How Can Foreign Manufacturers Get BIS FMCS Certification? Requirements, Process & Benefits

It’s not just about securing distribution or organising shipment for an overseas manufacturer to enter the Indian market. In case the product comes under mandatory Indian Standard (IS) certification, the manufacturer needs to first establish the conformance of the product and the manufacturer’s plant with the Indian Standard concerned.

This is where the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) comes in handy. Since 2000, BIS has been utilising the FMCS to enable eligible manufacturers, whose factories are not located in India, to obtain a BIS licence and place the BIS Standard Mark on the products that satisfy the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard.

It is better to comprehend these requirements early on if the foreign manufacturer wishes to supply regulated goods to India because it is a costly delay factor. Throughout your FMCS certification process, UMSPCS is available to assist you with ease. 

What Is BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?

The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a certification scheme provided by BIS to manufacturers having a production facility abroad.

In FMCS, BIS will provide a licence for the foreign manufacturer of the product that is in compliance with the Indian Standard. The licence enables the manufacturer to affix the appropriate Standard Mark to a product that is approved.

The scheme is applicable to all products except those covered under the MeitY-notified Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronics and IT products.

This distinction is crucial, as it is not possible for a foreign company to select an FMCS just because of its geographical position. The suitable route of conformity to BIS depends on the product concerned and the Indian Standard and regulatory notification.

Why Do Foreign Manufacturers Need BIS Certification for India?

BIS certification is especially significant in cases where a product has been made subject to mandatory certification under a Quality Control Order (QCO) or other relevant government regulations.

When a product needs a BIS license, the foreign manufacturer can benefit from the acquisition of certification in the following ways:

• Comply with relevant Indian regulations.
• Show conformity to the required Indian Standards.
• Follow the Standard Mark as per the licence.
• Procurement of certified products for the Indian Market.
• Promote confidence in Indian buyers and distributors.
• Minimise compliance problems when launching your business in the market.

According to BIS itself, the products notified by the Government under compulsory certification requirements must be certified.

Who Can Apply for Foreign Manufacturer Certification?

The manufacturer, having a factory outside India, may apply to FMCS if it can fulfil the applicable Indian Standard and BIS certification requirements. The BIS needs to be at the factory with the appropriate manufacturing machinery, testing procedures, and skilled people.

The manufacturer is also required to accept the relevant Scheme of Testing and Inspection (SIT), which includes the requirements and terms and conditions of the BIS licence.

A separate application is required for each product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.

What Is the Role of an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)?

One of the important conditions for foreign manufacturers is the appointment of an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).

The AIR serves as the native entity responsible for representing the foreign manufacturer in relation to BIS and is assigned the duties as specified under the BIS certification regime.

For foreign applicants, BIS will ask them to nominate an AIR when they apply through FMCS. The AIR must be an Indian citizen and comply with the relevant BIS requirements.

Choosing the appropriate AIR is not just a paperwork activity. The nominated representative needs to be knowledgeable about the duties of carrying out a BIS licence, which the manufacturer should ensure.

What Are the Main Requirements for Foreign Manufacturer Certification?

Prior to applying, the foreign manufacturer should check if the factory is ready for BIS assessment.

Important areas include:

• Appropriate identification of the applicable Indian Standard.
• To produce machinery and a production plant.
• Required testing equipment.
• Competent testing personnel.
• Quality-control arrangements.
• Manufacturing process controls.
• Product specifications/technical documents.
• Agreement to relevant SIT requirements.
• AIR nomination.
• Capacity to deliver reliable quality products.

BIS says the manufacturer needs the essential manufacturing and testing facilities at its factory.

How Does the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Process Work?

We have a professional team and are efficient in conducting the whole certification process.

Step 1: Application Submission

It comprises the preparation of the requisite documents, filling out of BIS application forms, and payment of fees.

This step is to:

• Document preparation
• Applications shall be submitted
• Fee payment.
• Assignment of Application number
• Assignment of application numbers to the applications

Step 2: BIS Query Handling

The BIS raises queries in the event of any deficiency in the documents or in the event of any problem. The applicant will be responsible for responding to these queries in a timely fashion.

Step 3: Factory Inspection (Audit)

BIS inspects the overseas manufacturing unit for the following:

• Manufacturing infrastructure

• Production Process
• Quality Control systems
• In-house testing facilities
• Compliance procedures

Step 4: Product Sample Testing

In the course of the factory audit:

• Sampling and sealing
• Testing of products in accredited BIS labs
• Submissions of test reports to BIS authorities

Step 5: BIS Licence grant

In case the product fulfils the requirements as per the Indian Standard:

• BIS issues approval for granting a licence.
• Fees are paid for marking, and a licence is paid for.
• Authorisation is provided for using the ISI mark on the product

Step 6: Indemnity Bond & Performance Bank Guarantee

Before the licence is granted:

• An indemnity bond duly signed by the authorised Indian representative. An indemnity bond duly signed by the authorised Indian representative.
• Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of USD 10,000 given.

