BIS Certification in India – Regulatory Framework & Approval

The Bureau of Indian Standard is a government authority in India that provides the BIS certificate to the product under the BIS Act, 2016. The BIS certificate is the legal requirement for the product to enter the Indian market. It ensures the product is safe for the consumers use and follows the appropriate Indian Standard (IS) quality guidelines. The BIS Certificate is based on the product quality and functioning. 

Businesses including manufacturers, importers, foreign brands, and industrial suppliers should under the certification process to legally enter the Indian market.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is the legal requirement in India to validate the product under the appropriate Indian Standard (IS) is safe for consumers and follows the product quality guidelines. It is governed by:

• BIS Act, 2016

• Applicable Quality Control Orders

• Notifications by the Ministry including MeitY, DPIIT and Heavy Industries, etc.

The BIS approval is mandatory for the businesses to enter the Indian market.

Different Types BIS Certification in India

There are different types of BIS certification in India that depend on the product quality and demand. These certificates includes:

1. ISI Mark Scheme - Scheme-I  for Domestic Users (including cement, electric switches, pressure cookers etc.)

2. BIS CRS - Compulsory Registration Scheme or Scheme-II (including LED lights, Mobile Phones, Laptops etc.)

3. BIS FMCS - Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (Manufactured in Foreign land including cement, vehicle tyres, electric cables etc.)

4. CoC - Certificate of Conformity or Scheme-IV (including toys)

5. BIS Scheme-X - Certification for Machinery & Electrical Equipment

6. Hallmarking Scheme - For Precious Metals including Gold and Silver

7. ECO Mark Scheme - Environment-Friendly Products

8. Management System Certification Scheme - ISO Standards

These certificates are issued by the Bureau of Indian Standard based on the government notifications under the quality control orders.

Who Requires BIS Certification?

BIS approval may be required for:

• Indian manufacturers under QCO

• Foreign brands exporting to India

• Importers of electronics & regulated products

• Industrial equipment suppliers

• OEM product owners

BIS Certification applicability depends on product classification under Indian Standards (IS codes).

BIS Certification Process

Step 1: Product classification under relevant IS standard

Step 2: Identification of applicable certification scheme

Step 3: Testing in BIS-recognized laboratory (if required)

Step 4: Documentation & application submission

Step 5: Factory audit (for applicable schemes)

Step 6: Grant of license or registration

Step 7: Ongoing compliance & surveillance

Documents Generally Required

• Business registration documents

• Manufacturing details

• Product technical specifications

• Test reports (as applicable)

• Authorization letters

• Quality control documentation

Regulatory Risks of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance may result in:

• Import seizure by customs

• Market recall

• Monetary penalties

• Legal prosecution under BIS Act

• E-commerce listing removal

How ASC Group Supports BIS Certification in India

ASC provides structured compliance advisory including:

• Standard identification and QCO mapping

• End-to-end documentation handling

• Laboratory coordination

• Factory audit preparation

• Regulatory response management

• Post-certification compliance monitoring

Choosing the Correct BIS Route

Selecting the appropriate BIS Certification scheme depends on:

• Product category

• Manufacturing location

• Applicable ministry notification

• Testing requirements

• Audit requirements

If unsure, a regulatory evaluation is recommended before filing the application.