BIS certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards is one of the most important regulatory approvals for manufacturers in India. It ensures that products comply with Indian quality, safety, and performance standards before being sold in the market. Products covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) must obtain BIS certification to legally manufacture, import, distribute, or sell products in India. Manufacturers can obtain BIS certification through two major routes under Scheme-I of BIS certification: the Simplified Procedure and the Normal Procedure. Understanding both procedures, timelines, documentation requirements, and compliance expectations helps manufacturers plan their certification process effectively and avoid delays.
Simplified Procedure under BIS Certification
The Simplified Procedure is a fast-track method introduced by BIS for manufacturers who are technically prepared and can submit a pre-tested product report from a BIS-recognized laboratory. Under this process, the manufacturer first gets the product tested before filing the BIS application. Many businesses also seek guidance from BIS certification consultants in India to ensure that product testing, documentation, and application requirements are completed accurately and efficiently. Once the product successfully passes testing, the manufacturer submits the application along with all required documents and test reports.
After receiving the application, BIS officials review the submitted documents and conduct a factory inspection to verify the manufacturing infrastructure, quality control systems, testing capabilities, production process, and competency of technical staff. If the inspection findings and test reports comply with BIS requirements, the BIS license is granted.
This procedure is generally preferred by manufacturers who:
- Need faster certification approval
- Have ready products and testing reports
- Maintain proper in-house quality control systems
- Want to reduce processing delays
Step-by-Step Process – Simplified Procedure
1. Identification of Applicable Indian Standard
The manufacturer first identifies the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product category.
2. Product Testing from BIS-Recognized Laboratory
Product samples are tested from a BIS-approved laboratory as per applicable standards.
3. Preparation of Technical Documents
Manufacturers prepare:
- Factory registration documents
- Manufacturing flow chart
- Machinery details
- Raw material details
- Quality control process
- In-house testing details
- Authorized signatory documents
4. BIS Application Filing
The application is submitted online with:
- Test reports
- Technical documents
- Factory details
- Applicable fees
5. Factory Inspection by BIS
BIS officials inspect:
- Production process
- Testing facilities
- Calibration records
- Quality management systems
- Manufacturing capability
6. Grant of BIS License
If everything is satisfactory, BIS grants the license and permission to use the ISI mark.
Timeline under Simplified Procedure
| Grant of License | 30–45 Days Total |
Timeline may vary depending on product category, lab testing duration, and BIS observations.
Normal Procedure under BIS Certification
The Normal Procedure is the traditional certification route where product testing takes place after BIS inspection. In this process, the manufacturer first submits the BIS application without a pre-tested laboratory report. BIS officials then visit the factory premises for inspection and draw product samples directly from the manufacturing unit. These samples are sealed by BIS and sent to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing.
Once the testing is completed successfully and BIS verifies the compliance status of the manufacturing unit, the BIS license is granted. Since testing occurs after inspection, this procedure generally takes more time than the Simplified Procedure.
This route is commonly suitable for:
- New manufacturers
- Manufacturers unfamiliar with BIS processes
- Factories still preparing testing arrangements
- Products requiring additional compliance verification
Step-by-Step Process – Normal Procedure
1. Identification of Applicable Standard
Determine the Indian Standard applicable to the product.
2. Submission of BIS Application
Manufacturer files the BIS application with required technical and legal documents.
3. Factory Audit by BIS Officials
BIS officers inspect:
- Manufacturing facility
- Production capability
- Quality systems
- In-house testing arrangements
4. Sample Collection & Sealing
Product samples are collected and sealed by BIS officials during inspection.
5. Laboratory Testing
Samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories according to Indian Standards.
6. Compliance Verification
BIS reviews:
- Inspection report
- Test results
- Technical compliance
7. Grant of BIS License
After satisfactory verification, BIS grants the license.
Timeline under Normal Procedure
| Activity | Approximate Timeline |
| Grant of License | 60–90 Days Total |
Timeline depends on laboratory testing duration, product complexity, and compliance observations.
Important Documents Required for BIS Certification
Manufacturers generally require the following documents for both procedures:
- Factory registration certificate
- GST certificate
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- List of manufacturing machinery
- List of testing equipment
- Calibration certificates
- Product drawings/specifications
- Raw material details
- Quality control staff details
- Authorized signatory ID proof
- Trademark authorization (if applicable)
- Test reports (for simplified procedure)
Key Compliance Requirements Manufacturers Should Know
Manufacturers must ensure:
- Consistent product quality
- Proper in-house testing arrangements
- Calibration of testing equipment
- Availability of technical staff
- Correct ISI marking on products
- Compliance with marking fees and surveillance audits
Failure to maintain compliance may lead to:
- Suspension of license
- Cancellation of BIS approval
- Penalties under BIS Act
Difference Between Simplified and Normal Procedure
| Particulars | Simplified Procedure | Normal Procedure |
| Product Testing | Before application | After BIS inspection |
| Sample Collection | By manufacturer | By BIS officer |
| Processing Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Ideal For | Ready manufacturers | New applicants |
| Approximate Timeline | 30–45 Days | 60–90 Days |
| BIS Involvement in Sampling | Limited | Direct involvement |
Challenges Faced by Manufacturers During BIS Certification
Manufacturers often face practical difficulties such as:
- Incorrect identification of applicable standards
- Failure in product testing
- Lack of testing facilities
- Incomplete documentation
- Factory audit non-conformities
- Delays in coordination with laboratories
- Improper marking and labeling compliance
Professional BIS consultancy support helps manufacturers avoid these issues and improve approval timelines.
How Kar Parivartan Supports Manufacturers
Kar Parivartan provides complete BIS consultancy support for manufacturers across India and overseas. The company assists businesses in obtaining BIS certification through both Simplified and Normal Procedures with proper planning, technical guidance, and compliance management. In addition to BIS services, Kar Parivartan also works as an EPR consultant, helping businesses meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance requirements under applicable environmental regulations.
Services Include:
✅ Applicable IS Standard Identification
✅ Documentation & Application Support
✅ Coordination with BIS-recognized Laboratories
✅ Factory Audit Preparation
✅ Quality Control Guidance
✅ BIS License Approval Support
✅ Renewal & Compliance Management
✅ CRS | FMCS | CDSCO | WPC | LMPC Consultancy
With expert consultancy support, manufacturers can minimize delays, avoid compliance errors, and achieve faster BIS certification approvals.
