BIS Certification Schemes in India: Types, Process, and Requirements

Introduction

If a business manufactures or imports products for sale in India, it needs to follow the quality and safety standards. These standards are set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It operates certification schemes to check whether the specified products meet the required quality, safety, and performance criteria.

The Government of India has made BIS certification mandatory for notified products covered in the applicable BIS product checklist. Depending on the product and applicable rules, a business needs an ISI Mark licence, CRS registration, and Scheme X certification for selling or importing the notified products in the Indian market.

Understanding the different BIS certification schemes helps manufacturers and importers in identifying the correct certification route before exporting, importing, or selling their products in India.

Understanding the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, established under the BIS Act. It sets Indian safety, quality, and performance Standards for notified products for sale and import in the Indian market. 

However, BIS operates various conformity assessment schemes, including product certification, registration, and other relevant programmes. The main focus is to protect consumers, promote standardisation, and support businesses in meeting applicable Indian Standards. 

Thus, BIS plays an integral part in maintaining product quality and ensuring compliance with government regulations in India.

What is the BIS Certification Scheme?

BIS certification is a mandatory compliance process for a notified product to meet the safety and quality requirements of the applicable Indian Standard or other relevant certification criteria.

Depending on the certification scheme, BIS reviews documents, tests product samples, inspects manufacturing facilities, or assesses other requirements before granting the applicable licence, registration, or certificate.

For the notified products listed under mandatory certification requirements, the manufacturers must obtain the required approval before selling or importing them, subject to the applicable rules and implementation dates. 

BIS Certification Schemes for Manufacturers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued different assessment schemes for notified products for consumer safety in India. The main product certification schemes under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, include ISI Mark Certification, BIS CRS, and Scheme X.

Here is a brief overview of different types of BIS Certification schemes: 

1. BIS ISI Mark Certification

BIS ISI Mark Certification is one of the main BIS product certification schemes. It allows eligible manufacturers to obtain a licence to use the ISI Mark on the notified products that meet the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard.

The process for ISI Mark Registration generally involves product testing, assessment of manufacturing facilities, document preparation, and verification of the manufacturer's details to maintain consistent product quality.

Who needs BIS ISI certification?

Both Domestic manufacturers and eligible foreign manufacturers require this certification for exporting and selling the products in India, depending on the product and applicable rules.

Examples of products covered by relevant ISI certification requirements include:

• Cement
• Electrical cables and wires
• Pressure cookers
• Certain steel products
• Other selected household and electrical appliances

Moreover, the manufacturers can check the ISI-applicable products list before getting the standard mark. 

2. BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a mandatory registration that is required for notified electronic and IT products listed in the applicable CRS product checklist. 

Under this scheme, eligible products must meet the applicable Indian Safety Standard and be registered with BIS before they can be sold in India where registration is mandatory.

However, unlike the traditional ISI Mark licensing route, CRS generally involves testing product samples in a BIS-recognised laboratory and submitting the registration application with the correct and required documents.

Who needs BIS CRS registration?

Both Indian and Overseas Manufacturers of notified electronic and IT products listed under the applicable CRS notification need to register their products.

Examples of products that may fall under CRS include:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops and tablets
• Power adapters
• Power banks
• Certain LED products
• Other notified electronic and IT goods

Moreover, the manufacturers should always check the CRS applicable product list and Indian Standard before starting the registration process.

3. BIS Scheme X Certification

BIS Scheme X Certification is a compulsory certification scheme for specified notified products, including certain machinery, electrical equipment, and related products covered by the applicable Scheme X product list.

Depending on the product and requirements, the assessment may include product testing, verification of technical documents, manufacturing capability assessment, and inspection.

Who needs Scheme X certification?

Indian and Foreign Manufacturers of notified products covered by the applicable Scheme X requirements must follow the prescribed certification route to get the license legally. They should check the exact product scope and current implementation dates before starting their applications.

Additionally, Scheme X requirements may differ from those under the ISI Mark and CRS routes. Therefore, manufacturers should not assume that an existing certificate under another scheme automatically meets Scheme X requirements.

4. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is designed for overseas manufacturers whose production units are located outside India. It allows eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS certificate by appointing an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to submit the application and use the ISI Mark on the exported notified products that conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

FMCS is particularly important for foreign companies exporting products to India for sale that fall under the applicable BIS licensing requirements. The administration of the scheme is through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS headquarters.

