of electronic products, allowing them to use or affix the standard mark with a unique R-number.

BIS Scheme X Certification

The BIS Scheme X Certification is a framework introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations that is mainly designed to ensure the safety, performance, and quality of products across multiple sectors. Products such as compressors, pumps, cranes, etc., that are covered under machinery and electrical components, are usually included under this certification. It is important for manufacturers and importers of such notified goods to meet the prescribed standards of safety and performance. 

If you are not sure about which BIS certificate type your product needs, check your product's eligibility for a BIS registration today with Brand Liaison’s free CYE tool. 

How to Obtain a BIS Certificate?

To get a BIS certificate, manufacturers of the notified products must follow the given steps for the BIS certification process:

• Check the applicable BIS Certification type that varies as per the product category.
• Conform to the respective IS of the products.
• Prepare the necessary documents for the BIS Certification.
• The products will be tested in a BIS-approved laboratory.
• The factory inspections and audits will take place.
• On evaluating the details, the BIS will grant the certification. 

Key Highlights for BIS Certification Schemes

Latest BIS Updates and Regulatory Developments in 2026

In 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) continues to expand the scope of mandatory certification through new as well as a variety of amended Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These updates mainly aim to enhance product quality, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance across various industries.

The government has also increased the adoption of BIS Scheme-X for specific industrial and machinery products, requiring manufacturers to meet stricter conformity assessment requirements. Additionally, imported products are facing greater testing and regulatory checks in order to ensure compliance with applicable BIS standards before entering the Indian market.

As BIS regulations continue to evolve, manufacturers, importers, as well as brand owners should stay updated with the latest notifications and certification requirements in order to avoid compliance risks and ensure uninterrupted market access in India.

Read all the latest BIS updates and amendments in 2026 here: Government Compliance Notifications.

How Can Businesses Easily Manage Compliance? Effective Tips

Here are some effective tips by which businesses can easily manage compliance in the Indian market: 

• Get access to the BIS Care App and stay updated with recent changes.
• Maintain all compliance-related documents in one place and furnish the same to the authorities whenever asked for, in order to prevent last-minute hassles.
• Track the deadline and do not miss any updates to manage seamless compliance in the Indian economy.
• Even post-certification, staying compliant is important for ongoing compliance.
• It is best to partner with the best compliance management consultants, like Brand Liaison, to understand the procedures and never miss out on any updates! 

Brand Liaison: Simplifying BIS Certification for the Indian Market

Being a top-trusted and BIS certificate consultant for the Indian market, Brand Liaison is a reliable name for businesses aiming to enter the Indian market. Have a look at why we have been recognized and trusted by top businesses for ultimate compliance management support and certification requirements: 

• Dedicated support for checking market readiness with the free CYE tool.
• Separate comprehensive guidebooks for all Indian market certifications.
• Cost-effective solutions.
• Expert guidance and years of experience in the compliance industry.
• Professional team handling compliance in a client-focused approach.
• Tailored solutions for businesses aiming to enter and sell in India.

Get in touch with Brand Liaison today and understand the various compliance requirements. Our team of professionals will guide you through the process and be there even post-compliance. 

Conclusion

Understanding BIS certification in India is important for businesses selling and importing various notified products. BIS compliance is surely an integral requirement for manufacturers and importers dealing with a variety of goods in the Indian market. Understanding the types and checking readiness on time helps in preventing legal risks. Connect with expert BIS registration consultants, Brand Liaison, and ensure seamless compliance in the Indian market.