Which Consultants Help Foreign Manufacturers Obtain BIS Certification in India?

It can be very rewarding for companies abroad to venture into the Indian market. However, success lies in ensuring that the product conforms to the Indian standards of product quality and safety. This is critical for any kind of product – mechanical, construction materials, household products, or even electricals. Identifying the relevant Indian Standards before entering the Indian market is essential. 

This is where the BIS certification in India comes into its own. Getting certification from outside of India involves a number of further requirements, including the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), preparation of technical documentation, factory inspection, product testing, and liaison with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Foreign manufacturers will often work with experienced BIS certification consultants to deal with the requirements and avoid any unnecessary delays. Consultants such as UMSPCS provide full end-to-end assistance through the certification process, helping foreign companies to understand the Indian regulatory requirements and get their applications in the right format.

So which consultants can actually help a foreign manufacturer to get BIS certification? What services do they offer, and how do you go about picking the right compliance partner? Let’s look at the full process.

Understanding BIS Certification Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards organization of India in charge of creating standards and implementing schemes for product compliance.

Foreign manufacturers seeking BIS certification will typically do so through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The FMCS was introduced in 2000 and enables foreign manufacturers who have manufacturing facilities outside India to obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark on their products which conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

The scheme generally extends to products other than the electronics and IT products which are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

It’s vital to bear in mind that BIS certification is normally voluntary unless the product is the subject of a mandatory certification requirement (e.g. a Quality Control Order). In the case of a mandatory certification requirement, foreign manufacturers will have to secure the relevant approval prior to placing the regulated product on the Indian market.

Which Consultants Can Help Foreign Manufacturers to Get BIS Certification?

Foreign companies can go to specialist product compliance and regulatory consultancy firms who understand the BIS requirements, the nature of international manufacturing operations, and the Indian conformity assessment process.

The right consultant will do far more than just file the application. They need to understand the technical and regulatory requirements of the product and be able to guide the manufacturer through the process from the initial assessment to the grant of the BIS licence and through to its maintenance.

Some important services to look for include:

• BIS Regulatory Assessment
• FMCS Application Assistance
• AIR Appointment Guidance
• Technical Documentation
• Laboratory Coordination
• Factory Audit Preparation
• BIS Query Management
• Post-Certification Support

A consultant should also explain the relevant government fees, the cost of testing, the inspection costs, and all other financial requirements prior to the application being made.

Basic Eligibility and Requirements for Obtaining BIS Certification

Before you go looking for a consultant, foreign manufacturers should be aware of the basic eligibility criteria under FMCS.

According to BIS guidelines, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Overseas Manufacturing Facility
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Manufacturing Infrastructure
• In-House Testing Facilities
• Competent Technical Personnel
• Authorized Indian Representative
• Acceptance of BIS Conditions

A separate application is normally required for each product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.

Documents Required for BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

Documentation is a key part of the process of BIS certification for foreign manufacturers. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can lead to queries and delays.

The documents generally include:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and product category
• Test report furnished by a lab recognised by BIS/NABL as per the Indian Standard
• For example, a title deed showing the ownership of the manufacturing plant, 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
• 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 for foreign manufacturers:

• 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

How Does the BIS Certification Process Work for Foreign Manufacturers?

Getting a BIS licence via FMCS is a multi-stage process (technical and administrative). The general process is as follows:

Step 1: Application Submission

The foreign manufacturer submits an online application via the BIS Manakonline portal.

• Get the company, product, and factory docs all ready.
• Just submit the application with the relevant government fees.
• Obtain an application number.

Step 2: BIS Query Handling

BIS will review the application and may ask for further information.

• Respond to BIS queries.
• Submit the missing docs and clarifications.
• Resolve application deficiencies.

Step 3: Factory Inspection

BIS officers go to the overseas manufacturing site to check compliance.

• Inspect the manufacturing infrastructure and the machinery.
• Review quality control procedures.
• Verify the in-house test facilities and equipment.

Step 4: Product Sample Testing

Product samples are tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory in India.

• Arrange and dispatch the sealed product samples.
• Complete testing in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard.
• Submit the test reports to BIS.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Licence

BIS looks at the application, the inspection findings, and the test reports prior to issuing the licence.

• Pay the applicable licence and marking fees.
• Complete certification formalities.
• Get the BIS licence to use the ISI mark.

Step 6: Indemnity Bond and Performance Bank Guarantee

The foreign manufacturer must meet the relevant FMCS financial requirements via its AIR.

