BIS Certification for Imported Products in India 2026: Process, Requirements & Compliance

As international trade continues to grow, imported products entering the Indian market must comply with applicable Indian standards, safety requirements and regulatory conditions. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays an important role in product standardisation and conformity assessment in India.

For foreign manufacturers and Indian importers, understanding whether a product requires BIS certification or registration is important before importing or selling it in India. Depending on the product category and applicable notification, compliance may involve a BIS licence under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), or another applicable BIS conformity assessment scheme.

This guide explains BIS Certification for Imported Products in India, including its importance, applicable product categories, foreign manufacturer requirements, Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), application process, testing, factory inspection, marking and ongoing compliance.

Why is BIS Certification Important for Imported Products?

BIS compliance helps ensure that products entering the Indian market meet the applicable Indian Standards and regulatory requirements.

1. Quality Assurance

BIS conformity assessment helps establish that products comply with the relevant Indian Standard applicable to the product.

2. Consumer Safety

Mandatory BIS requirements for notified products are designed to address product safety, quality and other public-interest considerations.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Where a product is covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO) or another compulsory BIS requirement, the manufacturer or importer must comply before placing the product on the Indian market.

4. Market Access

Products covered by mandatory BIS requirements may need the applicable BIS licence, registration or certificate before they can be manufactured, imported, distributed or sold in India.

5. Consumer Confidence

Applicable BIS Standard Marks and registration markings help identify products that have undergone the relevant conformity assessment or registration process.

6. International Business Expansion

For foreign manufacturers, obtaining the applicable BIS approval can help support lawful entry and distribution of products in the Indian market.

BIS states that its certification scheme is generally voluntary, but certification becomes compulsory for products notified by the Central Government under applicable Quality Control Orders and other mandatory requirements.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Imported Products?

BIS certification is not mandatory for every imported product.

The requirement depends on the specific product, applicable Indian Standard and the relevant government notification or Quality Control Order.

For products covered by compulsory BIS requirements, the applicable BIS Standard Mark, licence, Certificate of Conformity or registration must be obtained as prescribed before the product is placed in the Indian market.

BIS maintains an updated list of products under compulsory certification and identifies different conformity assessment schemes, including:

• Scheme I – Product Certification
• Scheme II – Registration Scheme
• Scheme IV – Certificate of Conformity
• Scheme X – Certification

Therefore, importers should verify the exact product category, Indian Standard and current QCO instead of relying on a general product list.

BIS Certification Schemes for Imported Products

Different imported products can fall under different BIS conformity assessment mechanisms.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is used by BIS to grant licences to foreign manufacturers for products that conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

BIS states that FMCS applies to foreign manufacturers for products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under the CRS framework.

Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer obtains a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark on products manufactured at the approved manufacturing premises.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is operated for notified Electronics & IT goods.

Under CRS, applicable products are required to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and obtain BIS registration before being manufactured, imported, sold or distributed in India.

The current BIS product list includes categories such as laptops, tablets, televisions, power adaptors and other notified Electronics & IT products. The list and applicable requirements can change through government notifications and amendments.

What Imported Products May Require BIS Compliance?

The exact list of mandatory products changes as new Quality Control Orders and amendments are notified. Therefore, the product should always be checked against the latest BIS requirements.

Some broad categories of products that may be covered by compulsory BIS requirements include:

1. Electronics and IT Products

Examples include:

• Laptops and notebooks
• Tablets
• Televisions
• Power adaptors
• Set-top boxes
• Electronic games
• Other notified Electronics & IT products

Many notified Electronics & IT products are covered under the CRS framework.

2. Electrical and Household Products

Depending on the applicable Indian Standard and QCO, certain electrical and household products may require BIS certification.

Examples can include:

• Electrical appliances
• Switches and related equipment
• Cables
• Certain household appliances
• Electrical safety products

3. Steel and Metal Products

Various steel and metal products can be subject to mandatory BIS requirements under applicable Quality Control Orders.

4. Construction Materials

Certain construction and building products may be covered by mandatory BIS certification requirements.

5. Chemicals and Related Products

Specific chemicals and chemical-based products may also be covered by applicable QCOs.

6. Automotive Products

Certain automotive components and safety-related products may require conformity with specified Indian Standards.

7. Consumer and Other Regulated Products

Other categories, including toys and selected consumer products, may also be subject to mandatory BIS requirements depending on the applicable notification.

