BIS Certification

BIS Certification in India

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It ensures that a product complies with Indian safety, quality, and reliability standards.

The certification is granted after a thorough evaluation of product quality, manufacturing processes, and compliance with the applicable Indian Standards (IS).

Why is BIS Certification Important?

BIS Certification is essential for:

• Ensuring consumer safety and product reliability
• Gaining legal market entry for certain products in India
• Enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust
• Meeting requirements for government tenders and bulk purchases
• Avoiding penalties or seizure of non-compliant goods

Types of BIS Certification

There are primarily three types of certification schemes under BIS:

1. ISI Mark Certification (Compulsory for products under mandatory list like cement, steel, packaged drinking water, etc.)
2. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) (For foreign manufacturers)
3. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) (For electronics and IT products)

Products Under Mandatory BIS Certification

Some categories that require mandatory BIS certification include:

• Electrical appliances (e.g., switches, wires, LED lamps)
• Automotive components
• Cement and construction materials
• Kitchen appliances
• Electronic gadgets (e.g., mobile phones, power banks)
• Toys
• Pressure cookers
• Food containers made of plastic

BIS Certification Process

For Domestic Manufacturers:

1. Application Submission: Submit the application with required documents and fees.
2. Product Testing: Product is sent to a BIS-recognized lab for testing.
3. Factory Inspection: BIS officer visits the manufacturing facility.
4. Grant of Certification: If product and process comply with standards, the ISI mark license is granted.

For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS):

1. Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
2. Submit application and product samples
3. Undergo factory inspection
4. Get test reports from BIS-approved labs
5. License granted upon compliance

Documents Required

• Factory license
• List of manufacturing machinery
• Product specifications and drawings
• Quality control plan
• Test reports from BIS-approved labs
• Power of Attorney (for AIR in case of foreign manufacturers)
• ISO certificate (if applicable)

Validity and Renewal

• BIS Certification is initially valid for 1 to 2 years
• It is renewable, subject to compliance verification and submission of required documents

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling or importing products without mandatory BIS certification can result in:

• Fines
• Product seizure
• Legal action under the BIS Act, 2016

Conclusion

Obtaining BIS Certification is a vital step for any manufacturer or importer aiming to build trust and legally sell their products in India. It reflects a commitment to quality, safety, and compliance, which is essential for sustainable business growth in a competitive market.