Required Documents for BIS FMCS Certification

General Documents Required

• Simple information about the production unit and the category of the product.
• Test Report issued by a lab recognised by BIS/NABL as per the Indian Standard
• Evidence of ownership of the manufacturing plant
• Trademark registration
• Licences and approvals from statutory bodies.
• Product design drawings/schematics
• Capacities installed in manufacturing.
• Data on raw materials
• This is an example of a specification and a list of machines used in the manufacture.
• This flowchart of the manufacturing process depicts the activities involved in creating the product.
• The types and processes of packaging.
• Information about quality control personnel.
• How are substandard products disposed of in the market?
• Map of the manufacturing unit
• The organogram of the factory is shown below.

Additional Documents Required for FMCS:

• The appointment will be communicated to the appointee via letter. A letter of appointment will be sent to the authorised Indian representative (AIR).
• Additional factory records from foreign factories are displayed.
• completing an affidavit using the BIS format

Fee Structure and Timeline for BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturers  

The cost of the BIS certificate depends on the category of the product, testing requirements, and the cost of inspection. 

Renewal and Validity of BIS FMCS

First, BIS issues a three-year licence to a foreign manufacturer. The licence will then be renewed for a maximum of five years.

To renew, you must:

• Acceptance of the Renewal Fee
• updated documentation to guarantee adherence
• Fees for marking are paid.
• Observance of BIS Product Continuity Requirements

Producing accurate and comprehensive documentation reduces regulatory observations and speeds up the certification process. 

How Long Does Foreign Manufacturer Certification Take?

The average time for the grant of an FMCS licence is generally about six months from the date of recording a complete application, notes BIS. The actual period may differ, however, depending on any application deficiencies, answers to queries, inspection arrangements by the factory, sample testing, payments, etc.

Foreign manufacturers should therefore not consider the six-month period as a certain period of approval. Also get to know more about BIS Certificate for Indian Manufacturer.

What Happens After a BIS Licence Is Granted?

Obtaining the licence is not the end of compliance.

The licensee is under ongoing obligations to ensure compliance with the Indian Standard and meet BIS obligations for marking and reporting. BIS also says that the licensees shall provide the information with regard to the production and dispatch of goods marked with the standard as prescribed.

Licences can be issued for up to two years initially and then may be renewed in line with the requirements and performance.

Why Do FMCS Applications Get Delayed?

The foreign manufacturer is often stymied when they start to prepare without preparing their factory and documentation.

Typical problems are:

• Misidentified Indian Standard.
• Incomplete application documents.
• Inadequate testing facilities.
• Missing quality-control records.
• Factory not ready for BIS assessment.
• Product-test discrepancies.
• Slow reply to BIS queries.
• Difficulty getting inspections or sample tests.
• Incomplete AIR documentation.

BIS specifically points out that such partial applications and delayed replies to enquiries may impact the time of granting a licence. 

How Can a BIS FMCS Consultant Help Foreign Manufacturers?

A professional consultant can help to coordinate the various aspects of the certification process, rather than simply doing documentation and then putting it aside.

UMSPCS support may take the form of:

• Product applicability assessment.
• Indian Standard identification.
• QCO applicability review.
• Documentation preparation.
• AIR coordination.
• Laboratory coordination.
• Factory audit preparation.
• BIS application filing.
• Query and defect tracking.
• Inspection coordination.
• Licence grant support.
• Renewal and post-certification compliance guidance.

This is especially helpful for foreign manufacturers who don’t have much experience with Indian Standards, BIS procedures, or documentation required for the factory assessment. UMSPCS has an experienced expert who helps you in your journey throughout your journey. Have 6 years of experience in this leading industry and have successfully provided 600+ certificates for the manufacturers. 

Conclusion

Foreign Manufacturer Certification under BIS FMCS is the pathway for eligible Foreign Manufacturers to get a BIS licence for products that are in compliance with Indian Standards.

If there are mandatory certification requirements, foreign manufacturers must take a closer look at what is required, rather than just the application form. Similar to the other certification processes, the Indian Standard identification, factory readiness, testing capability, quality controls, and AIR appointment and BIS factory assessment are also significant aspects of the certification process.

The FMCS applications are now being submitted online from 1st June 2026, and manufacturers who intend to enter the Indian market should make a note of their compliance documentation and factory arrangements.

Planning to Obtain BIS Certification for Your Foreign Manufacturing Unit?

UMSPCS has the ability to help overseas manufacturers with BIS FMCS applicability and documentation, AIR coordination, testing, factory inspection preparation, filing of applications, and post-licence compliance.

Contact UMSPCS to discuss your product and BIS certification requirements for the Indian market. 

Read more also: Manak Online (BIS Portal) Guide.

FAQs

• Is BIS FMCS certification mandatory for foreign manufacturers?

When required by a government notification to be certified, it is mandatory.

• Who can apply for BIS FMCS certification?

Any manufacturer who has a factory outside India may apply, as applicable to the BIS requirements.

• Is an AIR mandatory for foreign manufacturers?

Yes, foreign manufacturers have to nominate an eligible Authorised Indian Representative.

• What is the time of the BIS FMCS certification?

The average processing time for a complete application is usually approximately 6 months but may vary depending on the individual case, according to BIS.

• Can UMSPCS help with foreign manufacturer BIS certification?

Yes, UMSPCS can do product assessment, document preparation, AIR coordination, testing, preparing a factory audit list, and processing a BIS application.