BIS Removes Mandatory In-House Laboratory Requirement for Manufacturers

Major Compliance Relief for BIS Certification | Latest BIS Update

In a significant move aimed at improving ease of doing business in India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially removed the mandatory requirement for manufacturers to maintain an in-house testing laboratory for operating BIS product certification.

This change, announced through an official circular dated 16 December 2025, is expected to reduce compliance costs, simplify certification processes, and benefit MSMEs and new manufacturers across India.

What Has Changed in BIS Certification?

Earlier, manufacturers were generally expected to set up and maintain an in-house laboratory to comply with BIS certification requirements. With the new clarification:

• In-house laboratories are no longer compulsory for most products
• Manufacturers can choose flexible and cost-effective testing alternatives
• BIS has allowed greater freedom in defining Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs)

This marks a shift from infrastructure-based compliance to outcome-based quality assurance.

Alternatives to In-House Testing for BIS License

Manufacturers can now meet testing requirements through:

• Shared testing facilities
• Cluster-based common laboratories
• Outsourced testing to:
  • BIS recognised / empanelled laboratories
  • Any ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for startups, MSMEs, and manufacturers operating in industrial clusters.

Flexibility in Quality Assurance Plans (QAP)

BIS has clarified that the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) mentioned in BIS product manuals is recommendatory, not mandatory.

Manufacturers are now free to:

• Design their own Quality Assurance Plan
• Define inspection, testing frequency, and control mechanisms
• Ensure product compliance with the relevant Indian Standard through internal systems

This allows manufacturers to align BIS compliance with their actual production realities.

Need Expert Help with BIS Compliance?

Misinterpreting this notification may lead to non-compliance or licence delays.

Our BIS experts help manufacturers:

• Interpret BIS notifications correctly
• Identify applicable testing routes
• Prepare QAP documentation
• Obtain or renew BIS licences smoothly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an in-house laboratory still mandatory for BIS certification?

No. As per the latest circular issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on 16 December 2025, maintaining an in-house laboratory is no longer mandatory for most products under BIS product certification.

2. Why did BIS remove the in-house laboratory requirement?

BIS removed the mandatory in-house lab requirement to reduce compliance costs, improve ease of doing business, and support MSMEs and startup manufacturers while maintaining product quality through alternative testing mechanisms.

3. What testing options can manufacturers use instead of an in-house lab?

Manufacturers can use:

• Shared testing facilities
• Cluster-based common laboratories
• BIS recognised or empanelled laboratories
• Any laboratory accredited as per ISO/IEC 17025

4. Can BIS testing be outsourced to private laboratories?

Yes. BIS testing can be outsourced to:

• BIS-recognised laboratories, or
• Any ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory

as permitted under the revised guidelines.

5. Is the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) mandatory?

No. BIS has clarified that the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) mentioned in product manuals is recommendatory in nature. Manufacturers are free to declare and follow their own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).

6. What is a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) under BIS certification?

A Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) is a documented system defined by the manufacturer outlining inspection, testing, controls, and corrective actions to ensure that products consistently comply with the applicable Indian Standard.

7. Is this notification applicable to existing BIS licence holders?

Yes. This notification applies to both existing BIS licence holders and new applicants, provided their product category is not excluded.

8. Will BIS still conduct factory inspections?

Yes. BIS will continue to conduct factory inspections, surveillance audits, and sample testing to ensure continued compliance with Indian Standards.

9. Can this change speed up BIS certification approvals?

Yes. By removing the need to set up an in-house lab, manufacturers can reduce approval timelines, lower infrastructure costs, and proceed faster with BIS certification.

10. Is professional consultation recommended after this update?

Yes. Each product category has specific certification rules. Professional BIS guidance helps avoid misinterpretation, non-compliance, or licence suspension.