Overview
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the National Certification Body established under the BIS Act of 1986. The BIS operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, ensuring that products are tested and certified to meet Indian standards. BIS certification, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensures that a product complies with the quality, safety, and performance standards set by the Indian government. While it is optional for many items, BIS certification is mandatory for listed products (mentioned in list tab) to protect public health and safety. Obtaining BIS certification allows manufacturers to display the ISI mark, a trusted symbol of quality in India. This certification not only boosts consumer trust but also gives certified products a competitive edge in the market.
The BIS Certification ensures that manufacturers or importers provide reliable, high-quality, and safe products to consumers. This mark of quality provides third-party assurance, guaranteeing that the goods meet stringent safety and performance criteria. Apart from certification, the BIS is also involved in activities such as product testing, hallmarking of precious metals, and calibration services.
At Compliance Calendar LLP, we simplify the BIS certification process, helping businesses earn the ISI mark and improve their brand reputation.
What is BIS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's official certification body, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS replaced the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) on April 1, 1987, and took over its responsibilities for standardization and product certification.
BIS certification ensures that products meet India's safety, quality, and performance standards. Both Indian and foreign manufacturers producing items under mandatory certification categories must obtain a BIS Registration Certificate. The BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) process is available online, making it easier for manufacturers to comply with Indian standards and increase product credibility.
Objectives of BIS in India
The primary aim of the Bureau of Indian Standards is to regulate and promote product standards. To accomplish this, BIS has established eight Central, four Regional, and three Branch laboratories for testing product samples as part of its surveillance and inspection processes. Here are the main objectives of BIS Certification:
- Protecting Public Health: BIS Certification ensures that products do not pose a threat to the well-being of the general public.
- Promoting Consumer Confidence: The BIS mark assures customers that the product has been rigorously tested and is safe to use.
- Providing Quality Assurance: With BIS Certification, the quality of products is guaranteed, which reduces the risk of defects or hazardous outcomes.
- Safeguarding Against Unsafe Products: The certification prevents the sale and distribution of low-quality or unsafe products in the Indian market.
Types of BIS Certification Schemes
There are several schemes under BIS Certification, each designed to serve different industries and product types:
- Domestic Manufacturer Certification Scheme (ISI Mark Certiication): This is one of the most widely recognized schemes, often referred to as the ISI Mark Certification Scheme. BIS grants a license to manufacturers who meet the specified Indian Standards, as per the Conformity Assessment Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulation, 2018. Manufacturers can use the ISI Mark on products that pass BIS testing and inspections.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Introduced in 2012, this scheme is primarily for electronics and information technology products. It ensures that products meet safety standards to protect consumers from substandard goods. The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology mandates that no one can store, sell, or import products that do not bear the Standard Mark with a unique Registration Number obtained from BIS.
- Hallmarking Scheme: This scheme ensures the purity of precious metals. BIS launched the Gold Hallmarking Scheme in 2000 and the Silver Hallmarking Scheme in 2005. Jewellers must register with BIS to manufacture or sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery. Assaying and Hallmarking Centers must also be approved by BIS to conduct purity assessments.
- Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS): Since 2000, BIS has issued licenses to foreign manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on products imported to India. This ensures that foreign-made products meet Indian safety and quality standards. The scheme covers all products except electronics and IT goods, which fall under CRS. Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS Certification if their products are sold in India.
- Eco Mark Scheme: This scheme is for environmentally friendly products. It covers items like soaps, detergents, paints, packaging materials, batteries, plastic products, textiles, and food items. The ECO logo next to the ISI Mark indicates that the product meets environmental and quality standards prescribed by BIS.
Benefits of BIS Certification in India
- Ensures Safety and Quality: The BIS mark assures consumers that the product meets strict quality and safety standards, making it a trusted choice for informed buyers.
- Risk Mitigation for Businesses: By adhering to BIS standards, businesses minimize the risk of penalties, product recalls, and damage to their brand reputation.
- Builds Consumer Trust: In a market full of products, the BIS Certification helps brands stand out as reliable and trustworthy, encouraging consumer loyalty.
- Expands Market Access: BIS Certification provides companies with new business opportunities by allowing them to reach a broader market.
- Product Replacement Guarantee: If a product does not meet BIS standards, manufacturers must replace it, ensuring customers get value for their money.
