An Overview of BIS Certification in India
BIS, or the Bureau of Indian Standards, serves as India's National Standards Body, established under the
BIS Act of 2016. The primary goal of BIS certification is to promote the standardization, marking, and
quality assurance of products, as well as matters related to or supplementary to these objectives.
All manufacturers, whether Indian or foreign, producing products that fall under mandatory
certification, are required to obtain a BIS registration certificate. Applicants can initiate their BIS
registration process through the online BIS portal.
Engaging with professional BIS Certification Consultants can assist you in acquiring BIS certification
for imports, electronic products, and domestic goods.
How to Obtain BIS Certification?
The BIS certification process entails several key steps, including submitting the application, providing
the necessary documents, conducting product testing, submitting product samples, undergoing evaluation
by BIS authorities, followed by review and approval.
Key Initiatives of BIS
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a wide array of initiatives aimed at promoting
safety, quality, and standardization across industries. Some of the key initiatives include:
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Under this scheme, manufacturers of
electronic products are required to register their products with BIS to meet the safety,
quality, and reliability standards set by third-party guarantees.
- Standard Formulation: BIS continuously develops and updates standards to ensure
consistency and excellence in product quality.
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): This scheme mandates that
foreign manufacturers certify their products to meet Indian quality standards, ensuring the
safety of imported goods and protecting Indian consumers.
- Product Certification Scheme: BIS-certified products are quality-compliant,
fostering confidence in end-users.
- Hallmarking Scheme: This quality compliance scheme applies exclusively to precious
metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, ensuring the authenticity of jewellery and artifacts.
- Sale of Indian Standards: BIS facilitates public access to Indian Standards by
making them available for purchase.
- Laboratory Services: BIS operates laboratories dedicated to testing and
certification to ensure products meet quality standards.
- Laboratory Recognition Scheme: BIS recognizes laboratories that meet the criteria
for quality testing and certification.
- Consumer Affairs Activities: BIS is actively involved in safeguarding consumer
interests by promoting fair trade practices.
- Information Services: BIS provides resources and information to help the public
better understand the quality standards businesses must adhere to in India.
- Promotional Activities: BIS promotes awareness and compliance with quality
standards among both manufacturers and consumers.
- Training Services, National & International: BIS offers training programs to
enhance awareness of standard compliance at both national and international levels.
- BIS Tatkal Scheme: This scheme allows domestic manufacturers to obtain BIS
certification on a priority basis within 30 days.
Objectives of BIS Standards
The main objectives of BIS standards are:
- Continuous Development: Ensuring the ongoing progress of standardization, quality
certification, and marking processes.
- Unified Strategy: Establishing a consistent national approach to recognizing
standards, aligning them with product development and export needs.
- Quality Control: Focusing on maintaining high standards and ensuring quality
control across industries.
What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs) as per BIS?
As India's National Standards Body, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for the
formulation, standardization, and quality assurance of goods, services, processes, and systems. The
Indian Standards developed by BIS serve as third-party assurances of product quality, safety, and
reliability for consumers.
While BIS certification is generally voluntary, the government mandates compliance for certain products.
Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are regulatory measures implemented to ensure the quality of specific
products during import, manufacturing, sale, and distribution in the Indian market. BIS is authorized to
issue directives for the regulation of various product categories, facilitating the BIS registration
process for applicants.
These requirements are driven by considerations such as public interest, the safety of humans, animals,
and plants, environmental protection, prevention of unfair trade practices, and national security. For
these products, the Indian government mandates the use of the Standard Mark under the Certificate of
Conformity (CoC) or License issued by BIS through Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
BIS not only acts as a Certification Authority but also as an Enforcement Authority for products covered
under QCOs. It ensures compliance through regular assessments, testing, and penalties. Products under
QCOs include toys, household electrical appliances, cement, and electronics & IT goods.
To simplify the often complex BIS registration process, an online application is now available for BIS
certification.
Purpose of Issuing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under BIS
Quality Control Orders (QCOs) play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of key products in the market.
The main purposes of issuing QCOs include:
- Preventing the import of low-quality, substandard products into India.
- Ensuring that Indian consumers have access to high-quality goods.
- Empowering various ministries to issue QCOs under Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of
Indian Standards Act, 2016.
BIS Registration for Import
Importers seeking BIS registration must follow the required steps, including submitting an online
application and providing product samples for testing. After evaluation and validation, BIS authorities
issue the certification. The BIS certification process is now available online, allowing importers to
apply for their certificates efficiently. Importers are prohibited from selling products that require
mandatory BIS registration without obtaining the certification.
Benefits of Securing BIS Registration
BIS certification is essential for manufacturers of products covered by the Compulsory Registration
Scheme (CRS). The key benefits of obtaining BIS registration include:
- Foundation for Total Quality Management (TQM): Provides a basis for implementing
Total Quality Management practices.
- Optimal Resource Utilization: Ensures efficient use of resources to their fullest
potential.
- Cost Reduction: Minimizes overhead costs during manufacturing, leading to
significant expense savings.
