BIS Application Procedure – A Complete, Plain‑English Guide

This article explains, in practical detail, how manufacturers and importers can obtain Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approvals. It covers the main BIS schemes, step‑by‑step procedures, documents, fees and testing, post‑approval responsibilities, and proven tips to avoid delays. The language is intentionally simple so that a first‑time applicant can follow it confidently.

1) What is BIS and when is it mandatory?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body. For many regulated products, BIS approval is mandatory before manufacture, import, sale, or distribution in India. The legal trigger usually comes from a government Quality Control Order (QCO) that makes a specific Indian Standard (IS) compulsory for a product category.

• Mandatory BIS applies when a QCO notifies a particular IS for your product (for example, cement, steel, household appliances, electronics, toys, etc.).
• If your product is not covered by a QCO, BIS certification is generally voluntary but often used as a market‑trust mark.
• Foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS approvals. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to interface with BIS.

2) Pick the right BIS scheme (first decision)

BIS approvals are issued under different schemes. Choosing the correct one at the start avoids rework.

Most companies reading this guide will use either Scheme‑I (ISI) or Scheme‑II (CRS). Hallmarking follows its own flow and is summarised later.

3) Pre‑application readiness checklist

Before opening the online form, assemble evidence and plan testing. This cuts weeks from your timeline.

• Identify the exact Indian Standard (IS) and clause scope that fits your product.
• Confirm the scheme (ISI or CRS) and whether a QCO makes it mandatory for your product.
• Identify the manufacturing site(s). For foreign manufacturers, nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Set up basic quality controls: incoming inspection, in‑process checks, final inspection, calibration records, traceability of raw materials and purchased parts.
• List critical materials/components and their conformance proofs (test reports, supplier declarations, UL/CE where relevant, etc.).
• Check availability and capacity of a BIS‑recognized laboratory for the required IS tests. Plan sample size, lead time, and retesting buffer.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, bill of materials, production flow chart, and quality plan.
• Keep statutory documents handy: incorporation certificate, factory license, GST (if applicable), brand authorization, trademark details, and board authorization.

4) Documents to keep ready

The exact list varies by product and scheme. The following checklists cover most situations.

5) Step‑by‑step procedure – Scheme‑I (ISI Mark: Product Certification)

1. Create/activate an account on the BIS online portal and choose the Product Certification module.
2. Fill the application with factory details, product description, applied Indian Standard (IS), and manufacturing process information.
3. Upload documents listed in Section 4; pay the application/processing fee as shown on the portal.
4. Testing: Either (a) submit a BIS‑recognized lab type‑test report as part of the application, or (b) allow BIS to draw factory samples during preliminary inspection and send them to a recognized lab. The pathway depends on product/category and current BIS instructions.
5. Preliminary Inspection (Factory Audit): A BIS officer verifies manufacturing capability, controls, test facilities (if any), storage, traceability, calibration, and staff competence. Non‑conformities, if found, must be corrected with a documented CAPA.
6. Sample Sealing & Independent Testing: Sealed samples are tested in a recognized lab against the full scope of the IS standard. Any failures must be investigated and may require corrective action and retesting.
7. Technical Scrutiny: BIS examines test results, documents, and CAPA evidence. You may be asked for clarifications or additional records.
8. Grant of Licence (GOL): On satisfactory review, BIS issues a licence (CM/L number) specific to the product, factory address, and IS standard.
9. Marking & Labelling: Begin affixing the ISI Standard Mark with the licence number strictly as per BIS stipulations. Maintain records of production and marked quantities.
10. Post‑licence Obligations: Pay marking fees, facilitate surveillance audits, maintain test/calibration records, and renew the licence as per BIS timelines.

