BIS Registration: Ensuring the Quality of Your Products

Overview of BIS Registration

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India is responsible for issuing BIS certification. The BIS registration shows the third-party BIS assurance of a product's quality, dependability, and safety to consumers. 

It is optional to receive BIS certification, but, for public safety, the Indian government has made it mandatory to get a BIS registration for certain items. Therefore, there are 380 products for which this certification is mandatory. License holders can use the ISI mark, often known as the "standard mark," on their products after getting the BIS certification. This mark ensures the quality of the products. 

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards is a national standards body. It was regulated under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986. This Certification is responsible for the developing and maintaining the standards for a wide range of products to ensure their quality and safety. BIS certification is a conformity assessment process carried out by BIS to ensure their product meets the specified Indian standards.

What is BIS certification?

If you have a BIS certification, then your products look authentic and customers are aware that such products do not compromise with quality. The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS is a National Standard Body of India that was established by the BIS Act of 2016. 

The BIS in India certifies products to give consumers an independent assurance of the dependability, safety, and quality of the products. Increased consumer confidence and trust in the products, quality assurance, customer safety from potentially dangerous items, and public health protection are the goals of the BIS registration.

Take note of the Benefits of the BIS Registration process

Taking a BIS certification is not mandatory in every case but it can give you an edge over your rivals. Therefore, in this competitive market, it becomes important to have a BIS registration. Therefore, having a certified BIS license comes with many benefits, let?s discuss a few of them:

• Quality Assurance: A BIS certification ensures that products fulfil strict requirements by adhering to predetermined quality benchmarks.
• Enhanced Credibility: The BIS Standard Mark is a mark of exceptional quality that assures customers about the performance, safety, and reliability of a product.
• Standards Compliance: It confirms that goods meet Indian standards, building confidence among customers and boosting competitiveness in the market.
• Customer Confidence: BIS registration gives consumers peace of mind by proving that products adhere to strict quality and safety standards.
• Legal Compliance: BIS standard mark guarantees adherence to national and regulatory guidance.
• Increased Market Reach: Companies may access a large customer base by obtaining a BIS registration, which increases sales prospects and market penetration across the country.

Types of BIS Certification 

The BIS certification in India is provided under different types of programs depending on your product and type of business. Therefore, it is very important to understand the types of BIS certification available so that you can understand that your product falls under which category. Here are the different types of BIS Registrations available:

ISI Mark Scheme for Domestic Manufacturers

Manufacturers of goods subject to the mandatory BIS registration (Scheme-I) must register using the standard process. On the other hand, the list of items covered by streamlined registration also includes some products that need mandatory certification. The manufacturer of items that are required to get BIS registration and are included among those that qualify for simplified registration should register such products using the streamlined process rather than the standard one.

Simplified Process for Domestic Manufacturers

To expedite the process of awarding a BIS license, the BIS instituted the streamlined approach. Application for BIS under the streamlined approach is mandatory for the makers of the items specified under it. Under this streamlined process, the BIS license is awarded within 30 days of the BIS certification application being submitted.

ECO Mark Scheme

Under the ECO mark program, the BIS registration is beneficial for ecological items as well. BIS classifies all environmental goods that meet the fundamental conditions outlined in Indian Standards under this system. The items receive both an "ISI Mark" and an "ECO" mark from the BIS.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

Within six months, the Foreign Producers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows foreign producers or overseas applicants to get the specifically developed ISI mark from the BIS. Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and the Compulsory BIS Certification Scheme (Scheme-I), they can receive a BIS standard mark for their products.

Compulsory Registration Scheme

In 2012, the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). For 15 types of electronic devices, it approved the "Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012". But afterwards, it expanded the list of electronic and IT items covered by the CRS.

