What Is the BIS Certification Process? A Complete Guide for Businesses

Just because a product appears to be suitable for the Indian market does not mean that it will not cause serious compliance issues if manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing it is carried out without the necessary approval, since the relevant BIS requirement is mandatory.

Acquiring BIS certification does not only signify applying for BIS certification, but it involves identifying appropriate Indian Standards, setting up manufacturing and testing facilities, testing the product, applying for BIS certification, getting BIS audited, and ensuring compliance through implementation of post-licensing regulations. 

BIS certification in India is carried out by the Bureau of Indian Standards, part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India. Even though BIS describes certification as being voluntary in its nature, it may happen that the Central Government makes certification obligatory for some products through Quality Control Orders and other legal methods.

This blog outlines the BIS Certification Process in India, covering the requirements, required documents, procedure, timeline, validity, legal framework, challenges, benefits, and how businesses can get professional assistance from UMSPCS.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment procedure whereby BIS checks that a product satisfies the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard (IS).

Under Scheme-I, manufacturers are able to get a licence to use the BIS Standard Mark, which is usually linked with the ISI Mark, following an evaluation by BIS of the manufacturer’s manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control systems and testing capabilities and then confirming product conformity by means of testing. 

BIS certification does not adhere to a single fixed procedure for all products; instead, businesses may have to deal with different conformity assessment schemes – such as Scheme-I, Scheme-II, Scheme-IV and Scheme-X, depending on the product and the relevant regulation. Read more also: BIS ISI Certificate for Indian Manufacturer.

Is it necessary to have BIS Certification in India?

The BIS certification system is essentially voluntary, but where factors such as the public interest, consumer safety, environmental protection, health, the prevention of unfair trading practices or national security are taken into account, the Central Government has the power to make compliance mandatory by means of Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

Therefore, businesses should first check:

• Whether the product is covered by a QCO
• Which Indian Standard applies
• Whether a BIS licence, registration or Certificate of Conformity is required
• Which BIS conformity assessment scheme applies
• Whether specific product manuals or implementation guidelines have been issued

The BIS website keeps information regarding products which are subject to compulsory certification and the corresponding product-specific guidelines.

BIS Certification Process: Step-by-Step

The various stages make up the BIS Certification Process.

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

The first and most important step is to identify the right IS code for the product. The BIS specifically recommends that manufacturers start the application process by identifying the Indian Standard that applies to their product.

At this stage, businesses should verify:

• Product category
• Product specifications
• Applicable IS number
• Product variants
• Applicable BIS scheme
• QCO requirements, if any
• Product-specific testing requirements
• Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)
• Grouping requirements, where applicable

Picking the incorrect standard may lead to improper testing, unnecessary application queries, and delays.

Step 2: Check Manufacturing and Testing Requirements

Once the relevant standard has been identified, the manufacturer has to determine if its facility is able to meet the requirements.

BIS requires manufacturers to have appropriate:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Production processes
• Process controls
• Quality-control arrangements
• Testing facilities
• Trained personnel
• Inspection and testing procedures

It is also necessary for the product to meet the requirements given in the relevant Indian Standard. 

The BIS also supplies product manuals, including the relevant guidance on inspection and testing as well as on grouping, in order to assist manufacturers in understanding the certification requirements which are specific to the product.

Step 3: Product Testing

Testing forms a vital component of the BIS Certification Procedure.

Depending on the applicable scheme and product requirements, conformity may be established through:

• Testing by an independent/third-party laboratory
• Testing at the manufacturer’s premises
• A combination of both

The BIS carries out testing in order to determine if the product complies with the relevant Indian Standard. 

The test report must therefore refer to the right product, model/variety and applicable standard.

Because of the possibility of having to retest, taking corrective action and incurring extra costs, companies should check the technical specifications before sending in their samples.

Step 4: Prepare BIS Certification Documents

The exact documentation depends on the product, the scheme and the method of manufacturing. Nevertheless, companies usually have to draw up documents concerning:

• Manufacturer details
• Manufacturing premises
• Product details
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Manufacturing process
• Machinery and equipment
• Testing facilities
• Quality-control arrangements
• Test reports
• Raw-material details
• Product specifications
• Calibration records, where applicable
• Quality-control personnel details
• Trademark/brand-related documents, where applicable
• Authorization documents
• Undertakings and declarations prescribed by BIS

Foreign manufacturers may be subject to further requirements under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), such as the need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative.

Step 5: Submit the BIS Application Online

The BIS says that applications for product certification can be made online, together with the payment. These applications are submitted via the Manakonline portal. 

Before filing, the applicant should verify that:

• The appropriate IS code has been chosen.
• Product details are accurate.
• Manufacturing information is complete.
• Testing arrangements meet the needed requirements.
• Documents are properly prepared.
• The fees in question have been reviewed.

An incomplete or wrong application can lead to questions and delays.

