Restrictions Lifted for ASEAN & Overseas Companies

The Indian regulatory landscape has taken a significant step toward easing global trade. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has removed earlier product- and country-specific restrictions that were affecting manufacturers from ASEAN nations and other overseas regions.

This major BIS update directly benefits exporters, compliance managers, and manufacturers aiming to enter or expand in the Indian market. Applications that were earlier delayed or stalled are now being actively processed, restoring confidence in India's product certification ecosystem.

What Is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?

The Bureau of Indian Standards is India's national standards authority, operating under the BIS Act. It is responsible for developing Indian Standards and ensuring that products sold in India meet defined safety, quality, and performance benchmarks.

BIS certification is mandatory for hundreds of products across sectors such as electronics, electrical goods, machinery, construction materials, chemicals, consumer products, and industrial equipment. For foreign manufacturers, BIS compliance is a legal prerequisite to export regulated products into India.

What Restrictions Were Previously Imposed?

In recent years, BIS had imposed additional scrutiny and operational restrictions on certain overseas manufacturers, particularly from select ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries. These measures were not blanket bans but resulted in practical challenges such as:

• Slower processing of BIS license applications
• Delays in factory inspections and audits
• Pending applications remaining on hold for extended periods
• Limited acceptance of new applications under FMCS and CRS

Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, and others were disproportionately impacted, creating uncertainty for exporters targeting India.

Latest BIS Update – Restrictions Lifted for ASEAN & Overseas Manufacturers

As per the latest Bureau of Indian Standards update, these country-specific limitations have now been removed. BIS is processing applications from overseas manufacturers in a normal, streamlined manner.

Key highlights of the BIS lifted restrictions include:

• Removal of informal country-based barriers
• Resumption of routine factory audits and inspections
• Clearance of long-pending BIS license applications
• Acceptance of new applications across multiple product categories

This decision aligns with India's broader objective of facilitating ease of doing business and supporting compliant international trade.

Impact on Pending BIS License Applications

One of the most important outcomes of this BIS update for foreign manufacturers is the clearance of pending applications. Files that were previously under prolonged review are now being actively evaluated by BIS officers.

This means:

• Faster movement from application to inspection
• Reduced uncertainty for compliance planning
• Improved coordination between BIS, labs, and manufacturers
• Quicker issuance of BIS licenses where compliance is met

For companies that had paused production or shipments due to certification delays, this update offers immediate relief.

How to Apply for BIS Certification Now

With restrictions lifted, foreign manufacturers can proceed with BIS certification without additional country-related concerns. The general process includes:

• Identifying the applicable Indian Standard
• Selecting the correct BIS scheme (CRS, FMCS, or ISI Mark)
• Product testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory
• Filing the online BIS application
• Factory inspection (where applicable)
• Grant of BIS license

Working with experienced BIS consultants helps ensure faster documentation, audit readiness, and regulatory alignment.

Conclusion – A Positive Shift for Global Manufacturers

The latest Bureau of Indian Standards update marks a crucial step toward transparent, predictable, and trade-friendly regulation. By lifting restrictions on ASEAN and overseas manufacturers, BIS has reaffirmed India's commitment to quality-driven global trade rather than country-based limitations.

For exporters, compliance professionals, and Indian importers, this update reduces uncertainty and opens new opportunities for faster market entry.

If you are planning to apply for BIS certification in India or want clarity on CRS, FMCS, or ISI requirements after this update, professional guidance can significantly reduce timelines and compliance risks.

Contact our BIS compliance experts today for application support, regulatory consultation, and end-to-end certification assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Has BIS officially lifted restrictions on ASEAN manufacturers?

Yes. BIS is now processing applications from ASEAN and overseas manufacturers normally, and earlier country-specific limitations have been removed.

Are pending BIS license applications being cleared?

Yes. Pending applications that were earlier delayed are now under active review and clearance, subject to compliance fulfillment.

Does this update apply to CRS and FMCS schemes?

Yes. The update impacts BIS CRS certification, BIS FMCS scheme, and ISI mark licensing for foreign manufacturers.

Will BIS inspections for foreign factories resume normally?

Yes. BIS factory audits and inspections under FMCS are continuing as per standard procedures.

Is BIS certification mandatory even after restrictions are lifted?

Yes. The lifting of restrictions does not remove mandatory compliance. BIS certification remains compulsory for notified products.