BIS Certification is an important part of product compliance in India. It helps establish that products conform to applicable Indian Standards and, where certification is mandatory, allows manufacturers to meet the requirements specified by the relevant regulations and Quality Control Orders.
For manufacturers, understanding BIS Certification is important not only for obtaining a licence but also for maintaining the required manufacturing, testing, quality control, marking, and surveillance requirements.
This guide explains the basics of BIS Certification, when it is required, how the certification process works, and what manufacturers should prepare before applying.
What Is BIS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body and operates various conformity assessment schemes for products.
Under the BIS Product Certification Scheme, manufacturers can obtain a licence to use the applicable Standard Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard. Scheme-I is the well-known ISI Mark Scheme.
BIS certification is intended to provide assurance that certified products meet specified standards relating to quality, safety, performance, or other applicable requirements.
However, BIS certification is not automatically mandatory for every product manufactured or sold in India.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory in India?
BIS certification is generally voluntary unless the Government of India makes compliance compulsory for a particular product through applicable legal provisions or a Quality Control Order (QCO).
When a product is covered by a mandatory QCO or other applicable requirement, the manufacturer must comply with the specified BIS conformity assessment requirements before placing the product on the market.
When Does a Manufacturer Need BIS Certification?
Manufacturers should check whether their product:
- Falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order
- Is included in the applicable BIS compulsory certification list
- Is covered by a specific Indian Standard
- Requires a BIS licence, Certificate of Conformity, or registration under the applicable scheme
- Has additional product-specific regulatory requirements
The applicable requirement depends on the product and the relevant government notification.
What Is the ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark is associated with BIS’s Scheme-I Product Certification Scheme.
Under this scheme, BIS grants a licence to manufacturers to use the Standard Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard. BIS assesses the manufacturer’s manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control, testing capabilities, and product conformity before granting the licence.
The ISI Mark should therefore not be treated simply as a quality logo. It represents conformity with the applicable Indian Standard under the relevant BIS certification framework.
BIS Certification vs ISI Certification
BIS is the organisation that operates the conformity assessment system, while the ISI Mark is the Standard Mark used under Scheme-I for applicable certified products.
Other BIS conformity assessment routes may apply depending on the product, such as CRS or FMCS.
Which Products Require BIS Certification?
There is no single rule that makes BIS certification mandatory for every manufactured product.
The Government has notified specific products for compulsory compliance based on considerations such as consumer safety, health, environmental protection, prevention of unfair trade practices, and national security.
The BIS compulsory certification list includes products covered under different conformity assessment schemes.
Examples of Product Categories
Depending on the applicable notifications, BIS requirements may cover products from areas such as:
- Electrical and electronic products
- Household and commercial equipment
- Construction materials
- Cement and related products
- Automotive components
- Steel and metal products
- Consumer products
- Toys
- Footwear
- Various industrial products
The exact requirement should always be checked against the current BIS product list, relevant Indian Standard, and applicable QCO.
What Is a Quality Control Order?
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a government notification that makes compliance with specified Indian Standards compulsory for the products covered by the order.
Where a product is covered by a QCO, manufacturers may be required to obtain the applicable BIS licence or conformity assessment approval before manufacturing or selling the product in the Indian market.
Why QCOs Matter to Manufacturers
A manufacturer should not assume that certification is optional simply because BIS certification is generally voluntary.
If a QCO applies to the product, the manufacturer needs to understand:
- Applicable Indian Standard
- Effective date of the QCO
- Required conformity assessment scheme
- Testing requirements
- Manufacturing requirements
- Marking requirements
- Documentation
- Ongoing compliance obligations
What Does a Manufacturer Need Before Applying?
BIS expects manufacturers to have the necessary infrastructure and capabilities required for producing conforming products.
Before applying, manufacturers should assess their readiness across several areas.
Manufacturing Infrastructure
The manufacturing facility should have the infrastructure necessary to consistently produce products according to the applicable Indian Standard.
Process Controls
Manufacturers should have appropriate controls over production processes to maintain consistency and conformity.
Quality Control
Quality control procedures should be established for monitoring product quality throughout the manufacturing process.
Testing Facilities
The manufacturer should have the testing capabilities and equipment required under the relevant product standard and BIS requirements.
BIS confirms that manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control, and testing capabilities are important requirements for obtaining a product certification licence.
How Does the BIS Certification Process Work?
The exact process can vary depending on the product, applicable scheme, and certification route. However, manufacturers generally need to work through the following stages.
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
The first step is identifying the correct Indian Standard applicable to the product.
BIS advises manufacturers to identify the relevant Indian Standard before starting the application process.
Step 2: Review Product Requirements
Once the standard is identified, the manufacturer should understand its technical requirements, testing parameters, manufacturing controls, and applicable product-specific guidelines.
Step 3: Assess Manufacturing Readiness
The manufacturing facility should be reviewed against the applicable requirements.
This includes infrastructure, production processes, quality control systems, testing equipment, and competent personnel.
Step 4: Prepare Documentation
The manufacturer needs to prepare the required application information and supporting documents.
The exact documentation depends on the product and applicable certification scheme.
Step 5: Submit the Application
BIS product certification applications are submitted online through the applicable BIS system. BIS currently states that applications and payments for product certification are accepted through online mode.
Step 6: Factory Assessment
BIS may assess the manufacturer’s manufacturing premises to evaluate infrastructure, production processes, quality control, and testing capabilities.
Step 7: Product Testing
Product conformity is established through the applicable testing process. Depending on the certification route, testing may involve a BIS-recognised laboratory, testing at the manufacturing premises, or a combination of methods.
Step 8: Grant of Licence
Once the applicable requirements are successfully completed and conformity is established, BIS can grant the licence under the relevant certification scheme.
