Steps for BIS Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is a crucial compliance requirement for manufacturers — both Indian and foreign — who want to sell regulated products in the Indian market. It ensures that products meet prescribed Indian standards for quality, safety, and reliability.

In this guide, we explain the step-by-step process for obtaining BIS certification in India. Manufacturers must carefully follow each stage to secure approval and legally market their products.

1. Identify the Applicable Indian Standard (IS Code)

First, determine the relevant Indian Standard (IS) code applicable to your product. Each product category has a specific IS code. BIS grants certification only after verifying full compliance with that standard.

2. Select the Appropriate Certification Scheme

Next, select the correct BIS certification scheme based on your product type. BIS operates multiple schemes, including:

• ISI Mark Scheme

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

• Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Choosing the correct scheme is essential because requirements vary depending on the product category and manufacturing location.

3. Submit the BIS Application

After selecting the scheme, submit the BIS application form along with all required documents. These typically include:

• Product specifications

• Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories

• Company registration certificates

• Factory and manufacturing details

Accurate documentation reduces delays and prevents unnecessary queries.

4. Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (For Foreign Manufacturers)

Additionally, foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR acts as the official liaison for BIS communications and ensures regulatory compliance within India.

5. Factory Inspection (If Applicable)

For schemes such as ISI and FMCS, BIS officials conduct a factory inspection to evaluate:

• Manufacturing processes

• Quality control systems

• Testing infrastructure

• Compliance with safety standards

This inspection confirms that the manufacturer can consistently produce compliant products.

6. Product Testing

Then, manufacturers submit product samples to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing. The laboratories verify compliance with the relevant Indian Standard.

Test reports play a critical role in the approval process because BIS relies on them to confirm product safety and performance.

7. Evaluation of Reports and Documents

Subsequently, BIS authorities review:

• Laboratory test reports

• Factory inspection findings

• Technical documentation

If everything meets the required standards, the application proceeds to the final approval stage.

8. Grant of BIS Certification

Finally, once BIS confirms compliance, it issues the certification license. The manufacturer can then use the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark or CRS Registration Number) on the product and packaging.

9. Post-Certification Surveillance

Certification does not end the process. After approval, BIS conducts periodic surveillance, which may include:

• Factory audits

• Market inspections

• Sample testing

These measures ensure ongoing compliance with Indian standards.

Conclusion

In summary, BIS certification in India ensures product quality, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance. Although the process involves multiple stages, manufacturers who prepare properly can complete it efficiently.

Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or a foreign brand entering India, understanding each step of the BIS certification process helps you avoid delays and achieve faster approval.

Contact us today to get expert support for BIS certification in India.