The manufacturer could possess a perfectly designed product, modern equipment, and production experience. But even with all these factors, nothing by itself would be enough for the manufacturer to acquire the ISI mark.
Is the manufacturer able to produce the product according to the Indian Standard?
From finding out the right IS code to reviewing manufacturing facilities, testing of products, review of the manufacturing plant, answering queries of the Bureau of Indian Standards, and compliance after certification, each step serves its own purpose.
For manufacturers who are about to get the BIS certification in India, knowing how everything works behind the scenes could be quite useful.
What Is BIS ISI Certification Really About?
As per Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, BIS issues a licence for the manufacturer to use the Standard Mark, also called the ISI Mark, if the product conforms to the provisions of the respective Indian Standard, and the manufacturer complies with the conformity assessment criteria.
ISI Mark is thus not only limited to testing the product. It is based on the evaluation of:
- Conformity of the product
- Manufacturing facilities
- Manufacturing processes
- Quality control system
- Testing facility
- Relevant documentation
- Continuous compliance
Further, BIS carries out surveillance activities post certification, through factory and market surveillance, to ensure that the quality of the certified products remains reliable.
This makes BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers a continuous compliance obligation.
The Journey Behind the ISI Mark: What Happens Step by Step?
1. First Comes: Which Indian Standard Applies?
Prior to submission of the application, the manufacturer will have to find out the relevant Indian Standard (IS) for the product.
This is usually the first big decision made in the certification process.
The manufacturer will have to consider the following:
- Product Category
- Product Specifications
- Application Purpose
- Relevant IS number
- Varieties and grades of product
- Test Requirements
- Manufacturing requirements
- Quality Control Requirements
- Scheme of Inspection and Testing relevant
- BIS Guidelines for product
According to BIS, identification of the appropriate Indian Standard for the product is the first step in the certification process of that product. BIS also gives a product-specific technical manual for guidance in terms of infrastructure, process controls, quality control, and test facilities for the manufacturer.
Why is this step so crucial?
Because the selection of the wrong standard may affect the entire application.
Wrong IS Code means wrong test requirements, wrong documentation, wrong product scope, and even delay in the application process.
That is why most manufacturers seek help from a BIS Certification Consultant prior to application filing.
2. The Factory Is Evaluated, Not Just the Product
One of the common misconceptions related to BIS Certification in India is that it is merely a case of product approval through lab testing.
On the other hand, BIS tests the capability of the manufacturer to produce the product in line with the relevant standard.
This will involve, depending on the product:
- Machinery for manufacture
- Manufacturing facilities
- Controls on raw material
- Manufacturing process
- Process inspection
- Final product inspection
- Testing facility
- Calibration facility
- Quality control personnel
- Testing machinery
- Documents and records
BIS clearly states that licensing is done only if the factory’s infrastructure, manufacturing process controls, and testing capabilities are approved.
Therefore, it is quite useful to have a factory readiness assessment before obtaining BIS Certification for Indian Manufacturers.
3. Product Testing: Where Conformity Is Put to the Test
When the standard and testing requirements are determined, conformity needs to be shown.
For determining conformity, the Bureau of Indian Standards can perform tests using:
- Third-party laboratories
- The manufacturing premises; or
- Both methods
based on the appropriate certification process.
Tests can include physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, safety and performance criteria, based on the relevant Indian Standard.
Why is testing important?
Although a manufacturer may feel confident that the product complies with the necessary requirements, certification relies on evidence.
A failed test may lead to:
- Correction of mistakes
- More testing
- Re-test if permitted
- Delayed application processing
- Increased costs
- Additional correspondence with BIS
Thus, it is advisable to understand BIS Product Testing Requirements before submitting samples.
4. Documentation: Turning Factory Information Into a Compliance File
It depends upon the product as well as the certification requirement, but certain documents that may be required include:
- Identification of the company
- Address of the factory
- Manufacturing procedure
- Layout of the factory
- Machinery and equipment
- Testing facilities
- Personnel responsible for quality control
- Calibration certificates
- Specifications of the products
- Test reports
- Raw materials
- Procedures for quality control
- Declarations and undertakings, where applicable
- Details of the brand/trademark, if any
- Supporting documents specific to the product
Guidelines for the preparation of BIS certification documents ask manufacturers to prepare manufacturing infrastructure, process control, and testing capability that relate to the Indian standard.
Thus, BIS Certification Document Preparation becomes one of the most critical stages.
A document should not just be there but should reflect what actually exists at the factory.
5. Application Filing: When the Certification Journey Becomes Official
Once the product, factory, testing facilities, and documentation are ready, the application can be made to BIS via their online portal.
According to BIS, product certification applications can be made online, including payments, via the Mana online portal.
From this stage onwards, the manufacturer goes into the BIS evaluation process. The BIS can scrutinize the application and ask questions whenever required.
6. BIS Factory Inspection: The Reality Check
Here lies the interface between the data furnished in the application and the manufacturing plant.
The BIS may visit the plant to evaluate whether the plant possesses the capabilities required for the manufacture of conforming products.
These could include evaluation of:
- Manufacturing Facility
- Process Control
- Quality Control
- Testing Capacity
- Records
- Product Conformity
BIS verifies that evaluation of the manufacturing facility and product conformity plays an important role in issuance of the license.
This is the reason why BIS Factory Inspection Preparation gets as much importance as the preparation of the application.
7. Sample Testing and Verification
Sampling for testing can be done during the certification procedure in accordance with the certification requirements.
