BIS Registration Process in India: How It Works, Cost and Compliance Requirements

Introduction

In India, BIS Registration is an important requirement for businesses that want to sell certain notified products in the market. Depending on the product category, BIS compliance is required under different certification schemes, such as BIS ISI Certification, BIS CRS Registration, BIS FMCS Certification, or BIS Scheme X Certification.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets quality and safety standards for the notified products to protect consumers and ensure that products meet the required standards. The applicable scheme depends on the product, Indian Standard, and relevant government requirements.

For registered businesses, understanding the BIS Registration Process in India helps avoid delays, documentation errors, and compliance issues. In this guide, Brand Liaison explains the process for Indian market compliance in simple words.

What is BIS Registration?

BIS Registration is a mandatory compliance requirement for the sale and import of the notified products listed in the BIS applicable product list. The manufacturer ensures that its product meets the applicable Indian quality and safety requirements prescribed by BIS.

India's national standards body, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS0 issues the BIS Registration Certificate to registered businesses. It develops standards for different notified products and also operates certification or registration schemes. It is essential for the manufacturer to follow the applicable marking and compliance requirements to legally sell the product.

Who Requires BIS Registration in India?

BIS registration applies to different types of businesses depending on the product and applicable regulations. These may include:

• Indian manufacturers producing products covered by mandatory BIS requirements to sell in India.
• Foreign manufacturers exporting and selling the notified products in the Indian market.
• Indian Importers bringing and selling the notified products into India where BIS compliance is mandatory.
• Brand owners selling products under their own brand where applicable.
• Online sellers who are selling the notified products on an online marketplace.

Note: It is important to check whether your product falls under a mandatory BIS requirement before starting the registration process.

BIS Registration - Different Types of Certification Schemes Covered

BIS Registration has different certification schemes depending on the type of product and the applicable requirements.

BIS ISI Certification

BIS ISI Certification is generally mandatory for products covered under the applicable BIS product list. Manufacturers and importers need to ensure that their notified products comply with the relevant safety and quality standards.

After getting approval, businesses can use the ISI Mark as permitted under the applicable licence conditions.

BIS CRS Registration

The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a mandatory compliance requirement for notified electronic and IT products for sale and import in the Indian market. Manufacturers and importers must have their notified electronic products tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory and submit the required application and documents.

The BIS CRS registration is generally issued based on the test report and verification of the submitted information, with no requirement for factory inspection.

BIS Scheme X Certification

BIS Scheme X Certification is a compulsory requirement for the notified products covered under the applicable BIS Scheme X product list. It involves product testing and manufacturer’s factory assessment to check quality-control capabilities.

The requirements vary depending on the product and applicable Indian Standard.

BIS FMCS certification

BIS FMCS Certification is a mandatory requirement for foreign manufacturers who are exporting and selling the notified products in the Indian market. They must appoint an AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) to submit the application and get the approval. 

Note: Foreign manufacturers can get BIS ISI license and Scheme X certification under the FMCS scheme. It does not apply to CRS registration.

What are the documents required for BIS Registration?

Here are some important documents required for getting BIS registration in India. 

• Company registration documents
• Factory details
• Product specifications
• Test reports
• Manufacturing information
• Authorization documents
• Quality system details

Businesses should prepare the documents according to the specific BIS checklist applicable to their product.

Step-by-Step BIS Registration Process in India

The BIS registration procedure depends on the applicable BIS scheme. However, here is a general step-by-step guide to get the registration:

Step 1: Check the Eligibility 

The first step is to identify which BIS registration the notified product requires. The applicable Indian Standard, Quality Control Order, product category, and BIS scheme should be checked before applying for the application.

If there is selection of the wrong scheme, it can result in delays or application rejection. Thus, you can use Brand Liaison’s CYE tool to check product eligibility.

Step 2: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

After confirming BIS product eligibility, identify the correct Indian Standard (IS) for your notified product. The applicable Indian standard specifies the technical, safety, performance, testing, and other requirements that the product must meet.

A manufacturer should ensure that the product specifications match the requirements of the applicable standard.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

The next step is to prepare the accurate documents required for the selected BIS certification scheme. Common documents include company details, manufacturing details, product specifications, product test reports, and more.

Foreign manufacturers need some additional documents and appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR), where required, to get the BIS Certification.

Step 4: Product Testing

Depending on the BIS certification scheme, the notified product needs to be tested in a BIS-recognised or BIS-approved laboratory. The notified product is checked against the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard in the laboratory.

The test report must meet the applicable requirements before it can be used for the BIS application.

For some schemes, testing requirements may differ, so manufacturers and importers should confirm the applicable testing procedure before submitting samples.

Step 5: Submit the BIS Application

Once the required documents and test reports are ready, the manufacturer submits the application by uploading the documents to initiate the applicable BIS process.

The application should contain correct information about the manufacturer, product, standard, manufacturing facility, and other required details. Incorrect or incomplete information or documents lead to queries or delays in application approval.

