Having a good product design and a good factory does not automatically confer the ISI Mark on the product in India. The manufacturer should hold the required BIS licence and ensure compliance with the Indian Standard before applying the mark.
This is where BIS ISI Mark Registration is important. In the market, people often confuse ISI registration with a BIS Licence for using the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark), which is valid for the specific Certification Scheme applicable. According to BIS, Scheme-I certification is required based on the evaluation of manufacturing and testing facilities and the conformity of the product to Indian Standards.
But not all products are required to be BIS certified. The Central Government, by relevant regulations, such as Quality Control Orders (QCOs), forces conformity to Indian Standards for certain products.
UMSPCS supports manufacturers in the identification of the BIS requirement applicable to the product, preparation for testing and assessment, application, and management of the certification process.
What Is BIS ISI Mark Registration?
The term ‘BIS ISI Mark Registration’ is a common term used to refer to a BIS Licence which allows a manufacturer to use the ISI Standard Mark on a product that complies with the relevant Indian Standard.
The relationship is simple:
- BIS – Certification Authority
- Indian Standard – Technical requirement
- ISI Mark – Standard Mark under Scheme I.
Is BIS ISI Mark Registration Mandatory for Every Product?
No.
The BIS product-certification scheme is largely voluntary, but the Central Government can make certification compulsory for specified products when it is necessary in the public interest, for safety and health, environmental protection, prevention of unfair trade practices, or any other considerations.
Therefore, the first question for a manufacturer should be:
Is my product covered under a mandatory BIS requirement?
The answer would be dependent on the product in question, applicable Indian Standard, and relevant notification/QCO.
Why Is the ISI Mark Important for Manufacturers?
If the product is subject to mandatory certification from BIS, getting the licence is a regulatory necessity and not a marketing benefit.
An authorised ISI Mark can assist manufacturers:
- Meeting regulatory requirements: The products under consideration have to meet the mandatory certification requirements in terms of regulations.
- Conformity indication: The mark is an indication of the conformity of the certified product to the Indian Standard concerned within the scope of the authorised licence.
- Enhancing buyer confidence: The ISI mark is recognised as an indication of conformity of products which are certified by BIS.
- Helping organised trade: Conformity becomes an important factor when supplying the regulated products to distributors, institutional purchasers and others.
- Improving manufacturing discipline: BIS certification requires manufacturers to establish adequate production and testing facilities.
Who Needs BIS ISI Mark Registration?
The manufacturers of the products subject to Scheme-I can be related to ISI Mark certification.
This may include:
- Indian manufacturers
- OEM and contract manufacturers.
- Brand owners who have control over manufacturing arrangements.
- Manufacturers that provide regulated products to institutional customers.
- Eligible foreign manufacturers, following the appropriate BIS route.
- Eligibility is dependent on the product and certification scheme.
Which Products Require the ISI Mark?
There is no single universal list of products that automatically require an ISI Mark.
- Electrical appliances
- Wires and cables
- Steel and metal products
- Concrete and building materials
- Household products
- Automotive-related products
- Chemicals
- Industrial products
- Other notified products
This requirement should always be verified with the latest list of compulsory certification of BIS and the government notification.
This is important because two similar-looking products may be governed by different Indian Standards, or one may be subject to mandatory certification while another may not.
How Can a Manufacturer Identify the Correct IS Standard?
The manufacturer should identify before paying for product testing:
- Exact product name
- Intended use
- Technical characteristics
- Product construction
- Model/variant range
- Applicable Indian Standard
- Applicable certification scheme
- Mandatory notification, where relevant
BIS suggests that applicants obtain a product certification licence after they know the Indian Standard to which the product falls.
How Does BIS ISI Mark Registration Work?
The certificate will be granted as per the BIS scheme and product requirement.
As a rule, to obtain a certificate for the Scheme-I product, the manufacturer should provide conformity documentation, manufacturing control, testing, and evaluation by BIS.
Step 1: Identification of Applicable Indian Standard (IS) code
Identification of the IS code for the particular product.
The step includes:
- Analysis of Product Type
- Identify the IS code.
- Compliance requirements review.
- Gap analysis of the manufacturing process.
- Quality compliance with BIS information.
Step 2: Laboratory Testing and Documentation of Product
The product needs to be tested in a laboratory testing facility approved by BIS and accredited by NABL Testing in order to be sure that it complies with the applicable standards.
The steps include:
- Testing of Product Samples.
- Technical Documents Preparation.
- Technical Documents Preparation.
- Manufacturing Information Gathering.
- Quality Documentation.
- Application form preparation.
Step 3: Submission of Application to BIS
When the testing and documentation are completed,
The step includes:
- Filing of the BIS Application.
- Submission of Lab Test Reports.
- Submission of Factory Information.
- Payment of government fees.
- Initial checking by BIS officers.
Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection
The BIS officials come to inspect the manufacturing unit for its suitability for the certification.
In the factory inspection process, BIS will evaluate:
- Manufacturing process
- Production facilities
- Quality assurance systems
- Testing facility at the manufacturing unit
- Consistency of the product
Step 5: Sampling, Testing and Laboratory Evaluation
The BIS can test the samples of products at an independent laboratory during this process.
This step consists of:
- Collection of samples by BIS officials.
- Laboratory testing
- Technical evaluation of the test results
- Laboratory Test Report (LTR) is to be submitted.
