A new entrant to the Indian market can have great opportunities, but fulfilling product compliance requirements in India is an essential component of the process. If your product is required to be BIS certified, overseas manufacturers must learn what Indian Standard it needs to comply with, what the required documentation is, how the factory assessment is carried out, and how to get a BIS licence.
This is where a BIS FMCS Consultant Certification can make the certification journey easier.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is one of the certification schemes provided by BIS where an eligible foreign manufacturer can obtain a BIS licence to place the Standard Mark on their products conforming to the relevant Indian Standards. BIS adds that FMCS applies to foreign manufacturing premises and extends to products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under the stand-alone CRS regime. You will receive guidance from UMSPCS at every stage of your certification process.
What is BIS FMCS Consultant Certification?
BIS FMCS Certification is a certification programme specially designed for manufacturers with factories abroad in India.
For the Foreign Manufacturers under FMCS, BIS determines if they possess the manufacturing facility, quality control system, testing facilities, and product conformity as defined under the applicable Indian Standard.
After meeting the requirements, BIS issues the licence to the foreign manufacturer for the approved product and manufacturing premises.
The certification is awarded to the foreign manufacturer and not only to an importer or distributor.
Who Can Apply for BIS FMCS?
Foreign manufacturers having manufacturing units abroad can make an application under FMCS as long as it fulfills the relevant criteria.
The requirements of the applicants as per BIS are:
- Operating the factory to make machinery and equipment.
- Required testing arrangements
- Competent testing personnel
- Compliance with the relevant Indian standard.
- Acceptance of applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
- All rights are reserved for BIS as long as BIS licence terms and conditions are accepted.
Applications for each product/Indian Standard and manufacturing premises, as applicable, are required.
Why is BIS FMCS Certification Important for Foreign Manufacturers?
In India, it is mandatory to have a BIS licence for products that are subject to BIS certification requirements to ensure lawful entry into the market.
BIS FMCS certification can assist foreign manufacturers in the following ways:
- Comply with the applicable Indian regulations
- Show adherence to Indian Standards
- Help Indian buyers become more confident.
- Make their brand more trustworthy.
- Facilitate penetration of the Indian market.
- Reduce compliance-related risks.
- Keep a quality control system well organised!
In a situation where the product falls under the purview of Quality Control Orders, compliance assumes special significance, as the requirements of the regulatory framework need to be satisfied before the product can be supplied in the Indian market.
Where Does BIS FMCS Consultant Certification Apply?
For foreign manufacturing units looking to get BIS accreditation for their eligible products, FMCS is designed.
The scheme is managed from BIS Headquarters in New Delhi by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD).
This scheme does not apply to Electronics & IT goods notified under the MeitY-related CRS framework. Hence, the manufacturers must choose the right path to achieve BIS certification for the specific product and not take it for granted that FMCS applies to all products.
When Should a Foreign Manufacturer Apply for FMCS?
A foreign manufacturer should start the certification process before planning the commercial supply of a product that is mandatory to be certified by BIS.
If the manufacturer starts early, he has enough time to:
- Identify the correct Indian Standard.
- Review product requirements.
- Furnish the factory for evaluation
- Arrange testing.
- Prepare technical documents
- Nominate the AIR
- Submit the application
- Respond to BIS questions/comments as outlined.
Currently, BIS has announced that applications for FMCS can be submitted online via the Manakonline portal and that from 1 June 2026 all FMCS applications will be submitted online. Get to know more information about BIS ISI Certificate for Indian Manufacturer.
How Does the BIS FMCS Certification Process Work?
The FMCS process is not an application process. BIS assesses the manufacturer’s ability and the product’s conformance.
Step 1: Application Submission
It involves officers reviewing required documents, filling out BIS application forms, and paying fees.
This step is to:
- Documenting
- Applications shall be made
- Submission of fees.
- Application number Assignment
- Assignment of application number to the applications
Step 2: BIS Query Handling
The BIS shall verify the documents for any deficiencies. The BIS shall verify the documents for any deficiencies. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide answers to these queries without delay.
Step 3: Factory Inspection (Audit)
BIS checks the manufacturing unit overseas for
- Manufacturing facilities.
