Bis Certificate

How to Get BIS Certificate?

Online Legal India LogoBy Online Legal India Published On 17 Jul 2025 Category Other

BIS certification ensures that products meet India’s quality and safety standards. Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, it is mandatory for many goods like electronics, steel, and toys. For manufacturers and importers, BIS certification boosts compliance, market credibility, and consumer trust, making it essential for legal operations and product acceptance in India. In this article, you will learn how to get BIS certificate.

What is a BIS Certificate?

A BIS Certificate stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards Certificate, issued under the BIS Act, 2016. It confirms that a product meets India’s prescribed quality, safety, and performance standards. BIS certification is mandatory for goods like electronics, cement, steel, and toys. It assures regulatory compliance, builds customer trust, and is essential for legal manufacturing, sale, or import within India.

Types of BIS Certification in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards offers different types of certification schemes, each designed for a specific product category or market scenario. These certifications ensure that goods meet defined Indian quality and safety standards.

  • ISI Mark Certification

The ISI Mark Certification applies to Indian manufacturers who produce goods listed under the mandatory BIS schedule. This mark confirms that the product adheres to Indian Standards (IS) in terms of quality, safety, and performance. BIS issues this certificate after evaluating the production facility and approving lab test results. This certification is essential for products such as cement, LPG cylinders, steel bars, packaged drinking water, and pressure cookers.

  • FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

FMCS is designed for foreign manufacturers who intend to export regulated products to India. BIS grants this certification after completing a detailed application review, testing the product in a BIS-recognised laboratory, and conducting a physical inspection of the foreign production unit. This certification ensures that the imported product complies with Indian quality standards before it enters the domestic market.

  • CRS – Compulsory Registration Scheme

The Compulsory Registration Scheme applies to electronics and IT goods notified under BIS regulations. Manufacturers must submit their products to a BIS-approved laboratory and complete the online registration process through the official portal. This scheme is mandatory for items such as mobile phones, LED lighting, power banks, laptops, and set-top boxes. The certification ensures that the product meets safety parameters before entering the Indian market.

  • Hallmarking Scheme

The Hallmarking Scheme certifies the purity and standard of gold and silver articles. This certification is compulsory for jewellers who wish to sell hallmarked jewellery in India. The hallmark contains the BIS logo, purity grade (in carat or fineness), and a six-digit code that identifies the certified jeweller. BIS issues this license after verifying the premises and ensuring compliance with metal testing norms.

  • ECO Mark Certification

The ECO Mark Certification applies to products that meet both quality and environmental safety standards. BIS, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, awards this certification to goods that have minimal environmental impact across their lifecycle. The certification considers factors such as raw materials used, energy consumption, recyclability, and waste disposal. Products eligible for this mark include soaps, detergents, food items, paints, and packaging materials.

  • Management System Certification

BIS also certifies management systems that help organizations maintain quality, safety, and operational efficiency. These certifications follow internationally accepted ISO standards. Key certifications include:

    • ISO 9001 – Ensures a structured Quality Management System
    • ISO 14001 – Establishes an Environmental Management System
    • ISO 45001 – Implements an Occupational Health and Safety Management System

These certifications help businesses meet global benchmarks and statutory requirements.

Who Needs a BIS Certificate?

A BIS certificate is compulsory for any individual or entity involved in the production, import, sale, or distribution of products that fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards’ mandatory certification list. This requirement ensures public safety, market quality, and statutory conformity across regulated sectors.

  • Indian Manufacturers

Indian manufacturers who produce goods notified under the mandatory BIS schedule must obtain the appropriate BIS certification. Without this, they cannot legally manufacture, store, or supply these products within the Indian market. This applies to items such as packaged drinking water, pressure cookers, electrical appliances, and steel products.

  • Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign companies that export goods to India must secure BIS certification before shipment. The certification ensures that the product meets Indian safety, quality, and performance benchmarks. BIS does not allow customs clearance or domestic distribution without a valid license under the FMCS or CRS scheme.

  • E-commerce Sellers

Sellers listing regulated products on online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho must comply with BIS requirements. E-commerce platforms now mandate the submission of BIS license details before listing any item falling under the compulsory certification regime. This rule primarily applies to products in electronics, lighting, home appliances, and children’s goods.

  • Importers and Distributors

Entities that import or distribute BIS-regulated goods in India must ensure that the product has valid certification. If the product originates from a foreign manufacturer, the importer must verify the license and confirm that it matches BIS guidelines. Distributors must avoid handling uncertified goods, as this attracts legal penalties.

  • Brand Owners and Private Labelers

Businesses that sell goods under their brand name—while outsourcing production to third-party manufacturers—must ensure the product is BIS certified. Even if the manufacturer holds the license, the brand owner bears responsibility for product compliance before sale, especially in the case of private labels.