Key requirements include:

• An application with the prescribed documents and fees
• Product testing as required under the applicable Indian Standard
• Assessment or inspection of the foreign manufacturing facility
• Compliance with BIS licence conditions and applicable surveillance requirements

Note: BIS FMCS license generally covers products other than electronic and IT goods notified under CRS, subject to the applicable scope and rules.

5. Hallmarking Scheme

Hallmarking Scheme helps jewellers to verify the purity of precious metal articles, particularly gold and silver jewellery covered under the applicable requirements. 

Under this scheme, jewellers must meet the applicable BIS registration and hallmarking requirements, while Hallmarking Centres must follow the relevant requirements. 

Thus, hallmarking helps to determine its purity and mark it according to the applicable rules. It is important to note that hallmarking is a separate BIS programme focused on precious metal purity, rather than a general product certification scheme.

Guidelines for Importers and Traders

Importers and traders cannot apply directly for BIS Certification, as the BIS license is granted only to the actual manufacturer of the product. However, they must ensure that the foreign manufacturer whose products they are importing has a valid BIS certification for export to India. A copy of the BIS ISI license can be obtained from actual manufacturers by importers or traders to ensure legal compliance for selling the products in the Indian market.

Difference Between BIS Certification Schemes in India: At a Glance

Have a look at the differences between different BIS Certification Schemes in India:

What Documents Businesses Should Prepare?

Here is the list of the required documents for the BIS certification schemes. However, applicants should remember to provide accurate and correct details for a smooth certification journey:

For Domestic Manufacturers

• Company Documents, such as factory address proof
• Manufacturing Documents
• Product Details
• Test reports from the appropriate laboratory, where required
• Quality control and testing arrangements
• Manufacturer's name and address
• Factory address and manufacturing details
• Product drawings, photographs, and model details
• Business registration documents
• Authorisation documents and AIR details, where applicable
• Prescribed application forms and fee payment details

For Foreign Manufacturers

Overseas manufacturers must submit additional documentation depending on the certification scheme. These may include the following:

• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Appointment Letter
• Manufacturer Authorization Letter
• Overseas Factory Registration Certificate
• Other Export-related documents

Some schemes require additional documents, factory inspection, or specific declarations. Applicants should prepare the documents according to the latest guidelines for the selected scheme.

What is the Process for Getting a BIS Certification?

The following are the steps involved in the process for getting BIS Certification in India:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Certification Scheme

The applicant should identify the right product category, applicable Indian Standard, and relevant government notification. This helps determine whether Scheme I, CRS, Scheme IV, Scheme X, FMCS, or another route applies.

Step 2: Correct Document Preparation

Then, the applicant needs to collect the product details, manufacturer, factory, and technical documents required under the selected BIS scheme. They need to check that product names, model numbers, addresses, and other details are correct and accurate across the application documents.

Step 3: Product Testing at BIS-recognised labs

After document preparation, the applicant needs to submit product samples to the BIS-accredited laboratory for testing against the applicable Indian Standard. The test requirements depend on the product and certification scheme.

Step 4: Application Submission

Then, the applicant must submit the application through the applicable BIS system, along with the required documents and fees. Respond to any requests for clarification or additional information.

Step 5: Factory Inspection, where applicable

If the scheme requires a factory inspection or other assessment, such as for Scheme X, ISI, and FMCS, the applicant must complete it and address any observations raised during the process.

Step 6: Obtain the Required Approval

BIS reviews the application, test results, and other applicable requirements before deciding whether to grant the licence, registration, or certificate.

After approval, the manufacturer must follow the applicable marking, testing, renewal, surveillance, and post-certification requirements.

Also Read - How to Check BIS Certification Online

What is the Cost of Different BIS Certification Schemes?

The cost of BIS registration depends on the certification type and product category. It generally includes several parameters such as:

• Application fees that are payable to BIS.
• Product testing charges.
• Annual license or registration fees.
• Professional consultancy fees (if applicable).

So, here is a breakdown of the cost for different types of BIS Certification schemes:

Costing for BIS ISI/FMCS Certification 

Costing for BIS CRS Registration

Note: The fees are paid annually, despite the 5-year validity of the BIS CRS registration.

Costing for BIS Scheme X Certification

For the correct cost estimate, you can connect with a trusted BIS Consultant in India, Brand Liaison, and get a cost-effective quote.

Why is BIS Certification Beneficial for Businesses?

