What Should Vietnamese Exporters Check Before Applying for BIS ISI Certification in India?

Vietnamese manufacturers of furniture and electrical appliances may find India to be worth their time, but they need to pass more than just a test to meet the specifications set by the buyer in order to successfully export. If a product becomes subject to the mandatory certification requirements in India, the manufacturer must observe the relevant standard for a particular product and obtain the necessary BIS approvals.

Starting with determining whether their products need to obtain the BIS Certification for Furniture and Electrical Appliances in Vietnam. Vietnamese manufacturers need to ascertain which certification scheme can be applied and whether their manufacturing facilities can pass the inspection/

The procedure for getting the BIS ISI Certification for Vietnamese manufacturers includes the certification of the relevant products, preparation of documents, consistent quality control, and appointment of an accredited representative in India. We help clients comprehend these regulations at UMSPCS and get ready for the certification procedure prior to making an application.

What are the Furniture and Electrical Devices that need BIS Certification in Vietnam?

If the Vietnamese producers want to apply for the BIS certification for Furniture and Electrical devices, they must begin by verifying whether their goods are subject to the compulsory Quality Control Order (QCO) and figure out the pertinent Indian Standard in the process.

1. Furniture Covered Under the Furniture QCO

The 2025 Furniture (Quality Control) Order includes six categories of furniture within the BIS Scheme-I certification scheme.

Before applying for BIS Certification for Vietnamese Manufacturers, Vietnamese exporters should check the most recent QCO amendments, the dates on which they will be implemented, and the exemptions.

2. Electrical Appliances Covered Under Mandatory Certification

Each electrical product has to be considered on its own since the standards and certification schemes that apply to it vary.

The coverage of the product and exclusions must be considered while implementing the Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances Order 2026 starting from October 1, 2026. 

Learn About the Legal Framework for Vietnamese Producers

The primary legal framework comprises the Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 2016 along with BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 and relevant Indian Standards and QCOs. 

Foreign manufacturers applying for an ISI license under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) need to ensure BIS compliance now. The license permits usage of the Standard Mark on products included in the license.

Vietnamese exporters should review these points:

• If the product is required to have certification.
• The Indian Standard that applies to that particular model or to that product category.
• It is necessary to determine whether Scheme-I, the CRS, or some other scheme applies.
• Whether the pertinent QCO is already in effect or is to be implemented in the future.
• It is necessary to determine whether exemptions or special provisions pertain to the transaction in question.

Furniture exporters should pay special attention to the Furniture Quality Control Order and its amendments; for electrical products, each individual product-specific QCO and notified standard should be checked.

Check These Factory Requirements Before Applying in Vietnam

It is common to fill out the application before verifying whether the factory is able to meet the BIS requirements.

To comply with the FMCS requirements, foreign manufacturers have to possess the appropriate manufacturing equipment, testing facilities, qualified personnel carrying out the testing, and quality control measures to show that their products conform to the relevant Indian Standard; and a separate application must be made for each product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing site.

Before applying for BIS ISI Certification for Vietnamese Manufacturers, check the following:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Testing facilities
• Quality control
• Product consistency
• Scheme of Inspection and Testing
• Brand ownership
• Factory inspection readiness

The BIS supplies manuals and guidance that are specific to each product in order to help manufacturers come to an understanding of the infrastructure, testing, and inspection requirements. These materials should be examined before the application is submitted.

Documents Vietnamese Exporters Should Prepare

Before handing in the documentation, it should be both complete and consistent; the specific checklist will vary according to the product and the relevant Indian Standard, but the following documents are generally relevant to an FMCS application.

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and product category
• Test report furnished by a lab recognised by BIS/NABL as per the Indian Standard
• Proof of ownership of the manufacturing plant (for instance, a title deed or a utility bill, etc.)
• Trademark registration
• Licenses and approvals from statutory authorities
• Product design drawings/schematic
• Installed capacity for manufacturing
• Data on raw materials
• Specification and list of manufacturing machines
• Flowchart for manufacturing process
• Packaging type and process
• List and calibration of test equipment available in the manufacturing unit
• Details of quality control staff
• Process of disposal of sub-standard products
• Map of the manufacturing unit
• Organogram of the factory

Additional Documents Required:

• Appointment letter for authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
• Overseas factory documents, including layout, machines, and Quality Control set-up
• Undertaking and Affidavit as per BIS format

BIS ISI Certification Process in Vietnam: From Application to Licence

The process of certification includes the scrutiny of applications, an assessment of the factory, testing of the products, and the acceptance of the relevant licence conditions.

Step 1: Application Submission

Vietnamese manufacturers have to fill in the BIS application and include the necessary technical and company documents together with the relevant fees.

• Put together the product specifications and the factory documents.
• Send in the application and pay the specified fees.
• Obtain an application number.
• Have BIS carry out an initial examination.

Step 2: BIS Query Handling

BIS may ask about missing documents, product details, or compliance rules. Manufacturers should give clear answers and the needed documents right away.

