What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a quality certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India established under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS certification ensures that products comply with Indian Quality Standards (IS Standards) related to safety, performance, and reliability.
For several products, obtaining BIS certification is mandatory before manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling them in the Indian market. The certification assures consumers that the product has been tested and meets the prescribed quality and safety requirements.
Businesses involved in manufacturing or importing regulated products must obtain the appropriate BIS certification to comply with government regulations and avoid legal penalties.
Why is BIS Certification Necessary?
BIS Certification is essential because it protects consumers by ensuring that products available in the market meet Indian safety and quality standards. It also helps businesses establish trust and gain easier market acceptance.
The importance of BIS Certification includes:
- Ensures compliance with Indian Quality Standards.
- Mandatory for many products notified by the Government of India.
- Improves product quality and consumer confidence.
- Prevents the sale of substandard and unsafe products.
- Enhances brand reputation and market credibility.
- Helps manufacturers and importers comply with legal regulations.
- Facilitates smoother customs clearance for imported products.
- Reduces product recalls and quality complaints.
- Increases business opportunities in domestic and international markets.
- Supports participation in government tenders and institutional procurement.
Who is Eligible to Apply for BIS Certification?
The following entities can apply for BIS Certification:
- Indian Manufacturers
- Foreign Manufacturers exporting products to India
- Importers (for applicable BIS registration schemes)
- Small Scale Industries (SSI)
- MSMEs
- Large Manufacturing Companies
- Brand Owners (where applicable)
- Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) for foreign manufacturers
Eligibility depends upon the applicable BIS certification scheme and product category.
Various Types of BIS Certification
BIS offers multiple certification schemes depending on the nature of the product.
1. ISI Mark Certification Scheme
The ISI Mark Certification is applicable to products manufactured in India. It confirms that the product complies with relevant Indian Standards.
Examples include:
- Cement
- Steel Products
- LPG Cylinders
- Electrical Appliances
- Pressure Cookers
- Packaged Drinking Water
2. CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)
The Compulsory Registration Scheme is applicable mainly to electronic and IT products.
Products include:
- LED Lights
- Mobile Phones
- Laptops
- Power Banks
- Smart Watches
- Bluetooth Speakers
- CCTV Cameras
- UPS Systems
3. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)
Foreign manufacturers exporting products to India must obtain BIS certification through FMCS before selling notified products in India
4. Hallmarking Scheme
Applicable for:
- Gold Jewellery
- Silver Jewellery
- Precious Metal Articles
Hallmarking certifies purity and authenticity.
5. ECO Mark Scheme
Awarded to environmentally friendly products that satisfy both quality and environmental requirements.
Information Included in BIS Certification
A BIS Certificate generally contains:
- BIS License Number
- Manufacturer Name
- Factory Address
- Product Name
- Product Category
- Applicable Indian Standard (IS Number)
- Certification Scheme
- Date of Issue
- Validity Period
- Scope of Certification
- BIS Logo or ISI Mark Authorization
- Details of Authorized Signatory
BIS Certification Procedure
The BIS Certification process generally includes the following steps:
Step 1: Product Identification
Identify whether your product falls under mandatory or voluntary BIS certification.
Step 2: Selection of Applicable Standard
Determine the relevant Indian Standard (IS Code) applicable to the product.
Step 3: Documentation
Prepare all required documents and application forms.
Step 4: Product Testing
Products are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Step 5: Online Application
Submit the BIS application along with prescribed government fees.
Step 6: Factory Inspection
BIS officials may inspect the manufacturing facility depending upon the certification scheme.
Step 7: Sample Verification
Product samples are verified against Indian Standards.
Step 8: Grant of License
After successful verification and compliance, BIS grants the certification.
Does BIS Certification Need Renewal?
Yes, Most BIS licenses require renewal before expiry.
Renewal generally involves:
- Renewal application
- Updated manufacturing details
- Product compliance verification
- Applicable government fees
- Factory performance review (where required)
Timely renewal helps businesses continue manufacturing and selling products without interruption.
Required Documents for BIS Certification
The documents required may vary according to the certification scheme.
Commonly required documents include:
- Company PAN Card
- GST Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Factory Registration Certificate
- MSME/Udyam Registration (if applicable)
- Manufacturing License
- Address Proof
- Identity Proof of Authorized Signatory
- Product Technical Specifications
- Product Test Report
- Manufacturing Process Details
- Quality Control Documents
- Brand Authorization Letter (if applicable)
- Trademark Certificate (if available)
- Authorization Letter
- Import Export Code (IEC) (for importers)
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) documents (for foreign manufacturers)
Benefits of BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS Certification offers numerous business advantages.
1 Legal Compliance
Ensures compliance with Indian Government regulations.
2 Improved Consumer Trust
Consumers prefer BIS-certified products due to assured quality.
3 Better Market Acceptance
Retailers and distributors prefer certified products.
