BIS certification is an essential element in the journey of any manufacturer who wants to sell a regulated product in India. The process of obtaining the certification is not generic in nature. The kind of certification needed varies with each product according to the category of the product, the Indian Standard of the product, and the place of manufacture. There could be a need for BIS CRS, ISI Mark certification, or a BIS FMCS license.
The right choice of the certification path would be beneficial for the manufacturer in avoiding documentation mistakes, delays in tests, and unnecessary compliance expenses. The manufacturing of the product in India may require product testing and factory inspection. On the other hand, the exporting of the regulated product to India by foreign manufacturers would need the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
This blog provides insight into the BIS certificate process, detailing the procedure, documentation, and requirements of CRS, ISI Mark, and FMCS certifications.
Which BIS Certification Process Applies to Your Product?
Before applying for the certification, you need to know the certification process for your product. Each route has a different application and assessment process.
| Certification Scheme | Generally Applicable To | Main Certification Requirement |
| BIS CRS Certification | Products covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme | Product testing and online registration |
| BIS ISI Mark Certification | Products covered under the applicable BIS licensing requirements | Product testing, factory assessment, and licence approval |
| BIS FMCS License | Foreign manufacturing units supplying products covered under the relevant BIS certification requirements | Overseas factory inspection, product testing, and foreign manufacturer licensing requirements |
The relevant scheme will depend on the type of product and Indian Standard involved, as well as the existing regulation. The first step for manufacturers will be to ensure that the product in question requires mandatory certification.
1. BIS ISI Mark Certification Process in India
BIS ISI Mark certification process ensures that the product and manufacturing processes comply with the appropriate Indian Standard and the licensing requirements. The precise procedure will depend on the product and certification scheme in question and will likely involve laboratory testing, factory inspection, quality control evaluation, and application examination.
Key Steps in the ISI Certification Process
- Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
- Product Testing and Documentation
- BIS Application Submission
- Factory Inspection
- Sample Testing and Laboratory Report
- Closure of Non-Conformities
- Payment of Licence and Marking Fees
- Grant of ISI Licence
Once the licence has been granted, the manufacturer may use the ISI Mark only in respect of approved products and in accordance with the relevant licence conditions.
2. BIS CRS Certification Process in India
The BIS CRS certification process covers notified electronic and IT products as well as other product categories which fall within its ambit. It typically operates on a product testing and online registration basis.
Key Steps in the CRS Certification Process
- Online Registration on the BIS CRS Portal
- Product Testing at an Approved Laboratory
- Submission of the CRS Application
- BIS Application Scrutiny
- Grant of CRS Registration and R-Number
The applicant must ensure the product model, manufacturer information, and test report align. Once registered, the manufacturer must comply with the relevant BIS Standard Mark and R-number labelling requirements.
3. BIS FMCS License Process for Foreign Manufacturers
The BIS certification process for foreign manufacturers allows eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS licences for products which are covered under the relevant certification requirements. As the manufacturing facility is overseas, the process involves a number of additional considerations relating to factory assessment and representation in India.
Key Steps in the FMCS Process
- Application Submission
- BIS Query Handling
- Overseas Factory Inspection
- Product Sampling and Testing
- Grant of BIS Licence
- Indemnity Bond and Performance Bank Guarantee Formalities
Foreign manufacturers will also have to comply with the relevant Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) requirements and other scheme-specific obligations. A Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of the order of USD 10,000 is typically required under FMCS requirements and will be subject to the current BIS provisions as well as the terms of the individual case.
How to Choose the Right BIS Certification Process
Choosing the right certification route is one of the most important decisions in the compliance process. Getting it wrong can lead to a lot of wasted effort, application amendments, and delays.
Consider these three factors before applying:
- Product category: Is the product covered by a CRS or a relevant product certification order that would require an ISI licence?
- Manufacturing location: Is the manufacturer based in India or overseas? A manufacturer based overseas may be required to comply with FMCS for eligible products.
- Applicable Indian Standard: Identify the relevant IS and confirm the product meets the requirements of that standard.
For example, a product falling within the scope of CRS will normally require registration via the appropriate CRS procedure. A product subject to mandatory ISI certification will of course have to go down the relevant licensing route. An eligible foreign manufacturer of a product covered by FMCS will be required to satisfy the relevant foreign manufacturer requirements.
The scheme should always be checked against the current BIS regulations rather than just picked on the basis of the product name.
BIS Certification v Product Quality: What’s the difference?
