Before launching a product in India, producers and importers need to ascertain whether they require BIS approval and how much it will cost them. The price associated with acquiring the BIS approval on the Indian territory differs in accordance with the specific product being produced and depends on the certification program, laboratory tests conducted, scrutiny of the manufacturing site, licensing requirements, and marking fees.
Among the certification programs introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the compulsory registration scheme (CRS), ISI Mark certification under Scheme I, and foreign manufacturers certification scheme (FMCS) should be noted. Each of the programs has its own procedure of application, cost components, and prerequisites for compliance.
While preparing the launch of a new product for the market, businesses will benefit from this knowledge for proper budgeting, avoidance of additional costs, and appropriate document preparation beforehand.
What Determines the Cost of BIS Certification in India?
The total amount of the BIS Certificate Cost is determined by several factors, the initial step being the determination of the appropriate certification scheme for the product.
Key cost factors include:
- Product category and Indian Standard
- Laboratory testing charges
- BIS government fees
- Factory inspection
- Marking fees
- Consultancy and documentation
Let’s look at the estimated costs of the three main routes for BIS certification.
1. The Cost of BIS ISI Mark Certification in India
The Cost of BIS ISI Mark Certification relates to products that are covered by the appropriate Indian Standards and the mandatory certification requirements. When the Scheme-I procedure is followed, manufacturers have to show that they conform to the relevant standard and also satisfy the BIS licensing conditions before they can use the ISI Standard Mark.
BIS ISI Certification Cost Breakdown
The table below gives an indication of the various cost components for a project involving ISI certification.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost |
| Application Fees (BIS) | ₹1,000 |
| Testing Charges (Laboratory Fees) | ₹15,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Factory Inspection Charges | ₹7,000 |
| Annual Licence Fees | ₹1,000 |
| Marking Fees (ISI Mark Usage) | As per BIS norms and applicable production-based requirements |
| Consultancy Charges (UMSPCS) | ₹50,000 |
The figures mentioned above are only estimates and cannot be considered a fixed price for all products. The cost of laboratory testing may vary considerably, and the marking fees will depend on the relevant BIS regulations. It is necessary to verify the current government fees and the specific requirements for each product before preparing a budget.
Why Do the Costs of ISI Certification Differ?
Two manufacturers who are applying for ISI certification may get different cost estimates since their products, manufacturing facilities, and testing requirements are not the same.
For instance, a product that involves extensive performance and safety testing will have higher laboratory charges than a simpler product, and extra costs may also occur if alterations are needed to the documentation, if the factory has to be prepared for inspection, or if further testing is required.
Who Has to Take Into Account ISI Mark Certification?
Manufacturers of products which are the subject of applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) should check the relevant certification requirements; in certain cases, BIS certification may be necessary before manufacturing, selling, importing or distributing the product in India.
2. The Cost of BIS CRS Certification in India
The Cost of BIS CRS Certification applies to those products which are included in the Compulsory Registration Scheme. This scheme applies to certain electronic and IT products, comprising the types of equipment for which registration is mandatory pursuant to the relevant government orders.
CRS is different from the normal ISI licensing procedure in that it includes product testing, the submission of an application, and registration via the relevant BIS process. Factory inspection is not a required element of all CRS applications.
BIS CRS Certification Cost for Indian and Foreign Manufacturers
Below are the estimated project costs offered as part of the CRS certification assistance.
| Applicant Category | Total Cost (Excluding GST) |
| Indian Manufacturer | ₹55,000 + GST |
| Overseas Client | ₹90,000 + GST |
The amounts given are indicative of the costs for the stated service packages, and the final quote will specify whether laboratory testing, government fees, documentation, and other relevant expenses are included.
What Affects the CRS Registration Fee?
The cost of BIS CRS Registration may change depending on:
- The type of product and the Indian Standard that applies.
- The requirements for testing and the fees for the laboratory.
- The number of models or variants that are covered by the application.
- Documentation and specifications for technical products.
- The location of the applicant and the amount of assistance needed.
- Where necessary, further testing or adjustments to the application should be made.
Before paying any application or consultancy fees, manufacturers should check if their product is covered by the CRS or by another BIS certification scheme.
3. The Cost of the BIS FMCS Licence for Manufacturers from Abroad
The cost of BIS FMCS licence is especially relevant to foreign manufacturers who intend to supply products that are covered by the applicable requirements of BIS certification in India.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme enables eligible foreign manufacturing units to get a BIS licence for products that meet the relevant Indian Standard, with the process involving factory inspections, the collection of samples, laboratory testing, and compliance with the applicable marking and licensing requirements.
