Clarification for BIS Product Licenses

Introduction to the BIS Product Licenses

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mainly issues product licenses to manufacturers in order to confirm that their products meet the required Indian quality standards. Over time, BIS has updated its licensing system to improve uniformity as well as ease of verification.

Earlier, BIS product licenses were issued in different number formats, and many licenses issued before the latest system change are still valid and in operation.

Now, through this clarification issued on 6th September 2024, BIS has explained how older license numbers are being aligned with the current numbering system and how such licenses should be treated.

Key changes you should know

1. BIS now follows a 10-digit license number format for granting new product licenses.
2. Licenses issued before the introduction of the 10-digit series continue to remain valid.
3. All older licenses are being converted into the 10-digit format by adding leading zeros.
4. Example:
   1. Old license number: 1234567
   2. New format: 0001234567
5. This change is only a format update and does not affect the validity of the license.

What is the date of implementation?

1. The clarification is effective immediately from 6th September 2024.
2. During verification, both formats:
   1. Licenses already in the 10-digit series, and
   2. Older licenses have not yet been converted

must be treated as valid

This applies when checking license details on the official BIS website or BIS mobile app.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as buyers who are verifying BIS licenses should keep this clarification in mind in order to avoid confusion.

Here’s what businesses should do:

• Do not treat older, non-10-digit license numbers as invalid.
• While verifying licenses on the BIS portal or app, accept both formats.
• Update internal records in order to reflect the 10-digit format, where available.
• Avoid rejection of suppliers or products solely due to the license number format.

For any support related to BIS license verification, clarification, or compliance guidance, Brand Liaison assists businesses in correctly interpreting BIS records and ensuring smooth compliance without unnecessary delays.