TechNova Imports, a mid-sized Delhi trading firm, ordered two full containers of power adapters from a Chinese factory that looked reputable online.
When the shipment arrived at Nhava Sheva, Customs detained it under a Quality Control Order (QCO). The reason? The goods carried no BIS Standard Mark.
The result — ₹18 lakh in demurrage fees, a month-long delay, and a lost client.
This experience is increasingly common for importers who rely on overseas suppliers without checking BIS requirements. Understanding BIS certification for Chinese manufactured products is not just about paperwork — it’s about ensuring your shipment reaches Indian markets legally, safely, and profitably.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national authority for standardization, product safety, and quality control. It regulates thousands of domestic and foreign products under the BIS Act 2016 and the Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018.
Whenever a product is covered under a Quality Control Order (QCO), importers must ensure it carries either a BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) or a valid Registration Number issued by BIS.
Failing to comply can lead to customs seizure, financial loss, and long-term reputational damage.
This route applies to industrial, electrical, and mechanical products such as steel items, cables, helmets, and chemical goods.
Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer must:
The licence authorizes the factory to affix the Standard Mark and export certified goods to India.
This applies to electronics and IT equipment such as LED drivers, laptops, mobile chargers, and smart TVs.
Here, the process is simpler:
Unlike FMCS, CRS does not require a foreign factory audit — but testing accuracy and proper labeling are crucial.
Before importing or manufacturing, check:
If your HS Code appears under a QCO, BIS certification becomes compulsory before customs clearance.
Check BIS’s “Products under Compulsory Certification” database. Use the official Indian Standard (IS) code to confirm coverage.
Determine whether the product falls under FMCS or CRS.
For example, steel bars → FMCS; mobile chargers → CRS.
Include the following:
Testing is performed at BIS-approved labs within India. The process may take 10–30 days depending on the product category.
BIS officers inspect the production facility in China to verify equipment, raw material controls, and testing methods.
Once testing and inspection are satisfactory, BIS issues the Licence Number (FMCS) or Registration Number (CRS).
Each shipment must display this number on packaging and accompanying documents.
| Product Category | Indian Standard (IS) | Certification Type | BIS Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Sheets & Bars | IS 277 / IS 2062 | FMCS – ISI Mark | Mandatory under Steel QCO |
| Electrical Irons | IS 302 (Pt 2/Sec 3): 2018 | FMCS – ISI Mark | Active QCO since 2024 |
| LED Drivers & Lamps | IS 16102 (Pt 2): 2017 | CRS – Registration | Active under MeitY CRS |
| Helmets for Two-Wheelers | IS 4151: 2015 | FMCS – ISI Mark | Enforced by MoRT&H since 2023 |
| Lithium-ion Cells for EVs | IS 16046 (Pt 2): 2018 | CRS – Registration | Mandatory under MeitY Order |
If these goods reach Indian ports without BIS credentials, Customs will not release them until proper compliance documents are produced.
For Indian Importers
For Chinese Manufacturers
Importing or selling uncertified products violates Sections 29 and 31 of the BIS Act 2016.
Penalties include:
In 2024, BIS cancelled over 120 licences from Chinese factories after repeated violations in electronic and electrical appliances — a stark reminder of the system’s seriousness.
A single misprint or missing mark can hold up an entire container — costing lakhs in demurrage.
Many importers treat BIS compliance as an afterthought. Yet pre-testing and certification can reduce clearance time by up to 70%.
Working with a compliance partner before shipment ensures predictable delivery and lower risk exposure.
| Benefit | Impact for Importers |
|---|---|
| Legal Imports | Prevents seizure and delays at Customs |
| Market Access | Enables listing on e-commerce and government tenders |
| Brand Reputation | Demonstrates safety and quality assurance |
| Risk Mitigation | Avoids penalties and loss of client trust |
Early compliance is not just a formality — it’s a form of insurance for your entire supply chain.
Still unsure which BIS scheme applies to your imported products from China?
Green Permits helps Indian importers and global manufacturers navigate BIS applications, coordinate testing, and secure licences faster.
📞 +91 78350 06182 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book Your Compliance Consultation Today — before your shipment reaches port.
No. Only goods listed under specific QCOs or notified Indian Standards require BIS certification.
For FMCS, the foreign manufacturer applies directly. For CRS, either the brand owner or importer can register.
No. Each manufacturing location needs its own licence.
Typically 90–120 days, including testing and audit.
Yes. FMCS applications include additional charges for foreign inspection and travel costs.
