The BIS certification process is not as straightforward as it may seem. Minor mistakes like using the wrong IS code or leaving an element of a design document incomplete can really bottleneck the process. For manufacturers looking to enter or expand their business in the Indian market, such a situation can result in a significant loss of time, money, and business opportunities.
A good BIS certification consultant can help ease the stress of the certification process. However, with dozens of such consultants in the market, how can you distinguish the consultants who actually know your product and the BIS schemes from the rest?
Whether you want certification under BIS ISI, BIS CRS, or BIS for foreign manufacturers, the consultation process is more than getting the lowest price.
You need a partner you can depend on for the long term, one who provides transparent communication and goes beyond the application process.
Below are the critical things every manufacturer and importer must check before hiring a BIS consultant in India.
Confirm Whether the Consultant Has In-depth Knowledge of Your Product
Start by checking whether the consultant can find the right certification route for your product. There are several BIS schemes, and each product category is assessed based on Indian Standards. The testing, approval process, and the documents required also vary depending on the product category.
Before making a hiring decision, ask the consultant to answer the following questions:
- What Indian Standard (IS) applies to your product?
- What are the mandatory/voluntary requirements of BIS?
- Is your product covered under any of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?
- What certification scheme is applicable?
- Are there any product-specific exemptions or implementation deadlines?
- Do the requirements apply differently to Indian and foreign products?
A competent consultant would assess your product and recommend the certification route, if any, as opposed to taking a ‘one-solution’ approach to all applicants.
Ask for a Clear Breakdown of Services and Responsibilities
Understand exactly what the service package offered by the BIS certification consultant would entail before you make a hiring decision.
Some consultants would assist only with the preparation of product documentation, while others would provide end-to-end support for product compliance. Clarify whether the quoted service charge would cover the complete certification process.
The consultant should be able to assist with:
- Identification of Indian Standards.
- Evaluation of applicability and requirements of QCO and Certification.
- Preparation and evaluation of technical documentation.
- Identification and coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Sample preparation and testing.
- Online application and submission.
- Resolution of queries raised by BIS.
- Preparation for factory inspections, if necessary.
- Support with grant of licence and/or registration.
- Post-certification renewal and support with surveillance.
Check Documentation and Testing Support
Documentation and testing are the two stages in the certification process where applications are likely to face delays.
For Scheme-I, BIS assesses the manufacturing infrastructure and process controls of the manufacturer, quality control, and testing capabilities. Evidence of product conformity is established through the applicable test procedure.
Check if your consultant has a basic understanding of the following documents before you engage in services.
- Business documents
- Product documents
- Manufacturing documents
- Testing documents
- Brand documents
- Foreign Manufacturer documents
Understand the Certification Timeline Before Making a Commitment
There are several factors that determine timelines for certification. These include complexity of the product, requirements for testing, readiness of product documentation, scheduling of inspections, and level of scrutiny by BIS.
Stay away from consultants who claim they can get your product certified in a stipulated time frame without assessing your product.
Below is an estimation of times based on different certification routes:
| Certification type | Indicative timeline |
| BIS ISI Certification | Around 30 – 40 working days |
| BIS CRS Registration | Normally 20 working days |
| BIS FMCS Certification | Generally around 5 – 6 months |
| WPC ETA (where separately applicable) | Depends on the applicable approval route and documentation |
Request your consultant to give you a stage-wise timeline for documentation, testing, application, queries, inspections, and finally approval.
Understand the Fees and Payment Terms
Cost is an important factor for selecting a consultant. However, the cheapest quote may not always be in your best interest.
Ask your consultant to give a detailed cost estimate for the following:
- Government application and license fees.
- Testing and calibration of samples.
- Inspection of the place of production.
- Product marking, where applicable.
- Preparation of documentation, application, and other related services.
- Additional costs for model inclusion, renewal and/or retest.
A reliable consultant should be able to let you know the minimum and maximum costs associated with BIS certification, the charges that are fixed, charges based on the product, and charges that may be incurred during the course of the process.
It’s essential that the correct invoices have been generated for each payment, which should cover the rules regarding refunds, extra services, and payment options.