• Submit the required indemnity bond.
• Arrange the USD 10,000 Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) required.
• Complete the remaining BIS formalities.

Cost of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

The cost of BIS certification for foreign manufacturers is dependent on the product category, the applicable Indian Standard, the laboratory testing required, the overseas factory inspection, and the prescribed BIS fees.

The estimated cost components under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) are as follows:

The actual certification cost will vary depending on the product type, the relevant Indian Standard, the testing required, the factory location, and any other compliance activities.

Timeline for BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

The time it takes to get BIS certification in India for a foreign manufacturer will depend on the extent of documentation that is ready, the laboratory testing that is required, the overseas factory inspection, and the time taken to resolve any BIS queries that may arise.

The full FMCS certification process typically takes about 5 to 6 months.

The actual timeline will, of course, vary depending on the complexity of the product, the availability of the lab, the readiness of the factory, and the manufacturer’s ability to meet the BIS requirements. Manufacturers are advised to start the certification process well in advance of their intended date of entry into the Indian market to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers

Even the most experienced international manufacturers can have their heads up when it comes to getting BIS certification.

Some commonly observed challenges include:

• Incorrect Standard Identification
• Incomplete Technical Files
• AIR Appointment Issues
• Testing Non-Conformity
• Factory Inspection Readiness
• International Coordination
• Ongoing Compliance

An experienced consultant can help manufacturers to identify these risks early on and put in place the appropriate corrective actions.

How UMSPCS Helps Foreign Manufacturers Obtain BIS Certification

Choosing the right compliance partner is a crucial decision for any overseas company looking to enter the Indian market.

UMSPCS offers regulatory consultancy and end-to-end assistance to foreign manufacturers who are looking to obtain BIS certification in India.

With 6+ Years of Compliance Experience and experience handling 600+ product compliance requirements across multiple industries, UMSPCS helps manufacturers understand and manage different certification requirements.

Our support includes:

• Product and Standard Assessment
• FMCS Documentation
• Application Assistance
• Laboratory Coordination
• Factory Audit Preparation
• BIS Communication
• Post-Licence Assistance

UMSPCS also provides assistance with a range of other product certification requirements, including BIS ISI certification for Indian manufacturers, CRS registration, WPC approvals, and various other relevant regulatory services.

Whether you’re an overseas manufacturer coming to us for the first time or an established manufacturer looking to expand your range of certified products, UMSPCS can help you to understand the applicable compliance route and get you properly prepared.

Conclusion

Getting BIS certification is a key step for any foreign manufacturer looking to supply regulated products into India. From identifying the correct Indian Standard, appointing an AIR, arranging factory inspections through to product testing, every stage of the process requires a certain amount of technical and regulatory know-how.

Working with an experienced BIS certification consultant in India can help to bring order to the process and assist the manufacturer in avoiding the usual documentation and compliance pitfalls.

At UMSPCS, we help foreign manufacturers with certification planning, the associated documentation, laboratory co-ordination, factory audit prep, and all the ongoing regulatory support.

Planning to get BIS certification in India for your products? 

Contact UMSPCS today for expert assistance with your certification requirements.

Read more also: What Is the Process for Obtaining BIS Certification for Paper

FAQs

1. Which consultants can assist foreign manufacturers to get their BIS certification in India?

Specialist BIS and product compliance consultants (e.g., UMSPCS) can assist foreign manufacturers with their FMCS applications, AIR nominations, technical documentation, laboratory testing, factory inspections, and all the associated licence formalities.

2. What is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)?

FMCS is a BIS certification scheme which enables manufacturers operating outside of India to obtain a licence to use the BIS Standard Mark on products which conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

3. Is BIS certification a must for foreign manufacturers supplying to India?

It varies by product. Certification is a requirement for products which are covered by the relevant Quality Control Orders and other mandatory certification notifications. Other products may be subject to voluntary certification.

4. Can an Indian importer apply for BIS certification on behalf of a foreign manufacturer?

No, under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer is the one who has to file the application. They do, however, have to appoint an eligible Authorized Indian Representative to assist them with their BIS compliance obligations.

5. Is an Authorised Indian Representative required for FMCS certification?

Yes, a foreign manufacturer must appoint an eligible Indian resident as its Authorized Indian Representative. The representative will be responsible for assisting with compliance with the relevant BIS requirements and licence conditions.

6. What if a product from an overseas company fails tests performed by BIS? 

In the event that the product does not comply with the specified Indian Standard, the manufacturer is required to remedy the discrepancies and follow the prescribed BIS procedures for corrective measures and further testing.