BIS ISI Certification - India

If you manufacture steel, chemicals, electrical cables, or consumer appliances, selling your products in India isn't just about finding buyers—it's about passing rigorous regulatory hurdles. Under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act of 2016, hundreds of products fall under mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs). To legally manufacture, import, or sell these regulated goods in the Indian market, your manufacturing facility must obtain a BIS ISI Certification (Scheme-I). Without it, your shipments will be permanently blocked at customs via the ICEGATE single window, and you risk severe statutory fines and product confiscation under Section 29 of the BIS Act.

At iKargos, we eliminate the friction from BIS compliance. We manage the entire Scheme-I certification process end-to-end for both domestic manufacturers and foreign OEMs via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). From setting up your in-house testing lab to managing government auditors and securing your CM/L license number, we are your accountable compliance partner.

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042). 

Overview of BIS ISI Certification:

This certification is governed by the BIS, a statutory body established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986. It’s primary purpose is to ensure the quality, safety and reliability of products sold in India. BIS/ISI Certification encompasses a wide range of product categories including electronics, appliances, food products and industrial goods.

Manufacturers seeking BIS/ISI Certification must ensure that their products comply with specific quality and safety standards set by the BIS. This typically involves rigorous testing at BIS-recognized laboratories to verify that the products meet the prescribed Indian standards. Upon successful compliance, the products are granted BIS/ISI certification, which is marked by the ISI mark. This ISI mark serves as visible proof of conformity with Indian standards and signifies product reliability.

BIS/ISI Certification is often a mandatory requirement for products sold in India and non-compliance can lead to legal consequences including product confiscation, fines and legal actions against manufacturers. Manufacturers, both domestic and international, should consider BIS/ISI Certification an essential requirement to enter and succeed in the Indian market.

It assures consumers of product quality and safety, fostering confidence in the products and enhancing market access for manufacturers. To maintain certification, manufacturers must continually adhere to BIS standards including undergoing periodic audits and testing to ensure ongoing compliance.

Following products are covered under Compulsory Registration Scheme:

Benefits of BIS ISI Certification:

• BIS/ISI Certification is a mandatory requirement for various product categories in India. It allows manufacturers to legally sell their products in the Indian market, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer markets.
• Products carrying the BIS/ISI mark are perceived as high quality and safe. This certification instils confidence in consumers, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.
• Manufacturers who meet BIS/ISI standards demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality. This can reduce their liability in the event of product-related incidents.
• BIS/ISI Certification can facilitate the acceptance of products in international markets as it reflects adherence to recognized standards and quality.
• Complying with BIS/ISI standards ensures manufacturers adhere to Indian regulations. Non-compliance can result in severe legal consequences, making BIS/ISI Certification a necessary requirement.

iKargos.com specializes in guiding manufacturers through the BIS/ISI Certification process. With our expertise, you can navigate the certification process seamlessly, ensuring your products are compliant, reliable and ready for deployment.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification:

• Main Application Form: Primary factory and product category information.
• ISI Application Fee: Copy of Remittance / Payment Advice.
• Copy of Test Report done within a month by internal laboratory: Indicating product compliance with the relevant Indian Standard.
• Proof of Manufacturing Unit's Address: Factory License or Tax Registration document specifying the manufacturer's scope.
• Trade Mark Registration, if available: Copy of Trademark Registration.
• Certificate from concerned regulatory agencies for manufacturing: If applicable.
• Product Drawings: As applicable.
• Current Manufacturing Capacity: Production capacity.
• Raw Material Details: Component names, supplier names, component quality certifications.
• Machine Details: Machine names, manufacturers, capacities, quantities.
• Factory Layout Plan: Floor plan and technical layout.
• Manufacturing Process Details: Flowchart of the manufacturing process, including any outsourcing.
• Packaging Information: Packaging size and quantity, storage facilities.
• Details of Testing Equipment: Equipment names, sizes, quantities, calibration status, and calibration date.
• Quality Control (QC) Staff Details: Employee names, qualifications, designations, years of experience.
• Procedure for Handling Substandard Products: After manufacturing.
• Organizational Chart of the Factory: List of management personnel with names and designations in chart format.
• Factory Location Map: Showing the distance from the airport and city center.
• Specific Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers 

Note: Separate application must be submitted for each product/Indian Standard and this applies to each factory location.

Fees and Timeline:

Fees:

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042). 

Timeline:

The certification process timeline typically takes around 04-06 weeks, Early preparation and collaboration can help manage potential delays, ensuring a smooth and successful certification process.

Process for BIS ISI Certification for Foreign Manufacturer:

Step 1:  Application Submission:

• Gather all the necessary documents.
• Submit the application fee along with the documents.
• Allotment of Application Number.
• Application scrutiny within the specified timeframe.

Step 2:  Query Raised (If Any):

• Notification regarding any missing documents or non-compliance.
• Submission of a response within the designated period.

