BIS Certification in India: A Complete Guide to All Schemes (2025–26)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body responsible for ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability across multiple industries. BIS certification is mandatory for various products before they can be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in the Indian market. BIS operates under the BIS Act, 2016 and functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.  

With increasing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India, BIS compliance has become essential for manufacturers, importers, foreign brands, and e-commerce sellers operating in India. 

This guide explains: 

• Different BIS certification schemes 

• Products covered under BIS 

• Certification procedure 

• Timelines 

• Applicability 

• Compliance requirements 

What is BIS Certification? 

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment process through which products are verified against applicable Indian Standards (IS). Once approved, manufacturers are allowed to use: 

• ISI Mark 

• CRS Registration Number 

• Hallmark 

• BIS Standard Mark 

depending on the applicable certification scheme.  

Why is BIS Certification Important? 

BIS certification helps ensure: 

• Product quality & safety 

• Consumer protection 

• Legal market access 

• Product standardization 

• Import compliance 

• Brand credibility 

Businesses often rely on professional BIS services to navigate certification requirements, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline the approval process for their products.

Non-compliance with mandatory BIS regulations may lead to: 

• Product seizure 

• Import rejection 

• Penalties 

• Legal action 

• Imprisonment under applicable provisions of the BIS Act 

Different Types of BIS Certification Schemes in India 

1. ISI Mark Certification (Scheme-I) 

The ISI Mark is India’s most recognized product quality certification mark. It is applicable to products covered under mandatory Indian Standards and QCOs. Products are tested and manufacturing facilities are inspected before grant of license. 

Applicable For: 

• Indian manufacturers 

• Certain notified products 

Products Commonly Covered: 

• Cement 

• Steel products 

• Electrical appliances 

• Pressure cookers 

• LPG cylinders 

• Cables & wires 

• Packaged drinking water 

• Footwear 

• Helmets 

• Automotive components 

Procedure: 

1. Product identification 

2. Product testing 

3. Application filing 

4. Factory inspection 

5. Query handling 

6. Grant of ISI license 

Timeline: 

✅ Approx. 30–45 Days 

2. CRS Registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme) 

The BIS CRS Scheme was introduced by MeitY for electronic and IT products. Under CRS, products are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories and registered with BIS.  

Products Covered Under CRS: 

• Mobile Phones 

• Laptops 

• LED Lights 

• Power Banks 

• Smart Watches 

• CCTV Cameras 

• Smart TVs 

• Microwave Ovens 

• UPS/Inverters 

• Bluetooth Speakers 

• EV Chargers 

• Lithium-ion Batteries 

Procedure: 

1. Product testing in BIS lab 

2. Online application 

3. Documentation review 

4. Registration approval 

Timeline: 

✅ Approx. 15–45 Days 

3. FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme 

FMCS is applicable to foreign manufacturers exporting products to India. Under FMCS, foreign factories are audited by BIS officials before certification. (Bureau of Indian Standards) 

Key Features: 

• Mandatory for foreign manufacturers 

• BIS factory audit required 

• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) required 

Products Covered: 

Almost all products covered under Indian Standards except certain CRS products. (Bureau of Indian Standards) 

Procedure: 

1. Appointment of AIR 

2. Documentation preparation 

3. Application filing 

4. BIS factory audit 

5. Sample testing 

6. Grant of BIS license 

Timeline: 

✅ Approx. 4–6 Months 

4. BIS Hallmarking Scheme 

Hallmarking certifies the purity of precious metal articles. BIS hallmarking is mandatory for certain gold and silver jewelry categories in India. (Bureau of Indian Standards) 

Applicable Products: 

• Gold jewelry 

• Silver jewelry 

• Precious metal articles 

Procedure: 

1. Jeweller registration 

2. Assaying & hallmarking 

3. Hallmark approval 

Timeline: 

✅ Approx. 15–30 Days 

5. BIS Scheme X Certification 

Scheme X is a newer BIS conformity assessment framework applicable to certain regulated machinery and industrial products notified under QCOs.  

Key Features: 

• Product testing 

• Technical evaluation 

• Factory assessment 

• QCO-based compliance 

Applicable Products: 

• Low Voltage Switchgear 

• Industrial Machinery 

• Electrical Equipment 

• Certain HS Code 84 & 85 products 

Timeline: 

✅ Approx. 60–120 Days 

Major Product Categories Covered Under BIS 

Electrical & Electronics 

• LED Lights 

• Fans 

• Air Conditioners 

• Power Banks 

• Cables 

• Switches 

• Mobile Phones 

Construction Materials 

• Cement 

• Steel 

• Pipes 

• Paints 

Consumer Products 

• Helmets 

• Footwear 

• Toys 

• Kitchen Appliances 

Food & Packaging 

• Food Containers 

• Beverage Cans 

Industrial Products 

• Chemicals 

• Machinery 

• Fasteners 

• Pressure Equipment 

Healthcare Products 

• Medical Devices 

• Protective Equipment 

Common Documents Required for BIS Certification 

• Business License 

• Factory License 

• ISO Certificate 

• Product Specifications 

• Test Reports 

• Trademark Certificate 

• Manufacturing Process 

• Authorized Signatory Documents 

• Quality Control Documents 

• AIR Documents (for FMCS) 

General BIS Certification Procedure 

Step 1 – Identify Applicable Standard 

Determine the relevant Indian Standard (IS) and certification scheme. 

Step 2 – Product Testing 

Testing is conducted in BIS-recognized laboratories. 

Step 3 – Documentation Preparation 

Technical and legal documents are prepared. 

Step 4 – Application Filing 

Application is submitted through the BIS portal. 

Step 5 – Factory Inspection (If Applicable) 

BIS may conduct factory audits. 

Step 6 – Query Resolution 

Any technical or compliance queries are addressed. 

Step 7 – Grant of License/Registration 

BIS issues certification approval. 

Approximate BIS Certification Timeline 

Scheme	Approx Timeline
ISI Mark	30–45 Days
CRS Registration	15–45 Days
FMCS	4–6 Months
Hallmark Registration	15–30 Days
Scheme X	60–120 Days

Challenges Faced by Manufacturers 

Businesses commonly face: 

• Product classification confusion 

• Testing delays 

• Incorrect documentation 

• BIS query handling 

• Factory audit non-compliance 

• Import clearance issues 

Professional compliance support helps reduce approval delays and rejection risks. 

How Kar Parivartan Can Help 

At Kar Parivartan, we provide complete assistance for: 

• ISI Mark Certification 

• CRS Registration 

• FMCS Certification 

• BIS Scheme X Compliance 

• Hallmark Registration 

• Product Testing Coordination 

• Factory Audit Assistance 

• Documentation Support 

• Query Handling 

• End-to-End BIS Compliance Consulting 

Our expert team helps Indian and foreign manufacturers achieve smooth BIS approvals with complete regulatory guidance.

FAQs

Is BIS certification mandatory in India?

Yes, for products covered under mandatory QCOs and notified Indian Standards.

Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS certification?

Yes, through FMCS or CRS depending on the product category.

Is factory inspection mandatory?

It depends on the applicable BIS scheme.

What happens if products are sold without BIS certification?

Products may face: 

• Seizure 
• Penalties 
• Import rejection 
• Legal prosecution
  

Which products require CRS registration?

Electronic and IT products notified by MeitY.

What is the validity of BIS certification?

Validity depends on the scheme and license type.