What is the Cost for BIS Certification in India?

BIS certification guarantees product quality, safety, and market acceptance. However, it also has fees that should be planned for ahead of time. For manufacturers and importers, knowing BIS certification fees helps plan budgets and avoid unexpected costs. The total cost typically ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000, depending on the product type, testing requirements, and certification scheme.

The total cost of BIS certification isn’t a single fixed amount; it includes several components:

1. Government Fees: Includes application fees, license fees, product testing charges, and annual surveillance fees. The exact amount depends on the product category, certification scope, and whether it’s domestic or imported.

Example: Electronic Products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):

• Application Fee: ₹1,000
• Processing Fee (including one test report): ₹25,000
• Annual Registration Fee (for 2 years): ₹2,000
• Total Cost (for one test report): ₹28,000 + GST

This breakdown helps manufacturers and importers understand how costs are structured and plan their expenses accordingly.

2. Professional Charges: Fees for consultancy or expert help with documentation, application preparation, testing guidance, and liaising with BIS authorities.

3. Optional Expenses: Additional costs such as multiple product testing, sample transportation, retesting fees, or specialized lab tests required for certification.

This blog breaks down BIS certification costs by scheme and product type, explains all fee components, and gives practical examples so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

How Much Does BIS Certification Cost: Fees Breakdown in Detail

The cost for BIS Certification varies depending on the product, certification scheme, and other factors. Non-compliance can also lead to significant penalties.

i) BIS CRS Registration (Electronics & IT Products)

For electronic and IT products, the following fees are charged as per the BIS CRS Certification procedure:

Fee Type	Amount (Rs.)	Notes
Application Fee	1,000	One-time, non-refundable
Processing Fee (includes 1 test report)	25,000	Additional test report: 10,000 each
Annual Registration Fee (2 years)	2,000 (1,000 x 2)	Covers 2-year validity
Total (for 1 test report)	28,000 + GST	–
Inclusion (new model/variety)	15,000 + 10,000 per extra test report	Adding more models
Renewal	28,000 + GST	For a 2-year renewal

ii) BIS ISI Mark Certification (Scheme I – Domestic Manufacturers)

The ISI Mark Certification ensures products meet Indian safety and quality standards. Scheme I applies to domestic manufacturers who wish to use the ISI mark legally on their products.

Fee Type	Amount (Rs.)	Notes
Application Fee	1,000	Non-refundable
Audit/Inspection Fee	7,000 per man-day	Factory inspection; cost may vary by duration
Sample Test Fee	As applicable	Depends on the product and the lab
License Fee	1,000	–
Minimum Marking Fee	As per the IS Standard	Varies by product
Annual License Fee	1,000	–
Inclusion Fee	5,000	To add new products under the same license

iii) BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)

For foreign manufacturers, the BIS FMCS Certification requires the following fees:

Fee Type	Amount (Rs.)	Notes
Application Fee	1,000	Non-refundable
Factory Inspection Charges	7,000 per man-day	On-site audit by BIS officials
Testing Charges	As applicable	Depends on product and lab
License/Certificate Fee	Varies	Based on product and duration
Renewal Fee	Varies	1–5 years, depending on validity
Marking Fee	As per the product	–

Fee Variations by Business Size

BIS fees are not always the same for every business. Here’s how they can vary:

• Large-scale businesses: Higher inspection charges (up to Rs. 12,000 per man-day) and license fees (up to Rs. 30,000).
  
• MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises): Lower inspection (around Rs. 9,000 per man-day) and license fees (Rs. 15,000).
  
• Government organizations: Reduced application fees (Rs. 500).

BIS Certification Renewal Fees

The renewal cost for BIS certification depends on the scheme, product category, and complexity. Below are indicative figures:

Scheme / Situation	Renewal Charge Estimate*
CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme — electronics / IT products)	Rs. 28,000 + GST for 2 years (same as fresh grant)
ISI (Standard Mark Scheme)	License renewal fee: Rs. 1,000 annually
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer / Importers)	Varies depending on product, validity period (1–5 years), and inspection & test costs

These are indicative costs. Additional costs also apply depending on the facility location and product complexity.

