BIS Certificate of Conformity (Scheme IV)

BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) – Complete Compliance Guide for India

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards holds the responsibility of the regulatory authority for the standardisation and certification of products. This functions with the BIS Act,2016, which makes sure that the products entering the market are in line with the required Indian Standards.

BIS ordered conformity certification for plenty of products that consist of electronic, IT equipment, appliances, safety devices, telecom products, and many others.

One of the key compliance systems under BIS is the Certificate of Conformity (COC).

What is a BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)?

The Bureau of Indian Standards is in charge of the BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC), which has a legal acceptance that validates that the products are aligned with the necessary Indian Standards and regulatory requirements. It gives proof that the product has undergo through testings, evaluation, and meets every required safety and performance standards.

To make sure continuous quality control in manufacturing, a certificate must be approved after document verification, lab testing, and factory audits. Products stated under mandatory certification are not legal to manufacture, import, sell or distribute in India without having a BIS approval, and failure to comply can give rise to penalties and legal suits.

Although BIS COC ensures consumer security, regulatory compliance, and safe market access, which improves the brand’s credibility and business reliability.

Types of BIS Certificate of Conformity

BIS operates multiple certification schemes depending on the product category and regulatory framework.

1. ISI Mark Certification (Standard Mark License)

After the approval of your license, you can show the ISI mark on your products as a manufacturer. This certification usually consists of the following:
● Electric wires and cables
● Cement
● LPG cylinder valves
● Pressure cookers
● Automotive components
● Industrial machinery
● Safety equipment
ISI Mark Certification process consists of product testing, factory audits, and continuous monitoring.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The BIS CRS programme products consist of electronics and IT devices. Manufacturers need to undergo testing in BIS approved labs only and do registration before offering for sale. Usually, this consists of products that include the following:
● Mobile phones
● Laptops and tablets
● LED lamps and lighting products
● Microwave ovens
● Power banks
● Adapters and chargers
● Audio/video equipment
● UPS systems
Under the CRS Certification, the factory inspection doesn’t seem compulsory prior to the registration, whereas it is necessary to gain compliance acceptance.

3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

In India, it is important to gain BIS certification for the foreign manufacturers through FMCS. Primary Requirements include the following :
● Choose an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
● Factory inspection done by BIS officials only
● Testing of product samples
● Complete documentation compliance with accuracy
This programme makes sure that the products that are imported need to follow the required standards as Indian manufactured products do.

4. Limited or Batch-wise Certification

BIS might give approval to a few quantities or batch based certification based upon the product category and regulatory requirements.

Call Today!

WhatsApp Now!

Difference Between BIS COC and Other Certifications

Several businesses suppose that only the ISO or CE certification is what is required for Indian compliance, but the BIS COC is different and also a necessity where required.

Criteria	BIS Certificate of Conformity	ISO / CE Certification
Authority	Government of India (BIS)	Private or EU bodies
Legal Requirement	Mandatory for notified products	Voluntary (in India)
Product Testing	Mandatory in approved labs	Varies
Factory Audit	Required (in many schemes)	Depends on the standard
Market Access	Required for the Indian market	Required for EU or global markets

Even if a product holds international certifications, the BIS COC is compulsory for regulated products in India

Products Covered Under BIS COC

Category	Product Examples	Applicable Scheme (General)
Electronics & IT Products	Mobile phones, Laptops, Tablets, LED lights, Power banks, Adapters, UPS	Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Telecom Equipment	Routers, Modems, GSM devices, IoT devices	CRS / Specific QCO
Electrical Appliances	Electric fans, Irons, Rice cookers, Kettles, Switchgear	ISI Mark / CRS
Household & Consumer Goods	Microwave ovens, Set-top boxes, Audio/Video equipment	CRS
Industrial Products	Cement, Steel products, Electrical cables	ISI Mark Scheme
Safety Equipment	Helmets, Gas cylinders, LPG valves, Pressure cookers	ISI Mark Scheme
Automotive Components	Brake linings, Wheels, Auto lamps	ISI Mark Scheme
Toys & Children’s Products	Electric toys, Non-electric toys	ISI Mark Scheme
Chemicals & Materials	Certain polymers, Chemicals under QCO	ISI Mark Scheme
Construction Materials	Pipes, Fittings, Building Materials	ISI Mark Scheme

Requirements for BIS Certificate of Conformity

Receiving a BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) demands compliance, which includes conditions like technical, procedural, and regulatory conditions, which is in charge of the Bureau of Indian Standards under the BIS Act, 2016, and similar Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The requirements might seem different due to the certification scheme (ISI, CRS, or FMCS), while the basic structure maintains consistency.