BIS certification offers several benefits to manufacturers, importers, and businesses operating in India.

1. Helps in legal and regulatory compliance
   It helps businesses meet applicable Indian quality and safety requirements and reduces the risk of non-compliance with mandatory certification rules.
2. Smooth market entry
   For products covered by mandatory certification, the required approval is an important step towards legally marketing the product in India.
3. Consistent maintenance of product quality
   The applicable testing, factory assessment, and surveillance requirements help manufacturers maintain product quality over time.
4. Supports business expansion
   Meeting recognised Indian Standards can strengthen a company's reputation among buyers, distributors, and business partners.

How Long Does BIS Certification Approval Take?

The time required to obtain BIS certification depends on product testing, document preparation, factory inspection, and BIS review. Foreign manufacturers may need additional time to arrange factory inspections and other requirements.

BIS ISI Mark Certification

• Approximately 20 working days for the simplified procedure (if applicable).
• Approximately 40 working days for the normal procedure. 

BIS FMCS Certification

• Approximately 6 months, subject to BIS Technical discretion. 

BIS CRS Registration 

• For primary lead models: 25-30 working days
• For subsequent lead models: 15-20 working days 

BIS Scheme X Certification

• For an Indian Manufacturer: approximately 2 months.
• For Foreign Manufacturer: Approximately a foreign manufacturer BIS Technical discretion.

Note: These are planning estimates, not guaranteed timelines. Actual processing time varies by product, documentation, laboratory workload, and applicable BIS requirements.

BIS Certification Schemes: Validity and Renewal

The validity of a BIS registration depends on the certification scheme and the conditions mentioned in the approval. The following are the different validities for different BIS schemes.

For BIS ISI Mark/FMCS Certification

The validity of a BIS ISI certification is 1 year, and it can be extended through the renewal process.

For Renewal, the manufacturer renews through the submission of required documents and fees within 90 days before the completion of the 1-year validity period. 

For BIS CRS Registration

The validity of the BIS CRS Registration is 5 years, and it can be renewed for another 5 years. 

For renewal, the manufacturers have to provide the correct and required documents. There is no further requirement for product testing.

Note: The fee payment (for the initial grant of the license and for renewing the same) will be paid annually. 

For BIS Scheme X Certification

The validity of a BIS Scheme X Certification is 3-6 years and can be renewed. 

For renewal, the manufacturers must submit the required documents and pay the required fees 2 months before the license expires. 

What Causes Delay in BIS Certification Approval?

Businesses should avoid the following common mistakes that cause delays in BIS Certification Approval:

• Identifying the wrong BIS certification scheme
• Choosing outdated or wrong applicable Indian Standard
• Ignoring a relevant QCO or its implementation date
• Providing incomplete or incorrect documents
• Delay in sending a sample for product testing at BIS-accredited labs
• Ignoring factory inspection requirements
• Not meeting renewal and post-certification obligations

Thus, checking these requirements before applying can help businesses reduce avoidable delays and additional costs.

How can Brand Liaison Help with BIS Certification?

Choosing the right BIS certification scheme and preparing an application is not an easy task, especially when a product falls under a mandatory QCO, or the manufacturer is based outside India.

With 10+ years of experience, 5000+ Certificates, 1000+ BIS Projects, and 500+ FMCS Projects, we are the best BIS Certification Consultant in Delhi, providing services such as:

• Identification of the applicable BIS certification scheme
• Determining the correct Indian Standard
• Checking eligibility for certification and document requirements
• Coordinating with BIS authorities for product testing at the appropriate laboratories
• Help in application preparation and submission
• Assistance in factory inspection requirements, where applicable
• Following up on application status and regulatory queries
• Post-compliance support like renewals and modifications

Brand Liaison works with both domestic and foreign manufacturers to help them understand the applicable requirements and manage the certification process.

Conclusion

BIS certification is an important consideration in ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards. Whether you need BIS ISI Mark certification, CRS registration, or Scheme X certification, choosing the correct scheme is essential for a smooth approval process. 

Indian and foreign manufacturers must understand the applicable Indian Standards, documentation, testing requirements, timelines, and validity conditions before applying. It can be easier by consulting a BIS Consultant in India.

Brand Liaison, as an experienced BIS Consultancy firm, supports manufacturers and importers in identifying the applicable BIS certification scheme, preparing documents, coordinating product testing, managing application requirements, and following up on approvals.