Quick Summary
BIS certification is mandatory for 769 products under 187 Quality Control Orders in India. This guide covers ISI Mark vs CRS vs FMCS schemes, how to check if your product needs certification, documents and fees, the application process, and common mistakes that delay approval.
What You'll Learn
- How to check if your product needs BIS and which scheme applies (ISI Mark, CRS, or FMCS)
- How to complete the application process with exact documents, fees, and inspection steps
- How to avoid rejection mistakes that delay certification and trigger compliance penalties
What is BIS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It sets quality standards and certifies products manufactured or sold in India.
The ISI Mark is India's most recognized quality certification. When you see it on a product, it means:
- The product meets BIS quality standards
- The manufacturing facility has been inspected
- The manufacturer holds a valid BIS license
BIS certifies products. ISO certifies management systems. You can have ISO 9001 but still need BIS for individual products under QCO.
Certification Schemes at a Glance
| Scheme | For Whom | Mark Issued | Factory Inspection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISI Mark | Domestic manufacturers | ISI Mark | Yes | Cement, steel, electrical, consumer goods |
| CRS | Electronics (domestic + imported) | BIS Standard Mark | No | Mobile chargers, LED lamps, IT hardware |
| FMCS | Foreign manufacturers | ISI Mark | Yes (abroad) | Regular exporters to India |
| Hallmarking | Gold/silver jewelry | BIS Hallmark | N/A | Jewelers |
CRS vs ISI: CRS is simpler—self-declaration based, no factory inspection. Designed for high-volume electronics where factory visits aren't practical.
Does Your Product Need BIS?
The government issues Quality Control Orders (QCOs) making BIS mandatory for specific products. Currently, 769 products under 187 QCOs are covered.
How to check:
- Visit bis.gov.in → "Product Certification" → "Mandatory Certification"
- Search by product name or IS (Indian Standard) number
- Check the QCO notification date
Major categories under QCO:
- Construction: Cement, TMT bars, plywood, paints, electrical cables
- Electronics: LED lamps, lithium batteries, chargers, adapters, appliances
- Safety: Helmets, fire extinguishers, LPG cylinders, pressure cookers
- Consumer: Toys, baby products, footwear, water system components
- Automotive: Tyres, batteries, brake fluids, seat belts
Selling QCO products without BIS certification attracts a minimum penalty of ₹1 lakh (up to 5 times the value of goods) or imprisonment up to 1 year under Section 29 of the BIS Act 2016.
Who Needs BIS Certification?
Domestic manufacturers need BIS if:
- Product is under any QCO
- Manufacturing in India for domestic sale
- Seeking voluntary ISI certification for market credibility
Foreign manufacturers need BIS if:
- Exporting QCO products to India regularly
- Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Exemptions:
- Products meant solely for export (not sold in India)
- Personal imports (non-commercial, limited quantity)
- Products for R&D or exhibition purposes
Documents Required
- Company Registration Certificate + GST Registration
- Manufacturing License (state govt approval)
- Factory Layout Plan (AutoCAD/PDF)
- Product Test Report from BIS-approved lab
- Quality Control Manual
- List of Testing Equipment with calibration certificates
For CRS (Electronics): Simpler—test report from BIS/ILAC lab, technical documentation, self-declaration of conformity.
For FMCS (Foreign): All documents must be attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate or Apostilled. Requires AIR appointment letter and agreement.
How to Apply (ISI Mark Process)
Step 1: Get Product Tested
Send samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory. Find approved labs at bis.gov.in → "Testing & Calibration".
- Cost: ₹5,000 - ₹50,000 (depends on product)
- Time: 15-30 days
- Validity: 6 months to 1 year
Step 2: Register on BIS Portal
Go to manakonline.in:
- Click "New User Registration"
- Fill company details and create login
- Verify email via OTP
Step 3: Submit Application (Form I)
From dashboard, select "Apply for License" → "Product Certification Scheme":
- Enter product details, IS standard number
- Upload all documents
- Pay application fee (₹1,000 - ₹3,000)
Step 4: Document Scrutiny
BIS reviews your application (10-15 days). Possible outcomes:
- Approved: Proceed to inspection
- Queries: Respond with additional documents
- Rejected: Rectify and reapply
Step 5: Factory Inspection
BIS schedules inspection within 30-45 days:
What inspectors check:
- Infrastructure matches application
- Testing equipment present and calibrated
- Quality control procedures and records
- Production process compliance
- Raw material quality checks
Duration: Half-day to full day
Step 6: License Grant
If inspection passes (7-15 days post-inspection):
- BIS issues License Certificate (Form II)
- Download from portal
- Validity: 1-2 years
After license, purchase ISI marking stickers from BIS-approved printers and affix on products with your license number.
Fees and Timeline
| Component | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Testing | ₹5,000 - ₹50,000 | 15-30 days |
| Application + License Fee | ₹5,000 - ₹18,000 | — |
| Inspection Charges | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 | 30-45 days |
| Document Scrutiny | — | 10-15 days |
| Post-Inspection Grant | — | 7-15 days |
| Total (First Year) | ₹20,000 - ₹80,000 | 60-105 days |
Annual renewal: ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 (simpler process, inspection often waived if compliance record is good).
FMCS additional cost: ₹1-3 lakh for BIS team travel to foreign factory.
Apply for renewal 3 months before your license expiry date. If you miss the deadline, your license expires and you must restart the entire application process from scratch, including lab testing and factory inspection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using non-approved labs: Test report rejected, must retest at recognized lab
- Factory details mismatch: If actual factory differs from application, inspection fails
- Missing renewal deadline: License expires, must reapply from scratch (apply 3 months before expiry)
- Improper ISI marking: Using self-printed marks or wrong license numbers leads to penalties
- CRS vs ISI confusion: Electronics under CRS get "Standard Mark", not ISI Mark—using wrong mark is illegal
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan foreign manufacturers get BIS without an AIR?
No. Under FMCS, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory. The AIR must be registered in India and is legally responsible for BIS compliance.
QDo MSMEs get fee concessions?
Yes. BIS offers up to 50% discount on marking fees for registered MSMEs. You need valid Udyam Registration to avail this.
QCan I export without BIS?
Yes. If products are solely for export and not sold in India, BIS is not required. Maintain documentation proving export intent and don't mark export products with ISI.
QHow long is BIS valid?
ISI Mark license: 1-2 years (renewable). CRS registration: 1 year (renewable). Test reports: 6 months to 1 year.
Related Articles
- What is Udyam Registration? Complete Guide for MSMEs - Get MSME benefits including reduced BIS fees
- Government Tenders for MSME: How to Win Contracts - BIS certification is often required for government procurement
For official BIS information, visit bis.gov.in or call BIS helpline: 011-23230131.
