Understanding BIS Certification in India: A Comprehensive Guide by Diligence Certifications

 

In the present-day marketplace in which all companies compete with each other, it is now imperative for manufacturers, importers, and companies alike to ensure product quality and safety to comply with statutory regulations. BIS Certification is often a legal requirement for products made for export to India. The BIS Certificate acts as a benchmark of quality and safety, thereby building consumer confidence and facilitating ease of marketing.

The our-of-the-park team at Diligence Certifications offered to provide assistance in all aspects of regulatory requirements needed to register a Business Institution with the BIS efficiently and expediently. This resource aims to help you understand everything about BIS Certification in India: desirability, existence, benefits, and procedural norms.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment scheme granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Authority of India. A Product certification ensures that a product complies with quality, safety, or performance criteria specified by Indian Standards. The BIS came into existence by an Act of Parliament called the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, and continues to protect the interests of consumers and foster industrial growth.

BIS Certificate must be obtained for a variety of products, like electrical and electronic goods, industrial machinery, food items, and construction materials. The motive is to standardize products, ensure their safety, and secure consumer confidence in the Indian and international markets.

Importance of BIS Certification in India

Obtaining BIS Certification for India entails several major advantages whether you are a local manufacturer or a global brand:

1. Compliance With Legislation

Some products are required, by law, to be certified under the CRS Compulsory Registration Scheme or ISI mark scheme by BIS. There can be penalties, product recalls, and legal action as a consequence for carrying out businesses in India with uncertified products.

2. Consumer Safety and Trust

A certificate from BIS assures the customers that the product complies with Indian safety and quality standards. This enhances the brand's credibility and instills consumer confidence.

3. Market Entry

BIS approval eases entry into Indian markets, especially for foreign manufacturers. Retailers and distributors opt for BIS-certified products because there is lesser risk of non-compliance.

4. Competitive Advantage

Certification gives you a competitive edge over the uncertified competitors and shows that you take quality and statutory compliance seriously.

Types of BIS Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards administers various certification schemes based on types of products and the associated levels of risk:

1. ISI Mark Certification Scheme

This is meant for Indian manufacturers of products under mandatory certification. The product with an ISI mark confirms that it meets the specified Indian Standard.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

CRS is mainly intended for electronic and IT goods. It becomes mandatory for a product category that is notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Under FMCS, foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Certification for India. It guarantees that the imported goods comply with Indian standards and are tested at laboratories recognized by BIS.

Products That Need Mandatory BIS Certification

In all, more than 450 products require BIS certification at present. Here are some of the common product categories for which BIS registration is required:

• Electronics (LEDS, mobile phones, laptops, power banks)

• Electrical appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters)

• Automotive accessories

• Construction materials (cement, steel)

• Chemicals and food-grade products

• Toys and child safety products

The list keeps on getting updated, so every manufacturer should keep an eye for it to stay compliant.

Steps For BIS Certification

At Diligence Certifications, our team functions as an extended arm of the client to complete the whole process in a hassle-free manner. Below are the general steps involved:

Step 1: Identification of Applicable Indian Standard

The first step is whether any Indian Standard applies to your product. Each standard is concerned with a particular set of criteria and test requirements.

Step 2: Product Testing

Samples of the products are sent to a BIS recognized laboratory for conducting the tests. The laboratory examines whether the tested products comply with Indian Standards applicable.

Step 3: Submission of Application

After completion of testing, an application is filed with BIS by furnishing required documents like test reports, product specification, and company details.

Step 4: Factory Inspection (applicable for ISI/FMCS schemes)

For some schemes, the manufacturing unit is inspected by BIS officials for verifying the implementation of quality control measures and production practices.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Certificate

After successful evaluation and verification of documents by BIS, a certificate is granted; Registration Number for CRS product and license for ISI/FMCS product.

BIS Registration Documents

The documentation may differ based on the product and scheme; however, generally, they require:

• Technical specifications of the product

• Copy of business license

• Layout plan of the factory and quality control plan

• Test reports from BIS approved laboratories

• Letter of authorization (Indian representative in case of a foreign manufacturer)

• Application form and fee receipt

Diligence Certifications will assist clients in preparing and reviewing all such required documents so as to avoid any delay or rejection.

BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

In case a foreign manufacturer would like to bring their products in India, they require certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The FMCS involves the following:

• An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be appointed.

• Samples should be sent to Indian Labs.

• Factory inspection is done by BIS officials.

• Payment of fees and security deposits applies, as relevant.

Given all its complexities, it is advisable to engage consultants like Diligence Certifications to smoothen the BIS Registration process for foreign entities.

BIS Certification Fees and Validity

The BIS Certification costs are based on the product, the certificate scheme, testing charges, and other fees that include inspection and application fees. Diligence Certifications provides competitive and transparent pricing for all services pertaining to BIS.

Application Fee: Nominal

Testing Charges: Depending on the product category and number of samples

Inspection Fee: For ISI/FMCS schemes only

Annual License Fee: As per BIS

Ordinarily, the BIS license is valid for two years and may be renewed afterward, subject to compliance with the renewal conditions.

Challenges in BIS Certification

Some challenges in obtaining the certificate without guidance for what is basically an advantageous process include:

- Understanding regulatory requirements

- Identifying the correct product standard

- Bureaucratic delays

- Coordination with laboratories and BIS authorities

That is why Diligence Certifications adds an edge, offering end-to-end consulting on BIS and support to manufacturers within India and abroad. 

Why Choose Diligence Certifications for BIS Registration?

As a premier certificate and compliance consultancy, Diligence Certifications has a decade of BIS registrations and approvals in wide-ranging product sectors. Here is why businesses rely on us:

Products Consultation: We help identify the applicable Indian Standard and scheme.

Documentation Support: We help clients prepare documentation accurately and on time.

Lab Coordination: We coordinate with product sample testing with BIS-accredited laboratories.

Inspection Consultancy: We offer consultation for factory inspections and audits.

Post-Certification Services: Assistance with renewal, changes, and compliance.

We promise to make sure that your product meets the highest-grade standards in India, thereby shortening the time taken for your product to go into the market.

Recent Updates and Notifications by BIS

The BIS updates its list of products under mandatory certification and also the test protocols or procedures frequently. One has to remain in touch with the recent notifications issued to remain in compliance. 

For example:

• Added new product categories under CRS, including smart watches and wireless earmuffs.

• Revised safety norms for lithium-ion batteries.

• Mandatory certification of certain chemicals and regulation of materials.

With Diligence Certifications as your partner, you would never miss anything important that can affect your business operations.

Conclusion

BIS Certification is crucial to every business looking to enter or grow in the Indian market. Whether for legal compliance, consumer safety, or brand reputation, BIS Certification for India has its significance.

When assisted by Diligence Certifications, the journey becomes easy, fast, and compliant. From documentation to testing, liaison, and approval, we offer comprehensive support that perfectly fits your product category and business needs.

So, if you are a manufacturer, importer, or business looking for BIS Registration, please get in touch with Diligence Certifications and let us make your journey toward compliance an easy and successful one.