- Global Market Access: Opens opportunities for business expansion and global
recognition.
- Quality Benchmark: Establishes a standard for product quality, enhancing confidence
among stakeholders and customers.
- Custom Quality Management: Allows businesses to implement tailored quality
management practices suited to their specific needs.
- Enhanced Goodwill: Builds market reputation and strengthens trust with customers
and stakeholders, boosting overall goodwill.
Types of BIS Registration Schemes
Various BIS registration schemes include:
- BIS CRS Certification (Compulsory Registration Scheme): Required for electronic
products as mandated by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to ensure
compliance with quality standards.
- ISI Mark/Certification: Ensures that products meet quality standards before
entering the market. It is mandatory for 644 product categories (as per the BIS website) to
carry the ISI Mark to be sold in India.
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): Requires foreign manufacturers
to certify their products according to Indian quality standards to prevent the sale of
substandard goods.
- Hallmark: Provides quality assurance for precious metals like gold, silver, and
platinum. Since April 1, 2023, all gold jewelry in 14, 18, and 22 carats must bear a Hallmark
Unique Identification Number (HUID).
- Management System Certification: BIS offers certification for various management
systems under parliamentary acts, including Quality Management, Food Safety Management, and
Environmental Management Systems.
- ECO Mark Certification: Certified by the Government of India, this scheme
recognizes products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable, covering categories such
as soaps, detergents, food items, paints, packaging materials, and coir products.
- Laboratory Recognition Scheme: BIS grants licenses and registrations to
laboratories that meet rigorous certification and testing standards to safeguard consumer
interests.
- Recognition of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHC): BIS acknowledges and
certifies entities involved in assaying and hallmarking processes.
Products Covered Under BIS Registration
The list of product categories covered under Mandatory BIS registration: Scheme – I (ISI Mark Scheme):
Cement- Household Electrical
goods
- Batteries
- Oil Pressure Stoves
- Automobile
Accessories
- Cylinder, Valves and
Regulator
- Medical Equipment
- Steel and Iron
Products
- Electrical
Transformers
- Electrical Motors
- Capacitors
- Chemicals,
Fertilisers, Polymers & Textiles
- Kitchen Appliances
- Domestic Water
Heaters for use with LPG
- Air Conditioner and
its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
- Plugs and
Socket-Outlets and Alternating Current Direct Connected Static Prepayment Meters for Active
Energy
- Domestic Gas Stoves
for use with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Transparent Float
Glass
- Domestic Pressure
Cooker
- Cables
- Rubber Hose for
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Aluminium Foil
- Non-Electric Toys
- Electric Toys
- Flat Transparent
Sheet Glass
- Safety Glass
- Woven Sacks
- Butterfly Valves
- Reflectors for
Bicycles
- Paper
- Cattle Feeds
- Automobile Wheel Rim
Component
- Foot Wear
- Press Tool-Punches
- Helmet for riders of
Two-Wheeler Motor Vehicles
- Refrigerating
Appliances
- Centrifugally cast
(spun) iron pipes
- Flux Cored (Tubular)
Electrodes
- Sewing Machine
- Water Treatment
System
- Jute Bag
List of BIS-Certified Chemicals Notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Some of the known chemicals notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers that must go through
mandatory BIS certification are mentioned below-
- Ortho Phosphoric Acid
- Polyphosphoric Acid
- Trimethyl Phosphite
Latest Products to be Added under BIS Certification
List of some products that received BIS certification recently:
- Aluminium and
Aluminium Alloys
- Plywood and Wooden
Flush Door Shutters
- Water Coolers
- Door fittings
including different types of door closers and door handles
- Sandals, Slippers and
Hawaiian Chappals
BIS Certification for Electronic Products
Applicants seeking BIS certification for electronic products in
India must adhere to regulatory and legal requirements to be eligible to apply. The Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) requires that applicants comply with all necessary procedures when applying for BIS
certification for electronic products.
Securing BIS certification is essential to ensure consumer safety by mitigating risks from potential
product malfunctions while maintaining BIS compliance.
Without BIS certification, electronic products cannot legally be sold in the Indian market. The online
BIS certification application process is available to streamline the application process for domestic
manufacturers.
BIS Certification for Domestic Products
Applicants pursuing BIS certification for domestic products must comply with all regulatory and legal
requirements, including submitting documents, product samples, and undergoing site inspections.
Upon completing the entire process, BIS authorities will evaluate the application and determine whether
to grant or deny certification for domestic products.
Obtaining BIS certification enables local manufacturers to enhance their brand reputation and better
compete with imported products in the market.
Is BIS Registration Required for Exporting Products to India?
Yes, foreign manufacturers looking to export their products to India must obtain BIS registration. This
certification ensures that their products meet Indian standards and comply with quality regulations. Key
reasons for securing BIS certification include:
- Validating product quality as per Indian regulatory requirements
- Essential for products in categories such as electronics, machinery, and chemicals
- Facilitating smoother customs clearance
- Building trust among Indian consumers
- Demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to the Indian market
BIS Certification Requirements
To meet BIS certification requirements, applicants must complete the necessary documentation to ensure
their application is eligible for review and evaluation. Once the application is validated and approved,
certification is granted by the authorities. However, BIS certification consultants can simplify and
streamline the process, making it more efficient and hassle-free.
