For any company planning to export products to India, understanding the BIS Certification for Import is essential. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India responsible for ensuring product safety, quality, and reliability. Many products—especially industrial, mechanical, and structural items—cannot enter the Indian market without an approved BIS License. When a manufacturer is located outside India, certification is typically obtained through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
This article explains what BIS is, how the FMCS scheme works, how to apply for a BIS License, why compliance matters, and how businesses can navigate the certification process smoothly. It also includes all relevant terms such as BIS Registration, BIS Full Form, BIS Standards, BIS Mark, and more.
Understanding BIS: What It Means and Why It Matters
Before diving into FMCS, it is important to understand What is BIS.
The BIS Full Form is Bureau of Indian Standards. It functions as India’s quality and standardization authority, responsible for setting BIS Standards across thousands of products. These standards ensure consumer safety, product durability, and market uniformity.
The BIS Mark, also called the ISI Mark, is the official BIS Logo that appears on certified products. It signals to Indian consumers, regulators, retailers, and customs authorities that the product meets all required Indian standards. For many product categories, using the BIS Mark is mandatory, especially when the product is imported into the country.
What Is FMCS?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a major compliance route for manufacturers located outside India. It enables foreign companies to obtain a BIS License and legally apply the Standard Mark on their products before exporting to India.
Under FMCS:
Manufacturers outside India undergo detailed product testing.
BIS officials conduct factory inspections at the foreign manufacturing unit.
After verification, the company receives certification to use the BIS Mark.
The FMCS process is stricter than other schemes because it applies mostly to high-risk or safety-critical products such as steel, cement, electrical goods, industrial components, chemicals, and more.
BIS License vs. BIS Registration
Although the two terms are often confused, BIS License and BIS Registration are not the same.
A BIS License is granted under the FMCS or Normal Certification Scheme and allows the use of the Standard Mark (ISI Mark). It involves factory audits, product testing, and close supervision.
BIS Registration is a different type of certification used mainly for electronics and IT devices under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). No factory audit is needed, but testing in BIS-recognized labs is mandatory.
For foreign manufacturers dealing with non-electronic, industrial, or safety-related products, FMCS BIS License is usually the required pathway—not BIS Registration.
Why Do Importers Need BIS Certification?
Obtaining a BIS Certificate Online or through the physical application process is not just a formality; it is a legal requirement for many goods entering India. Without the correct license:
Customs authorities may reject or hold shipments.
Products may be banned from sale in the Indian market.
Businesses may face financial penalties or compliance issues.
A valid BIS License ensures smooth customs clearance and helps importers build trust with Indian distributors and customers.
Key Benefits of BIS Certification for Import
Legal Market Access
For products listed under mandatory certification, BIS approval is the only way to legally sell them in India.Consumer Confidence
The BIS Logo represents quality and safety—boosting buyer confidence.Competitive Advantage
Having the BIS Mark differentiates certified products from low-quality competitors.Reduced Compliance Risks
A valid BIS License prevents port delays, shipment rejections, and regulatory penalties.
BIS Standards and Product Categories
Every product that falls under mandatory BIS rules is associated with a specific Indian Standard (IS code). These BIS Standards define quality, performance, safety, raw materials, and testing conditions.
FMCS typically covers:
Steel and metal products
Cement and construction materials
Pressure cookers
Safety components
Industrial equipment
Chemicals and plastics
To determine whether your product needs certification, you must check the updated BIS list of regulated items.
The BIS Application Process for Foreign Manufacturers
Obtaining a Bureau of Indian Standards License under FMCS involves several key stages:
1. Application Submission
The manufacturer begins by submitting the BIS Application, along with technical documents, product specifications, quality system details, and manufacturing process information.
2. Product Testing
Samples must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory. Testing must fully comply with the relevant BIS Standards.
3. Factory Inspection
BIS officers perform an on-site audit of the foreign manufacturing facility. They verify production capability, testing equipment, quality control systems, and conformity to BIS norms.
4. Grant of License
If everything meets BIS requirements, the manufacturer receives a BIS License allowing them to use the ISI Mark.
5. Post-Certification Compliance
Regular surveillance, lab testing, and inspections ensure continued conformity.
Applying for BIS Certificate Online
Many parts of the process can be initiated through the official BIS Certificate Online portal. This makes it easier for manufacturers to submit documents digitally, track progress, and communicate with BIS through the online interface. However, factory audits and product testing still remain mandatory physical steps under FMCS.
Conclusion
The BIS Certification for Import is a crucial requirement for any foreign manufacturer aiming to enter the Indian market. Through the FMCS scheme, companies outside India can obtain a valid Bureau of Indian Standards License, ensuring their products meet the necessary BIS Standards and can legally display the BIS Mark.
Whether you are a manufacturer or an importer, understanding BIS Registration vs. BIS License, the BIS Logo, the BIS Application process, and the importance of compliance will help you build a safer, more reliable entry into the Indian market.
