BIS India Certification – The Complete Guide to ISI Mark & Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national body of India responsible for standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. The BIS India Certification is a crucial regulatory requirement for manufacturers, importers, and sellers intending to enter or operate within the Indian market. This article offers a comprehensive, in-depth look at the BIS certification schemes, documentation, procedures, benefits, and compliance tips that are essential for seamless product entry into India.

What is BIS Certification in India?

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment process that ensures a product complies with the applicable Indian Standards (IS). It is mandatory for certain products to be sold in India, both for domestic manufacturers and foreign importers.

There are primarily two key certification schemes under BIS:

• ISI Mark Certification Scheme
• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Understanding ISI Mark Certification

The ISI Mark is a quality certification mark issued by BIS for industrial, household, and consumer products. This mark guarantees that a product complies with the Indian Standard (IS) specified for safety, reliability, and performance.

Products Covered Under ISI Mark Certification

Over 370+ products fall under mandatory ISI certification including:

• Electrical appliances (Switches, wires, motors)
• Cement
• Pressure cookers
• Packaged drinking water
• Steel products
• Automotive tires and tubes

ISI Mark Certification Process

1. Application Submission (Form V)
2. Factory Audit by BIS officials
3. Product Testing in BIS-approved labs
4. Assessment and Approval
5. Grant of License with ISI Mark

For foreign manufacturers, BIS operates under the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) which follows the same route with minor changes in inspection protocols and documentation.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme is governed under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

It is designed for electronics and IT products, requiring self-declaration of conformity post product testing from a BIS-recognized lab.

Products Under CRS

The CRS covers over 80 product categories including:

• Mobile phones
• LED lighting
• Power banks
• Laptops and Tablets
• Smart Watches
• USB devices

CRS Registration Process

1. Testing of product from BIS-accredited lab
2. Filing of application on BIS portal
3. Evaluation and Grant of Registration
4. Affixing of BIS CRS Mark with Registration Number

Note: No factory audit is required under CRS, making it relatively quicker than ISI Mark licensing.

Key Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for any BIS scheme, the following documentation is essential:

• Business License (Company Registration)
• Manufacturing Layout & Process Flowchart
• Product Test Report (from BIS-approved lab)
• Quality Control Plan
• Factory Inspection Report (for ISI Mark)
• Authorization Letter (for Indian Representative, in case of foreign manufacturers)
• Technical Specifications, User Manual & Label Marking

Timeframe and Validity of BIS Certification

• ISI Mark certification may take 90–120 days including factory inspection and lab testing.
• CRS Registration is generally granted within 30–45 days.

Both certifications are valid for 2 years initially and can be renewed upon submission of updated documentation and compliance reports.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Any manufacturer or importer selling products in India without BIS certification (when required) is liable to:

• Heavy financial penalties
• Product seizures
• Import restrictions
• Legal prosecution under BIS Act, 2016

It is mandatory to ensure your product falls under mandatory BIS certification lists and complete the process before shipping or marketing in India.

Benefits of BIS Certification

• Market Access: Legal authorization to sell products in India.
• Consumer Trust: ISI or CRS mark assures product quality.
• Competitive Advantage: Adds brand value and consumer preference.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets import and customs clearance requirements.
• Reduction in Recalls: Due to adherence to safety and quality standards.

Tips to Ensure BIS Compliance Without Delay

1. Choose the Right Certification Scheme: ISI Mark for safety-critical goods, CRS for electronic products.
2. Work with BIS Recognized Labs: To ensure acceptance of test results.
3. Hire Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Mandatory for foreign applicants.
4. Conduct Pre-Compliance Audits: Identify gaps before official BIS inspections.
5. Keep Documentation Updated: Renewal or product variant additions need proper records.
6. Avoid Unlisted Lab Reports: BIS accepts only reports from its recognized network.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Delayed Factory Audits: Plan well in advance and coordinate logistics for BIS team visits.
• Rejection of Test Reports: Use only BIS-approved labs and follow exact testing protocols.
• Labeling Issues: Ensure all mandatory markings are printed correctly before production.
• Lack of Technical Documentation: Maintain updated BOM (Bill of Materials), circuit diagrams, and process charts.

BIS Certification Cost Estimate

The cost of BIS certification varies based on the scheme, product category, and geography. However, a typical breakdown includes:

• Application Fee: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000
• Inspection Fee (ISI Mark): ₹7,000 to ₹35,000
• Product Testing Charges: ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on complexity
• License Fee: ₹1,000/year per product category
• Marking Fee: Variable based on annual production volume

For foreign manufacturers, additional expenses include travel, logistics, and Indian representative fees.

Who Needs BIS Certification in India?

The following entities must apply for BIS certification before product distribution:

• Indian Manufacturers – For all products under mandatory certification.
• Foreign Manufacturers – Via FMCS or CRS schemes with Indian representative.
• Importers and Distributors – Cannot import/sell products without BIS certification on behalf of the manufacturer.

How to Check a Product’s BIS Certification Status

To verify if a product is BIS certified:

1. Visit the official BIS Website.
2. Use the 'Search a License' feature.
3. Enter License Number, Manufacturer Name, or Product Category.
4. Review certification validity, scope, and status.

Trusted BIS Certification Consultants

Due to the complexity of the process, many companies prefer hiring experienced BIS consultants who offer:

• End-to-end certification support
• Lab coordination
• Technical documentation help
• Factory audit preparation
• Renewal and post-approval services

This not only saves time but also increases the chances of first-attempt approval.

Conclusion

BIS India Certification is an indispensable tool for ensuring product safety, building customer trust, and meeting Indian regulatory requirements. Whether through ISI Mark or CRS, obtaining BIS certification enables smooth entry into India’s large and quality-conscious market.