2026 Step-by-Step Guide to BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

What is BIS FMCS Certification?

BIS FMCS Certification, also known as the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, is required for manufacturers located outside India who want to sell their products in the Indian market. This certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to make sure imported products meet Indian safety and quality requirements.

Under the BIS Act, 2016, certain products cannot be sold in India unless they are BIS certified and carry the ISI mark. To manage this, BIS operates a dedicated Foreign Manufacturers Certification system. The process includes product testing in approved laboratories, inspection of the manufacturing facility, and verification that the product follows the applicable Indian Standards before it is allowed for sale in India.

FMCS Full Form – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

The FMCS full form is Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, a specialized certification program designed for overseas manufacturers. Unlike domestic BIS certification, FMCS applies specifically to foreign companies exporting their products to India. The scheme ensures that only high-quality, standardized goods enter the Indian market, protecting consumer interests.

Why is BIS FMCS Certification Required?

India has clear rules to make sure that products sold in the country are safe and reliable. For certain products, BIS certification is compulsory. To handle this for overseas manufacturers, BIS introduced the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). This system checks whether products made outside India follow Indian safety and quality standards before they are sold here.

If a product falls under mandatory BIS certification and does not have FMCS approval, it cannot be imported or sold legally in India.

Why FMCS certification is important:

• Legal requirement: FMCS certification is compulsory for products covered under BIS mandatory certification.
• Entry into the Indian market: It allows foreign manufacturers to legally supply products in India.
• Confidence for buyers: Products with the ISI mark give customers confidence about safety and quality.
• Avoiding problems at customs: Without certification, shipments may be stopped, fined, or rejected.

Products Covered Under BIS FMCS Certification

The BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) covers a wide range of products that are manufactured outside India and are intended to be sold in the Indian market. If a product is listed under mandatory BIS certification, foreign manufacturers must obtain FMCS approval before exporting it to India.

This requirement ensures that imported products meet Indian safety, quality, and performance standards, just like products manufactured within India. Without FMCS certification, such products may be stopped at customs or barred from sale in India.

Major Product Categories Covered Under FMCS

Below are some of the most common product categories that require BIS FMCS certification:

Electronics and IT Goods

This category includes everyday electronic items and components such as:

• Power adapters and chargers
• Batteries and battery cells
• LED lights and LED drivers

These products are regulated because they involve electrical safety, heat generation, and potential fire risks.

Steel and Metal Products

Products made from steel and metals are widely used in construction and industrial applications. Examples include:

• Stainless steel products
• Copper wires and cables

BIS certification ensures that these materials meet strength, durability, and safety standards required in Indian conditions.

Chemicals and Fertilizers

Certain chemicals used in homes, agriculture, and industries also fall under FMCS, such as:

• Household cleaning chemicals
• Industrial solvents and chemical compounds

These products are regulated to prevent health hazards and environmental risks.

Automotive Components

Automotive parts that impact road safety must comply with BIS standards, including:

• Tyres
• Safety glass used in vehicles
• Certification helps ensure reliability, performance, and safety for end users.

Food and Related Products

Some food-related items also require FMCS approval, such as:

• Milk powder
• Packaged drinking water

BIS certification ensures these products meet hygiene, safety, and quality requirements before reaching consumers.

Important Note for Foreign Manufacturers

The list of products covered under BIS FMCS certification is not fixed. BIS regularly issues Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that may add new products or update existing requirements. Foreign manufacturers should always verify whether their product falls under mandatory BIS certification before shipping goods to India.

For the latest and most accurate information, it is recommended to refer to official notifications published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

BIS FMCS Certification Process – Step-by-Step Guide

The BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) follows a structured and transparent process to ensure that foreign-manufactured products meet Indian quality and safety standards. From appointing a local representative to factory inspection and final approval, each step plays a critical role in obtaining certification.

Below is a simplified step-by-step explanation of the FMCS certification process:

Step 1: Application Submission

Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) before starting the FMCS application process. The AIR acts as a communication bridge between the manufacturer and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Once the AIR is appointed, the application is submitted to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) along with necessary documents such as:

• Manufacturing details
• Product specifications
• Quality control procedures
• Factory layout and test equipment details

This step officially initiates the BIS FMCS certification process.

Step 2: Product Testing

After application submission, product samples must be tested to verify compliance with applicable Indian Standards (IS).

• Testing can be conducted at a BIS-recognized laboratory in India, or
• At an ILAC-accredited laboratory abroad, depending on the product and BIS guidelines

The test report must clearly confirm that the product meets all safety, performance, and quality parameters defined by BIS. Any non-compliance at this stage may lead to retesting or rejection.

Step 3: Factory Inspection

Once product testing is successful, BIS officials conduct a factory inspection at the manufacturing unit located outside India.

During the inspection, BIS verifies:

• Manufacturing and production processes
• Quality control systems
• In-house testing facilities
• Raw material sourcing and storage
• Consistency in production standards

This step ensures that the manufacturer can consistently produce products that conform to Indian standards—not just a single tested sample.

Step 4: Grant of FMCS License

If both product testing and factory inspection are satisfactory, BIS grants the FMCS license to the foreign manufacturer.