BIS FMCS Certification Cost Breakdown
The table below shows the indicative estimate given in United States dollars.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Application Fees (BIS) | $12.00 |
| Per Diem Expenses for BIS Officers – 3 Days | $900.00 |
| Charges for the Visit | $466.66 |
| Contingency Funds | $111.11 |
| BIS Travel and Visa Expenses – Estimate | $2,173.00 |
| Minimum Marking Fee | $2,744.00 |
| Sample Testing | $400 – $3,000 |
| Provided Total BIS Cost Estimate | $6,850.77 – $10,000.77 |
The total given does not precisely agree with the sum of the individual cost items. It is necessary to check the final total and any extra charges with the relevant quotation before publication or when carrying out financial planning. Furthermore, actual expenses could also differ depending on the travel arrangements, the testing requirements, and the applicable BIS rules.
Why is the FMCS More Costly than Some of the Other Routes?
FMCS includes requirements that apply to foreign manufacturing facilities, the expenses involved being international travel, visa arrangements, inspection-related costs, sample transportation, and product testing.
The total timeline and cost will depend on the manufacturing facility’s readiness, the completeness of the documentation and the testing results, as well as the coordination with BIS; overseas manufacturers should therefore prepare a detailed budget rather than depending only on the application fee.
CRS vs ISI Mark vs FMCS: Which Cost Applies to Your Product?
The correct certification pathway will vary according to your product and not just depend on your preferred budget; choosing the wrong scheme can result in extra costs, delays, and compliance problems that are avoidable.
| Comparison | BIS CRS | BIS ISI Mark | BIS FMCS |
| Primary applicants | Eligible Indian and overseas manufacturers | Eligible manufacturers under Scheme-I | Eligible foreign manufacturers |
| Main process | Product testing and registration | Testing, factory assessment where applicable, and licensing | Testing, foreign factory inspection, and licensing |
| Typical cost drivers | Testing, documentation, registration | Testing, inspection, licence and marking fees | Testing, inspection, travel, marking and related expenses |
| Best starting point | Confirm CRS applicability | Identify the applicable IS and QCO | Confirm FMCS eligibility and product requirements |
How UMSPCS Helps You Manage BIS Certification Costs
At UMSPCS, we assist businesses in understanding the product certification requirements that apply to them and in planning their compliance process more clearly.
UMSPCS, benefiting from more than 6 years of experience in the field of compliance and having been exposed to over 600 product compliance requirements in various industries, offers assistance that is specific to products in order to help companies move towards certification with a better understanding of the process and the costs involved.
Our support can include:
- Scheme identification
- Indian Standard identification
- Documentation assistance
- Testing coordination
- Factory-readiness support
- Application assistance
- Foreign manufacturer support
Conclusion
Obtaining a BIS Certificate Fee in India depends on the certification scheme, the product category, the testing requirements, and the relevant government charges. Although the figures provided by CRS are relatively easy to plan, certification by ISI Mark involves testing and factory expenses, while FMCS may entail considerable extra costs for overseas inspections and travel.
Before you start the process, check the relevant Indian Standard, make sure that certification is required, and get a cost estimate that clearly lists the government fees, the cost of testing, the marking charges, and the fees for consultancy services.
Planning your BIS certification?
Let UMSPCS assist you in finding the correct route, in understanding the various cost components, and in preparing your application with confidence.
Read more also: How Does BIS Certification Impact the Sale of LPG Gas Stoves
FAQs
- How much does the BIS Certificate cost in India?
The amount will depend on whether the product needs to be registered with the CRS, obtain the ISI Mark Certification, or secure an FMCS licence. The total cost is determined by testing, government fees, inspection, and any other applicable charges.
- Why is the fee for BIS certification different from product to product?
The amount charged depends on the relevant Indian Standard, the complexity of the testing, the number of models, the place of manufacturing, and the certification requirements.
- Is the BIS CRS fee the same for all electronic products?
The total cost will vary depending on the product specifications, the testing requirements, the extent of model coverage, and the services contained in the registration package.
- Are the government fees and consultancy charges administered by BIS the same?
The government fees are required to be paid in accordance with the relevant BIS rules, while consultancy charges refer to the professional help provided with regard to documentation, applications, and compliance coordination.
- Does every product need to obtain BIS certification?
In light of applicable regulations, the specific product, and various governmental orders, specific compulsory certification is determined. Companies need to confirm what needs to be done for the specific product.
- Are charges for laboratory testing also included in the charge for BIS certification?
It depends on whether the testing is carried out in isolation or is included in a service package. Always verify the details of the pricing before starting an application.
- Is a factory inspection required for BIS ISI Mark Certification?
Factory inspections are usually included in the Scheme-I licensing procedure, provided that the relevant BIS procedure and the product requirements are taken into account.
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