Step 3:  Inspection (Audit):

• Payment of the Inspection/Audit Fee.
• Selection of an Inspecting Officer.
• Scheduling the itinerary based on availability.
• Conducting a 3-man-day inspection of the manufacturing unit to assess the testing facilities.

Step 4:  Sample Testing:

• Examination of samples on the factory premises during the audit.
• Sealing and collection of samples to be sent to a BIS-approved Laboratory.
• Receipt of Test Reports by BIS (FMCD).

Step 5:  Grant of License:

• Confirmation of sample passage and notification to pay the Marking Fee and License Fee.
• Issuance of a Letter granting the License.

Step 6: Indemnity & PBG:

• Signed Agreement or Indemnity Bond by the Authorized Indian Representative.
• Submission of a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) amounting to USD 10,000. 

Process for ISI/BIS Certification for Indian Manufacturer:

The license issuance process is expected to be completed within 120 days except for the first all-India case, where it may take 180 days. This timeframe begins from the date of receiving the application, provided that the documentation, unit assessment and product compliance are satisfactorily established at the first instance during various stages.

Here are the steps involved:

Step 1:  Customizing the Manufacturing Unit as per the relevant Indian Standard:

• Identifying the applicable Indian Standard.
• Establishing in-house testing facilities to meet the Standard's requirements.

Step 2: Filing the Application Form:

• Preparing the Internal Test Report of the product according to the relevant IS.
• Compiling all necessary documents.
• Completing the online Application Form.
• Making the online application fee payment directly to BIS.
• Submitting hard copies of the Application Form with all enclosures to the relevant Branch Office (BO) of BIS.

Step 3:  Remitting Audit Fees & Travelling Expenses for Inspection:

• Paying the audit fees for inspection.
• Confirming the BIS Inspection Team.
• Coordinating travel, accommodation and boarding for the visiting team.

Step 4:  Factory Visit:

• Conducting an assessment of the manufacturing infrastructure, production process, quality control, and testing capabilities during a factory visit.
• Selecting random sample(s) for testing in a BIS Approved Lab allocated by the BIS office.

Step 5:  Organizing the Lab Test Report (LTR):

• Submitting the samples collected by the visiting team to the allocated laboratory, along with the testing fee.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformity (if any) and Remittance of Official Fees:

• Rectifying any issues pointed out by the inspection team regarding the factory unit's processes.
• Submitting proof of rectification to close non-conformities, if any.
• Paying the annual marking fees (annual license fees) to BIS.

Step 7 : Obtaining the BIS (ISI) Certificate:

• The license is granted upon evidence of steps 04 to 06.

The license issuance process is expected to be completed within 30 days from the date of application receipt if the factory visit is satisfactory and the sample conforms to the relevant Indian Standard(s) at the first instance.

Here are the steps involved:

Step 1:  Customizing the Manufacturing Unit as per the relevant Indian Standard:

• Identifying the applicable Indian Standard.
• Establishing in-house testing facilities to meet the Standard's requirements.

Step 2:  Sample Testing:

• Arrange the required certificate for raw material (MTC).
• Get the product sample tested in BIS recognized testing lab.

Step 3:  Filing the Application Form:

• Preparing the Internal Test Report of the product, following the reference test report provided by BIS for your guidance.
• Compiling all necessary documents.
• Completing the online Application Form.
• Making the online application fee payment directly to BIS.
• Submitting hard copies of the Application Form with all enclosures to the relevant Branch Office (BO) of BIS.

Step 4:  Remitting Audit Fees & Travelling Expenses for Inspection:

• Paying the audit fees for inspection.
• Confirming the BIS Inspection Team.
• Coordinating travel, accommodation and boarding for the visiting team.

Step 5:  Factory visit:

• Conducting an assessment of the manufacturing infrastructure, production process, quality control and testing capabilities during a factory visit.
• Selecting random sample(s) for testing in a BIS Approved Lab allocated by the BIS office.

Step 6:  Submitting the Sample for Testing:

• Submitting the sample to the allocated lab and paying the testing fee.
• Receiving an acknowledgement from the lab and submitting it to the BIS office.

Step 7: Obtaining the BIS (ISI) Certificate:

• Paying the annual marking fees (annual license fees) to BIS.
• BIS will issue the ISI Certificate.

Step 8: Closure of Non-Conformity (if any):

• Rectifying any issues pointed out by the inspection team regarding the factory unit's processes.

 Important Note:

In the case of non-conformity with the sample(s) drawn during the factory visit under Option 2, the license will be suspended immediately. The licensee must take corrective actions and inform the Bureau. They must also confirm their readiness to provide new samples manufactured after taking corrective actions. The suspension will only be revoked based on conforming Testing Reports of the fresh samples from a BIS Recognized Testing Laboratory.

If the fresh sample tested by the Bureau for revoking the suspension exhibits non-conformity in laboratory testing or if the licensee does not report corrective actions taken and does not provide improved samples within 30 days of the suspension date, the license will be considered for cancellation.