- Manufacturing Process
- Systems for Quality Control
- Company’s in-house laboratory facilities
- Compliance processes
Step 4: Product Sample Testing
During the factory audit:
- Sampling & Sealing
- Testing of products in labs accredited by BIS
- Submission of Test Reports to BIS Authorities
Step 5: BIS License Grant
If the product meets the requirements of the Indian Standard:
- BIS grants a licence.
- You pay a licence fee and marking fees.
- The product is authorised to use the ISI mark.
Step 6: Indemnity Bond & Performance Bank Guarantee
Prior to the licence being issued:
- An indemnity bond that the designated Indian representative has properly signed.
- A $10,000 Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) is provided.
Documents Required for BIS FMCS Consultant
General Documents Needed:
- Basic information about the product’s production unit and category.
- Test report generated by a lab accredited by BIS/NABL in compliance with the Indian Standard
- Evidence of the ownership of the manufacturing facility
- Trademark registration
- Licences and approvals from statutory bodies.
- Product design schematics and drawings
- capacities installed in manufacturing.
- Details regarding raw materials
- List of production tools and requirements
- This is an illustration of a specification and a list of the manufacturing machinery.
- The steps involved in producing the product are shown in this manufacturing process flowchart.
- The types and processes of packaging.
- Details about the quality control staff.
- How substandard products are disposed of in the market.
- The factory’s organogram is displayed below.
Other Documents for Foreign Manufacturers
- Letter of appointment for an authorised Indian representative (AIR)
- Additional factory documents from foreign factories are displayed, including layout, machinery, quality control setup, etc.
- Completing an affidavit using the BIS format
Cost & Timeline for BIS FMCS Consultant
The cost of FMCS certification depends on factors such as the product category, testing requirements, factory inspection expenses, and applicable BIS fees.
The total cost is typically comprised of:
- BIS application fee
- Factory inspection charges
- Expenses of BIS officials for travel and visa applications.
- Product testing charges
- Minimum marking fee
- Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)
Depending on documentation, laboratory testing, inspection schedules, and BIS review schedules, the certification process typically takes 4 to 6 months. Also get to know more about BIS Certification for Electronic Products.
Why Choose UMSPCS as Your BIS FMCS Consultant?
UMSPCS assists foreign manufacturers in their BIS compliance journey. We have 6+ years of experience in this industry and have also completed over 600+ compliance projects
Our support includes:
- Indian Standard identification
- Product compliance assessment
- Documentation assistance
- Laboratory coordination
- AIR-related support
- Factory inspection preparation
- BIS application assistance
- To ask and investigate questions and to observe.
- Guidance on licensing and marking
- Post-certification compliance assistance
Our objective is to make it easy for Foreign Manufacturers to understand and manage BIS FMCS Certification while ensuring that it meets the requirements of BIS.
Get Professional BIS FMCS Consultancy Support
Foreign manufacturers intending to enter or expand to the Indian market should take BIS compliance as an important component of their market entry strategy.
In cases where your product has a mandatory requirement for BIS certification, proper preparation can help minimise unnecessary delays in the documentation process, testing, application review, and factory inspection.
Talk to UMSPCS for expert BIS FMCS consulting services to help you with your Indian compliance needs.
Read more also: How to get BIS Certificate for Automatic Data Processing Machines
FAQs
- What is the full form of FMCS?
FMCS is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.
- Who can apply for BIS FMCS Certification?
Manufacturers not located in India are allowed to apply, as per the applicable BIS requirements.
- Is FMCS applicable to electronic products?
FMCS covers most products, except those notified under the relevant CRS framework.
- Is an authorised Indian Representative required?
Yes. The FMCS application requires Foreign Manufacturers to nominate an authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
- Does a BIS FMCS Consultant provide an approval guarantee?
There is no guarantee of approval by a consultant. However, the consultant helps the manufacturer to be well informed regarding the requirements, documentation, testing process, and BIS readiness.
- Does UMSPCS assist foreign manufacturers in obtaining FMCS?
Yes. UMSPCS offers complete consultancy services for the BIS FMCS Certification process.
❓ Ask a Question
Have any doubts? Fill the form below and our team will respond shortly.