The aim is to build up confidence that the product meets the relevant Indian Standard.
It is necessary, therefore, that manufacturers see to it that:
- Samples are representative of normal production
- Test facilities are in place
- The necessary equipment is available
- Calibration is up-to-date
- Records of test results are kept
- Controls on production are applied consistently
Conformity, and not just one good sample, is the goal of the certification procedure.
What Happens If BIS Finds a Problem?
However, not all applications go through smoothly from their submission to the licensing process.
In relation to the application, the BIS could detect problems such as those related to:
- Documentation
- Product testing
- Manufacturing facilities
- Test equipment
- Calibration
- Quality control systems
- Product compliance
- Application details
The manufacturer will then be required to clarify the situation or correct it depending on what the problem is.
Here again is one of the situations where a BIS Certification Consultant in India could help out.
What Does the ISI Mark Actually Give a Manufacturer?
After issuing the licence, the manufacturer is entitled to apply the relevant Standard Mark under the terms of the licence.
For companies, the certificate may assist:
- Compliance in case of obligatory certification
- Building customer trust
- Credibility of products
- Indication of conformity to Indian Standards
- Market acceptability
- Improved readiness for institutional procurement, where appropriate
The BIS describes the Standard Mark as an indication of conformity to the particular Indian Standard and claims that its system of conformity assessment ensures confidence in quality, safety and reliability.
The Legal Framework Behind BIS ISI Certification
The major regulatory scheme consists of:
- BIS Act, 2016
- BIS Rules, 2018
- BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
- Relevant Indian Standard
- Scheme I Requirements
- Relevant BIS Guidelines for Products
- Relevant Quality Control Orders
BIS updates the above-mentioned Acts, Rules & Regulations through its Regulatory Resources.
It is also important to mention that BIS periodically issues/revises the product-specific guidelines under the ISI Mark Scheme.
How Long Is a BIS ISI Licence Valid?
According to Scheme-I, the initial period of the BIS license is two years from the date of issuance and will be subject to the conditions as well as varieties under the license.
As per BIS, the license could be further renewed for periods five years from the date of validity of the last license, subject to the requirements.
Manufacturers need to maintain:
- License validity
- Requirements for license renewal
- Annual fees
- Marking fees
- Surveillance
- Product scope
- Changes in Indian Standards
- QCOs
- Testing Requirements
Our BIS ISI License Renewal Assistance will make sure you don’t forget about any important dates.
Common Challenges Before Getting the ISI Mark
Common issues that manufacturers experience include the following:
- Incorrect IS Code
- Inadequate Testing Facilities
- Lack of Calibration
- Mismatched Documentation
- Failed Product Tests
- Unprepared Factory Conditions
- Delayed Response
- Changes in Regulations
All these issues prove the significance of BIS Certification Compliance Support in advance of the certification process.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS ISI Certification?
At UMSPCS, we feel that getting BIS certification is a proper compliance project and not just about making filings.
Based on our 6+ years of experience and working with 600+ compliance requirements for products, UMSPCS assists manufacturers in comprehending what needs to be done prior to approaching BIS.
Our assistance could include:
- Identification of the product and the IS code
- Assessment of BIS applicability
- Analysis of requirements specific to the product
- Factory readiness assessment
- Assistance in documentation
- Testing and lab coordination
- Preparation and submission of application
- BIS query assistance
- Inspection readiness
- Compliance assistance
- License renewal assistance
- Advice on relevant certification requirements for foreign manufacturers
Whether you are an Indian manufacturer requiring BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers or an overseas manufacturer looking at BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, we will assist you in identifying the appropriate route.
Conclusion
While the ISI Mark may take up just a small part of space on a product label, the process of compliance could be multi-step.
While for companies, the goal is not just to get the certificate, the true goal would be to have a process that will produce a product that conforms to the relevant Indian Standard on an ongoing basis.
Considering planning for BIS Certification in India, but do not know how to proceed?
Get in touch with UMSPCS for professional BIS Certification Consultancy services today.
Read more also: BIS Certification for Electrical Goods in India: Why Is It Required?
FAQs
- What is BIS ISI Certification?
It is a conformity assessment system whereby the BIS issues a license to the manufacturer to affix the Standard Mark on the products in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard.
- Is BIS ISI Certification compulsory in India?
No, it is not necessarily compulsory for all products, but it may become so if the Central Government makes it compulsory through a Quality Control Order.
- What is the first step for BIS Certification?
The first step would be the identification of the right Indian Standard relevant to the product along with an assessment of the manufacturer’s infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing facilities.
- Does BIS assess the manufacturing unit?
Yes, BIS can evaluate the manufacturing unit in relation to the infrastructure, process controls, quality-control and testing facilities.
- What documents are needed for BIS ISI Certification?
Different documents may be needed depending upon the product. For instance, factory details, manufacturing process details, test report, machinery details, testing equipment details, calibration details, and quality control details.
- How much time will BIS ISI Certification take?
As per BIS, the duration is about one month in case of Option 2 and four months in case of Option 1 based on receipt and recording of a complete application.
- For how long is a BIS licence valid?
Fora Scheme-I BIS licence, it may be issued for a period of up to two years, which may be extended as per the relevant criteria.
- Is it possible for foreign manufacturers to get BIS Certification?
Yes, eligible foreign manufacturers may get the BIS certification as per FMCS for eligible products as per BIS criteria, which include an Authorized Indian Representative.
- What will happen if a product fails the BIS test?
This will depend upon the relevant certification procedure and the type of non-conformance.
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