There is a brief explanation of the primary demands of BIS COC as follows:

1. Applicability Confirmation

Finding which of the product is required to obtain required BIS certification is the very first and most critical requirement. This involves figuring out the right Indian Standard (IS number) and proving if the product is included by a Quality Control Order that was officially issued. Technical evaluation is necessary at this moment due to faulty product classification will often result in rejection or compliance violations.

2. Compliance with Relevant Indian Standard (IS)

The product has to strictly conform to the technical specifications stated in the appropriate Indian Standard. These guidelines respond with:
● Safety specifications
● Benchmarks for performance
● Specifications for construction and materials
● Limits that are mechanical or electrical (where applicable)
● Instructions for labelling and marking
Prior to testing, the product's requirements and design have to conform to the standard.

3. Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratory

Testing is an essential requirement. For evaluation in line with the corresponding Indian Standard, samples of products are required to be delivered to a laboratory that has been approved or authorised by the BIS. Testing is carried out in the lab with regard to safety, performance, durability, and other established standards. Submission of an application calls for an accurate and acceptable test assessment report. Retesting may be necessary and necessary changes must be made if the product fails testing

4. Manufacturing Infrastructure & Quality Control System

BIS demands that the manufacturer uphold a sufficient quality control system in the factory for services like the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) and ISI Mark. The production plant needs to show:
● Procedures for inspecting raw materials
● Process-level quality control
● Capability to test the finished product
● Test devices that have been verified
● System for maintaining records
● Skilled technical employees
The factory need to be successful to effortlessly manufacture goods that adhere to the appropriate Indian Standard.

5. Factory Inspection (Where Applicable)

A factory inspection has been carried through by BIS officials in advance of certification in ISI and FMCS schemes. Officers check during inspection to make sure:
● Method of production
● System for quality assurance
● Testing the availability of equipment
● Records of calibration
● Capability of sample testing
● conformity to the established requirements
Prior to licence approval, a successful inspection is required.

6. Authorised Indian Representative (For Foreign Manufacturers)

An Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) are required to be chosen by foreign producers who export regulated goods to India. The AIR is in charge of:
● Submitting the BIS application
● Working together with BIS officials
● Supervising renewals and compliance
● Working as a legal representative in India
During the application process, the appropriate authorisation documents and agreements need to be provided.

7. Proper Documentation Submission

At the moment of application, reliable and thorough documentation must be provided. This includes the following documents on company incorporation
● Details of manufacturing
● Technical details of the product
● Test results
● Artwork labelling
● Documents for quality control
One among the most serious explanations for delays is inadequate or incorrect documentation.

8. Marking and Labeling Compliance

Following BIS COC approval, the product has to include the licence or registration number and the appropriate standard mark (ISI mark or Registration mark). The marking's measurement, layout, and position need to all conform to BIS regulations. Penalties or a denial of certification might result from improper or unlawful use of the mark.

9. Fee Payment

The BIS-mandated application fee, testing fees, examination fee (if applicable), and yearly licence fee all have to be paid by those who apply. Without correct confirmation of fee payment, certification is impossible to complete.

10. Ongoing Compliance & Surveillance

Obtaining BIS certification is an ongoing procedure. Following certificate release, the manufacturer is required to continue following Indian Standards.

Documents Required for BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)

1- Company Documents

Document Type	Details
Incorporation Certificate	Proof of company registration
GST Registration	Valid GST certificate
Address Proof	Registered office address proof
Authorization Letter	Authorized signatory declaration

2. Technical Documents

Document Type	Details
Product Specifications	Technical details as per applicable IS standard
Bill of Materials (BOM)	List of components/raw materials used
Circuit Diagrams	Required for electrical/electronic products
User Manual	Product usage and safety instructions
Product Photographs	Clear images of product and packaging
Label Artwork	Marking design as per BIS guidelines

3. Test Reports

Requirement	Details
BIS-Recognized Lab Report	Valid test report confirming compliance with relevant Indian Standard

4. Manufacturing Documents

Document Type	Details
Factory Layout	Layout of production unit
Production Process	Step-by-step manufacturing flow
Quality Control Procedures	Internal QC system details
Testing Equipment List	Details of in-house testing instruments

