Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme


Foreign manufacturers aiming to enter Indian markets must secure FMCS Certification (BIS FMCS Certification) under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme to obtain a BIS licence.

This post unpacks the process, client stories, and top tips to help you navigate BIS certification confidently.

Trust our expert guidance to make your BIS FMCS Certification journey smooth and certification-ready.

Introduction

Imagine a mid‑sized electronics brand from Germany  we’ll call them TechTrend GmbH  eager to launch their smart home appliances in India. They soon hit a roadblock: no BIS licence means no entry into Indian retail or government tenders. That’s when they came to us for help with Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, or FMCS Certification (BIS FMCS Certification). Within months, we helped TechTrend navigate documentation, lab testing, and audit hurdles and they were retailing in India within 90 days. Now, it’s your turn to gain that competitive edge.

What Is FMCS Certification (BIS FMCS Certification)?

Definition & Purpose
 FMCS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme is the BIS’s streamlined approval route for foreign manufacturers. Through FMCS Certification, global brands secure a BIS licence, enabling them to sell certified products in India without setting up local manufacturing. It’s a smart pathway for companies like TechTrend GmbH.

Why It Matters to You
 If you’re a foreign manufacturer, FMCS Certification opens access to a USD‑size market and compliance with Indian safety, quality, and performance standards. It’s your ticket to both private and public sector business.

What is the Process of FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?

FMCS Certification for foreign manufacturers involves 7 steps: identify applicable IS code, appoint an AIR, submit BIS application, conduct lab testing, host factory audit, receive BIS licence, and maintain ongoing compliance. It's essential for any non-Indian brand wishing to sell regulated products in India under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.

  • Identify Applicable Indian Standard (IS Code)

Start by determining the Indian Standard (IS) that applies to your product. Every product under FMCS must comply with a specific BIS standard.A LED bulb will fall under IS 16102 (Part 1), while power banks may fall under IS 13252 (Part 1).Why It Matters: Incorrect IS code selection can result in immediate application rejection.

  • Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)

As a foreign entity, you must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) who will act as your official contact with BIS. The AIR can be a subsidiary, importer, or third-party compliance consultant in India.

  • Prepare and Submit Application to BIS

Submit the FMCS application online via the BIS Manakonline portal. The application includes:

  • Product details and models
    Manufacturing process flow
    Quality control procedures
    Test reports from BIS-recognised labs (preferably NABL accredited)
    Factory location and layout
    Nomination form for AIR

  • Product Testing in Recognised Labs

            Your product must be tested as per the relevant Indian Standard in:

 BIS-approved labs in India

 Or internationally accredited labs (if permitted by BIS)

  • Factory Audit by BIS Officials

            BIS will conduct a physical inspection of your manufacturing site. This includes:

Verification of quality control practices
Sample collection for independent testing
Examination of process control, traceability, and packaging

  • Grant of BIS Licence (FMCS Certificate)

If the audit and test results are satisfactory, BIS grants a BIS licence, valid typically for 1  or 2     years. You can now affix the ISI Mark on your certified products and legally sell them in India.

  • Ongoing Compliance & Renewal

            To maintain the licence, you must:

Submit periodic test reports
Undergo annual surveillance audits
Maintain traceability and packaging compliance

Step‑by‑Step Guide to BIS FMCS Certification?

Start by identifying which ISI/BIS standards apply to your product. For instance, CITIZEN Watches had to clarify standards for power adaptors vs. timepieces. Gather:

Product specifications
Test reports from NABL‑accredited labs
Factory quality management documents

  • Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) 

Select a credible AIR like how Philips assigned their long‑standing Indian partner. The AIR liaises with BIS, receives communications, and can attend audits on your behalf.

  • Submit Application & Test Reports 

Upload your dossier on the BIS portal along with lab reports. A client in Singapore saw rejections due to mismatched model numbers. We fine‑tuned their application metadata and succeeded on resubmission.

  • Site Audit 

BIS conducts an audit of your manufacturing location. One brand, EcoKool, hosted auditors virtually due to COVID protocols they passed with flying colours using video walkthroughs and quality trace logs.

  • Grant of BIS Licence / FMCS Certification 

Once BIS is satisfied, they issue your BIS licence. It allows legally marking the BIS standard on your products sold in India.

  • Ongoing Compliance & Renewals 

Maintain consistency through surveillance audits and up-to-date test reports. Philips renewed theirs easily by proactively retesting and submitting reports.

Conclusion

Securing FMCS Certification, BIS FMCS Certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme is the gateway for foreign manufacturers to legally and confidently enter the Indian market. With expert guidance, thorough documentation, and a reliable AIR, you can clear hurdles just like TechTrend or EcoKool did. Ready to begin your BIS FMCS journey? Let’s connect and make it happen.

Need assistance with your Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

We are just one call away!

🌐https://www.diligencecertification.com/ 

☎️ 919471642921

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