How to Obtain BIS Certification in India?

If you are planning to manufacture or sell products in India, obtaining BIS Certification is a crucial step to ensure compliance with Indian quality and safety standards. The BIS certification process is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a government body responsible for standardization, quality, and consumer protection.

BIS certification plays a great role in the Indian market, where safety and quality of products become a matter of paramount importance to consumers. The Bureau of Indian Standards certifies all products that meet the criteria for the highest safety, performance, and reliability. It is regulated and governed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the BIS certificate process, including how to apply online, documents required, costs, timeline, and renewal steps.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a mark of quality issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring that a product meets the prescribed Indian standards. The BIS mark not only builds consumer trust but is also mandatory for certain products (380 to be exact) like electrical appliances, packaged drinking water, cement, and electronic goods.

Why is BIS Certification Important?

Here’s why it’s important:

• Ensures product quality and safety.
• Boosts consumer confidence and trust.
• Helps businesses expand in Indian markets.
• Mandatory for exporting or selling regulated products in India.

The quality standard requirement is compulsory, and only those who have obtained BIS certification are permitted to sell in the Indian market.

Categories of BIS Certification

Certification under BIS has the following certifications:

1. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): It is for those goods that are considered of prime importance for the safety of people. The items include electronics, domestic appliances, auto parts, and metal parts.
2. Voluntary Certification Scheme (VCS): Companies can seek voluntary certification if they want to make their products stand out in the market. This is for products like textiles, chemicals, and building materials. It is not a must to be certified under VCS, but it makes a product more saleable and enhances customer confidence.

3. Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS): Any foreign equipment manufacturing firm that wants to export its product to India has to apply for BIS certification via FMCS. This ensures that all imports meet Indian standards and protect consumer rights while staying in line with national policies.

4. Gold and Silver Marking System: It establishes that the gold and silver jewelry have the required high standards of purity and makes markets more transparent to curb fraudulent practices

5. Product Certification Scheme (PCS): PCS applies to non-CRS products that fall under the mandate but require certification to ensure conformity with Indian Standards. These would include industrial equipment, electrical components, and building materials.

Who Can Apply for BIS Certification?

Any legal entity across the world can apply for BIS certification. It is available to Indian manufacturers as well as foreign entities. Providers of construction, assembly, or services can apply for BIS certification if they satisfy all the eligibility criteria. Generally, registration and manufacturing licences are mandatory with documentary evidence that the products satisfy safety and quality standards as mandated by Indian standards.

Besides this, FMCS also provides foreign manufacturers with an application process to gain BIS certification for entering into the Indian Market. Through this scheme, they may affiliate with an authorized representative of India.

BIS Certification Process in India – Step by Step

The process of BIS certification involves several key steps that ensure the products meet the required safety and performance standards. Here’s the complete process for BIS certification in India:

Step 1: Identify Applicability

The very first step in the process is determining whether an item falls under the mandatory certification requirement. It can be done by reviewing the BIS portal or consulting with the authorized agencies.

Step 2: Submit Application

After getting positive confirmation of the implementation, manufacturing agents or importer persons fill out the BIS certification registration process form. The application form contains details about product description and specifications along with manufacturing information.

Step 3: Product Testing & Inspection

Your product will be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory. Inspectors may also visit your premises. Applicants also submit additional test reports issued by licensed laboratories, which establish conformance to the Indian Standard.

Step 4: Evaluation & Approval

If your product passes the quality tests, BIS will approve the application.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Certificate

Once all the tests and inspections are done and the product is passed, a BIS certificate of registration is issued. It will be proof that the product has complied with Indian standards. In addition, the product will carry the prestige ISI mark, which is widely recognized as a symbol of quality.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Crucial documents like a Private Limited Incorporation Certificate, along with ID proofs, are needed for BIS certification:

• Business registration documents (PAN, GST, and Incorporation certificate)
• Manufacturing unit details
• Product test reports from BIS-approved labs
• Factory license copy
• Identity & address proof of the applicant

In the case of foreign manufacturers, additional documents like nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) are required.

Timeframe & Cost for BIS Certificate Process

The timeframe for BIS certification usually depends on the product category, the type of scheme (ISI Mark, CRS, or FMCS), and the completeness of the application. On average, the processing time ranges between 4 to 6 weeks. However, if the product requires additional testing, factory inspections, or resubmission of documents, the process may extend to 8–10 weeks.

