What is BIS Certification? A Complete Guide for Indian Businesses

When Raj, a young entrepreneur from Delhi, imported a shipment of LED lights, he thought his business was ready to boom. But at the port, customs officials stopped the consignment. The reason? His products didn’t have BIS Certification — a mandatory requirement for certain electronics in India. The delay cost him three months and lakhs of rupees. If you are a manufacturer, importer, or business owner in India, you don’t want to end up in Raj’s situation. That’s why understanding What is BIS Certification, its process, and benefits is crucial.

BIS Certification Full Form & Background

The full form of BIS is Bureau of Indian Standards. It is the national standards body of India, operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS is responsible for:

• • Setting quality and safety standards for products.

• • Conducting product testing through certified labs.

• • Issuing licenses and certifications for businesses.

BIS was established under the BIS Act of 1986, which was later updated by the BIS Act, 2016 to strengthen compliance and penalties for non-conformance.

Importance of BIS Certification in India

In India, BIS Certification is not just a formality — it is often legally mandatory.

Why is it important?

1. • Consumer safety: Ensures products are safe for use.

• • Quality assurance: Prevents counterfeit or substandard goods.

• • Legal compliance: Non-compliance can lead to penalties under the BIS Act 2016.

• • Ease of trade: BIS is often required for customs clearance of imports.

Penalty: Selling non-BIS certified mandatory products may lead to ₹2 lakh fine and up to 2 years imprisonment (repeat offences).

Who Needs BIS Certification?

You need BIS Certification if you are:

• • Manufacturers in India: Producing goods under mandatory product lists (e.g., cement, steel, electronics).

• • Importers: Bringing in foreign-made products that fall under BIS mandatory schemes.

• • Foreign Manufacturers: Applying through FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) to sell in India.

BIS Certification for Products in India

Currently, 380+ products require compulsory BIS certification. These include:

• • Electronics & IT products: Laptops, mobile phones, LED lights, USB chargers.

• • Construction materials: Cement, steel bars, pipes.

• • Consumer goods: Helmets, toys, household appliances.

• • Chemicals: Fertilizers, paints.

• • Packaged drinking water & food contact materials.

Benefits of BIS Certification

BIS Certification is more than a compliance stamp — it brings multiple advantages:

• •  Builds trust among consumers and suppliers.

• •  Mandatory legal clearance for product sales.

• •  Facilitates exports, since BIS is recognized in many international trade agreements.

• •  Reduces product recalls and rejections at customs.

• •  Competitive edge in markets where customers demand certified goods.

BIS Certification Requirements

Before applying, businesses must prepare documents and meet technical requirements.

Key Documents:

• • Business registration (CIN, GST, Import Export Code if applicable).

• • Factory license.

• • Product details & technical specifications.

• • Test reports from BIS-approved labs.

• • ISO 9001 certificate (in some cases).

• • Proof of manufacturing capability (machinery list, quality checks).

Get Latest BIS Updates – https://www.greenpermits.in/bureau-of-indian-standard-bis/

BIS Certification Process Step by Step

Applying for BIS Certification may seem complex, but breaking it into steps makes it easier: Step 1: Identify Product Category – Check if your product falls under ISI, CRS, FMCS, or Hallmarking schemes. Step 2: Register on BIS Manak Online Portal – Official portal: https://www.manakonline.in/. Step 3: Fill Application Form – Upload documents, product details, and pay fees. Step 4: Product Testing – Samples must be tested in BIS recognized labs across India. Step 5: Factory Inspection (for ISI/FMCS) – BIS officers visit the plant to verify manufacturing setup and quality control. Step 6: Grant of License – If all requirements are met, BIS issues a certificate with a unique license number. Step 7: Renewal – BIS license is valid for 2 years and renewable.

BIS Certification Rules and Regulations

BIS Certification is governed by:

• • BIS Act, 2016 – Main legislation.

• • Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 – Rules for product certification.

• • Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – For IT and electronics.

Tip: Not all products require BIS, but if yours is on the mandatory list, certification is compulsory before sales/imports.

Navigating the BIS Certification Portal

For many business owners, navigating the BIS website is confusing. Here’s a quick guide:

• • Official Website: www.bis.gov.in

• • Manak Online Portal: www.manakonline.in

• • BIS Portal Login: Create account → Dashboard → Application form.

• • Application Form Download: Available in guidelines section.

• • Guidelines PDF: Contains updated product lists & compliance rules.

BIS Certification Cost and Time frame

The cost of BIS certification depends on the product and testing needs.

• • Application fee: ₹1,000 approx.

• • Testing fee: ₹25,000–₹50,000 per sample.

• • Annual marking fee: Varies with product category.

• • Consultant/service fee: ₹20,000–₹1,00,000 (optional, depends on service provider).

Time Required:

• • CRS Certification (electronics): 30–45 days.

• • ISI/FMCS: 60–90 days (due to factory audit).

BIS Certification vs Other Certifications

Businesses often confuse BIS with other certifications. Let’s clarify:

• • BIS vs ISI: ISI is a mark under BIS for domestic manufacturers.

• • BIS vs ISO: BIS is Indian regulatory compliance, ISO is global quality standard.

• • BIS vs CRS: CRS is a subset under BIS, mainly for IT/electronics.

• • BIS vs BEE: BEE is about energy efficiency labels; BIS ensures product safety/quality.

Best Way to Apply — Consultants in India

Many businesses face hurdles in:

• • Understanding documentation.

• • Managing BIS lab testing.

• • Handling factory audits.

That’s where BIS Certification consultants help. In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, consultants act as agents to streamline the process. Green Permits Consulting is your trusted partner for:

• • BIS registration & renewals.

• • End-to-end documentation support.

• • Coordination with BIS labs.

• • Compliance advisory for multiple products (electronics, toys, chemicals, steel, cement, etc.).

Conclusion

BIS Certification is not just a compliance requirement — it’s a passport to the Indian market. It protects consumers, builds trust, and ensures your products can be sold legally in India. Instead of losing months like Raj, be proactive. Partner with experts who understand BIS rules, documents, and testing. At Green Permits, we simplify the entire BIS Certification process — from application to testing, renewals, and beyond. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or foreign brand, we help you achieve compliance quickly and cost-effectively.

FAQs on BIS Certification

Q1. How long does BIS Certification approval take?

Usually 30–90 days depending on product category.

Q2. Is BIS mandatory for all electronics in India?

Yes, most electronics (laptops, chargers, LED lights, etc.) need BIS under CRS.

Q3. What is the validity of BIS Certification?

2 years, renewable on compliance.

Q4. Can foreign companies apply without an Indian office?

Yes, via FMCS scheme, but they must appoint an authorized Indian representative.

Q5. Where can I find BIS approved labs in India?

BIS publishes the list on its official website under “Laboratory Services”.