Step-by-Step Process for BIS ISI Certification in India (2025 Guide)

Introduction — The Compliance Reality Check

BIS certification isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s your ticket to market entry. Without it, customs won’t clear imports, distributors won’t stock your products, and retailers can face penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Key takeaway:
If you’re a manufacturer or importer in India, understanding the ISI certification process step-by-step can save months of delay and ensure smooth market access.

What is BIS ISI Certification?

• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is the national body responsible for product quality and safety regulation.
• ISI (Indian Standards Institute) Mark is proof that a product complies with Indian Standard (IS) specifications.
• This applies to domestic manufacturers under Scheme-I of BIS.
• The ISI mark ensures your product meets required safety, performance, and quality benchmarks set by BIS.

Why it matters for your business:
Having an ISI Mark is like owning a verified passport — it allows your product to move freely in the Indian market, builds consumer trust, and avoids customs detentions.

Who Needs ISI Certification in India?

ISI Certification is mandatory for:

• Manufacturers producing goods under mandatory BIS standards (as per latest QCO notifications).
• Industries such as electrical appliances, cement, steel, automotive components, food-grade plastics, and more.
• Indian manufacturers supplying to government tenders or large retail chains.

Tip: Always verify if your product’s Indian Standard (IS number) appears in the latest BIS mandatory list before production.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS ISI Certification (Scheme-I)

Step	Process	Business Impact / Tip
1. Identify applicable Indian Standard (IS)	Determine the correct IS code for your product (e.g., IS 302 for electrical appliances).	Selecting the wrong IS code leads to rejection or re-testing delays.
2. Submit BIS Application	Apply online on www.bis.gov.in with all factory details, test reports, and documents.	Keep your factory CTE/CTO and quality documents ready for upload.
3. Product Testing at BIS-Recognized Lab	Send product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per the standard.	Always use BIS-accredited labs to avoid rejection.
4. Factory Inspection by BIS Officer	BIS officials conduct on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility.	Ensure production line, test equipment, and QMS are operational.
5. Grant of License (GoL)	If compliant, BIS grants the ISI license and assigns a unique license number.	Once approved, you can affix the ISI Mark with your CM/L number.
6. Post-Licensing Surveillance	BIS conducts periodic surveillance or sample testing.	Non-conformance can lead to suspension or cancellation.
7. Renewal of License	Renewal every two years upon successful surveillance.	Apply at least 90 days before expiry.

Documents Required for ISI Certification

• Factory registration / incorporation certificate
• PAN, GST, and address proof
• Manufacturing process flow diagram
• Product test report from BIS lab
• Quality control records and machinery list
• Layout of manufacturing premises
• Copy of CTE/CTO (Pollution Board)

Pro tip: Ensure all documents mention the same manufacturing address as in the application — mismatches are the top cause of delays.

Timeline for BIS ISI Certification

Stage	Average Duration
Application submission & document review	7–10 days
Product testing	15–20 days
Factory inspection & verification	10–15 days
Grant of license	30–45 days (typical timeline)

Note: Timelines vary based on testing load and BIS regional office.

BIS ISI Certification Fees (as per 2024–25 Schedule)

Fee Type	Amount (₹)	Frequency / Remarks
Application fee	₹1,000	One-time during submission
Testing charges	As per product & lab	Paid directly to BIS-recognized lab
License fee	₹1,000 per product	Payable upon grant
Marking fee	Variable (₹0.10–₹5 per unit)	Based on product type
Renewal fee	₹1,000	Every two years

Always verify latest fee notifications from BIS Fee Circulars.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under the BIS Act, 2016, selling or manufacturing non-certified products is punishable with:

• Fine up to ₹2 lakh (first offence)
• Up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment (repeat offence)
• Seizure of stock and cancellation of import clearance

Don’t risk your investment — BIS enforces strict action through customs, DGFT, and local authorities.

Benefits of ISI Certification for Manufacturers

• Legal authorization to sell regulated products
• Better market access (government tenders, exports)
• Customer trust and safety assurance
• Reduced risk of rejection or product recalls
• Competitive edge for brands with BIS-compliant products

Case Example: How Timely BIS Approval Saved a Launch

When a Pune-based appliance startup approached Green Permits in January 2025, their new mixer line was stuck at customs. Within 45 days, with proper testing and documentation, they received their ISI license — enabling them to launch nationally before Diwali.

That’s the power of proactive BIS compliance.

Renewal and Post-Certification Obligations

• Maintain quality testing records and batch traceability.
• Cooperate with BIS surveillance inspections.
• Renew the ISI license every two years with updated documents.
• Inform BIS of any change in production site, brand name, or ownership.

Why Work with Green Permits

Green Permits helps Indian manufacturers and importers manage the end-to-end BIS ISI certification process — from document preparation to audit support.

We ensure:

• Faster approvals through correct documentation
• Coordination with BIS labs
• Continuous compliance monitoring

📧 Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation today and start your compliance journey right.

Conclusion

BIS ISI certification isn’t just compliance — it’s the foundation of brand credibility and market access in India.

Green Permits makes the entire process simple, transparent, and audit-ready — from testing to certification renewal.

📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
🌐 www.greenpermits.in