Step 3: Factory Inspection

BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility in Vietnam to assess:

• The infrastructure for manufacturing and the production processes.
• The procedures and records concerned with quality control.
• The company’s own testing facilities and equipment.
• Adherence to the relevant Indian Standards.

Step 4: Product Sample Testing

The product samples are either gathered during the inspection or as instructed by BIS and are then tested in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard.

• Sample collection and sealing.
• The testing was carried out at the specified laboratory.
• The submission and review of the test reports are carried out by BIS.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Licence

Provided that both the product and the manufacturing plant comply with the relevant requirements, BIS can then go ahead with granting the licence. Pay the licensing and marking fees that apply.

Get permission to use the ISI Mark on the relevant products, on the condition that the licence terms are accepted.

Step 6: Indemnity Bond and Performance Bank Guarantee

Foreign manufacturers may need to complete additional FMCS formalities before licence issuance, including:

The required indemnity bond must be submitted via the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). A performance bank guarantee of ten thousand US dollars, as required by the applicable BIS requirements.

BIS Certification Cost for Vietnamese Manufacturers

The amount that has to be paid for BIS Certification of furniture and electrical appliances in Vietnam depends on the product category, the relevant Indian Standard, the certification scheme, the laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the international travel requirements.

The figures are indicative estimates drawn from the cost components listed above. The actual costs could differ depending on the product, the present BIS fee requirements, the testing needed, and the inspection arrangements.

How Much Time is Required for BIS Certification in Vietnam?

In the case of the BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS), the time required is around 5-6 months. The duration depends on the adequacy of documentation, product testing, checking of the factories, and assessment by BIS.

In order to reduce time lags, Vietnamese producers must have their technical papers and quality control records ready in advance.

Benefits of BIS ISI Certification for Vietnamese Manufacturers

It is necessary to acquire the correct BIS licence if certification is required, in order to have legal access to the market. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, a properly managed certification process can benefit exporters:

• Make sure that the product meets the Indian requirements for quality and safety.
• Boost the confidence of importers and distributors.
• Make the practices involved in manufacturing and quality control more consistent.
• Cut down on documentation that is avoidable and reduce delays caused by inspections.
• Establish a clearer compliance pathway for future exports.
• Ensure that market access is maintained by complying with the licence on an ongoing basis.

Just because something is certified doesn’t mean it will result in sales, but it does help companies to set up the regulatory basis required in order to supply products that are subject to mandatory requirements.

What makes UMSPCS the choice for BIS Certification in Vietnam?

At UMSPCS, we provide support to manufacturers and exporters as they deal with the product certification requirements in India. 

Because of our 6 years of experience in the field of compliance and our knowledge of more than 600 product compliance requirements, our method centres on carrying out a product-specific evaluation, preparing the necessary documentation, and coordinating with the relevant regulators.

Our support for Vietnamese exporters can include:

• Product and QCO assessment
• Documentation assistance
• Factory-readiness guidance
• AIR coordination
• Testing coordination
• Application support
• Ongoing compliance guidance

UMSPCS can assist you in drawing up a more structured certification plan regardless of whether your business is exporting furniture, household electrical appliances, or other regulated products.

Conclusion

For Vietnamese manufacturers, the first step towards a successful entry into India is to understand the rules that apply to each product; before applying for a BIS certificate, all the necessary actions such as correct standard identification, ensuring the factory is ready, providing complete documentation, making an AIR appointment, and carrying out product testing should be taken.

Proper preparation will help to cut down on delays that could have been avoided and make the process of certification easier to manage. The fact that furniture and electrical products may be subject to different regulatory schemes means that exporters should check what the relevant requirements are rather than suppose that one approval applies to all of their products.

Are you planning to export furniture or electrical appliances from Vietnam to India? 

Connect with UMSPCS to obtain a compliance assessment specific to the product and for help with the relevant BIS certification process.

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FAQs

1. Is it necessary for Vietnamese exporters to have BIS ISI Certification?

The product must be certified under an applicable compulsory certification requirement or QCO, and before shipping, exporters should check the date of the product and the date of implementation.

2. Is it possible for manufacturers in Vietnam to apply directly for BIS certification?

Foreign manufacturers have the possibility of applying under the FMCS for products that are eligible. The application has to be submitted by the manufacturer and not merely by an importer acting on their behalf.

3. Definition of FMCS as applied in the BIS certification process.

FMCS is a programme designed for all eligible manufacturers located outside of India to receive a BIS license for the manufacture of any product developed according to the Indian standards.

4. Is BIS certification required of furniture exporters from Vietnam?

They should verify that their furniture products are included within India’s Furniture Quality Control Order and determine which Indian Standard applies to each product.

5. Do all electrical appliances need to have an ISI mark?

Not at all; the relevant scheme varies according to the product. Certain products need an ISI licence under Scheme-I, whereas particular electronics and IT products may be covered by CRS or some other applicable scheme.

6. Is it necessary to have an Authorised Indian Representative for FMCS?

Foreign manufacturers who apply under FMCS must name an eligible AIR who agrees to take on the responsibilities connected with the BIS licence.