How to Get BIS Certification for Import in India? Process, Documents, & Cost

Bringing a product into India involves more than just locating a manufacturer, arranging the shipping, and dealing with customs; if the product is subject to a mandatory BIS requirement, then its compliance status must be dealt with before it is introduced into the Indian market.

It is in this area that many importers become confused: does the importer themselves have to obtain a BIS licence, or is it the foreign manufacturer who should get it? Is ISI certification necessary, or is BIS CRS sufficient? Which documents are needed? What is the cost of obtaining BIS certification?

The answer is mainly determined by the product category, the relevant Indian Standard, where the product is manufactured, and the regulatory scheme approved for that product.

In this blog article, we outline the way in which you can get the suitable BIS certification for imported products, covering the process, the documents required, the factors that affect the cost, the timeline, the validity, the legal requirements, the common difficulties, and the practical considerations regarding compliance.

What Does BIS Certification for Imported Products Entail?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has a number of conformity assessment schemes which apply to products that are covered by Indian Standards. Certification by BIS is usually voluntary; it becomes compulsory for certain products, though, by means of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other statutory requirements. Products in this category cannot be legally sold in India unless they comply with the relevant requirements.

The route that applies to imported goods will vary according to the product.

For example:

• Whereas foreign manufacturers who are producing products falling within the scope of FMCS might need to obtain a BIS licence in order to use the Standard Mark.
• Most electronic and IT products falling within the scope of CRS take the BIS registration route instead of the FMCS route.
• Indian manufacturers who are producing products which are the subject of mandatory certification may need to obtain BIS ISI certification under Scheme-I.
• Some products could be covered by other BIS conformity assessment schemes.

To get a BIS Certificate in India, you should first identify the correct product-specific requirement rather than going straight to submitting an application.

Which BIS Certification Route Applies to Imports?

The expression known as “BIS certificate for import“ may refer to various regulatory routes.

The BIS says that the FMCS scheme applies to foreign manufacturers in the case of products other than those relating to Electronics & IT Goods which have been notified by MeitY; under FMCS, a licence is given to the foreign manufacturer for products that conform to the applicable Indian Standard.

BIS carries out the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for product categories which have been notified for electronic and IT products.

Choosing the right route is therefore one of the most important aspects of obtaining BIS Certification for foreign manufacturers.

Why BIS Certification Matters for Importers

Getting the relevant BIS approval can enable companies to achieve regulatory compliance prior to bringing their covered products into the Indian market.

Key benefits include:

• Supports lawful market entry for products covered by mandatory requirements
• Helps demonstrate conformity with applicable Indian Standards
• Builds confidence among distributors and customers
• Reduces compliance-related delays
• Supports smoother product launches
• Helps maintain consistent quality requirements
• Provides a structured framework for ongoing conformity

BIS compliance must be considered as part of the plan when launching a product and not left until the last minute as an import requirement.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

The exact document checklist will depend on the product and the certification scheme in question. Nevertheless, applicants will usually have to:

• A certificate of registration for the company and a GST certificate
• Address proof, the layout plan, and the list of the machinery for the factory
• Product specifications, technical drawings, and process flowchart
• A test report produced by a laboratory which is recognized by either the BIS or the NABL
• Authorised signatory letter, Quality control documents
• Manufacturers from overseas AIR appointment letters

The BIS supplies product-specific manuals, together with the Scheme of Inspection and Testing requirements, guidelines on grouping, and other technical advice which should be verified before the application is prepared.

Complete Process to Get BIS Certification for Imported Products

Step 1: Product Assessment

The product is assessed to determine whether BIS certification or registration applies based on:

• Product category and specifications
• Manufacturing location
• Models or variants
• BIS/QCO applicability

Step 2: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

The relevant Indian Standard (IS) code is identified according to the product and its technical specifications, including:

• Applicable IS code
• Testing requirements
• Quality and safety criteria
• Current BIS requirements

Step 3: Select the Applicable BIS Scheme

The appropriate BIS scheme is selected based on the product and manufacturer, such as:

• BIS ISI Certification
• BIS CRS Registration
• FMCS for eligible foreign manufacturers
• Other applicable BIS schemes

Step 4: Prepare Documents & Complete Testing

The necessary documents are prepared, and testing of the product is carried out where relevant. This could involve:

• Technical specifications, drawings and manuals
• Manufacturing and quality-control details
• Declarations and undertakings
• Test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory

Step 5: Submit the BIS Application

The completed application is submitted through the prescribed BIS portal along with:

• Supporting documents
• Test reports
• Manufacturer and product details
• Applicable government fees

Step 6: BIS Review & Query Resolution

The BIS will examine the application and, where appropriate, may ask for further explanation, additional documents, or a factory inspection, to which the applicant must give responses within the specified time frame.