Importers applying under the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) may also face slightly longer timelines due to international inspections.

When it comes to the cost of BIS certificate process, applicants must consider several components:

• Application Fees – Rs. 1,000. Paid while submitting the application form on the BIS portal.
• Testing Charges – Fees for product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories, which vary depending on the product category and complexity.
• Government Fees – Statutory charges for processing, grant of license, and renewal.
• Professional/Consultancy Fees – If you engage a professional service provider like RegisterKaro, this may cover end-to-end application, documentation, and compliance support.

In short, the total cost for BIS certification is not fixed; it can range from a few thousand rupees for basic categories to several lakhs for highly regulated products or foreign manufacturers. Planning ahead helps avoid delays and budget surprises.

How to Download BIS Certificate Online?

Once the certification is granted, businesses often need a copy of the BIS certificate for compliance, audits, or to show distributors and customers. Thankfully, BIS provides a simple online process to download your certificate directly from its portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the BIS Official Portal
   Go to the official website of the Bureau of Indian Standards – https://bis.gov.in.
2. Log in with Your Credentials
   Use the login ID and password created during your BIS certification registration process. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using your registered email or mobile number.
3. Navigate to the Certificate Section
   Once logged in, go to the dashboard and click on the option labeled “Download BIS Certificate” or similar (the wording may vary slightly depending on the portal updates).
4. Enter Your Details
   Provide your BIS registration number, application number, or license number. In some cases, the system may also ask for your registered mobile number or email ID for verification.
5. Authenticate & Verify
   Complete the OTP verification (if prompted) to confirm your identity. This step ensures that only authorized users can access the certificate.
6. Download in PDF Format
   After verification, your BIS certificate will be available for download. Save it as a PDF file for future use. You can also print it for physical records.

Following this BIS certificate online process ensures that businesses can quickly access their license whenever required, without waiting for physical copies from BIS offices.

Conclusion

BIS certification is not only a legal compliance but also an expression of quality, safety, and customer confidence. Be it an Indian manufacturer or an international company eyeing Indian opportunities, getting BIS certified is an important step for ensuring that the products meet the best standards.

With RegisterKaro as your partner, you can make the certification process streamlined and easy to achieve in order to meet regulatory requirements and build a reputation that matches your customers. In such a vast and diverse market as India, BIS certification will give you credibility that sets your product apart from the rest.

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FAQs on BIS Certification

Q1: What is the BIS certification process in India?

The BIS certification process in India involves several stages:

• First, the applicant submits an online application through the BIS portal along with the required documents.
• Then, the product undergoes testing in a BIS-approved laboratory to ensure it meets Indian Standards.
• After evaluation of the reports, BIS grants the license, and the applicant receives the BIS certificate.

Q2: What documents are required for BIS certification?

The documents required for BIS certification depend on the type of scheme and product category, but the commonly required ones include:

• Business registration documents such as PAN, GST certificate, or Certificate of Incorporation.
• Factory or manufacturing license issued by the local authority.
• Detailed product information, including specifications, test reports, and drawings.
• Proof of manufacturing facilities and quality control setup.
• Identity proof and address proof of the applicant or authorized representative.

Q4: How long does the BIS certification registration process take?

The BIS certification registration process usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks if all documents are correct and the product passes testing in the first attempt. However, the timeline may extend up to 8–10 weeks if there are discrepancies in the application, need for re-testing, or additional factory inspections.

Foreign manufacturers applying under the FMCS scheme may experience longer processing times due to international inspections.

Q5: What is the cost of the BIS certificate process?

The cost of BIS certificate process depends on multiple factors such as product category, testing requirements, and the certification scheme chosen. In general, the fees ranges from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 28,000. The cost varies for CRS and FMCS BIS certifications.

Q6. Where to apply for BIS Certification in India?

You can apply for BIS Certification in India through the official BIS portal. All applications, document submissions, and fee payments are handled online. Alternatively, businesses can engage compliance experts like RegisterKaro to handle the BIS certification registration process end-to-end—right from filing the application to coordinating with BIS authorities for testing, inspections, and obtaining the certificate smoothly.