Verify Post-Certification Support
Once the manufacturer has been issued a BIS license or registration, it does not mark the end of compliance requirements. They should continue to observe the conditions of certification and ensure ongoing conformity of the product.
BIS surveillance checks include inspections and factory and marketing sampling for independent tests for Scheme I licenses.
The requirements for initial validation and renewal also depend on the certification scheme:
| Scheme | Initial validity and renewal |
| Scheme-I (ISI Mark) | Initially up to 2 years; renewable for up to 5 years |
| Scheme-II (CRS) | Initially 2 years; renewable for another 2 years at a time |
| FMCS | Initially 1- 2 years; renewable for up to 5 years |
These are subject to the provisions, renewal conditions, and fees as may be prescribed from time to time by BIS. Prior to engaging a consultant, check if the consultant also supports clients during licence renewal, scope extensions, model additions, and surveillance, and prepares the clients for regulatory and legal updates. Read more also: BIS Certification for Indian Manufacture
Look for Genuine Client Experience and Transparent Communication
A consultant’s credibility must be assessed by their real work, their command of the subject, and the manner in which they communicate.
Before assessing a consultant, check:
- Industry experience
- Clientele
- Case experience
- Communication
- Technical support
- Transparency
Do not solely depend on endorsement or approval. Check if the consultant is familiar with the actual certification requirements and can articulate the requirements in layman’s terms.
What to Look Out for When Hiring a BIS Consultant
In the case of an inexperienced consultant, more problems are created than solved. Watch out for the following:
- Guaranteeing BIS approval
- Ignoring discussions on the applicable IS code
- Unrealistically low quotes
- No written agreements
- Unauthorized claims by laboratories
- No post-certification support
- Requesting BIS login credentials without adequate security
A consultant can help organise and steer the process, but cannot make a license happen, impact BIS’s decisions, or go around mandatory testing and inspections.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification Assistance?
Selecting the right partner can help ensure the certification process is smooth or result in a lengthy and stressful process involving numerous corrections, delays in tests, and documentation errors.
UMSPCS has 6+ years of compliance experience and has handled 600+ product compliance requirements. We understand the requirements of product-specific compliance.
Our offerings include:
- Certification assessment
- Help with compliance documentation
- Lab coordination
- Application support
- Factory audit coordination
- Support to foreign manufacturers
- Post-certification services
For CRS Registration, ISI Mark, FMCS Certification, or other BIS compliance services, UMSPCS offers tailored support as per your business and product requirements.
Conclusion
When retaining a BIS certification consultant, consider the consultant’s experience with your product category, Indian Standards applicable to your product, documentation, labs, post-certification services, and charges, among others.
It is important to note that BIS certification is a regulatory obligation. While a consultant can ease the process, it is the duty of the manufacturer to confirm that the product conforms to the requirements and fulfill the legal obligations.
Looking to get your product BIS certified?
UMSPCS has the experience and know-how to help you through your BIS certification process. We do it all from deciding on the right standard to applying for it, documentation, testing, and everything after as well to make your compliance with the regulations easier.
FAQs
- Should I hire a BIS certification consultant?
Yes, a consultant can help manufacturers accomplish the documentation, testing, and application requirements to avoid delays and unnecessary errors.
- Can a BIS certification consultant help guarantee approval?
No, only the BIS can grant the applicable license or registration. A BIS certification consultant can help ease your worries with regard to the BIS certification process.
- What services should a BIS certification consultant provide?
Services include assessment of products, identification of the IS Code, documentation, lab coordination, application and renewal support, preparation for factory audits, and other related services.
- Can a consultant help with BIS ISI certification for Indian manufacturers?
Yes, a consultant can assist with assessment of manufacturing facilities, product testing, completion of Scheme-I requirements, the application process, and preparation for factory inspection.
- Can a BIS consultant help with CRS certification for electronic products?
Yes, a senior consultant can help with BIS-recognized lab tests, Test Report verification, documentation, online registration, and inclusion of the product model under CRS.
- Do foreign manufacturers need a BIS certification consultant in India?
Yes, it is advisable to have a BIS consultant to understand either of the two schemes (FMCS or CRS), to identify an AIR, where required, and assist in completing the requisite documentation and coordination with the BIS and labs.
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