Step 6: Closing of Observations
If any observation is noted during the inspection and/or testing process, the manufacturer needs to rectify these observations before approval.
It may consist of:
- Observations by BIS
- Corrective actions
- Updating of technical documents
- Evidence of conformity
- Closure of observations
Step 7: Payment of License and Marking Fees
Once the compliance is confirmed successfully, the fee for BIS should be paid.
- These fees include:
- Annual licence fee
- ISI marking fee
- BIS License compliance conditions.
Step 8: Grant of BIS License
On completion of all the above processes, BIS issues the ISI license.
With the issue of the license:
Once the licence is issued:
- An ISI mark can be applied for certified products.
- The products can be legally manufactured and sold in India.
- The manufacturers need to have continuous BIS compliance.
What Happens After Getting the ISI Mark Licence?
Depending on the product, the manufacturer might be required to keep:
- Production controls
- Inspection and testing
- Quality records
- Calibration
- In-house testing facilities that can be applied.
- Product conformity
- Use of Standard Mark correctly
What Are the Common Mistakes Manufacturers Make?
Some mistakes are surprisingly basic:
- Choosing the wrong IS code
- Attending the factory before it is ready
- Ignoring product grouping
- Submitting inconsistent documents
- The use of the ISI Mark without a licence.
- Certification is a one-off process rather than a continuous process.
How Can a BIS Certification Consultant Help?
The BIS consultant will be able to help with the BIS certification process from the initial technical evaluation to post-certification support.
Professional assistance may include:
- Product applicability assessment
- IS code identification
- Certification-scheme assessment
- Product grouping
- Testing coordination
- Documentation preparation
- BIS application filing
- Factory inspection preparation
- Observation handling
- Licence support
- Guidance for renewal and as a post-certification resource.
The consultant should help the manufacturer in his compliance process but not guarantee a BIS approval.
Documents Required for BIS ISI Mark Registration
Some of the documents required would include:
- Basic information of the manufacturing unit and the product range
- Proof of address of the manufacturing unit
- Trademark certificate for the brand name
- Manufacturing licence/certifications
- Design drawings of the product
- Total installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials and their specifications
- Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
- Factory floor plan
- Process flow in detail
- Testing facilities with calibration details
- Laboratory personnel details
- Organogram of the factory
Cost for BIS ISI Mark Registration
Many manufacturers ask how much certification will cost.
The final price would be determined by:
- Type of product
- Indian standards that apply to the product
- The quantity of models
- Testing specifications
- Requirements for factory audits
- BIS fees from the government
- Conditions for consulting services
To determine the certification cost, an analysis would be necessary because every product type is unique.
BIS Certification Timeline for BIS ISI Mark Registration
The approval period depends on the following:
- Complexity of the product
- Duration of testing
- Preparation of documentation
- BIS approval process
- Inspection of the factory
In general, the whole process takes about 30-40 days, although with proper planning and consultation by experts, the process can be expedited considerably. Also, get to know more information about FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS ISI Mark Registration?
UMSPCS offers manufacturers product-focused BIS certification support.
Our services include:
- Product applicability assessment
- Indian Standard identification
- Product grouping guidance
- Technical documentation
- Laboratory coordination
- Product testing assistance
- BIS application filing
- Factory inspection preparation
- BIS query and observation support is provided.
- Licence assistance
- Post-certification compliance guidance
We start with getting a clear understanding of the actual product and the relevant BIS requirements, rather than a make-believe fit for the product that fits the service delivery model of many generic consultancy services. We have 6 years of experience and have successfully provided 600+ certificates to manufacturers.
Conclusion
BIS ISI Mark Registration is commonly used to describe the process of obtaining a BIS licence to use the ISI Standard Mark on a product that conforms to the applicable Indian Standard.
It is important to remember that the ISI Mark is not required for all products. Products that are directly brought under the compulsory BIS framework by the Central Government are under Mandatory certification.
Searching for BIS ISI Mark Registration Support?
UMSPCS can test your product, determine the appropriate BIS requirement, arrange for testing, prepare documentation, and guide you through the certification and application process.
Contact UMSPCS to understand your BIS ISI Mark requirements before starting your application.
Read more also: Where Does Solar Equipment Certification Compliance Journey?
FAQs
- What is BIS ISI Mark Registration?
The process of obtaining a BIS licence to use the ISI Standard Mark on a product that meets the applicable Indian Standard.
- Is BIS ISI Mark mandatory for every product?
No, it is required only for products for which compulsory certification is applicable.
- Who can apply for a BIS ISI Mark licence?
Applicants who are eligible manufacturers based on the product, manufacturing, and quality control and testing requirements can apply.
- What documents are required for ISI Mark registration?
The documents vary by product, and they typically include information from the factory, manufacturing, technical, testing, and quality control.
- Can a BIS consultant guarantee ISI Mark approval?
No, the final certification is the decision of BIS following the conformity assessment specified.
- How much does BIS ISI Mark Registration cost?
The cost varies for the product, testing, models, inspection, BIS fees, marking fees, and consultancy requirements.
- How long does BIS ISI Mark Registration take?
The period varies depending on the product testing, documentation, factory readiness, and BIS assessment.
- Can UMSPCS help with BIS ISI Mark Registration?
Yes, UMSPCS helps you with product assessment, testing, documentation, application filing, preparing for inspection, and supporting BIS licence.
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