Step 6: BIS Review and Verification

BIS officials review the submitted BIS application, documents, test reports, and other information.

Depending on the certification scheme, BIS also carries out a factory inspection or assessment, where applicable, to verify the manufacturing facilities, production process, quality-control arrangements, and testing capabilities.

Step 7: Approval of BIS Registration

After successful submission and review of the application, BIS grants the relevant registration, licence, or certification to the applicant. The manufacturer can then follow the applicable BIS marking and compliance requirements for the approved product.

The approval must be maintained through ongoing compliance, including applicable testing, renewal, surveillance, marking, and other requirements.

How Long Does the BIS Registration Process Take?

The timeline for BIS registration varies according to the product type, certification scheme, testing requirements, documentation, factory inspection, and BIS review.

For products under schemes involving testing and factory assessment, the process may take:

For BIS CRS Registration:

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

For BIS ISI/FMCS Certification:

• Approximately 20 working days for simplified procedure (if applicable).
• Approximately 40 working days for the normal procedure.
• For Foreign manufacturer: approximately 6 months, subject to BIS Technical discretion. 

For Scheme X certification

• For an Indian Manufacturer: Approximately 2 months.
• For a foreign manufacturer: Approximately 6 months, subject to BIS Technical discretion.

Delays can also occur if documents are incomplete, test reports have issues, the selected standard is incorrect, or BIS raises queries during the application process.

Therefore, manufacturers should check the applicable requirements before starting the process.

What are the benefits of BIS Registration?

BIS registration offers several benefits to businesses and consumers. Here are some of the benefits:

Ensures Product Quality

BIS compliance helps manufacturers maintain the quality and safety of the notified products for selling in the Indian market according to the applicable Indian Standard.

Open market opportunities

For notified products covered under the mandatory BIS product list, obtaining the necessary BIS certification is important for legally selling the product in India. It opens more business and market opportunities for businesses.

Helps Meet Legal Requirements

BIS certification helps businesses comply with applicable government regulations and Quality Control Orders. It also helps them to get government tenders for the notified products.

Improves Sales

BIS certification strengthens the position of a manufacturer and supports business opportunities in the Indian market. It results in more market sales for manufacturers and importers.

What is the Cost of BIS Registration in India?

The BIS Registration cost depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard, certification scheme, number of models or variants, testing requirements, and other applicable BIS charges.

The overall cost may include:

• BIS application and processing fees
• Testing and laboratory fees
• Government charges
• Factory inspection charges, where applicable
• Annual licence or registration fees, as applicable
• Marking or certification fees, where applicable
• Professional or consultancy charges, if the manufacturer takes compliance support

For products under different BIS schemes, the cost structure is different. 

For example, the cost of BIS ISI Certification includes testing, factory inspection, licence fees, and marking fees, while the cost of BIS CRS Registration generally involves applicable registration fees and product testing costs.

Therefore, manufacturers should evaluate the product and applicable BIS scheme before estimating the total cost.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with BIS Rules?

Selling notified products covered under mandatory BIS requirements without the registration or certification can result in serious regulatory consequences.

Depending on the nature of the violation and the applicable law, BIS may take enforcement action against the manufacturer or other responsible parties. Possible consequences may include:

• No customs clearance
• Financial losses
• Loss of market opportunities
• Product seizures
• Fines for first offences
• Imprisonment for subsequent offences
• Seizure and confiscation of uncertified goods
• Prohibition on sale

The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 provides for penalties for contraventions of the Act and rules or regulations made under it. The exact penalty depends on the type and seriousness of the violation.

Businesses should therefore confirm BIS applicability before manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing products covered by mandatory BIS requirements. Maintaining compliance after certification is also important to avoid enforcement action.

How can Brand Liaison assist with BIS Registration?

Brand Liaison is the top BIS Certification Consultant in Delhi that assists manufacturers, importers, and overseas businesses with the BIS ISI, BIS FMCS, BIS CRS, and BIS Scheme X registration process in India.

Our support can include:

• Checking product eligibility for BIS Certification
• Identifying the applicable Indian Standard
• Preparing and reviewing documents
• Coordinating with BIS authorities for product testing
• Guidance in the BIS application process
• Assisting with factory assessment requirements
• Responding to BIS queries and observations
• Post-compliance support
• Regular industry updates

With 12+ years of experience in BIS certification and regulatory compliance, Brand Liaison helps manufacturers and importers understand the requirements and complete the process more efficiently.

Conclusion

BIS Registration Process in India involves several important steps, including checking eligibility, identifying the correct Indian Standard, preparing documents, product testing, submitting the application, and completing BIS review or factory assessment where applicable.

Since BIS requirements vary according to the product and certification scheme, manufacturers should partner with the best BIS Certification Consultant in India for a simple and smooth certification journey.

With proper documentation, suitable testing, and accurate product information, Brand Liaison can help make the BIS process easy and reduce avoidable delays.