Types of Documents Needed for BIS Certification
There are certain documents required for BIS certification. The list of documents needed for BIS
Certification is as follows:
- Name and address proof of the applicant
- Name and address proof of the factory
- Proof of Establishment of Manufacturing Unit such as Certificate of Incorporation (COI) or
Registration Certificate, MOA, etc
- SSI or MSME Certificate
- Details of Outsourcing of the manufacturing process
- Layout plan
- Location plan of the factory
- Manufacturing Process Flow
- Detailed list of Machinery involved
- List of Testing equipment and facilities
- Calibration Certificates of testing equipment
- 3rd party laboratory test report as per the Indian Standards
- If an authorized signatory signs the application, an authorization letter from the CEO in the
name of the authorized signatory
- In the case of Overseas or foreign manufacturers, details of the Indian agent and nomination
form
- Technical details of products, such as PCB Layout, Schematic Diagrams, User Manual and Critical
Components List
- Acknowledgement receipt
- Letter of Consent from the CEO of the company
- Undertaking and Affidavit attested with ID Proof and the signature of the approved Indian
Representative (in the case of a foreign or overseas manufacturer)
- Original Test Reports from BIS Laboratory
- Undertaking related to the test report
What is the BIS Registration Process?
The BIS registration process follows a structured two-step approach as outlined below:
Step 1: Licensing
- Submission of the online application by the applicant as per BIS guidelines
- Payment of the applicable fees online
- Hard copy submission of the required documents within 15 days of the online application filing
(Failure to do so renders the application invalid)
- Preliminary investigation and factory inspection conducted by a BIS officer
- Product sample examination by the BIS officer
- Submission of a detailed evaluation report by the BIS officer
Step 2: Examination
- Factory visit by the examining authority to verify the test reports
- BIS officer sends product samples to the laboratory for testing
- Filing of a test report with an accompanying inspection summary
- Preparation of a performance review report
- Upon validation of all reports, the BIS will issue the certification
What is the Validity and Renewal Procedure for BIS Registration?
BIS registration is valid for one year and must be renewed afterward. For renewal, applicants need to
submit the required documents and pay the prescribed fees. However, retesting of the product is not
necessary during the renewal process. If the licensee fails to apply for renewal before the expiration
of the validity period, their BIS license will be canceled.
Renewal approval is contingent upon the payment of application fees, processing charges, annual fees,
and any outstanding dues before submitting the renewal request.
How Does BIS Contribute to the Indian Economy?
BIS plays a vital role in strengthening the Indian economy by implementing quality control measures in
the following ways:
- Acts as a safeguard against the sale of unsafe, substandard, and unreliable products to
consumers
- Reduces health risks by preventing the distribution of hazardous products
- Encourages the import and export of high-quality goods
- Mitigates the circulation of counterfeit products through rigorous standardization,
certification, and testing processes
- Supports economic growth by promoting consumer welfare and ensuring product reliability
Why Choose SeaRoot for BIS Registration?
SeaRoot is your trusted partner for BIS registration, offering a seamless experience backed by our
expertise and dedication. Here's why SeaRoot stands out:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of seasoned consultants specializes in BIS registration,
ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that every business has unique needs, and we
provide customized solutions that align with your specific requirements.
- Comprehensive Support: From documentation to certification, we offer end-to-end
support to simplify the BIS registration process for you.
- Timely Approvals: With our in-depth knowledge and experience, we help you avoid
common pitfalls, speeding up the approval process.
- Compliance Assurance: SeaRoot ensures that your products meet all BIS standards,
protecting your brand and instilling consumer confidence.
- Global Reach: We assist both domestic and international manufacturers in obtaining
BIS certification, making your products ready for the Indian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is BIS registration?
BIS registration is a certification process by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that ensures
products comply with Indian standards of quality, safety, and reliability.
2.Is BIS registration mandatory for all products?
No, BIS registration is compulsory for specific products categorized under the Compulsory
Registration Scheme (CRS). However, voluntary certification is encouraged for other products to
ensure quality assurance.
3.How long does it take to get BIS certification?
The timeline varies based on product category and the completeness of the application. Typically,
the BIS certification process can take anywhere between 30 to 90 days, depending on the
complexity and inspection requirements.
4.Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS certification?
Yes, foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS certification to export certain products to India.
This ensures their products meet Indian standards.
5.How do I apply for BIS registration?
Applicants must file an online application on the BIS portal, followed by the submission of
required documents and product samples. A BIS officer will inspect the products, and after
evaluation, certification will be granted.
6.What happens if my BIS certification application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can address the reasons for rejection, make necessary
changes, and reapply. Consulting a BIS registration expert can help reduce the chances of
rejection.