Step 6: BIS Scrutiny and Factory Assessment

Once it has been submitted, the BIS looks at the application and the supporting information.

For a typical Scheme-I certification route, BIS assesses the manufacturer’s:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Process controls
• Quality-control system
• Testing capabilities
• Product conformity

BIS has the possibility of carrying out an assessment visit to the manufacturing site and taking samples for testing where appropriate.

What this implies is that BIS certification goes beyond being just a document-based approval, since the manufacturer’s real ability to continuously produce compliant products is an important element of the evaluation.

Step 7: Address BIS Queries and Non-Conformities

When BIS is carrying out an application review, testing, or factory evaluation, it could find defects or failures.

The applicant may need to:

• Provide additional documents
• Clarify technical information
• Correct manufacturing deficiencies
• Improve testing arrangements
• Implement corrective actions
• Arrange retesting where required

The BIS has issued specific guidelines relating to product non-conformity, retesting, surveillance and other parts of Scheme-I certification. Rapid and precise replies can help in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Step 8: Grant of BIS Licence

After the assessment and conformity requirements in question have been carried out, BIS will issue the licence on the terms applicable to it.

The licence allows the manufacturer to use the appropriate BIS Standard Mark for the products included in the licence, provided that the relevant requirements are met.

The manufacturer has to keep to the conditions of the licence after approval.

What determines the BIS certification fee?

There is no single BIS Certification Cost that applies to all products.

Hence, companies should not work out the expected cost until they have determined the specific product and the relevant certification route.

How long does the process of obtaining BIS certification take?

The time norms for certification that have been published by the BIS have in the past set 30 to 40 working days as the period required to grant a licence within the product certification scheme, there being different rules applicable to products which require long-duration testing; yet the actual duration of projects can differ according to the specific circumstances of the application.

Hence, companies should not depend on a specific number of days unless they first assess the product and the certification process.

Legal Framework Governing BIS Certification

The main legal framework consists of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Within the BIS framework, BIS has the authority to carry out conformity assessments of goods, articles, services, systems, and processes by means of the prescribed conformity assessment schemes.

For compulsory products, companies are also required to look at the appropriate Quality Control Order (QCO) since that QCO defines the regulatory requirements that apply to the product.

Common Challenges in the BIS Certification Process

Businesses often struggle, not because BIS certification is impossible, but because they start preparing too late.

• Wrong IS Code
• Incomplete Documentation
• Testing Failure
• Inadequate Factory Infrastructure
• Unprepared Factory Assessment
• Changes in Standards or QCOs

How UMSPCS Helps Businesses With BIS Certification

The process of obtaining BIS certification includes technical, documentation, and regulatory requirements, and a minor mistake at the start can have an impact on testing, application processing, and timelines.

At UMSPCS, we assist companies in carrying out the certification process by providing them with structured compliance support. Because we have more than six years of experience and have dealt with over 600 product compliance requirements, we help businesses to simplify the complicated regulatory procedures and enhance their certification readiness.

Our assistance can include:

• Product and IS code identification
• Applicability assessment
• BIS scheme identification
• Product-specific requirement review
• Documentation support
• Laboratory testing coordination
• Application preparation
• BIS portal application support
• Factory assessment preparation
• Query and deficiency support
• Compliance guidance
• Renewal and post-certification support

Conclusion

The BIS Certification Process does not start when an application is made; instead, it begins by identifying the appropriate Indian Standard and establishing whether or not certification is required, after which comes technical preparation, testing, documentation, the submission of the online application, the assessment, and then continued compliance.

The best way for businesses that want to obtain BIS certification in India is to first look at the specific requirements for their product before carrying out any testing or submitting an application.

Can I get some assistance with BIS Certification?

Contact UMSPCS today and take the next step towards achieving compliant market access in India.

Read more also: Get BIS CRS Certification for Plasma/LCD/LED TVs 32 Inches

FAQs

1. Can you explain the BIS Certification Process in India?

The usual BIS certification process consists of determining the relevant IS code, checking the requirements, setting up the necessary infrastructure and documentation, carrying out product testing, making the online application, having a BIS assessment, and then receiving the appropriate licence or approval.

2. Is it necessary for every product to have BIS Certification?

BIS certification is usually voluntary, but the central government makes it compulsory for certain products by means of QCOs and other statutory provisions. 

3. How can I tell if my product needs to have BIS Certification?

You ought to look at the relevant Indian Standard and also at BIS’s list of products which are subject to compulsory certification, together with the relevant QCOs.

4. Is an inspection at the factory necessary to obtain BIS Certification?

In order to carry out product certification under Scheme-I, BIS visits the manufacturing site to assess the company’s capabilities in both manufacturing and testing, as well as to verify that the product conforms to the relevant standards.

5. Can a foreign manufacturer get BIS Certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers may get BIS certification for eligible products under the appropriate Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), provided that they meet the BIS requirements.