Other Potential Costs

Besides standard BIS fees, there may be additional expenses:

• Testing Charges: Paid to BIS-recognized laboratories, fees depend on product complexity and the type of tests required. Charges can range from ₹5,000 to ₹1,50,000 depending on the product.
• Marking Fee: Required for using the BIS mark. These fees are product-specific and can vary widely; some products have per-unit charges, while others may have fixed annual fees.
• Travel & Stay: If factory inspections are conducted beyond 250 km from the nearest BIS office, the applicant bears the auditor’s travel & accommodation costs.
• Penalties: Non-compliance with BIS regulations can result in fines, suspension, or even the cancellation of the BIS license.
• Other Certification-Related Costs: Additional expenses may also arise for certifications like hallmarking for jewellery and precious metals or ECO Mark / Management Systems Certification.

What Affects the Cost of BIS Certification in India?

Here are the key factors that determine the overall cost:

1. Product Category and Complexity

The type of product you’re certifying is the most significant factor. High-risk products like electrical appliances, medical equipment, and certain chemicals have more stringent testing requirements. The more complex the product and the more tests it needs, the higher the testing fees will be.

2. Number of Models and Variants

If you’re looking to certify a product that comes in multiple models or variants (e.g., different sizes, colors, or power ratings), you’ll need to pay an additional fee for each one. This is because BIS requires each variant to be tested to ensure it meets the standards.

3. Domestic vs. Overseas Manufacturers

For foreign manufacturers, the cost is often higher due to additional requirements. This includes paying a foreign representative to handle the application process in India. It also covers travel and accommodation costs for BIS officials who may need to conduct factory audits abroad.

4. Enterprise Size

In a move to support local businesses, the Bureau of Indian Standards offers significant fee concessions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The application, audit, and license fees are often reduced by as much as 50% for MSMEs compared to large enterprises.

The BIS certification process involves application submission, product testing, factory inspection (if applicable), and license issuance. You can learn more about the detailed process of the Online BIS Certification.

Which Products Require BIS Registration in India?

BIS mandates certification for certain electronic, IT, and household products to ensure safety and quality. Before selling in India, manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS registration. There are roughly 69 product categories under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Product Category	Specific Products	Applicable IS Standard
IT & Office Equipment	Laptops, Notebooks, Tablets	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Desktop Computers	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Printers, Plotters	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Scanners	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Audio & Visual Equipment	LED Televisions	IS 616:2017
	LCD Monitors	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Set-Top Boxes	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Visual Display Units (Monitors ≥32″)	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Telephone Answering Machines	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Wireless Keyboards	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Household Appliances	Microwave Ovens	IS 302-2-25:2014
	Power Banks	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Office Equipment	Cash Registers	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Copying Machines/Duplicators	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Mail Processing/Postage/Franking Machines	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Point of Sale Terminals	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
	Smart Card Readers	IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

For more details about products, read our blog: Complete List of Products That Require BIS Certification.

How to Reduce BIS Certification Cost?

While the charges of BIS certification may seem high, there are several strategic ways to minimize the financial burden. By understanding the fee structure and leveraging available concessions, manufacturers and importers can better plan their compliance costs. They can also reduce overall expenditure by using process efficiencies. 

1. Leverage Concessions for MSMEs 

The BIS offers significant fee reductions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and women entrepreneurs. These are often the most impactful cost-saving measures.

• MSME and Start-up Concessions: Micro-scale enterprises and start-ups can receive a substantial 80% concession on certification and minimum marking fees. Small and medium enterprises also get significant reductions, with small enterprises receiving up to 50% off. To claim this concession, businesses must provide a valid MSME/Udyam Registration Certificate. 
• Women Entrepreneurship Concession: Businesses led by women are eligible for an additional 10% concession on top of the discounts applicable to their enterprise size (micro, small, or medium).