Important: This list is only indicative and should not be treated as an exhaustive list of products requiring BIS certification. BIS requirements are product-specific and may be amended through new notifications and QCOs. Always verify the current BIS notification before importing a product.

BIS Certification Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers

A foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS must satisfy the requirements prescribed by BIS.

Important requirements can include:

• Identification of the applicable Indian Standard
• Appropriate manufacturing infrastructure
• Required process controls
• Quality control arrangements
• Testing facilities or access to required testing
• Product conformity with the relevant Indian Standard
• Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Prescribed application and supporting documents
• Product testing
• Factory assessment or inspection
• Compliance with BIS marking requirements

BIS states that a licence is granted based on assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities, along with conformity of the product to the applicable Indian Standard.

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS Certification

A foreign manufacturer applying under the applicable BIS scheme generally needs an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

The AIR acts as the Indian representative of the foreign manufacturer for the BIS certification process and ongoing compliance.

According to BIS requirements, the AIR must generally be an Indian resident and must accept responsibility for compliance with the applicable BIS Act, rules, regulations and licence conditions.

If the foreign manufacturer has an eligible Indian branch or office, an employee may be nominated as AIR. Where there is no such Indian office, the foreign manufacturer may nominate an appropriate person in India subject to the applicable requirements.

Documents Required for BIS Certification of Imported Products

The exact documents depend on the product and applicable BIS scheme.

Common documents may include:

• Application form
• Details of the foreign manufacturer
• Manufacturing facility details
• Product specifications
• Product technical documents
• Details of manufacturing machinery
• Quality control and testing arrangements
• Process flow chart
• Test reports, where applicable
• Details of raw materials
• Details of testing equipment
• Calibration records, where applicable
• Authorized Indian Representative details
• AIR nomination documents
• Undertakings and declarations
• Factory layout or relevant facility information
• Other documents prescribed for the specific product

BIS advises applicants to check the applicable product-specific checklist and ensure that the application is complete before submission.

BIS Certification Process for Imported Products

The process depends on the applicable BIS scheme and product category. For foreign manufacturers under FMCS, the process generally involves the following stages.

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

First, identify the correct Indian Standard applicable to the imported product.

This is one of the most important stages because the certification requirements depend on the relevant standard and product scope.

Step 2: Determine the Applicable BIS Scheme

Check whether the product falls under:

• FMCS
• CRS
• Scheme I
• Scheme IV
• Scheme X
• Another applicable BIS conformity assessment mechanism

Step 3: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative

Where required, the foreign manufacturer should nominate an eligible AIR in India.

Step 4: Prepare the Application and Documents

Prepare the required technical, manufacturing, quality-control and organisational documents according to the applicable BIS checklist.

Step 5: Submit the Application Online

BIS currently provides online submission through the Manakonline portal.

For FMCS, BIS states that applications can be submitted online through Manakonline and that, from June 1, 2026, only online applications are accepted.

Step 6: Pay Applicable Fees

Pay the prescribed application, testing, inspection and other applicable BIS charges.

The exact fees depend on the applicable scheme and product.

Step 7: Product Testing

The product may need to be tested against the relevant Indian Standard through the prescribed testing mechanism.

Step 8: Factory Assessment or Inspection

For applicable certification schemes, BIS may assess the manufacturing facility to verify manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities.

Step 9: Scrutiny by BIS

BIS reviews the application, documents, test results and inspection or assessment findings.

If the applicable requirements are successfully satisfied, BIS can grant the relevant licence, registration or certificate.

Step 10: BIS Marking and Compliance

After approval, the manufacturer must follow the applicable BIS marking, labelling and licence conditions.

Step 11: Ongoing Compliance

BIS compliance does not necessarily end after obtaining the approval.

The manufacturer may need to comply with surveillance, testing, renewal and other continuing requirements depending on the applicable scheme.

BIS Certification for Electronics and IT Products

Electronics and IT products require particular attention because many notified products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

For example, the current BIS CRS list includes categories such as:

• Laptops, notebooks and tablets
• Televisions
• Power adaptors for IT equipment
• Set-top boxes
• Electronic games
• Certain audio/video and information and communication technology equipment

BIS's current CRS information also reflects amendments notified in 2026, so manufacturers and importers should check the latest product list before applying.

BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers that want to supply products covered by applicable BIS requirements to India should determine the correct conformity assessment route before shipment.

Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to the foreign manufacturer for products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.

The foreign manufacturer should therefore avoid assuming that an Indian importer alone can resolve the certification requirement after the goods arrive in India.

The correct BIS approval should be evaluated before commercial importation where the product is subject to mandatory requirements

Common Mistakes in BIS Certification for Imported Products

Foreign manufacturers and importers should avoid the following mistakes:

• Assuming every imported product requires BIS certification
• Assuming no BIS approval is needed because the product already has an international certification
• Selecting the wrong Indian Standard
• Applying under the wrong BIS scheme
• Providing incomplete technical documents
• Appointing an AIR who does not meet the requirements
• Importing regulated products before obtaining the applicable approval
• Using incorrect BIS marking or labelling
• Failing to maintain ongoing compliance
• Relying on outdated QCOs or product lists

Why Choose PSR Compliance for BIS Certification?

BIS certification for imported products can involve technical documentation, product testing, manufacturer coordination and regulatory procedures.

PSR Compliance can assist with:

• BIS applicability assessment
• Product and Indian Standard identification
• FMCS application support
• CRS guidance for applicable products
• Authorized Indian Representative assistance
• BIS documentation
• Testing coordination
• Application filing
• Factory inspection preparation
• BIS marking guidance
• Renewal and compliance support

Our team can help foreign manufacturers and importers understand the applicable BIS requirements and organise the certification process.

Conclusion

BIS compliance is an important consideration for foreign manufacturers and importers supplying regulated products to India. However, BIS certification is not automatically mandatory for every imported product. The requirement depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard, Quality Control Order and conformity assessment scheme.

For foreign manufacturers, the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) provides a route for obtaining BIS licences for applicable products, while notified Electronics & IT products are generally addressed through the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Because BIS product requirements and government notifications can change, manufacturers and importers should verify the latest requirements before importing or selling regulated products in India.

If you need help determining whether your imported product requires BIS certification, FMCS or CRS registration, PSR Compliance can assist with applicability, documentation, application filing and compliance support.

Contact PSR Compliance today for professional BIS certification assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all imported products?

No. BIS certification is generally voluntary unless the product is covered by a mandatory requirement such as a Quality Control Order or another applicable government notification.

Q2. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS certification?

Yes. BIS operates the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), under which foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS licences for applicable products that conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

Q3. What is FMCS in BIS certification?

FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. It is a BIS scheme under which a licence is granted to a foreign manufacturer for products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.

Q4. What is BIS CRS Registration?

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a BIS registration framework applicable to notified Electronics & IT goods. The specific product list is maintained and updated by BIS and the relevant government authority.

Q5. Is an Authorized Indian Representative required for a foreign manufacturer?

For applicable foreign manufacturer certification processes, the manufacturer must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative who satisfies the requirements prescribed by BIS.

Q6. Can BIS certification be applied for online?

Yes. BIS provides online application facilities through its Manakonline portal. For FMCS, BIS states that from June 1, 2026, applications are accepted only through the online portal.

Q7. Does BIS inspect foreign manufacturing facilities?

For applicable certification schemes, BIS may assess the manufacturing facility, including manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control systems and testing capabilities.

Q8. What documents are required for BIS certification of imported products?

Documents depend on the product and scheme but can include manufacturer details, technical specifications, manufacturing information, quality-control documents, test reports, AIR documents and other product-specific documents.

Q9. Can a product be imported into India without BIS certification?

If the product is covered by a mandatory BIS requirement, the applicable licence, registration or conformity approval must be obtained as prescribed before the product is legally placed on the Indian market. For products not covered by a mandatory requirement, BIS certification may be voluntary.

Q10. How can I know whether my imported product requires BIS certification?

You should identify the exact product, applicable Indian Standard and current Quality Control Order or other notification. BIS maintains the current list of products under compulsory certification and related conformity assessment schemes.

Q11. How long does BIS certification for imported products take?

The timeline varies according to the product, applicable BIS scheme, testing requirements, documentation, factory assessment and queries raised during processing. Therefore, a fixed approval timeline should not be assumed for every product.

Q12. Can PSR Compliance help with BIS certification for imported products?

Yes. PSR Compliance can assist with BIS applicability checks, FMCS and CRS guidance, documentation, AIR support, testing coordination, application filing and ongoing compliance.