BIS FMCS Certification in India

In early 2024, a European home appliance brand shipped 10,000 units of washing machines to India. The consignment reached the Mumbai Port in perfect condition — except for one missing detail: the BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) license.

Customs held the entire shipment for non-compliance under the BIS Act, 2016. Despite having passed international standards and quality checks, the goods were considered “non-conforming” under Indian law. After two months of waiting, document resubmissions, and testing, the importer faced losses exceeding ₹20 lakh in penalties and warehousing fees.

Lesson: Even global brands with CE or UL marks cannot sell or import certain products into India unless they carry an ISI mark issued under BIS FMCS.

This article will help you understand what FMCS is, which products are covered, the step-by-step process, cost breakdown, and how Green Permits can help foreign manufacturers get licensed faster.

What is BIS FMCS and Why It Matters for Foreign Brands

The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act, 2016 and the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

It allows foreign manufacturers—those having production facilities outside India—to apply for a BIS license to use the ISI mark on their products. This mark certifies that the goods meet Indian safety, performance, and quality standards.

Without the ISI mark, such products cannot be legally sold, imported, or distributed in India.

Key Benefits for Businesses

1. Smooth Customs Clearance – Avoid shipment detention or rejection at ports.
2. Market Access and Brand Trust – Indian buyers, distributors, and tender authorities prefer ISI-marked goods.
3. Regulatory Assurance – Satisfies BIS and DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) norms.
4. Risk Mitigation – Prevents legal penalties, product recalls, or bans.

Think of FMCS as a passport for your product to enter India’s regulated markets.

Who Needs BIS FMCS Certification

FMCS is mandatory for all foreign manufacturers producing items that are covered under Indian Standards (IS) but are not part of the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

You fall under this category if you are:

• A foreign manufacturer producing regulated goods in a non-Indian facility.
• An Indian importer bringing finished goods from overseas factories.
• A brand owner having outsourced production to international OEMs.
• A foreign company looking to export non-electronic, safety-critical products to India.

In short: If your product category appears in the BIS Compulsory Certification list and you manufacture it outside India, you must obtain an FMCS license before any import or sale.

Scope: Products Covered Under FMCS

FMCS covers over 350 product categories, including:

• Construction materials: Cement, steel, bars, and pipes.
• Electrical items: Switchgear, cables, transformers, fuses.
• Industrial chemicals: Caustic soda, paints, adhesives.
• Domestic goods: LPG stoves, pressure cookers, water heaters, and other home appliances.
• Food-grade containers and packaging products.
• Industrial machinery and valves.

By contrast, electronics and IT hardware (like mobile phones, laptops, routers, etc.) fall under the CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme).

Legal Framework and Authority

The FMCS is administered directly by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) of BIS, headquartered in New Delhi.

The licensing process is based on:

• BIS Act, 2016
• BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018
• BIS (Marks) Rules, 2018

All communications, documentation, and sample testing are conducted through BIS-recognized laboratories and official BIS portals.

Step-by-Step Process to Get BIS FMCS Certification

The BIS FMCS process involves a series of technical, administrative, and legal steps designed to ensure complete product conformity with Indian standards.

Step	Description	Responsibility	Estimated Time
1. Application Filing	The foreign manufacturer or its Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) submits Form VI, factory details, and product specifications.	Manufacturer / AIR	1 week
2. Document Verification	BIS reviews documents for completeness and requests clarifications if required.	BIS FMCD	2–3 weeks
3. Sample Testing	Samples are drawn from the factory and tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory (in India or ILAC-accredited abroad).	Manufacturer	4–6 weeks
4. Factory Inspection	BIS officials visit the foreign manufacturing site to verify quality systems, process flow, and testing infrastructure.	BIS / FMCD	1–2 weeks
5. Signing of Agreement	The applicant signs a licensing agreement and provides a performance bank guarantee.	Manufacturer / AIR	1 week
6. Grant of License	BIS issues the ISI license to the manufacturer.	BIS	30 days
7. Renewal and Surveillance	License renewal is done every 2–5 years after re-assessment and testing.	Manufacturer	Ongoing

Average Processing Time: 4–6 months (end-to-end)

Validity: 2 years (renewable up to 5 years)

Key Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents along with the FMCS application:

1. Duly filled BIS Application Form VI.
2. Test reports from BIS-approved or ILAC-MRA accredited labs.
3. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certificate for the factory.
4. Manufacturing license or registration certificate issued by local authorities.
5. Factory process flow diagram and detailed product drawings.
6. List of machinery, testing equipment, and calibration records.
7. Authorization Letter for the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
8. Declaration of conformity and undertaking for use of ISI mark.
9. Performance Bank Guarantee (minimum ₹5 lakh or equivalent).