2. Strategic Grouping of Product Models 

Testing fees are a major component of BIS certification costs. BIS allows for the grouping of multiple models under a single test report and license, provided they share core components and design.

• How it Works: Instead of paying for a separate test report for each model, you can submit a single “lead model” for comprehensive testing. The other models in the series, known as “series models,” are then covered under the same test report, saving you a significant amount on testing and application fees.
• Actionable Step: Consult the specific “Grouping Guidelines” for your product category on the BIS website. These guidelines will outline the criteria for which models can be grouped.

3. Optimize the Certification and Surveillance Process

Proper planning of the certification process can save costs long-term.

• Choose the Right Scheme: BIS has different certification schemes (e.g., Scheme I, Scheme II, and the Compulsory Registration Scheme, or CRS). The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronic products, for instance, is based on a “self-declaration of conformity” model, which can simplify the initial process and potentially reduce costs compared to a full-scale factory inspection.
• In-house Testing Facility: If you manufacture a high volume of products, setting up your own in-house testing lab can be a long-term cost-saving strategy. While this requires a substantial initial investment, it can eliminate recurring costs associated with sending samples to third-party labs.
• Manage Surveillance and Renewals: Be aware that BIS conducts market surveillance and audits. The cost of samples drawn from the market and their testing fees are borne by the license holder. Maintaining consistent quality and proper documentation can help you avoid additional fees or penalties during these checks.

How Long Does BIS Certification Take and Its Validity?

Knowing the timeline and validity of BIS certification is essential for planning market entry, production schedules, and ongoing compliance. Here’s a clear breakdown of the different BIS schemes:

1. Timeline

The time to obtain a BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certificate in India depends on the certification scheme, product type, and completeness of documentation. Typical timelines are as follows:

i) BIS CRS Registration (Electronics & IT Products)

• Standard Timeline: If all documents and test reports are complete, registration is usually granted within 20 working days (about 1 month).
  
• Test Report Validity: Test reports must not be older than 90 days from the date of online application submission.
  
• If Documentation Is Incomplete: BIS issues a rejection notice. The applicant has 30 days to correct any deficiencies.

ii) BIS ISI Certification (Standard/ISI Mark for Domestic & Foreign Manufacturers)

• Typical Timeline: The full process, including product testing and factory inspection, usually takes 30–35 days (about 1 to 1.5 months). Testing alone may take 15–20 days.
  
• Alternate Estimates: Some products, especially complex ones requiring factory inspection, can take up to 4 months.
  
• For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS): Timelines may extend to 5–6 months due to overseas inspections, additional compliance checks, and coordination.

iii) Scheme-Based Timelines

Certification Scheme	Typical Timeline	Key Notes
BIS-CRS Registration	20 working days	Electronics/IT products; no factory audit required
BIS-ISI Certification	30–35 days to 4 months	Factory audit required; process is more complex
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers)	5–6 months	Includes overseas factory inspection

2. Validity of BIS Certificate

The validity of a BIS certificate depends on the type of certification:

• CRS Certificates: Typically valid for 2 years.
  
• ISI Mark Licenses: Usually valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 5 years.
  
• Other Schemes (e.g., Scheme X): May be valid for 3 years.

To maintain an active certificate, manufacturers must:

• Pay annual renewal fees.
  
• Comply with surveillance audits conducted by BIS.

Learn about how to download the BIS Certificate Online for easy access and record-keeping.

What are the BIS Penalties for Selling Non-Certified Products in India?

Selling products that require BIS certification without a valid certificate can result in serious consequences. Here’s what can happen:

• Imprisonment: Offenders can face up to two years in jail.
  
• Fines: Monetary penalties can range from Rs. 2 lakhs up to ten times the value of the goods sold or offered for sale.
  
• Product Seizure and Recall: BIS authorities can seize non-compliant products, order them to be recalled from the market, and may even halt manufacturing operations.
  