What Documents Are Required for BIS Certification?
The documentation requirements vary depending on the product and certification scheme.
Common information may include:
- Manufacturer and factory details
- Company registration information
- Product details
- Applicable Indian Standard
- Manufacturing process information
- Quality control details
- Testing equipment information
- Test reports where applicable
- Details of authorised representatives
- Brand or trademark information
- Applicable declarations and undertakings
Manufacturers should prepare documentation based on the product-specific BIS requirements rather than relying on a generic document checklist.
Why Is Product Testing Important?
Testing is an important part of establishing product conformity.
The relevant Indian Standard specifies the technical requirements and testing parameters that the product must satisfy.
BIS states that product conformity may be established through third-party laboratory testing, testing at the manufacturing premises, or a combination of both, depending on the applicable process.
BIS Recognised Testing Laboratories
Where laboratory testing is required, manufacturers should use the laboratories permitted under the applicable BIS process.
Test reports and their validity requirements can vary according to the certification procedure and product.
What Happens After BIS Certification?
Obtaining the licence is not necessarily the end of the manufacturer’s compliance responsibilities.
BIS can conduct surveillance activities to verify continued conformity of certified products and the operation of the licence.
Factory Surveillance
BIS may conduct visits or assessments at the manufacturing premises to verify continued compliance with applicable requirements.
Market Surveillance
Products available in the market may also be sampled and tested as part of BIS surveillance activities.
Maintaining Product Conformity
Manufacturers must continue producing products according to the applicable Indian Standard and comply with the conditions of the BIS licence.
Changes to products, manufacturing arrangements, processes, or other licence-related details may require appropriate review or approval.
Common BIS Certification Challenges for Manufacturers
BIS certification can become difficult when manufacturers begin the application without properly understanding the applicable standard or product requirements.
Selecting the Wrong Standard
A product may have multiple related standards or technical requirements. Selecting the wrong Indian Standard can affect the entire certification process.
Incomplete Manufacturing Readiness
If the manufacturing facility does not have the required infrastructure, testing capabilities, or process controls, additional preparation may be necessary.
Testing Issues
Products that do not meet the applicable testing requirements can result in delays and additional work.
Documentation Gaps
Missing, inconsistent, or outdated information can lead to queries during the application and assessment process.
Changes After Certification
Manufacturers need to manage changes to products, production processes, factory arrangements, or other licence details carefully to maintain compliance.
BIS Certification for Different Types of Businesses
BIS requirements can vary depending on the role and location of the business.
Indian Manufacturers
Indian manufacturers applying under the applicable BIS product certification scheme generally need to demonstrate that their manufacturing facility and product conform to the relevant requirements.
Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers may need to follow a separate BIS route depending on the product and applicable scheme. For example, the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) provides a route for eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
Electronics and IT Products
Certain electronics and IT products may fall under BIS’s Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) rather than the ISI Mark Scheme.
The correct certification route therefore depends on the product and applicable notification.
How Can Manufacturers Prepare for BIS Certification?
A structured preparation process can reduce avoidable delays.
Start With Applicability
First determine whether BIS certification is required and identify the applicable conformity assessment route.
Identify the Correct Standard
Confirm the relevant Indian Standard and review its technical requirements.
Conduct a Factory Readiness Review
Check manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, testing equipment, quality systems, and documentation before submitting the application.
Prepare Product Testing
Ensure that required product samples and testing arrangements are ready according to the applicable procedure.
Organise Documentation
Keep company, factory, product, testing, and quality-related documents organised and consistent.
Plan for Ongoing Compliance
BIS certification should be treated as an ongoing compliance responsibility rather than a one-time approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is BIS Certification mandatory for every product?
No. BIS certification is generally voluntary, but the Government can make compliance mandatory for specific products through QCOs and other applicable legal provisions. - Is BIS Certification the same as the ISI Mark?
Not exactly. BIS is the national standards body, while the ISI Mark is the Standard Mark used under Scheme-I for applicable certified products. - How long does BIS Certification take?
The timeline depends on the product, certification route, application completeness, inspection, testing, and other factors. BIS notes that timelines can vary depending on issues such as queries, inspection arrangements, sample testing, and fee-related requirements. - Can a manufacturer apply online?
Yes. BIS states that product certification applications are accepted through its online system, including online payments. - Does BIS Certification require factory inspection?
For applicable product certification processes, BIS assesses manufacturing and testing capabilities through an assessment of the manufacturing premises. The exact procedure depends on the applicable scheme and product. - Does BIS Certification expire?
BIS licences are subject to validity and renewal requirements under the applicable scheme. Manufacturers should monitor the licence validity and complete renewal requirements within the prescribed timelines. - Can one BIS application cover multiple factories?
The requirements depend on the applicable scheme. BIS guidance indicates that separate applications may be required for different manufacturing locations in applicable certification processes.
Conclusion
BIS Certification is an important part of product compliance for manufacturers whose products fall under the applicable BIS certification framework.
The process involves much more than submitting an application. Manufacturers need to identify the correct Indian Standard, understand applicable regulatory requirements, maintain suitable manufacturing and testing capabilities, prepare accurate documentation, complete product testing, and remain compliant after certification.
For products covered by mandatory QCOs, understanding the applicable BIS requirement early can help manufacturers plan production, testing, documentation, and market launch more effectively.
Mrinarya Solutions supports businesses with BIS Certification, ISI Certification, FMCS, CRS, regulatory assessment, documentation, and compliance support, helping manufacturers understand the applicable requirements and navigate the certification process in a structured manner.
Need help understanding whether your product requires BIS Certification? Contact Mrinarya Solutions to discuss your product and applicable compliance requirements.
