Fri, Jan 23 2026
Raju Karn
BIS certification for medical devices in India is an important compliance requirement for products covered under applicable BIS standards and Quality Control Orders (QCOs). If a medical device requires BIS certification and is manufactured, imported, or sold without the required certification, the business may face regulatory action. BIS certification is not just a regulatory formality-it demonstrates that the product meets applicable Indian safety, quality, and performance standards.
This guide explains which medical devices need BIS certification, how the certific
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification ensures that medical devices sold in India comply with Indian safety and quality standards.
For medical devices, BIS certification applies mainly under:
In 2026, BIS compliance is increasingly linked with:
If BIS certification is mandatory for your device and you skip it, your product is treated as non-compliant and illegal.
Medical devices directly affect human life. That’s why BIS enforcement has become stricter every year.
Without BIS Certification, You May Face:
➜ Product seizure by authorities
➜ Sales ban across India
➜ Import clearance rejection
➜ Heavy penalties
➜ Loss of hospital & distributor trust
In 2026, many states are also coordinating BIS checks with drug inspectors and CDSCO officials, increasing compliance pressure.
| Medical Device Category | Examples | Applicable Indian Standard / Standard Family | Key Compliance Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Monitoring Devices | Patient monitors, ECG monitoring equipment, vital-sign monitors | IS 13450 series | Basic safety & essential performance |
| ECG Equipment | Electrocardiographs, ECG machines | IS 13450 (Part 2/Sec 25): 2018 | Electrical safety & performance |
| Infusion Equipment | Infusion pumps, infusion controllers | IS 13450 (Part 2/Sec 24): 2019 | Safety, performance & control |
| Pulse Oximeters | Pulse oximeter equipment | IS 16204 / applicable medical electrical equipment standard | Safety & essential performance |
| X-Ray Equipment | Diagnostic X-ray systems, radiography equipment, radioscopy equipment | Applicable IS 13450 series | Electrical safety & performance |
| CT & Imaging Equipment | X-ray computed tomography equipment | Applicable IS 13450 series | Safety & performance |
| Electroencephalographs (EEG) | EEG equipment | IS 13450 (Part 2/Sec 26): 2021 | Safety & essential performance |
| Cardiac Devices | External cardiac pacemakers | IS 13450 (Part 2/Sec 31): 2021 | Safety & essential performance |
| Radiotherapy Equipment | Radiotherapy treatment planning systems, simulators | Applicable IS 13450 series | Safety & performance |
| Therapeutic Equipment | Short-wave therapy equipment | Applicable IS 13450 series | Electrical safety & performance |
| Surgical Equipment | Surgical and therapeutic electrical equipment | Applicable IS 13450 series | Basic safety & essential performance |
| Clinical Thermometers | Electrical clinical thermometers | Applicable IS 13450 series | Measurement, safety & performance |
| Ophthalmic Equipment | Lens removal and vitrectomy devices | Applicable IS 13450 series | Safety & essential performance |
| Surgical Lighting Equipment | Surgical luminaires and diagnostic luminaires | Applicable IS 13450 series | Electrical safety & performance |
| Medical Laser Equipment | Surgical, cosmetic and therapeutic laser equipment | Relevant Indian Standards | Safety & performance |
| Medical Electrical Equipment | Various electrically powered medical devices | IS 13450 series and applicable product-specific standards | Basic safety & essential performance |
Many businesses confuse BIS with CDSCO. In reality, both may be required.
| Aspect | BIS Certification | CDSCO Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Product quality & safety | Regulatory & clinical control |
| Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards | CDSCO |
| Applies To | Specific products | Medical devices & drugs |
| Mandatory | If IS standard exists | Based on device class |
👉 In many cases, CDSCO approval + BIS certification together are required for legal sale.
Here’s where many applications fail due to incomplete paperwork.
→ Product technical details
→ Test reports from BIS-recognised lab
→ Manufacturing process flow
→ Quality manual
→ Factory layout & machinery list
→ Authorized signatory documents
Missing or inconsistent documents can delay approval by weeks or months.
‣ Product category
‣ Number of models
‣ Testing requirements
‣ Factory location
• Government fees
• Testing charges
• Inspection fees
• Professional consultancy (if used)
💡 Investing correctly upfront avoids costly rejections later.
Need BIS Certification or regulatory compliance support for medical devices in India? PSR Compliance can help you identify the applicable requirements, prepare technical documents, coordinate testing, and support the certification and licensing process.
📞 Call: +91 8796104190
📧 Email: support@psrcompliance.com
It depends on the specific medical device and the applicable Indian Standard or regulatory requirement. Medical devices are primarily regulated under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, administered by CDSCO.
BIS Certification relates to compliance with applicable Indian Standards and BIS conformity requirements, while CDSCO regulates medical devices through the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, including applicable manufacturing and import licensing requirements.
Medical devices covered under the applicable Medical Devices Rules include products used for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, life support, disinfection, and other specified medical purposes.
Medical devices are classified into Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D according to their risk level, from low risk to high risk.
Yes. Class C and Class D devices are subject to the applicable licensing requirements under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, with the Central Licensing Authority involved in the regulatory process.
No. ISO 13485 is a quality management system standard and does not automatically replace the applicable BIS or CDSCO requirements. The approvals needed depend on the specific device and regulatory pathway.
Yes. Importers of regulated medical devices must follow the applicable CDSCO requirements. For example, CDSCO identifies Form MD-14 for applications for an import licence, with the licence issued in Form MD-15.
The timeline depends on the device classification, testing, technical documentation, manufacturing site, inspection requirements, and the applicable regulatory pathway. There is no single timeline for every medical device.
Documents can include product specifications, manufacturing information, quality management documentation, test reports, technical information, labeling details, risk-related documentation, and other documents depending on the device and applicable regulatory pathway.
Yes. PSR Compliance can assist manufacturers and importers with medical device regulatory evaluation, documentation, testing coordination, BIS-related requirements, CDSCO licensing, and application support based on the applicable product category and risk classification.
PSR Assistant