BIS Certification Process

The BIS certification process in India is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products in the Indian market. BIS certification confirms that a product complies with the prescribed Indian Standards (IS). Manufacturers must follow a structured process to obtain BIS certification before using the ISI mark on their products.

Step 1: Identifying the Relevant Standard

The first step in the BIS certification process is identifying the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product. Each product category has a specific IS code that defines testing requirements, technical specifications, and compliance criteria.

Step 2: Preparing the Application

After identifying the correct standard, the manufacturer prepares the application using the format available on the BIS portal. The application includes company details, manufacturing location, product specifications, and production capacity.

At this stage, the manufacturer submits supporting documents such as factory licenses, test reports, and quality control plans along with the application fee.

Step 3: Nomination of BIS Officer

After receiving the application, BIS reviews the submitted documents and nominates an officer to conduct the factory inspection. The BIS officer evaluates the manufacturing facility, verifies the submitted documents, and reviews the production process to ensure the product complies with the relevant BIS standard.

Step 4: Inspection (Audit)

The BIS inspection officer visits the factory to verify the manufacturing and testing facilities. During the inspection, the officer checks production processes, quality control systems, and testing equipment. If the inspection results meet BIS requirements, the officer selects product samples for laboratory testing.

Step 5: Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratories

Product testing plays a critical role in the certification process. BIS-recognized laboratories test the product samples according to the applicable Indian Standard. These tests verify the product’s safety, durability, and compliance with quality requirements. After completing the tests, the laboratory sends the test reports directly to BIS.

Step 6: Scrutiny of Application and Documents

After completing the inspection and testing stages, BIS authorities review the application, documents, and laboratory reports. This step ensures the product fully complies with the relevant Indian Standard without any deviations.

Step 7: Grant of BIS Certification

If the product satisfies all BIS requirements, BIS grants the certification license to the manufacturer. The manufacturer can then use the Standard Mark (ISI mark) or BIS logo on the certified product.

Step 8: Surveillance and Renewal

BIS certification requires continuous compliance. BIS regularly conducts surveillance audits, factory inspections, and market sampling to verify that certified products maintain the required standards. Manufacturers must also apply for license renewal before the expiry date and submit updated test reports and documentation.

Special Schemes under BIS

BIS offers multiple certification schemes to suit different product categories and industries. The ISI Certification Scheme applies to mandatory and voluntary products within India. The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) applies to electronics and IT products. Additionally, the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) enables overseas manufacturers to obtain BIS certification for exporting products to India.