• Damage to Reputation: Selling products without BIS certification, especially if substandard or unsafe, can harm your brand image and consumer trust, leading to long-term business losses.
  
• Suspension or Cancellation of Licenses: Non-compliance may result in suspension or cancellation of your BIS license, stopping sales and restricting market access until issues are resolved.

Conclusion

BIS certification in India involves government fees, professional charges, and optional testing costs, which vary by product type, scheme, and business size. Careful budgeting helps avoid unexpected expenses.

Costs can be reduced through MSME/startup concessions, grouping product models, and efficient planning of certification and surveillance processes.

Non-compliance can lead to fines, product recalls, and license suspension, so understanding fees and working with experts ensures smooth certification and market access.

For smoother processing and guidance throughout the timeline, you can contact experts at RegisterKaro to streamline your BIS registration process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does BIS certification cost for a specific product?

The cost of BIS certification varies by product type and complexity. For electronics under CRS, the total fee typically ranges from ₹28,000 to ₹50,000 per model, including application, testing, and registration fees. Household appliances under ISI certification may cost ₹10,000–₹30,000, depending on testing requirements. Additional models or variants incur extra charges.

2. Is the cost the same for domestic and foreign manufacturers?

No, the fees differ. Domestic manufacturers usually pay lower application and license fees, while foreign manufacturers incur extra costs for overseas factory inspections, travel, and coordination. FMCS fees may range higher due to these additional steps, sometimes doubling the total expenditure compared to Indian manufacturers.

3. How often do BIS fees change in India?

BIS periodically revises fees, usually through official notifications. Updates can occur annually or whenever there’s a change in certification schemes or testing costs. Manufacturers and importers are advised to check the BIS website regularly to avoid surprises. Early planning ensures compliance with the latest fee structure.

4. What happens if the BIS license is not renewed on time?

Failure to renew a BIS license can lead to suspension or cancellation. This prevents selling or importing the certified product in India and may attract fines or legal action. Manufacturers must complete renewal formalities before expiry to maintain uninterrupted market access.

5. Are there concessions for MSMEs and startups for BIS certification?

Yes, BIS provides significant fee reductions for MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs. Micro-scale enterprises can get up to an 80% discount, while small and medium businesses enjoy around a 50% reduction. These concessions apply to application, marking, and license fees.

6. Can multiple models be grouped to reduce BIS testing costs?

Yes, BIS allows grouping of similar product models under a single test report if they share core components and design. This reduces the number of tests required, lowering overall fees. Businesses can save significantly by following BIS’s “Grouping Guidelines” for their product category.

7. Are testing and marking fees included in the BIS application cost?

Not always. Testing fees are usually separate and paid to BIS-recognized laboratories, varying by product and number of tests. Marking fees, required for using the BIS logo, are also additional. Careful budgeting is necessary to account for these recurring costs.

8. How long does BIS certification take in India?

Timelines vary by scheme and product. CRS registration for electronics typically takes 20 working days, while ISI certification may take 1–4 months. Foreign manufacturer certification (FMCS) can extend to 5–6 months due to overseas inspections. Complete documentation speeds up the process.

9. Can in-house testing reduce BIS certification costs?

Yes, manufacturers with high-volume production can set up in-house labs for long-term savings. This reduces recurring costs for sending samples to third-party labs. While the initial investment is high, it lowers repeated testing fees and accelerates compliance for multiple products.

10. What penalties apply for selling non-certified products in India?

Selling products without BIS certification is a serious offense. Penalties include fines ranging from ₹2 lakhs to ten times the product value, imprisonment up to 2 years, product seizure, and recalls. Additionally, non-compliance can damage brand reputation and restrict future market access.

11. What are the BIS certificate fees for packaged drinking water?

For packaged drinking water, BIS certificate fees include testing, inspection, and license charges. On average, costs can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on production scale and lab testing requirements.

12. What are BIS hallmark license fees?

BIS hallmark license fees are applicable for jewellery and precious metals. Fees include application, inspection, and marking charges, which vary depending on enterprise size.