A Complete Guide to BIS Certification: ISI, CRS, and FMCS Define

In the modern market, where quality and rules matter to people, ensuring products are standard is of great significance. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) assists in implementing rules on product safety, quality, and performance in India. If you are a manufacturer, importer, or brand owner, selecting the right BIS certification scheme—ISI, CRS, or FMCS—can be of great significance in entering the market, winning customers' trust, and remaining within the law.

We assist companies with the entire BIS certification process at Diligence Certification. Whether you produce products in India or import them from abroad, our experienced team makes it easy for you to focus on expanding your business.

In this detailed blog, we talk about the three broad categories of BIS certification—BIS ISI Certification, BIS CRS Certification, and BIS FMCS Certification—to assist you in making the right decision for the product category.

What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body that functions within the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS is tasked with developing and enforcing standards that guarantee the quality and safety of consumer and industrial products in India.

The primary responsibilities of BIS are:

• Making Indian Standards (IS)
• Certifying products to ensure they meet important standards.
• Carrying out checks and product testing
• Running hallmarking schemes for gold, silver, etc.
• Helping people understand and ensuring good quality.

BIS certification may be compulsory or voluntary, depending on the product. The three large schemes of certification under BIS are:

• ISI Certification Plan
• CRS Certification Program
• FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)

They both have different functions and are utilized with a particular kind of manufacturers and products.

1. BIS ISI Certification: Indian Manufacturers

BIS ISI Certification is the most sought-after program that is operated by BIS. It is intended for Indian manufacturers and ensures that goods are in compliance with Indian Standard (IS). The certification is labeled with the ISI mark, which is the symbol of safety and quality for Indian consumers.

What is the ISI Mark?

ISI mark is an acronym for the Indian Standards Institute, which was a precursor to BIS. The ISI mark is now a statutory mark for a wide variety of products, like:

• Electrical appliances (fans, switches)
• Concrete
• Car tires
• Steel products
• Pressure cookers
• Bottled potable water
• BIS ISI Certification Procedure

The process of getting BIS ISI Certification generally involves:

Determine Applicability: Verify whether your product is included in the list of mandatory ISI certification.

Application Submission: Submit the application via BIS's online portal (MANAKonline).

Product Testing: Have your product tested at a BIS-approved lab.

Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the production process and quality control systems.

Grant of License: The ISI license is awarded if all the requirements are up to BIS standards.

Documents Needed:

• Factory registration papers
• Quality control testing tools list
• Product photos and information
• Test certificates issued by BIS-recognized laboratories

Validity:

The ISI license is valid for one year and renewable on completion of periodic surveillance.

2. BIS CRS Certification: For Electronic and IT Products

BIS CRS Certification (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is predominantly for electronic and IT goods. It is required for both domestic and international manufacturers who wish to sell specific products in the Indian market.

Why CRS?

CRS certification began in 2012. It guarantees that rapidly evolving consumer electronics and IT products are safe enough. Products covered under this regulation cannot be sold in India unless they have a CRS registration number.

Products Covered under BIS CRS Certification:

• Mobile phones and tablets
• LED lights
• Smart watches
• Desktops and laptops
• Power adapters
• Bluetooth speakers
• Lithium-ion batteries
• UPS/inverters

BIS CRS Certification Process

1. Check Applicability: Find out if your product is on the mandatory CRS list.
2. Submit via MANAKonline: The applicant has to register at BIS's website.
3. Product Testing: Test the product in an India BIS-approved laboratory.
4. Submission of Test Report: Submit the test report and supporting documents online.
5. Grant of Registration: If the product meets the requirements, BIS gives a registration number.

Documents Required:

• Business registration papers
• Test report from a BIS lab
• Technical specification of the product
• Approved Indian Representative (AIR) of foreign manufacturers.

Validity:

BIS CRS certification is valid for two years and can be extended for up to five years.

3. BIS FMCS Certification: For Foreign Makers

The BIS FMCS Certification, or Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, assists foreign manufacturers in obtaining the ISI mark for products being exported to India.

FMCS has a wider scope of industrial and consumer goods compared to the CRS certification, which has a scope of electronics and IT products only, including:

• Industrial chemicals
• Steel products
• Auto parts
• Electric wires

Key Features: 

• The product must follow Indian Standards.
• A foreign producer must have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• The BIS officials have to personally inspect the factory.

BIS FMCS Certification Procedure

1. Check Standard Applicability: Make sure your product meets a notified Indian Standard.
2. Send Application: Forward the forms and fees required through BIS's offline FMCS system.
3. Testing: The samples are sent for testing in India (or a foreign-approved lab in certain cases).
4. Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the foreign factory.
5. Signing of agreement: The manufacturer signs an agreement and pays an annual marketing fee.
6. License Issuance: The ISI mark license is granted upon successful compliance.

Documents Required:

Factory registration

Quality control papers

Test equipment list

Test findings

AIR appointment letter

Validity

The FMCS license is valid for one year initially and can be renewed annually.

Why Diligence Certification as your BIS consultant?

The BIS certification process—ISI, CRS, or FMCS—is extremely technical, document-intensive, and time-consuming. Mistakes result in market entry delay or product prohibition.

At Diligence Certification, we simplify things for you. This is how we help:

Eligibility Analysis: We determine the correct BIS scheme for your product.

Documentation Support: We author and revise all documentation needed.

Lab Coordination: We coordinate the testing with BIS-approved labs.

Inspection Preparation: We assist in preparing for factory audits and inspections.

Post-Certification Compliance: We help with license renewals, inspections, and marking.

Our extensive experience with the Bureau of Indian Standards system ensures that your certification process is not only efficient and fast but also fully compliant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Obtaining BIS Certification

• Providing incomplete documentation,
• Testing in illegal laboratories.
• Incorrect product classification.
• Non-compliance with marking rules.
• Response times to BIS requests. 

With Diligence Certification, you can avoid these problems and get help from experts to go through the process. 

Conclusion:

BIS Certification as a Key Benefit If you are an Indian manufacturer seeking ISI mark certification or an international company seeking to enter India through CRS or FMCS, compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards' rules is not only mandatory—it is what will make you stand out in the market. Obtaining the proper BIS certification assists you in acquiring: Authentic access to Indian markets, Increased brand reputation, and Trust and safety for consumers. Shielding against product recall or ban. At Diligence Certification, we make compliance easier, make it strategic, and make it streamlined. Reach out to us today to get expert advice on BIS ISI Certification, BIS CRS Certification, or BIS FMCS Certification—and take your business forward confidently in one of the world's most dynamic markets.