5. For Foreign Manufacturers

Document Type	Details
AIR Agreement	Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative
Power of Attorney	Legal authorization document
Manufacturer Authorization	Declaration from manufacturing unit

Timeline for BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)

Stage	Estimated Duration
Documentation Preparation	1–2 Weeks
Product Testing	2–6 Weeks
BIS Evaluation	2–4 Weeks
Factory Inspection (If Required)	1–3 Weeks
Total Estimated Timeline	6–12 Weeks (Average)
Label Artwork	Marking design as per BIS guidelines

The timeline may vary depending on product complexity, documentation accuracy, and laboratory scheduling availability

Common Challenges in BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)

Obtaining a BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the Bureau of Indian Standards can be a structured process, but many businesses face delays due to compliance gaps or procedural errors. Understanding common challenges helps manufacturers and importers prepare better and avoid costly mistakes.

Incorrect product classification

Although finding a BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) through the Bureau of Indian Standards appears to be a well-organised procedure, many businesses experience complications because of errors in procedure or defects in compliance. Manufacturers and importers may prepare more effectively and stay clear of expensive blunders by being aware of common obstacles.

Incomplete technical documentation

Among the most common problems is wrong product classification. An application may be rejected if an improper Indian Standard (IS) has been selected or if it is submitted through the inappropriate certification scheme. preparing for starting the process, a complete technical assessment of the product class is recommended.

Laboratory test failures

An additional significant obstacle is unfinished technical documentation. BIS queries are frequently brought about by inadequate product specifications, confusing circuit diagrams, erratic labelling artwork, or an incorrect Bill of Materials (BOM). Initial approval procedures can be severely delayed by even minor documentation oversights.

Factory audit issues

While production facilities fail to be adequately ready for inspection, factory audit problems may take place. Inspection results may be poorly affected by inadequately configured testing devices, inaccurate quality control documentation, or unqualified technical employees.

Labeling errors

Inaccuracies in labelling are frequently ignored. Responses throughout assessment as well as consequences after certification may result from improper use of the BIS mark, absence of required information, or failure to follow marking presentation standards.

Delayed responses to BIS queries

The authorisation periods are more prolonged by late answers to BIS enquiries. To avoid your request getting placed on hold, it is essential to communicate with BIS authorities in a manner that is prompt and precise. Due to the legal, technical, and procedural requirements involved in the BIS COC process, expert assistance is essential for minimising mistakes and unwarranted holdups.

How UMSPCS Helps with BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)

The Bureau of Indian Standards holds the charge of BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) which might seem difficult because of the paperwork, tests, and compliance requirements.

UMSPCS provides complete assistance for BIS certification which includes the following:

Correct product classification and IS standard identification
Documentation preparation and verification
Coordination with BIS-recognized labs for testing
Factory audit preparation (for ISI & FMCS)
CRS Registration and ISI Mark support
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) services for foreign manufacturers
Labeling and marking compliance guidance

With expert support from UMSPCS, manufacturers and importers can avoid delays, reduce rejection risks, and obtain BIS approval smoothly and efficiently.

Regulatory Authority & Legal Framework

BIS COC operates under:

BIS Act, 2016
Indian Standards (IS)
Quality Control (QCOs)
Government compliance notifications

BIS holds the authority to suspend or cancel licenses, conduct inspections, and penalise non-compliant businesses.

With expert guidance from UMSPCS, manufacturers and importers can navigate the BIS certification process confidently, ensuring smooth market entry and long-term regulatory compliance in India.

FAQs – BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC)

BIS Certificate of Conformity (COC) is in charge of the Bureau of Indian Standards, which makes sure that the product aligns with the required Indian Standards (IS) and Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

UMSPCS gives complete guidance on this, which consists of the product identification, paperwork, coordination in lab testing, factory audit, AIR services, and approving compliance.

On average, 6-12 weeks, which is based upon the category of product and testing requirements.

Products that are listed under the QCOs are required to have the BIS COC, which includes electronics, IT products, electrical devices, security equipment, industrial products, toys and construction material.

COC are required by Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, importers, and brand owners of the listed products.

The price depends on the category of products, lab testing fees, suitable scheme, and government charges

Legal compliance, easy market entry, builds trust among the owners and production

Ready to get your electronics BIS-registered?

+91 7011067811

BIS Certificate of Conformity