Foreign manufacturers need ISI mark for exports to India. Covers 600+ mandatory products and 20,000+ voluntary products.
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BIS Certification under FMCS Scheme
What is Indian BIS?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Established under the BIS Act 1986, and revised in 2016, BIS plays a pivotal role in standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. It aims to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of products offered to Indian consumers.
A BIS License is mandatory for both Indian and foreign manufacturers to manufacture, import or sell various products in India, listed in the BIS mandatory certification category. To grant licenses BIS operates various certification schemes like Product Certification Scheme (ISI Mark Scheme for Indian Manufacturers), Hallmarking Scheme, BIS FMCS Scheme and many more.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (BIS FMCS) enables the overseas manufacturers to apply for BIS certification to use the standard ISI mark on their products. Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS certification by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to handle compliance, documentation and communication with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
What is Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (BIS FMCS)
Foreign manufacturers certification scheme (FMCS) was introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards in 2000 that allows the overseas manufacturers to use the standard mark (ISI Mark) on their products exported to India. Just like the Product Certification Scheme for Indian manufacturers, BIS FMCS scheme ensures that the products manufactured outside India must meet the same safety and quality standards benchmarks before being exported and sold in the Indian market.
Key Features and Scopes
Target: BIS FMCS covers manufacturing units located outside India. The scheme is available to manufacturers only; importers and traders cannot obtain a BIS licence under FMCS.
Testing facilities: The manufacturing unit must have adequate in-house testing facilities and technically qualified quality control personnel to test products as per Indian Standards.
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): The foreign manufacturer must appoint an Indian resident as AIR to act as the local point of contact with BIS for compliance management.
Products coverage: A wide range of products notified under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Indian government—such as steel, cement, electrical appliances, chemicals, automotive parts, toys, and more.
Exclusions: Electronics and IT products are excluded from this scheme; they are covered under the Bureau of Indian Standards Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
BIS has listed over 600 products under mandatory certification, and over 20,000 items are eligible for a voluntary BIS certificate.
Why BIS Certification is Crucial ?
Obtaining a BIS certificate is more than a legal requirement—it's a gateway to India's vast consumer market. Here are a few key reasons why it's essential:
Legal Compliance: Products must comply with relevant Indian standards.
Brand Credibility: The ISI mark serves as proof of quality and boosts consumer trust.
Customs Clearance: Without a valid BIS licence, products may be rejected at customs.
Market Access: Helps foreign brands gain seamless entry and widespread acceptance in India.
Risk Mitigation: Ensures that products are safe, thus avoiding potential recalls and liability issues.
Key Features of BIS certificate for foreign manufacturers
BIS Mark: Compliance Requirements, Usage Rules, and Legal Guidelines
The BIS FMCS logo is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It signifies that products manufactured outside India comply with relevant Indian Standards (IS) and are authorized for import and sale. The mark includes a unique license number (e.g., CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX) and the IS number. The logo must be accompanied by a unique 7 to 10-digit number (CM/L-XXXXXXX) that identifies the specific foreign manufacturing unit.
For a product to bear the Indian BIS or ISI mark, it must pass through a rigorous BIS certification process, including lab testing, factory inspection, documentation audits, and compliance checks with Indian BIS guidelines.
According to the BIS Act, 2016 :
Use of the ISI mark without a valid BIS license is punishable by law.
Certified products must display both the ISI logo and CM/L number (Certificate of Manufacturing License).
Violators may face product bans, fines, or even criminal prosecution.
The ISI logo typically consists of:
The stylized letters "ISI" inside a rectangle with rounded corners
The CM/L number displayed beneath or adjacent to the mark
The reference Indian standard code number (e.g., IS 302 for electrical appliances)
Placement must be:
Permanent and clearly visible on the product
On the packaging if not possible on the product
On user manuals in some product categories
Indian BIS vs. Other Global Certifications
Let's compare the ISI mark with other international symbols:
Unlike UL (voluntary) or CE (region-specific), the ISI mark under the BIS registration scheme is both compulsory and locally enforced.
Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in BIS Certification
What is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?
An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a crucial intermediary appointed by a foreign manufacturer seeking BIS certification under the FMCS registration scheme. The AIR serves as the official liaison between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the manufacturer, ensuring smooth communication, documentation handling, and coordination of the certification process.
