BIS Certification

Read Time:9 Minute, 0 Second

BIS certification, granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), guarantees that your product meets stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. Although optional for many items, Indian BIS certification is mandatory for 380 essential products to ensure public safety. Through our BIS certification services, you can enhance your product’s credibility and earn the prestigious ISI mark, signifying compliance with Indian standards. Products with Bureau of Indian standards certificate gain a competitive advantage, as consumers tend to favour certified items for their quality and safety.

Partner with IndiaFilings to simplify the BIS certification process, boosting consumer trust and confidence in your brand.

An Introduction to BIS Certification in India

BIS, short for Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national certification body of India, established under the BIS Act of 2016. Operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, BIS replaced the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) on April 1, 1987, taking over its responsibilities. The BIS certificate meaning refers to the crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and performance standards of products in India through standardisation and product certification. It is mandatory for the certain organizations which are subjected to BIS Certificate Verification.

Manufacturers, whether Indian or foreign, producing products that fall under mandatory certification categories are required to obtain a BIS registration certificate. The Bureau of Indian Standards registration process can be completed online through the BIS portal, allowing manufacturers to ensure compliance with Indian standards and enhance the credibility of their products. Specified companies and manufacturers must get a Bureau of indian standards license to legally comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Who Can Apply for BIS Certification?

Any organisation involved in manufacturing, assembly, or service provision based in India or abroad can apply for BIS certification. It must be a legally recognised entity and provide documents verifying the business’s name and address. Those organizations are subject to BIS verification.

Indian BIS Registration for Importers, Exporters, and Manufacturers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) offers a variety of product registration schemes designed to ensure that products manufactured, imported, or sold in India meet the required quality, safety, and performance standards. Whether you are an importer, exporter, or manufacturer, obtaining BIS certification is essential for compliance with Indian regulations. Some schemes are mandatory, while others are voluntary, depending on the industry and product category. Below is an outline of the different Indian BIS registration schemes available to help you understand which one applies to your products.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), certain categories of products must be certified before being placed on the Indian market. The primary goals of CRS are to protect consumer safety, safeguard the environment, and enhance national security. Products under CRS include:

Type of Product	Examples of Products
Electronics and IT Goods	Laptops, tablets, printers, scanners, mobile phones, LED lights, etc.
Domestic Appliances	Electric irons, ceiling fans, LED lamps, electric water heaters, etc.
Auto Components	Motor vehicle tires, tubes, and safety glass for motor vehicles.
Steel Materials	Steel pipes for various applications.

These products must comply with relevant Indian standards and be tested in ACPI-registered laboratories. BIS CRS registration is a prerequisite for their sale or import into India.

Voluntary Certification Scheme (VCS)

The Voluntary Certification Scheme (VCS) allows manufacturers to certify their products, even if they are not subject to mandatory certification. VCS certification encourages manufacturers to differentiate their products in the marketplace by demonstrating compliance with Indian standards, boosting consumer trust and product competitiveness. Products under VCS include:

Type of Product	Examples of Products
Textiles and Leather Products	Garments, footwear, leather goods, etc.
Chemicals and Petrochemicals	Paints, varnishes, adhesives, etc.
Construction Materials	Cement, steel doors, paints, sanitary fittings, etc.
Domestic Appliances	Kitchen appliances, water heaters, air conditioners, etc.

VCS certification enhances consumer confidence and product marketability while showcasing a commitment to quality and safety.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is tailored for manufacturers outside of India who wish to export their products to the Indian market. Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS certification through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) or by establishing their own representative office in India. Products under FMCS include electronics, consumer goods, and industrial equipment.

FMCS certification facilitates international trade by ensuring that imported products meet Indian standards, improving consumer safety and protecting national interests. It smooths the process for foreign manufacturers to certify their products in line with Indian regulations.

Hallmarking Scheme for Gold and Silver Articles

BIS also administers the Hallmarking Scheme, certifying the purity and fineness of gold and silver articles sold in India. Bureau of Indian standards certificate guarantee that these precious metal items conform to defined purity standards, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of fraudulent practices.

Product Certification Scheme (PCS)

The Product Certification Scheme (PCS) covers a wide range of products that may not fall under CRS but still require BIS certificate verification for their conformity with Indian standards. Examples include:

Type of Product	Examples of Products
Industrial	Machinery, pressure vessels, industrial valves, etc.
Electrical	Cables, switches, circuit breakers, etc.
Chemical and Pharmaceuticals	Certain chemicals, pharmaceutical products, etc.
Construction	Bricks, tiles, roofing sheets, etc.

