When a Wrong Choice Stopped a Shipment
A European electronics brand shipping smart LED panels to India faced a three-month customs delay.
The reason? They applied for BIS certification under the wrong scheme — FMCS instead of CRS.
Both certifications fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), yet they serve completely different purposes. For importers and manufacturers, knowing this difference can mean the gap between a smooth market entry and a costly setback.
At Green Permits, we help businesses make the right certification choice before their products even reach Indian shores.
What is BIS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national authority for product quality, safety, and reliability.
It enforces compliance through three key certification schemes under the BIS Act, 2016:
- Scheme-I (ISI Mark): For Indian manufacturers.
- Scheme-II (CRS): Compulsory Registration Scheme for Electronics and IT Goods.
- Scheme-III (FMCS): Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme for overseas producers.
Each scheme has a different objective and applies to specific product categories.
BIS CRS Certification Explained
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 by BIS in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
It applies exclusively to electronic and IT products that the government has notified as requiring mandatory registration.
Key Highlights
- Applicable to Indian and foreign manufacturers producing electronics and IT goods.
- Covers products such as mobile phones, laptops, LED lamps, power adapters, and UPS systems.
- Registration validity: 2 years, renewable.
- Product testing is carried out at BIS-recognized laboratories within India.
- No factory audit is required.
When CRS Applies
If your product is electronic, IT, or solar-based and listed under MeitY’s notifications, it must be registered under CRS, not FMCS.
BIS FMCS Certification Explained
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is designed for non-electronic products that must bear the ISI Mark before being sold in India.
It allows foreign manufacturers to certify their goods in accordance with Indian Standards, ensuring they meet the same quality and safety levels as products made in India.
Key Highlights
- Applicable to foreign manufacturers producing non-electronic products.
- Covers categories such as cement, steel, valves, household appliances, and chemicals.
- Requires the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- A factory inspection by BIS officials is mandatory before certification.
- License validity: 1 year, renewable.
- Testing is conducted in BIS-approved labs or in-house under BIS supervision.
BIS CRS vs FMCS: A Complete Comparison
| Parameter | BIS CRS (Scheme-II) | BIS FMCS (Scheme-III) |
|---|---|---|
| Who It Applies To | Indian and foreign manufacturers of electronics and IT goods | Foreign manufacturers of non-electronic goods under BIS standards |
| Regulating Authority | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
| Type of Mark | Self-declaration of conformity (No ISI Mark) | ISI Mark (Standard Mark) |
| Testing | Conducted at BIS-recognized labs in India | Factory inspection + product testing |
| Factory Audit | Not required | Mandatory |
| License Validity | 2 years | 1 year |
| Application Mode | Online via crsbis.in | Through BIS FMCD (bis.gov.in/fmcs) |
| Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) | Required only for foreign entities | Mandatory |
| Average Timeline | 20–30 working days | 4–6 months |
| Typical Product Range | 75+ notified electronics/IT products | 300+ non-electronic product categories |
| Output | BIS Registration Number (e.g., R-xxxxxxx) | BIS License Number (e.g., CM/L-xxxxxxx) |
| Marking on Product | Registration number on product and packaging | ISI Mark with Standard Number |
| Approximate Cost | ₹25,000–₹40,000 | USD 3,000–USD 5,000 (varies by audit, testing, and license) |
How to Choose the Right Scheme
Choose CRS if:
- Your product is electronic or IT-based.
- You are a manufacturer or importer of electronic goods.
- You want a faster approval process without a factory audit.
Choose FMCS if:
- You are a foreign manufacturer exporting non-electronic products such as cement, chemicals, or steel.
- Your product is covered under a Quality Control Order (QCO) requiring the ISI mark.
- You are ready for a detailed factory inspection and ongoing compliance obligations.
The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Scheme
Applying under the wrong BIS scheme can lead to serious delays and financial losses.
Common consequences include:
- Shipment rejection at customs.
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS licenses.
- Repetition of testing and documentation.
- Missed deadlines and increased operational costs.
Real Example:
A UK-based LED lamp manufacturer applied under FMCS instead of CRS.
The consignment was detained at Mumbai Port until the product was re-registered under CRS, resulting in a multi-week delay and additional expenses.
How Green Permits Helps You Get It Right
Green Permits offers end-to-end BIS certification support — from identifying the right scheme to obtaining the final license.
Our BIS Services Include
- CRS Registration Support – End-to-end application and testing coordination.
- FMCS Certification Assistance – AIR appointment, audit preparation, and BIS liaison.
- ISI Mark Licensing – For Indian manufacturers under Scheme-I.
- Compliance and Renewal Management – Keeping your certification active and up to date.
Learn more:
Green Permits BIS Certification Services
EPR Services for Importers
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the BIS Act, 2016:
- Selling or importing uncertified goods can attract fines up to ₹2 lakh.
- The DGFT may restrict imports or exports.
- Repeated offenses can lead to product seizure or prosecution.
- Brand reputation and supplier credibility can be severely affected.
Pre-Application Checklist
Before starting your BIS certification process, confirm the following:
- Identify the correct Indian Standard (IS code) for your product.
- Verify if your product is covered under CRS (MeitY) or FMCS (BIS).
- Gather required documents such as test reports, factory details, and authorization letters.
- Conduct testing only through BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure compliance with labeling and marking requirements.
Quick Decision Matrix
| Question | If Yes → CRS | If Yes → FMCS |
|---|---|---|
| Is your product electronic or IT-based? | ✔ | |
| Is it a non-electronic product manufactured overseas? | ✔ | |
| Is your product listed under a BIS Quality Control Order (QCO)? | ✔ | |
| Do you need faster approval without an audit? | ✔ | |
| Are you appointing an Authorized Indian Representative? | Optional | Mandatory |
Conclusion
BIS CRS and FMCS certifications may appear similar, but they cater to completely different product categories and compliance pathways.
Choosing the right one ensures smooth import clearance, faster approvals, and uninterrupted business operations.
Green Permits helps manufacturers and importers navigate the complex BIS process — from product identification and testing to registration and renewal — ensuring compliance without confusion or delay.
Contact Us
Phone: +91 78350 06182
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits
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FAQS
Only for those producing products under BIS standards that are not part of the CRS list.
Usually 20 to 30 working days after successful product testing and submission of documents.
No. The foreign manufacturer must apply through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
No. CRS provides registration for electronic goods, while ISI Mark applies to products certified under FMCS or Scheme-I.
No. CRS covers only electronics and IT items; FMCS covers all other product categories.