Product quality and regulatory certification are linked but not the same. A manufacturer may well have a good quality control system and be producing products that work as they should. That in itself does not mean they are in compliance with a mandatory BIS certification.
BIS certification involves demonstrating compliance with the relevant Indian Standard via the prescribed registration or licensing procedure. The specific requirements of the scheme in question may include laboratory testing, manufacturing audits, application review, and certain product labelling requirements.
Businesses should therefore look at both product quality and regulatory applicability prior to introducing a product into the Indian market.
Common Challenges During the BIS Certification Process
Manufacturers may well run into procedural or technical issues as they go through the certification process. It’s important that they are aware of these potential problems early on so they can be in a position to meet the relevant requirements.
- Incorrect scheme selection
- Testing failures
- Application discrepancies
- Factory inspection findings
- Delayed responses
- Marking errors
A structured approach to certification will help the business to identify these issues before they become major problems.
What Happens After BIS Certification is Granted?
Getting a certificate or licence is not necessarily the end of the manufacturer’s compliance obligations. The scheme in question may impose continuing obligations which will need to be met throughout the certification period.
1. Correct Use of the Certification Mark
Manufacturers must use the ISI Mark or the BIS Standard Mark with the appropriate registration details as permitted under the relevant scheme. Labelling of the product must be in accordance with the applicable requirements.
2. Maintaining Product Conformity
The certified/registered products have to continue meeting the pertinent technical requirements. In case there is any modification in the product design, specifications, components, or manufacturing process, it is essential to review this according to the relevant procedures of BIS.
3. Factory & Quality Control
Manufacturers have to have production control, testing and records to prove that the products continue to be compliant where required.
4. Licence Validity & Renewal
The validity, renewal, and all other aspects will be covered according to the specific scheme and the current BIS procedures. It is the obligation of the manufacturer to keep an eye on its license validity and do all formalities accordingly.
5. Changes in Regulations
There can be changes in the Indian Standards, QCOs, and the certification requirements. This may affect the compliance requirements of the product. Companies should consider all changes.
How UMSPCS Helps with BIS Certification Process
At UMSPCS, we help Indian and international manufacturers to understand and work through the applicable BIS certification requirements.
With over 6 years of compliance experience and support across 600+ product compliance requirements, UMSPCS is in a position to help make the certification requirements clearer and to assist businesses in their preparation for the relevant approval process.
Our support may include:
- Scheme identification
- Documentation assistance
- Testing coordination
- Application support
- Inspection readiness
- Foreign manufacturer support
Conclusion
Whichever registration (CRS), certification (ISI mark), or FMCS license you are applying for, it is necessary for you to know first the scheme under which you are applying, as well as its requirements pertaining to the product. The application may be affected by several factors like testing, documentation, factory readiness, and the way the BIS responds to its queries.
Don’t waste precious time by delaying your application just to get clarification on the requirements for compliance.
Are you planning to manufacture or sell a product that needs regulation in India?
Connect with UMSPCS to know about the IS, the process of certification, documentation requirements, among others regarding your product.
Read more also: What BIS Standards Must Cookers Meet to ISI Mark Certification?
FAQs
- What is the process of BIS certification in India?
The process will vary depending on the scheme applied for. It may involve the identification of the relevant IS, product testing, documentation, factory inspection (where applicable), assessment of the application, and the approval of registration/license.
- What is the difference between the BIS CRS, ISI Mark and FMCS?
CRS involves product testing and registration for the covered products. ISI Mark certification is via the relevant product licensing procedure, and FMCS is the route for eligible foreign manufacturers seeking a BIS licence for the covered products.
- Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS certification?
Yes, eligible foreign manufacturers can apply under FMCS for products covered by the applicable requirements, subject to the prescribed documentation, inspection, testing,g and other conditions.
- Is a factory inspection required for BIS CRS registration?
CRS generally operates on a product test and registration basis and doesn’t normally follow the same factory inspection procedure as with ISI licensing. Applicants should see whether there are any product-specific requirements.
- If there is a non-conformity discovered by BIS, what will happen next?
An applicant will be asked to correct the situation, provide additional information, or undergo additional tests depending on the specific discovery. The decision will depend on compliance with the requirements.
- Is it possible for a manufacturer to apply the ISI mark without having a BIS licence?
No, it is necessary to have a BIS licence and meet all the marking requirements in advance.
- What is an R-number in BIS CRS certification?
An R-number is the unique registration number assigned to a product registration under CRS. It must be used in accordance with the relevant BIS marking and labelling requirements.
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