Understanding BIS Certification and the BIS Import License: A Complete Compliance Guide for Businesses

For companies operating in India or bringing products into the Indian market, BIS Certification and the BIS Import License are two of the most essential regulatory requirements. These approvals ensure that products meet India’s safety, quality, and performance standards before they reach consumers. Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an international importer, complying with these BIS regulations builds trust, ensures product reliability, and helps avoid legal complications.

This guide explains everything you need to know—what BIS Certification is, why it matters, how the BIS Import License works, and the steps involved in meeting the compliance process.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is an official approval issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body responsible for ensuring product quality, safety, and standards compliance in India. When a product carries the BIS Standard Mark (also known as the ISI Mark), it means that it has been tested and certified to meet Indian Standards (IS).

Why BIS Certification Matters

BIS Certification serves several important purposes:

Consumer Safety: Ensures that products do not pose any safety hazards.
Product Quality Assurance: Confirms that the product meets specified quality benchmarks.
Market Credibility: Builds trust among customers, retailers, and distributors.
Regulatory Compliance: Many products cannot be sold in India without BIS Certification.
Reduced Risk of Legal Penalties: Complying with BIS rules avoids fines, seizures, and import restrictions.

Today, BIS Certification is mandatory for over 150+ products across categories such as electrical appliances, electronics, steel, chemicals, automotive components, and household goods.

Types of BIS Certification Schemes

BIS offers different certification programs depending on the nature of the product and manufacturing location:

1. ISI Mark Certification (Domestic & Foreign Manufacturers)

For products covered under mandatory Indian Standards, manufacturers must obtain ISI Mark certification. This includes testing, factory inspections, and adherence to quality processes.

2. CRS – Compulsory Registration Scheme (Mostly Electronics & IT Products)

Under CRS, manufacturers must register their products with BIS after testing them in BIS-recognized labs. This applies to items like LED lights, power banks, mobile phones, and IT hardware.

3. FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

This scheme allows overseas manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on products exported to India. It includes a stricter audit and monitoring process to ensure consistency.

What Is a BIS Import License?

A BIS Import License is a mandatory approval for importing goods into India that fall under BIS’s list of regulated or mandatory certification categories. This license ensures that any product entering the country meets the same safety and quality standards as domestically manufactured items.

Importers who fail to obtain the required BIS Import License risk:

Delays at Indian ports
Product seizures or customs rejection
Penalties and legal action
A complete ban on selling unapproved products

Therefore, importers must verify whether their product is listed under the BIS mandatory certification schedule before shipping goods to India.

Why the BIS Import License Is Essential

Importing into India is highly regulated to safeguard consumers and maintain consistent product quality. A BIS Import License ensures:

Standard Compliance: Imported products match Indian Standard Specifications (IS).
Fair Market Competition: Domestic manufacturers are not disadvantaged by low-quality imported products.
Public Safety: Prevents the entry of unsafe or substandard items into the Indian market.
Streamlined Customs Clearance: Products with BIS approval move faster through ports.

Steps to Obtain BIS Certification (Domestic or Foreign Manufacturers)

The general certification process involves the following:

1. Identify the Relevant Indian Standard (IS)

Determine which BIS standard applies to your product category.

2. Submit Application and Documents

Required documents may include factory licenses, product specifications, quality control procedures, and technical details.

3. Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratories

Your product samples must be tested according to Indian Standards.

4. Factory Inspection (For ISI & FMCS)

BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility to verify quality systems and production processes.

5. Grant of BIS Certification

After successful testing and compliance, BIS issues approval, allowing the use of the BIS Standard Mark.

6. Regular Surveillance & Renewal

Manufacturers must undergo periodic surveillance and renew their certification on time.

How to Obtain a BIS Import License

Importers must follow these steps to secure the BIS Import License:

1. Check if the Product Requires Certification or Registration

Refer to the list of mandated products regulated by BIS.

2. Coordinate With the Overseas Manufacturer

The manufacturer must have BIS Certification if the product requires ISI Mark or FMCS approval.

3. Submit Required Documents to BIS

Typically includes purchase orders, product specifications, conformity declarations, and testing reports.

4. Product Testing (If Required)

Some items must undergo testing at BIS-recognized labs before the import license is granted.

5. BIS Approval and Clearance

Once approved, the importer can legally bring the certified products into India.

Conclusion

Both BIS Certification and the BIS Import License play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of products available in the Indian market. Whether you manufacture products locally, operate an overseas factory, or import goods into India, compliance with BIS regulations is essential. It builds trust, ensures safety, avoids legal complications, and helps businesses expand confidently within one of the world’s largest consumer markets.