  • Government Procurement Agencies

Departments and agencies involved in public procurement must verify BIS certification before purchasing regulated products. This ensures that all goods procured with public funds meet national quality and safety standards. BIS compliance is now a standard eligibility condition in many tenders and supply contracts.

Products that Require BIS Certification

BIS certification is mandatory for products that directly impact public safety, consumer health, and environmental quality. These products must comply with the relevant Indian Standards before they can be manufactured, sold, imported, or distributed in India.

Below are the major categories of products that require BIS certification:

  1. Electronics and IT Products

Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), BIS mandates certification for more than 60 electronic and IT items. This includes:

    • Mobile phones
    • LED lights and bulbs
    • Laptops and tablets
    • Power banks
    • Wireless keyboards and routers
    • Set-top boxes

These products must be tested in a BIS-approved lab and registered before sale.

  1. Household Appliances

Many commonly used electrical appliances fall under mandatory certification. These include:

    • Electric irons
    • Refrigerators
    • Microwave ovens
    • Electric water heaters
    • Electric cooking ranges

The certification ensures electrical safety and operational reliability.

  1. Construction and Building Materials

Products used in infrastructure and real estate must meet strict BIS norms. These include:

    • Portland cement
    • Steel bars and rods
    • Structural steel
    • Aluminium foils
    • Plywood and decorative laminates

Such materials require ISI Mark Certification to ensure strength and durability.

  1. Packaged Goods and Food-Related Items

Items that come in direct contact with food or drinking water require BIS certification. These include:

    • Packaged drinking water
    • Mineral water
    • Food-grade containers
    • Tin cans

The certification ensures that the product is non-toxic and safe for human use.

  1. Pressure Equipment and Gas Cylinders

Products that involve high-pressure or flammable content require BIS certification to prevent accidents. These include:

    • LPG cylinders
    • Pressure cookers
    • Valves and regulators
    • Welding electrodes

Each of these items must conform to safety standards before reaching the market.

  1. Gold and Silver Jewellery

Jewellery made from precious metals must carry a BIS hallmark, which certifies purity and fineness.

    • Gold jewellery (22K, 18K, etc.)
    • Silver articles

Jewellers must obtain a BIS license to sell hallmarked items.

  1. Toys

BIS certification is mandatory for all toys intended for children under the age of 14.

    • Soft toys
    • Plastic toys
    • Battery-operated toys

The certification covers physical safety, chemical content, and mechanical integrity.

  1. Automotive Components

Certain automobile parts and accessories also require certification. These include:

    • Safety glass
    • Automotive tyres
    • Brake linings

BIS ensures that these components meet safety and performance criteria.

Documents Required for BIS Certificate

To apply for a BIS certificate, the applicant must submit a set of essential documents. Below is a list of some required documents:

  1. Business Identity Proof

Listed below are the business identity proofs that you need to submit:

  1. Manufacturing Premises Proof

You need to submit the following manufacturing premises proof to apply for a BIS certificate:

    • Factory address proof (electricity bill, lease agreement or ownership document).
    • The organizational chart of the manufacturing unit.
    • List of machinery and equipment used in production.
  1. Product Details

You need to provide the following documents that will verify the product details:

    • Technical Specifications of the product.
    • Product user manual or operating instructions.
    • Label artwork or packing details.
  1. Test Reports

The product needs to be tested in a BIS-approved lab. To prove the test reports you need to submit the following documents:

    • Original lab test report.
    • Details of the standard used for testing.
    • Date of test completion and sample details.
  1. Authorized Indian Representative (For Foreign Applicants)

Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Indian entity to represent them. They must submit the following documents:

    • Authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer.
    • ID proof and address proof of the representative.
    • Undertaking accepting responsibility for compliance.
  1. Quality Control Documents

The documents that will help to prove the quality are listed below:

    • Internal quality control plan.
    • Flowchart of the manufacturing process.
    • Records of raw material inspection and final product checks.
  1. BIS Application Form and Undertakings

The applicant needs to file the forms listed below and an undertaking to apply for BIS certification:

    • Prescribed BIS application form (online or physical, depending on the scheme).
    • Self-declaration regarding product conformity.
    • Affidavit or undertaking confirming data accuracy and regulatory compliance.

How to Get BIS Certificate?

Listed below are the steps to help you understand how to get BIS certificate:

Step 1: Register Yourself on the BIS Portal

You must begin the process by registering on the official BIS portal. This account gives you access to the application dashboard, official instructions, required forms, and fee structures. Your registration ensures that BIS can track and manage your application individually.

Step 2: Submit All Required Documents

After registration, you must upload all necessary documents on the portal. These include your company’s incorporation certificate, GST and PAN details, manufacturing unit address proof, product specifications, and your internal quality control documents. Each submission must be clear, valid, and formatted as per BIS instructions.

