Step-by-Step Guide: BIS ISI Mark Certification 2026

What Is BIS ISI Mark Certification?

The ISI Mark — short for Indian Standards Institute — is India's most recognised product quality mark, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. It falls under BIS's Product Certification Scheme, Scheme I.

When a product carries the ISI mark, it means two specific things:

• The product has been tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory and found to meet the applicable Indian Standard (IS).
• The manufacturing unit has been inspected by BIS officials and verified to follow proper quality control practices.

Applications are filed through the BIS Manak Online portal at manakonline.in — the only official channel for ISI certification applications.

Simple example: A pressure cooker sold in India with an ISI mark has passed all required pressure and safety tests under its applicable Indian Standard. Without that mark, the same cooker cannot legally be sold in India if its category falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO).

Objectives of ISI Certification

The ISI mark is more than a quality label — for many product categories, it's a legal requirement to sell in India at all.

• For customers, the mark creates instant trust. People buy electrical goods, packaged water, and construction materials more confidently when they see it — it directly influences purchase decisions.
• For your business, certification protects you from legal risk. Selling a mandatory-certification product without the ISI mark can lead to penalties, product seizure, or a market ban (see Section 9). Certification also smooths distribution, retail acceptance, and long-term business continuity — and gives you a real edge with distributors, retailers, and government buyers who actively prefer certified products.

Categories of Products Requiring ISI Certification

BIS has notified over 900 Indian Standards across product categories, but only products under an active Quality Control Order (QCO) require mandatory ISI certification — currently 150+ product categories. Below are the main groups, with the applicable Indian Standard cited where a single dominant standard governs the category.

Not sure if your specific product is covered? Check the current QCO list on the official BIS website (bis.gov.in), or get a free product assessment from our team

Normal Procedure vs. Simplified Procedure

BIS offers two routes to ISI certification.

Under the Normal Procedure, the applicant first ensures the product meets the applicable IS, sets up required in-house testing facilities, and compiles documentation. BIS officials then visit the factory, seal product samples on-site, and send them to a BIS-recognised lab for independent testing. If both the inspection and test results are compliant, BIS grants the ISI certification.

Under the Simplified Procedure, the applicant submits existing BIS-tested sample reports along with the online application and fees. BIS still inspects the factory and takes sealed samples for testing, but because part of the testing groundwork is already done, approval is faster.
 

Step-by-Step Application Process

Acquiring an ISI mark involves multiple steps to ensure adherence to BIS standards. Here’s a breakdown of the certification process:

• Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS number) for your product — this determines every testing and documentation requirement that follows. If you're unsure, our team can confirm it for you.
• Get preliminary product testing done at a BIS-recognised laboratory and obtain a compliance report.
• Register on the BIS Manak Online portal (manakonline.in) and fill in company, factory, and product details.
• Submit your application under Scheme I, with all supporting documents and test reports attached, and pay the application and processing fees online.
• Factory inspection — BIS officials visit your manufacturing unit, assess your quality control systems, and take sealed product samples for independent lab testing.
• Independent lab testing of the sealed samples at a BIS-recognised laboratory.
• Grant of ISI certification — once inspection and test results are satisfactory, BIS issues your license and license nnumber, and you may apply the ISI mark to your product.

Documentation Requirements for ISI Certification

ISI Mark Certification Fees — Full Breakdown

Certification cost depends on product type, manufacturing setup, and the applicable Indian Standard. Here's how the fee structure breaks down:

Factors That Affect Your Total Cost

• Product type — heavy industrial products (cement, steel) typically carry different fee structures than consumer goods (toys, kitchenware).
• Production volume — higher output generally means a higher marking fee, since it's calculated on usage/production of the ISI mark.
• Factory location — remote locations can add inspector travel and logistics costs.
• Additional testing requirements — e.g., fire safety tests for electricals, or chemical/hygiene testing for food-related products.

Because these variables shift the total significantly, get a specific quote for your product rather than relying on a single flat number — our team can put one together after a quick product review.

ISI License Validity & Renewal

An ISI license doesn't last indefinitely:

• Standard validity is generally 1 year from the date it's granted (some categories carry different terms under their specific Indian Standard).
• Renewal must be applied for before expiry — a lapsed license means you can no longer legally use the ISI mark until it's renewed.
• Renewal typically involves paying applicable fees and may include a fresh factory inspection or surveillance visit.
• Even during an active license period, BIS conducts periodic surprise inspections and market sample testing. If a product fails a market test, BIS can suspend or cancel the license — and pursue legal action.

Penalties for Selling Without the ISI Mark

If your product falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order and you sell it without valid ISI certification, the consequences are serious — not just a compliance formality. Under the BIS Act, 2016:

• First offence: imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh
• Repeat offence: imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh
• Authorities can also order product seizure and destruction
• E-commerce platforms can themselves be held liable for knowingly listing non-compliant products

Using a fake or unauthorised ISI mark is treated as a separate, more serious offence under the same Act.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with outdated test reports — most categories require reports no older than 90 days at the time of application.
• Selecting the wrong IS number — this leads to incorrect testing and near-certain application rejection. Confirm the exact standard before you start.
• Missing documents — even one gap, like a calibration certificate for testing equipment, can put an application on hold.
• Factory not inspection-ready — applying before your in-house testing setup is complete is one of the most common causes of delay.
• Not tracking application status — BIS raises deficiency queries through the Manak Online portal; ignoring them stalls the process further than it needs to.

Benefits of BIS ISI Mark Certification

• Builds consumer trust — buyers feel confident about safety and quality when they see the mark.
• Gives you a market advantage — certified products stand out to distributors, retailers, and end customers comparing similar options.
• Keeps your business legally safe — reduces the risk of fines, seizures, or legal action tied to non-compliance.
• Opens up more customers — many government tenders, large buyers, and organised retailers require or prefer ISI-certified products.
• Improves overall product quality — the certification process itself pushes better testing and quality-control discipline, reducing complaints down the line.