Objectives of getting a BIS Registration

The following are the main objectives of registering with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):

• Compliance with rules: To guarantee that goods meet the requirements for quality, safety, and performance as specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, as well as the rules and regulations that have been established by the organization.
• Legal Requirement: In accordance with the BIS Act, some items must get a BIS standard mark to be sold in the Indian market. Compliance with these regulatory requirements is guaranteed by registration.
• Customer Confidence: BIS registration contributes to a rise in customer acceptability by fostering consumer trust and confidence in the safety, dependability, and quality of the certified items.
• Market Access: Having a BIS registration makes it easier for manufacturers to enter and access the Indian market, enabling them to lawfully sell their goods throughout the nation.
• Competitive edge: Setting certified items apart from non-certified ones, gives businesses a competitive edge by boosting their marketability and reputation.
• International commerce: BIS registration can help exporters by attesting to their products' compliance with international quality standards, which facilitates international commerce and enhances market access overseas.
• Enhancement of Product Quality: The BIS licensing procedure frequently calls for adherence to certain quality standards, which might enhance the production procedures and the general quality of the product.

Documents required for BIS Certification

If you wish to take a BIS certification, then you will be required to submit a few documents to the Bureau of Indian Standards:

• Proof of the applicant's and the factory's name and address. 
• Evidence of Manufacturing Unit Establishment: Certificate of Incorporation, Registration Certificate, Memorandum of Agreement, etc.
• Details of the manufacturing process outsourcing as documented in the SSI or MSME certificate.
• Layout diagram Factory location diagram.
• Detailed Manufacturing Process Flow List of Testing Facilities and Equipment List of Machinery Involved.
• Testing apparatus calibration certificates and third-party laboratory test reports compliant with Indian Standards.
• An authorization letter from the CEO in the authorized signatory's name is required if the application is signed by an authorised signatory.
• For manufacturers based abroad or overseas, the Indian Agent and Nomination Form details.
• Product technical information, including PCB layout, schematic diagrams, user manuals, and critical components List of Recipient Acknowledgment.
• Affidavit certified with ID proof and signature of the authorized Indian Representative, along with a letter of consent from the CEO of the Company Undertaking (in case of the foreign or overseas manufacturer).
• Original test reports about the test report from BIS Laboratory Undertaking.

Process of obtaining BIS Certification

In order to get a BIS license, you will be required to follow certain steps. The licensing procedure entails the following steps:

• The applicant completes the application in the correct format, following BIS guidelines.
• Applications shall be filed with the necessary supporting documentation.
• After receiving the application, the BIS Officer will make a preliminary inspection visit to the applicant's factory.
• Furthermore, the BIS Officers inspect the product samples.
• The final test report is prepared by the BIS Officer following the completion of all assessments.

Following the inspection procedure, the BIS Officer carries out the monitoring procedure to do an exhaustive factory assessment. 

The following are the steps involved in the surveillance process:

• To verify the test findings, the inspecting Authority visits the factory.
• The samples are subsequently sent to the laboratory by the BIS Officer.
• The test report provides an overview or analysis of the inspection.
• A report on the performance review is created.
• Following a review of each report, BIS provides the Certificate.

What is the Validity of BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards grants a BIS certification which is valid for two years. After the expiration of this period, the application can make a renewal application. The validity of the renewed BIS certificate is for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.

Moreover, the applicant will have to pay a late fee of Rs. 5,000 if the BIS certification renewal application is submitted after the certificate's expiration date.

Why Choose PSR Compliance?

Top-tier BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification services are provided by PSR Compliance to guarantee your products' outstanding quality and compliance with Indian regulations. Our experts are experienced in the field of BIS registration holding years of expertise in the same domain. Therefore, we are committed to offering every possible assistance in the registration procedure. 

With our professional guidance, the registration process becomes streamlined and your products are guaranteed to satisfy the requirements, enhancing your brand's reputation for quality and reliability in the Indian market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1- Why do I need a BIS certificate?

The Indian government enforces a vital method for quality and safety assurance in the form of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for imports. It guarantees that goods imported into India from foreign nations comply with the rules and specifications set out by India.

Q2- Is BIS mandatory?

The BIS is mostly optional. However, for a number of items, the BIS registration is made mandatory by the Central Government keeping the public health and safety in mind.

Q3- Can I import without a BIS certificate?

For some product categories, BIS registration is required and importing those items without the required certification may result in fines and delays in customs clearance.

Q4- How do I get a BIS certificate for an overseas manufacturer?

First, complete the standard application form and attach the necessary documents. Next, use the normal nomination form to designate an AIR or Authorized Indian Representative. Finally, send these documents and the required payment to the BIS headquarters in New Delhi.

Q5- Is BIS required for personal use?

No, you do not need to register with BIS if you are importing items for personal use.