Incomplete or inconsistent documents can lead to immediate rejection.

Understanding the Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will act as their official liaison with BIS and Indian authorities.

Duties of the AIR

• Submit and manage applications on behalf of the manufacturer.
• Coordinate sample dispatch and factory audits.
• Handle correspondence, fees, and documentation.
• Act as the compliance officer for all BIS-related matters.
• Ensure product recall, if required by BIS.

Why this matters:
If an AIR fails to respond to BIS queries or violates conditions, the manufacturer’s license can be suspended or revoked. Selecting an experienced compliance partner such as Green Permits helps mitigate these risks.

Factory Audit: What BIS Looks For

During the inspection, BIS auditors evaluate:

• Manufacturing process and quality control system.
• In-house testing capabilities and calibration records.
• Raw material traceability and supplier documentation.
• Packaging, marking, and ISI logo placement.
• Staff training and quality assurance programs.

Auditors also verify that the product is identical to the one tested and that no deviations exist in production batches.

BIS FMCS Fees and Cost Structure (2025 Update)

Fee Type	Amount (₹)	Details
Application Fee	1,000	One-time filing charge
License Fee	1,000	Payable on grant of license
Factory Audit Fee	7,000 per day	Plus actual travel expenses of BIS officer
Renewal Fee	7,500 + testing charges	Every 2–5 years
Marking Fee	0.4% of sales value (approx.)	Payable annually

Estimated Total Cost per Product: ₹2–5 lakh (including travel, testing, and document charges)

Fees are indicative; BIS periodically updates rates through official circulars.

FMCS vs CRS – Understanding the Difference

Feature	FMCS (ISI Mark Licensing)	CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)
Governing Body	BIS FMCD	BIS CRS Division
Applicable To	Non-IT and industrial products	Electronics & IT goods
Inspection	Mandatory factory visit	Not required
Testing	BIS lab or ILAC lab	BIS-recognized lab
Mark Type	ISI Mark	CRS Self-Declaration Mark
License Validity	2 years (renewable)	2 years
Authorized Representative	Required (AIR)	Indian importer
Certification Time	4–6 months	30–45 days

FMCS is more stringent and audit-based, while CRS is a self-declaration scheme.

Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers

1. Incomplete Test Reports: Samples tested in non-ILAC labs are not accepted.
2. Poorly Drafted Technical Files: Missing test methods or material details.
3. Language Barriers: Non-English documents often lead to clarification delays.
4. Unqualified AIRs: Inexperienced representatives cause communication gaps.
5. Misalignment with IS Standard: Product must exactly match the specified IS code.
6. Delayed Response to BIS Queries: Exceeding 30 days can cancel the application.

Pro Tip: Green Permits conducts a pre-application audit to ensure full alignment with BIS documentation and testing standards before submission.

Post-License Obligations and Surveillance

Once licensed, manufacturers must:

• Use the ISI mark strictly on certified products only.
• Submit production and dispatch details to BIS periodically.
• Allow BIS or designated auditors to conduct surprise inspections.
• Maintain quality assurance records for at least 5 years.

Failure to comply can result in suspension or cancellation of the license.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under the BIS Act, 2016, violations attract:

• Monetary fine up to ₹2 lakh for the first offence.
• Seizure of uncertified products at ports or warehouses.
• Blacklisting of importer and revocation of license.
• Criminal liability in repeated cases.

Beyond fines, reputational risk and loss of distributor trust can cost far more than compliance itself.

Case Example: How Green Permits Helped a Korean Steel Exporter

A South Korean steel manufacturer needed to export pre-galvanized steel coils to India but faced multiple document rejections due to technical language differences.
Green Permits assisted with:

• Translating and aligning their test methods with IS 277:2018.
• Coordinating ILAC lab testing and digital verification.
• Handling AIR representation and factory audit support.

The result: The client obtained its FMCS license in just 4.5 months, enabling exports worth ₹40 crore annually.

Conclusion: Enter India with Confidence

For any foreign manufacturer or exporter, BIS FMCS certification is the gateway to India’s regulated markets. It ensures product acceptance, smooth customs clearance, and brand credibility.

The process can seem complex — but with expert guidance, it becomes a structured and predictable journey.

Green Permits is your trusted partner for BIS, EPR, and environmental compliance in India. From application to audit, we simplify certification so you can focus on business growth.

Contact Green Permits:
+91 78350 06182 | wecare@greenpermits.in
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