5 Competitive Advantage
Helps businesses stand out in the marketplace.
6 Enhanced Brand Reputation
Demonstrates commitment to quality and safety.
7 Increased Sales
Certified products generally enjoy higher consumer confidence.
8 Easier Government Approvals
Useful for government procurement and public sector tenders.
9 Reduced Risk
Minimizes product recalls and legal disputes.
10 International Recognition
Supports exports by showcasing adherence to recognized quality standards.
Common Errors During BIS Certification
Businesses often face delays due to the following mistakes:
- Selecting the wrong Indian Standard.
- Incomplete application forms.
- Incorrect product testing.
- Submission of expired documents.
- Mismatch between factory details and application.
- Poor quality management systems.
- Improper labeling and marking.
- Failure to comply during factory inspection.
- Delayed response to BIS queries.
- Applying under the wrong certification scheme.
Professional guidance helps avoid unnecessary delays and rejections.
Why Choose KSV for BIS Certification?
KSV offers comprehensive assistance for obtaining BIS Certification with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timely approvals.
Our services include:
- Complete eligibility assessment
- Product category identification
- Documentation support
- Application preparation
- BIS portal filing
- Coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories
- Assistance during factory inspection
- Regular application tracking
- Renewal assistance
- Dedicated compliance experts
- Transparent pricing
- Fast turnaround time
- PAN India service support
- Professional consultation for manufacturers and importers
With years of experience in regulatory compliance, KSV simplifies the BIS certification process while helping businesses meet all statutory requirements efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is an approval issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards confirming that a product complies with applicable Indian quality and safety standards.
2. Is BIS Certification mandatory?
Yes, BIS Certification is mandatory for many products notified by the Government of India, while it remains voluntary for certain other products.
3. Who can apply for BIS Certification?
Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, importers, MSMEs, startups, and large businesses can apply depending on the applicable BIS certification scheme.
4. How long does the BIS Certification process take?
The processing time depends on the product category, testing requirements, documentation, and applicable certification scheme. Timelines may vary accordingly.
5. What is the validity of a BIS Certificate?
The validity period varies depending on the certification scheme and license conditions. Renewal must be completed before expiry.
6. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification?
Yes, Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to India can obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
7. Is product testing mandatory?
Yes, Product testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory is generally required before certification, depending on the applicable scheme.
8. Can BIS Certification be renewed?
Yes, BIS Certification can be renewed by submitting the prescribed application, supporting documents, compliance details, and applicable fees before the license expires.
9. What happens if a mandatory product is sold without BIS Certification?
Selling regulated products without the required BIS Certification may lead to penalties, product seizure, prohibition on sale, or other legal actions under applicable laws.
10. How can KSV help with BIS Certification?
KSV provides end-to-end assistance, including eligibility assessment, documentation, application filing, coordination with testing laboratories, compliance support, renewal assistance, and expert guidance throughout the certification process.
Products Under BIS Certification
Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020
The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 is a mandatory quality regulation issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, to ensure that toys manufactured, imported, stored, sold, or distributed in India meet prescribed safety and quality standards.
Under this order, all toys must comply with the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements and obtain a valid BIS Certification Licence before entering the Indian market.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/toys/
Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020
The Personal Protective Equipment – Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020 is a mandatory regulation issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India to ensure that protective footwear used in workplaces meets specified safety and quality standards.
Under this Quality Control Order (QCO), manufacturers, importers, and sellers must ensure that specified categories of safety footwear and protective footwear comply with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/footwearcontrolorder/
Air Conditioner Quality Control Order
The Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 is a mandatory regulation issued by the Government of India to ensure that air conditioners and their essential components meet prescribed quality and safety standards.
This Quality Control Order (QCO) requires manufacturers to comply with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements before manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing specified air conditioning products and components in India.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/airconditionerorder/
Electrical Appliances Quality Control Order
The Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a mandatory regulation introduced by the Government of India to ensure that electrical appliances used for domestic water heating comply with prescribed safety, quality, and performance standards.
Under this Domestic Water Heating QCO 2025, manufacturers of covered electrical water heating appliances must obtain a valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Licence before manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing products in India.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/electricalcontrolorder/
Hinges Quality Control Order, 2025
The Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a mandatory quality regulation issued by the Government of India to ensure that hinges manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India meet the prescribed quality and safety standards.
Under this Hinges QCO 2025, manufacturers of specified hinge products are required to obtain a valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Licence before supplying products in the Indian market.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/hingescontrolorder/
Furniture Quality Control Order, 2025
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a mandatory regulation introduced by the Government of India to ensure that furniture products manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India meet specified quality and safety standards.
Under this Furniture QCO 2025, manufacturers of covered furniture products are required to obtain a valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Licence before supplying products in the Indian market.
For More Information: https://www.ksvsolutions.co.in/furniturecontrolorder/