Step 3: Schedule the Inspection of Your Manufacturing Unit

Once your documents are reviewed, BIS schedules an on-site inspection of your manufacturing facility. You must ensure that your unit is operational and fully prepared for evaluation. All relevant records, testing arrangements, and production lines must be accessible to BIS officials.

Step 4: Complete Factory Inspection and Sample Collection

During the inspection, BIS officials examine your production process, assess your quality control systems, and evaluate your testing arrangements. They select product samples directly from your production line to ensure transparency and authenticity in evaluation.

Step 5: Send Samples for Testing at a BIS-Recognized Lab

The selected product samples are sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing. These labs conduct rigorous tests to check whether your product meets the Indian Standards relevant to its category. You must ensure that the samples are properly packed and labelled before dispatch.

Step 6: Allow BIS to Scrutinize the Test Report

Once the test is complete, the lab submits the report to BIS. The authority then examines whether your product complies with all the safety and quality benchmarks. If the test report meets every required parameter, BIS proceeds to the final step of certification.

Step 7: Submit a Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000

Before BIS grants the license, you must provide a bank guarantee of USD 10,000 in favour of BIS. This amount serves as a security deposit and is mandatory for license issuance. You must ensure that the guarantee is issued from a recognized bank and follows BIS's prescribed format.

Step 8: Receive the ISI Certificate

Once BIS verifies all documents, test results, and the bank guarantee, it issues the ISI certificate. You can now legally affix the ISI mark to your certified product. This mark demonstrates that your product meets national standards and is approved for sale across India.

BIS Certification Fees

The BIS certification fees are given below:

  1. Government Fees

You must pay several statutory fees directly to the Bureau of Indian Standards. These include:

  • Application Fee: This is a non-refundable fee that you must pay at the time of submission.
  • Testing Charges: If your product falls under the mandatory certification list, you must get it tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory. Testing charges vary based on the product category and applicable Indian Standards.
  • Inspection Charges: If BIS conducts a physical inspection of your manufacturing unit, you must bear the inspection cost. For foreign applicants, this includes travel and lodging expenses of BIS officials.
  1. Third-Party Consultant Fees (Optional)

You may choose to appoint a BIS consultant or legal expert to handle documentation, application filing, testing coordination, and inspection support. These consultants charge a professional fee based on the complexity of the product and certification scheme. Their involvement is optional but often useful for first-time applicants or foreign manufacturers.

Validity of BIS Certificate

The BIS certificate remains valid for a standard period of two years from the date of issue. You must ensure that the certified product continues to meet BIS standards throughout the validity period.

Before the certificate expires, you can apply for renewal, provided that there are no major changes in product design, manufacturing process, or standard revision. Renewal requires submission of updated documents, proof of continued compliance, and payment of renewal fees.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The consequences of non-compliance are listed below:

  • Legal Penalties

Under the BIS Act, 2016, non-compliance constitutes a legal offence. If you manufacture, import, or sell a regulated product without valid certification, you risk prosecution. The law permits the imposition of monetary fines, and in severe cases, imprisonment. BIS has full authority to initiate legal proceedings, seize assets, or cancel licenses issued to repeat violators.

  • Seizure and Market Withdrawal

If uncertified products are found in your inventory or retail channel, enforcement agencies may seize them without notice. In cases where certified goods fail to meet ongoing quality standards, BIS can order their immediate removal from the market. Seizures and recalls lead to direct financial losses, disruption of supply chains, and loss of customer confidence.

  • Import and Export Disruptions

Products entering India without BIS approval face detention at customs. The shipment may be denied entry, re-exported at your cost, or destroyed as per law. For exporters, supplying non-compliant products to global markets can result in rejection, regulatory bans, and long-term trade restrictions. These actions delay logistics, raise costs, and damage international credibility.

  • Reputational Damage

Operating without BIS certification severely undermines brand image. Distributors, e-commerce platforms, and institutional buyers often refuse to deal with non-compliant brands. Media exposure, negative customer feedback, and official enforcement actions erode consumer trust. This loss of reputation directly impacts revenue and long-term business viability, especially in competitive sectors.

Conclusion

BIS certification plays a vital role in ensuring product safety, legal compliance, and public trust across India’s regulated markets. It acts as a quality benchmark that supports national standards and filters out unsafe or substandard goods. Whether you manufacture domestically or import regulated products, securing a BIS certificate is not optional—it is a statutory necessity.

For expert support in navigating the BIS registration process, trust Online Legal India. Their legal professionals manage the entire compliance cycle—from documentation and testing to inspection coordination and license issuance. With timely execution and dedicated assistance, you secure your certification without delays or legal hurdles.


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