This license authorizes the manufacturer to:

• Export certified products to India
• Use the ISI mark on approved products
• Legally sell products covered under mandatory BIS certification

The license is issued for a specific product, manufacturing location, and Indian Standard.

Step 5: Marking & Ongoing Compliance

After receiving the license, the manufacturer must mark each certified product with:

• The ISI standard mark, and
• The assigned BIS license number

BIS also conducts regular surveillance audits and inspections to ensure continued compliance. Any deviation from approved standards may result in:

• Suspension of the license
• Cancellation of certification
• Penalties or customs issues

Maintaining compliance is essential for uninterrupted market access in India.

Key Requirements for BIS FMCS Certification

To obtain BIS FMCS Certification, foreign manufacturers must meet certain legal, technical, and financial requirements. These requirements ensure that products imported into India meet Indian quality and safety standards and that the manufacturer remains accountable throughout the certification period.

Below are the key requirements explained in a simple and practical way:

1. Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Every foreign manufacturer must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who is based in India. The AIR acts as the official contact person between the manufacturer and BIS.

The AIR is responsible for:

• Communicating with BIS authorities
• Submitting applications and documents
• Handling inspections, audits, and compliance matters
• Representing the manufacturer in case of any legal or regulatory issues

Without an AIR, FMCS certification cannot be processed.

2. Submission of Factory & Technical Documents

Foreign manufacturers must submit detailed factory-related documents to prove their manufacturing capability and quality control systems.

These documents generally include:

• Manufacturing process flow
• Quality control and testing procedures
• Details of machinery and test equipment
• Factory layout and organizational structure
• Raw material and supplier information

BIS uses this information to assess whether the factory can consistently produce products that meet Indian standards.

3. Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)

A Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) must be submitted to BIS as a financial assurance of compliance.

The PBG:

• Confirms the manufacturer’s commitment to follow BIS rules
• Protects BIS in case of non-compliance or misuse of the ISI mark
• Varies based on product type and risk category

This guarantee remains valid during the certification period.

4. Payment of License Fees

Foreign manufacturers must pay the applicable BIS FMCS license fees, which depend on:

• Product category
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Annual production or turnover

The license fee must be paid at the time of application and during renewal. Delays or incorrect payment can slow down the certification process.

5. Agreement with BIS

As part of the FMCS certification process, the manufacturer must sign a formal agreement with BIS.

This agreement confirms that the manufacturer:

• Will comply with all relevant Indian Standards
• Will allow factory inspections and surveillance audits
• Will use the ISI mark only on approved products
• Accepts legal responsibility for any violations

This legal commitment ensures long-term compliance and accountability.

Why Meeting These Requirements Is Important

Fulfilling all FMCS requirements helps foreign manufacturers:

• Avoid application rejection or delays
• Ensure smooth customs clearance in India
• Build trust with Indian buyers and regulators
• Maintain uninterrupted access to the Indian market

Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

The Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) plays a crucial role in the BIS FMCS certification process. Since BIS does not directly coordinate with foreign manufacturers located outside India, the AIR acts as a local legal and compliance representative in India.

In simple terms, the AIR works as a bridge between the foreign manufacturer and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Key Responsibilities of the AIR

The AIR is responsible for managing the entire certification and post-approval process on behalf of the foreign manufacturer. Their main duties include:

• Submitting the FMCS application along with all required documents to BIS
• Coordinating with BIS officials for factory inspections, audits, and sample testing
• Responding to queries, notices, or clarifications raised by BIS during the approval process
• Handling license renewals, amendments, and compliance updates on time
• Managing communication related to non-conformities, corrective actions, or product recalls, if required

BIS FMCS Certification Fees & Validity

The cost of BIS FMCS certification depends on several factors, such as the type of product, the applicable Indian Standard, and the manufacturer’s annual turnover. BIS does not follow a fixed, one-price model, so the total cost may vary from case to case.

Apart from the government license fee, foreign manufacturers should also plan for a few additional expenses during the certification process.

Cost Components Involved in FMCS Certification

The overall FMCS certification cost generally includes:

BIS License Fee
Charged by BIS based on the product category and license duration.

Product Testing Fees
Paid directly to BIS-recognized laboratories in India or ILAC-accredited labs abroad for testing product samples.

Factory Inspection Charges
Covers the cost of BIS officials visiting and inspecting the manufacturing facility.

Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)
A refundable financial security submitted to BIS to ensure compliance with Indian standards.
The PBG is returned after license cancellation or expiry, subject to BIS guidelines.

Validity of BIS FMCS License

The FMCS license is usually granted for a period of one or two years at the time of approval. The validity depends on the product type and BIS discretion.

Manufacturers can renew the license before expiry, provided all compliance requirements are met, including:

• Ongoing adherence to Indian Standards
• Successful surveillance inspections
• Timely payment of renewal fees

Renewing the license on time helps avoid business interruptions or import restrictions in India.

Need help with BIS FMCS certification?
PSR Compliance guides foreign manufacturers through BIS requirements, documentation, testing, and inspections so the process stays clear and well-structured. Call +91-7065883416 to speak with our compliance team.