6) Step‑by‑step procedure – Scheme‑II (CRS: Electronics & IT Goods)

1. Identify the notified product category and the applicable IS standard for your model(s).
2. Obtain a complete test report from a BIS‑recognized laboratory for each brand/model (and each manufacturing location). Ensure test report nameplate details exactly match the model and rating you will sell.
3. For foreign manufacturers, appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) through the prescribed authorization format.
4. Create/activate an account on the BIS CRS portal and select the relevant category.
5. Fill the online form with brand, model, factory details, and upload the lab report along with other documents (authorizations, identity proofs, photos/labels, etc.).
6. Pay the registration fee online and submit the application.
7. BIS scrutiny: Queries, if any, must be answered within the portal timelines.
8. Grant of Registration (R‑number): After approval, BIS issues the R‑number tied to brand, model, and factory.
9. Marking & Compliance: Use the CRS ‘Registered’ mark with the R‑number on product, packaging, and user manual as prescribed. Maintain control over any changes (software, hardware, critical components) and update registration if the model changes materially.
10. Surveillance & Renewal: Respond to BIS surveillance, market sampling, and renew the registration as per instructions.

7) Hallmarking – a quick overview (Scheme‑III)

Jewellers and assaying & hallmarking centres follow a distinct flow: apply for registration, meet infrastructure and competence requirements, and comply with sampling and hallmark use conditions. Because it is highly specialized, consult the dedicated hallmarking instructions and notifications when applying.

8) Testing strategy that saves time and cost

• Engage a BIS‑recognized lab early to confirm sample size, lead time, and IS clauses applicable to your product options/variants.
• Keep exact model identification and rating details fixed before testing; even small label mismatches cause re‑submission.
• Pre‑test safety‑critical components (power supplies, plastics, batteries) and keep supplier certificates ready.
• If failures occur, perform root‑cause analysis, implement design/process change, and only then re‑test. Document CAPA clearly.

9) Fees and cost heads (plan your budget)

BIS publishes the fee schedule and marking fees separately for each product group. Actual amounts change over time. Budget for the following heads:

• Application/processing fee payable to BIS.
• Licence/registration fee at grant (and periodic renewal fee).
• Marking fee (for ISI) based on production/tonnage/value as notified.
• Testing charges payable to BIS‑recognized laboratories (type testing, retesting).
• Inspection/surveillance/audit expenses (including officer travel as applicable).
• Label redesign and packaging changes to include the Standard Mark or R‑number.

10) Timelines – what influences the clock

Exact durations depend on product complexity, lab capacity, audit findings, and how quickly queries are answered. In practice, testing time and query cycles drive most delays. You can compress timelines by pre‑testing, keeping documents complete, and responding promptly on the portal.

11) After approval: staying compliant

• Use the Standard Mark strictly as per BIS artwork rules. Never mark unapproved variants or locations.
• Keep production, inspection, and test records. Track marked quantities for fee reconciliation.
• Control changes: any design, BOM, firmware, source factory, or rating change may require fresh testing or an update to your licence/registration.
• Support BIS surveillance: factory audits, market sampling, and corrective actions if any non‑conformity is found.
• Renew on time. Monitor the BIS portal and relevant Quality Control Orders for updates.

12) Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Applying under the wrong scheme or wrong IS standard. Solution: confirm scope with a recognized lab and study the QCO.
• Mismatch between test report details and product label/ratings. Solution: freeze exact model identification before testing.
• Insufficient quality records (calibration, traceability, final inspection). Solution: prepare templates and maintain them daily.
• Late responses to BIS queries. Solution: dedicate a single owner to monitor the portal and reply quickly.
• Marking products before grant of licence/registration. Solution: wait for official approval and artwork clearance.

13) Frequently asked questions

• Do I need BIS for all products? No. It is mandatory only when a QCO covers your product or when a buyer/contract demands it.
• Can one licence cover multiple factories? No. Licences/registrations are location‑specific.
• Are test reports from foreign labs accepted? Only if the lab is BIS‑recognized (as per scheme rules). Otherwise, use a BIS‑recognized lab in the approved list.
• What if I change a critical component or firmware? Inform BIS via the portal; many changes trigger retesting or model update.
• Can I import stock first and apply later? Not for products covered by mandatory BIS. Approval must precede import and sale.

One should always rely on the latest instructions on the BIS portal for your product category because formats, fees, and minor steps can change. Treat your application like a quality dossier: complete, consistent, and easy for an assessor to read. When in doubt, clarify with your laboratory or the relevant BIS branch office before committing to labels or large production.

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