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification
To qualify for BIS certification, businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria, as outlined below:
- Legal Entity: Only businesses registered as legal entities in India, such as private companies, partnerships, or proprietorships, can apply for BIS certification.
- Application Type: BIS certification is available to producers, importers, or suppliers, whether domestic or international.
- Product Categories: Certification is mandatory for certain product categories listed under the BIS Act. Without this certification, manufacturing or selling these products in India is not allowed.
- Product Testing: Products must be tested in BIS-approved laboratories to ensure they comply with Indian standards.
- Required Documents: Applicants need to provide specific documents, such as manufacturing licenses, test reports, and other supporting materials as per BIS guidelines.
- Manufacturing Facility: The production facility must meet BIS standards. Inspections may be conducted by BIS officials to verify compliance before issuing the certificate.
List of Products Requiring BIS Certification
Certain products must have BIS Certification due to their widespread use and the potential impact on consumer safety and health. These include:
List of Products Under ISI Certification:
- Food-related products
- Glass & Glassware
- Cylinders and regulators
- Building Materials
- Primary Batteries
- Rubber
- Oil pressure stoves
- Wire & Cables
- Medical equipment
- Shoes & Leather Products
- Cement
- Automotive
- Capacitors
- Aluminum
- Chemicals and fertilizers
- Wheel Rim & Valves
- Household electrical goods
- Steel Products
- Electric motors and transformers
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The required documents vary depending on the type of BIS Certification. Below are the specifics:
Documents for BIS ISI Certification
- Premises Document: Rent Agreement, Lease Deed, or Registry Copy
- GST Registration Certificate
- Trademark Registration Certificate (if registered)
- Copy of Partnership Deed (for Partnership Firm) or MOA Copy (for Private Limited Company)
- MSME Certificate
- Owner’s/Director’s PAN Card Copy
- Factory Electricity Bill Copy
- Test Certificate Copy for each raw material
- Process Flow Chart
- Detailed Production Process Description
- Factory Layout Plan indicating office, lab, storage area, production area, and finished goods storage
- Factory Location Plan from the nearest railway station or bus stand
- Appointment Letter of QCI along with qualification certificate and ID
- Calibration Certificates Copy (NABL approved, if available)
- List of Manufacturing Machinery
Documents for BIS CRS Certification
- Form I
- Business or Manufacturing License
- ISO Certification
- Trademark Certificate
- Affidavit
- Nomination letter
- AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) ID proof
- Test report
- Critical component list
- Brand authorization letter
- Brand declaration letter
- AIR authorization letter
- GST of AIR Company
- Undertaking
Documents for BIS FMCS Certification
- Business or Manufacturing License
- Test report as per Indian Standards
- In-house testing facility details
- Product diagrams and internal drawings
- PAN, GST/IEC, and ISO Certification of the company
- List of manufacturing machinery
- Test equipment list with calibration certificates
- Declaration
- Performance bank guarantee ($10,000)
- Details of AIR or Authorized Indian Representative Company
- Other product or factory system certificates (if applicable)
- Process flow chart
- Director or Authorized Person’s KYC
- Quality control information
Procedure for Obtaining BIS Certification
The BIS Certification process involves several steps, including licensing and surveillance. Here’s how it works:
- Application Submission: Manufacturers submit the application along with required documents to BIS.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer inspects the factory to assess the production process and facilities.
- Sample Testing: Product samples are tested to ensure compliance with Indian Standards.
- Result Evaluation: Based on the inspection and testing results, a final decision is made.
Surveillance Process:
- The BIS officer conducts a follow-up visit to check product quality.
- Samples may be sent to independent labs for additional testing.
- The officer prepares a performance review report.
- After a comprehensive review, the BIS License is issued.
Note: This is the generic procedure to get ISI Certification/Registration. To know more about the same, reach out to us at info@ccoffice.in or Call/WhatsApp us at 9988424211
Validity of BIS Certification
BIS Certification is valid for two years. Manufacturers can renew their certification for one to five years, provided there are no changes in product standards. A late fee of ?5,000 is charged if the renewal application is filed after the certificate expires. The renewal also involves paying an annual marking and license fee in advance.
Why Choose Compliance Calendar LLP for BIS Certification?
- Expert BIS consultants
- Seamless and transparent service
- Assistance with product testing
- Complete project management
- Virtual pre-audit services
- Active issue resolution with 24/7 support