BIS Certification in India: International Manufacturers

Introduction

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body. It operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. BIS plays an important role in ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability. For international manufacturers and exporters, BIS certification is key for entering the Indian market. Not just a regulatory requirement. It also helps build consumer trust and allows for wider market access. The Indian government is focusing more on quality and Indian standards. Businesses in electronics, machinery, chemicals, textiles, and other areas must follow BIS norms. Compliance with these standards is crucial. This guide shows how foreign businesses (Thailand, the USA, Russia, South Korea, and others) can get BIS certification. It focuses on schemes like CRS and the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

What is BIS Certification?

BIS certification is a conformity assessment process that verifies whether products meet Indian safety, quality, and performance standards. Governed by the BIS Act, 2016, it applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Products under mandatory certification must display the ISI mark or CRS mark (for electronics) to enter the Indian market.

Key Objectives of BIS Certification

• Consumer Protection: Ensures products are safe for use.
• Quality Assurance: Maintains standardization across industries.
• Market Access: Compliance is mandatory for listed products.
• Global Alignment: Aligns Indian standards with international benchmarks.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary BIS Certification for import in india

Mandatory Certification

Under Quality Control Orders (QCOs), BIS certification is compulsory for over 450 products, including:

• Electronics: Mobile phones, laptops, LED lights, and chargers.
• Chemicals: Polyurethane, PVC, and industrial chemicals .
• Building Materials: Steel, cement, and electrical wiring .
• Household Appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves.

Non-compliance can lead to product seizures, fines up to ₹2 lakh per item, or even criminal charges.

Voluntary Certification

Businesses may opt for voluntary certification (e.g., Eco Mark for ecofriendly products) to enhance brand credibility and competitiveness.

BIS Certification for electronic product certification india: The CRS Scheme

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is critical for electronics and IT products. Introduced in 2012, it requires:

1. Testing in BIS-Approved Labs: Products must meet standards like IS 13252 for IT equipment.
2. Self-Declaration of Conformity: Manufacturers submit test reports and register for a unique R-number.
3. No Factory Inspection: Unlike the ISI scheme, CRS focuses on product testing rather than manufacturing audits.

Key Electronics Under Bis CRS Certification India

• Smartphones and tablets
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Power adapters
• CCTV cameras

BIS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign companies must navigate a structured process to obtain BIS certification:

Step 1: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

An AIR acts as a liaison for documentation, factory inspections, and sample submissions 912.

Step 2: Submit Application & Documents

• Factory details
• Product specifications and test reports
• Manufacturing process flowchart

Step 3: Factory Inspection

BIS auditors inspect production facilities to ensure adherence to Indian Standards (IS) .

Step 4: Sample Testing

Samples are tested in BIS-approved labs. For CRS, you only need to submit lab reports.

Step 5: Grant of License(BIS Certificate)

Successful applicants receive a license to use the ISI mark or CRS mark, valid for 1–2 years.

BIS Certification for Importers

Importers must ensure their foreign suppliers hold valid BIS certifications. Key considerations include:

• HS Code Alignment: Verify if products fall under QCOs using India’s customs database.
• Labeling Requirements: Products must display the BIS mark and license number.
• Customs Clearance: Non-compliant shipments risk rejection or re-export.

Recent Updates & Deadlines

• Polyurethane Products: Mandatory certification deadline extended to March 2025.
• Machinery & Electrical Equipment: New Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) effective August 2025.
• PVC Imports: Deadline extended to June 2025 because of certification delays.

Benefits of BIS Certification

• Market Access: Sell products in India’s $3.5 trillion economy.
• Consumer Trust: Ninety percent of Indian consumers recognize the ISI/CRS mark.
• Legal Compliance: Avoid penalties up to ₹2 lakh per product.
• Competitive Edge: Differentiate from non-certified rivals.

Challenges & Solutions

Common Hurdles

• Complex Documentation: Technical specifications and language barriers.
• Long Processing Times: Up to 90 days for ISI certification.
• Costs: Fees for testing, audits, and marking (~INR 15,000 – 50,000).

Mitigation Strategies

• Partner with BIS consultants for end-to-end support.
• Conduct pre-audits to identify gaps.
• Use BIS portals to stay updated on regulatory changes.

Conclusion

Navigating BIS certification requires precision, especially for electronics under the CRS scheme. As deadlines approach, India's regulatory bodies are using AI tools. One example is the BIS Mobile App, which helps them monitor the market. This increases the risk of non-compliance.

However, partnering with experts can simplify this journey. PSR Compliance is a leading consultancy in India. They provide complete support, including document preparation, lab coordination, factory audits, and license renewals.

Their knowledge of CRS certification for electronics has helped companies from Japan, South Korea, and the USA. This has made it easier for them to comply and cut approval times by 40%.