Step 7: Grant of BIS Licence or Registration

When the various requirements have been met, BIS issues the relevant licence, registration, or certificate together with the approved product scope and marking requirements.

Step 8: Post-Certification Compliance

After approval, businesses must continue meeting BIS requirements through:

• Renewal and surveillance
• Periodic or additional testing
• Scope or model modifications
• Continued BIS marking and compliance
• Monitoring changes in standards and QCOs

Cost of BIS Certification for Imported Products in India 

The overall cost of obtaining BIS certification for imported products in India will depend on the product in question, the relevant IS code, the testing requirements, the factory inspection, the documentation needed, and the extent of the consultancy services. The following is an indicative breakdown of costs:

The true cost of obtaining BIS certification might differ according to the product category, the applicable BIS scheme, the testing requirements, the number of models, and other regulatory requirements.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to carry out BIS Registration and Certification varies according to the preparation of the documents, the product testing, the factory inspection, and the processing by BIS.

• Documentation: 7 – 10 days
• Product Testing: 10 – 15 days
• Factory Inspection: 5 – 10 days
• BIS Processing: 7 – 10 days

The whole process could take about 4 to 7 weeks, depending on the laboratory’s availability, the success of product testing, the completion of the documentation, and the timely settlement of BIS queries.

Legal Framework and BIS Guidelines for Imported Products

The main regulatory framework consists of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, together with the relevant rules, regulations, and conformity assessment provisions.

The BIS says that FMCS functions in accordance with the BIS Act, 2016, and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

With regard to compulsory products, companies are also required to check the Quality Control Order (QCO) and any amendments that apply to their product. The BIS website offers information that is specific to the product, along with technical manuals, the Scheme of Inspection and Testing requirements, and the implementation guidelines.

Since standards and QCO requirements may change, importers should check the current requirements before each new product launch. Also, get to know more about the Import and Export License.

Common Challenges in Getting BIS Approval for Imports

Importers and foreign manufacturers commonly face challenges such as:

• Selecting the wrong Indian Standard
• Confusing FMCS with CRS
• Incomplete technical documentation
• Product test failures
• Incorrect product/model information
• Missing manufacturing records
• Lack of suitable in-house testing facilities
• Incorrect marking information
• Delayed responses to BIS queries
• Changes in standards or QCO requirements
• Coordination difficulties between the importer and overseas manufacturer

Foreign manufacturers may need further coordination with the manufacturer, AIR, the laboratory, BIS, and the Indian importer.

How UMSPCS Helps with BIS Certification for Import in India

The BIS requirements can become complicated in the case of a product that involves more than one model, is manufactured overseas, undergoes laboratory testing, or is subject to changing standards.

UMSPCS, benefiting from more than six years of experience in the field of compliance and having worked with businesses that have to meet a number of product regulatory requirements, aims to make the certification process structured and based on proper documentation.

Our support can include:

• Product and IS code identification
• Applicability assessment
• Certification-route selection
• Documentation preparation
• Laboratory coordination
• Application support
• BIS query assistance
• Overseas manufacturer/AIR coordination
• Factory assessment support
• Renewal and ongoing compliance assistance

Conclusion

Securing approval from the BIS for an imported product goes beyond just getting a certificate; the appropriate Indian Standard, certification scheme, testing, the documentation, the manufacturing requirements, and the necessary ongoing compliance obligations all have to match.

If you are a foreign manufacturer who is entering India for the first time or an Indian importer who is bringing in a new regulated product, choosing the right BIS route at the start can greatly make the certification process more organized.

UMSPCS can assist you in evaluating your product, in identifying the BIS requirements that apply, in coordinating the documentation and testing, and in providing support throughout the certification process, from the approval application.

Do you have plans to import a product that is regulated by the BIS into India? 

Connect with UMSPCS now and have your product compliance requirements checked before you start the import process.

Read more also: What Is BIS ISI Certification for Feeding Bottles & Why Required

FAQs

1. Is it necessary for all products imported into India to have BIS certification?

BIS certification is usually voluntary, but the government has made it compulsory for certain products by means of QCOs and other regulations.

2. Is it possible for a foreign manufacturer to obtain BIS certification in India?

Foreign manufacturers can apply for the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme for products which are eligible, provided that the relevant requirements are met.

3. What constitutes BIS FMCS certification?

FMCS is the scheme operated by BIS which enables eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence in order to use the Standard Mark on products that conform to the applicable Indian Standards.

4. Does BIS CRS apply to electronic products?

CRS applies to electronic and IT product categories notified under relevant government requirements; the current BIS list covers products such as laptops, tablets, televisions, and other notified categories.

5. Is it possible to import a product first and then get BIS certification?

With regard to products that are covered by mandatory BIS requirements, companies must not think that certification will be completed after they have imported the products. Instead, the relevant QCO and BIS requirements should be verified before the products are shipped and placed on the market.