Legal Requirement for AIR Appointment
As per BIS guidelines, any foreign manufacturer who does not have a registered office in India must appoint an AIR. This requirement ensures that BIS has a reliable, accessible point of contact within Indian jurisdiction.
Key Responsibilities of the AIR
The AIR's role spans the entire BIS certification process, from documentation and application submission to audit coordination and post-certification compliance:
Eligibility Criteria to Become an AIR
To serve as an AIR, an individual or organization must :
Be an Indian citizen or a legally registered business entity in India
Have a physical address in India with a valid postal code
Be capable of communicating fluently in English and local languages
Understand the certification scheme, BIS documentation protocols, and regulatory expectations
Be able to respond to audits and correspondence promptly on behalf of the foreign manufacturer
Why the AIR Role is Vital
The AIR ensures continuity and accountability throughout the BIS certification process. Without an AIR:
BIS has no jurisdiction to act against a non-complying foreign manufacturer
Time-sensitive queries and audit schedules may get delayed
The certification process can get stuck, revoked, or rejected
A proactive and experienced AIR significantly increases the chance of successful BIS certification.
Documentation Required for BIS Certification under FMCS
Detailed Breakdown of Each document required to Indian BIS certification
This document provides general details about the foreign manufacturer, including:
Product details (type, category, model)
Intended Indian Standard
Contact details of factory and AIR
Manufacturing capacity and testing scope
Machine name and make
Production capacity
Contact details of factory and AIR
Maintenance records (if applicable)
Source of procurement
Grades and specifications
Testing protocol (if any)
Equipment name and manufacturer
Compliance with test parameters in Indian Standard
Location within the factory
Date of last calibration
Validity period
Certificate number
Entry and exit points
Testing lab areas
QC checkpoints
Storage and packaging sections
Issued by an RBI-approved Indian bank, the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) covers liability in case of non-compliance. This document must:
Be on official bank letterhead
Indicate guarantee period and amount
Be signed and sealed
Mismatch between form data and factory reality
Submitting expired calibration reports
Missing BIS fee proof
Incomplete or vague process flows
Naming inconsistencies between documents
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process Under FMCS
Overview of the BIS Certification Journey
The BIS certification process under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is methodical, structured, and multi-phased. It ensures that products comply with applicable Indian standards, manufacturing processes are robust, and testing is accurate.
Step-by-Step BIS license Process Summary Table
Sample copy of BIS FMCS certificate.
Timeframe to Obtain BIS Certificate
Typical Duration from Application to Certificate
The BIS certification process under FMCS generally takes about 120 working days (approximately 3–4 months) from the date of correct application submission. Delays often occur when documents are unclear or if the factory isn't audit ready.
BIS Certification Cost Structure Explained
Overview of BIS Certification Costs
Securing a BIS certificate under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) involves several types of costs. These cover everything from application submission and audits to product testing and mark usage.
Foreign manufacturers must budget adequately to ensure timely payments, as failure to pay can lead to rejection of BIS certification mid-way.
Post BIS Certification Surveillance and Compliance Requirements
Once a BIS certificate is granted, the responsibility doesn't end there. The BIS certification includes an ongoing surveillance and compliance system to ensure continuous adherence to Indian standards. This post-certification phase is crucial to maintaining your BIS license, retaining the right to use the ISI mark, and avoiding legal penalties or suspensions.
Key Surveillance Components after obtaining BIS certificate Market Surveillance : Random product sampling from the Indian market for independent lab testing , if the sample fails the BIS certificate is suspended. It is done twice every year.
Why Choose a BIS Certification Consultant?
The BIS certification under the FMCS registration scheme is intricate, highly technical, and time-sensitive. While it is possible to pursue certification independently, most successful foreign manufacturers rely on BIS consultants to streamline the journey and minimize risks.
What Does a BIS Consultant Do?
A BIS certification consultant provides end-to-end guidance across every step of the process. Their core responsibilities include:
They act as your strategic partner, often doubling as your Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
Dhruv Aggarwal
Head of Operations at Sun Certifications India
Experience: 10+ years & Handled 1000+ projects
Awarded by many Indian and International organisations
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Products Under BIS Certification as per Indian Standards
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