Indian BIS Registration: Key Eligibility Requirements

To ensure compliance with BIS standards and obtain a Bureau of Indian standards license, entities must meet the following eligibility criteria for successful BIS registration:

Legal Entity:Only registered legal entities in India, such as private companies, partnerships, or proprietorships, are eligible to apply for BIS Certification.
Application Type:BIS registration is open to producers, importers, or suppliers, both from domestic and international markets.
Product Category: BIS certification is mandatory for certain product categories as specified in the Indian BIS Act, where certification is required to legally manufacture or sell these products in India.
Product Testing:All products must undergo testing at BIS-approved laboratories to verify compliance with Indian standards.
Documentary Requirements: Applicants must submit various documents, including manufacturing licenses, test reports, and supporting materials as per BIS guidelines. These documents are mandatory for BIS CRS registration.
Manufacturing Facility: The facility should be capable of producing products that meet BIS standards. BIS may conduct inspections to verify compliance before issuing the certification.

Benefits of Obtaining a Bureau of Indian Standards Certificate

Acquiring a BIS certificate registration offers numerous advantages for businesses:

Market Credibility: BIS certification verifies that your products meet Indian quality and safety standards, building trust and credibility.
Legal Compliance: Ensures your products comply with Indian regulations, making them legally fit for sale and distribution in the Indian market.
Access to Government Tenders: Certified products qualify for government tenders, creating business growth opportunities.
Consumer Confidence: The BIS mark assures customers of product safety and quality.
Brand Reputation: A BIS certificate registration demonstrates your brand’s commitment to quality.
Competitive Advantage: BIS certification distinguish your products from non-certified competitors.

Documents Required for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Registration and Certification

To obtain BIS certificate registration and the Bureau of Indian standards license, a comprehensive set of documents must be submitted. These include testing reports, brand documents, factory documents, authorization letters, and India representative documents. Additionally, the test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory must accompany the application for certification. All documents must be in the prescribed format set by BIS and duly signed and stamped by the appropriate signatories.

Below is a list of the key documents required for a fresh application with the Bureau of Indian Standards, to download BIS certificate:

Business License of the Manufacturing Unit (English translated and in the local language).
Scope of the Business License (English translated and in the local language).
ISO Certificate of the Manufacturer
Authorisation Letter (Required if the signatory is someone other than the head of the manufacturing facility).
Trademark Certificate
Trademark Authorization Letter (Necessary if the brand is not owned by the manufacturer).
Nomination Letter of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Testing Documents

Filled out CDF (Compliance Data Form) and CCL (Critical Component List).
Technical Specification Sheet or Product Manual
Providing detailed information about the device being applied for.

IndiaFilings can assist in preparing and submitting these documents for a smooth BIS certification process.

Procedure of BIS Certificate Registration

The Procedure of BIS Registration ensures that products meet Indian standards for quality, safety, and performance. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the stages involved:

Identification of Applicability: The first step in the BIS certification process is determining whether the product falls under the mandatory BIS certification scope. This can be checked via the BIS website or by consulting authorized agencies.
Application Submission: Once the product is confirmed to require BIS certification, the application process begins. This involves providing the following details:
Application Details: Description of the product and relevant specifics.

Product Details: Description, specifications, and intended use of the product.
Manufacturing Process Details: Information on production facilities, quality control measures, and manufacturing standards.
Test Reports: Previous test results, especially those compliant with international standards, must be submitted.
Brand Authorization Letter: This is required if the products are manufactured by a third party under a license.·
Document Review: BIS reviews the submitted documents to ensure completeness and accuracy. This step verifies that all required information has been provided and that the product is within the scope of applicable Indian standards.
Sample Testing: Product samples are tested in a BIS-recognized or accredited laboratory. Testing is conducted against relevant Indian standards to ensure compliance with safety, quality, performance, and other criteria.
Factory Inspection (if Applicable): For certain product categories, a factory inspection may be required. BIS conducts factory surveillance to evaluate the production processes, quality control systems, and adherence to BIS standards. This ensures that the manufacturing facility can consistently produce products that meet certified standards.
Grant of BIS Registration Certificate: After successful testing, inspection (if applicable), and BIS verification, the BIS registration certificate is issued. You can track the BIS license status to know about your application processing. This certificate serves as proof that the product meets the required Indian standards for quality and safety. You can also have the facility to download BIS Certificate.

IndiaFilings can assist in streamlining the entire BIS registration process, from initial consultation to applying for certification, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for manufacturers and importers.

Previous Chapter Next