Step-by-Step Process to Obtain BIS License for Chinese Manufacturers

The Business Reality: When Compliance Meets the Supply Chain

In August 2024, NovaTech Electronics Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi-based importer, faced an unexpected roadblock — a ₹60 lakh shipment of power adapters from Shenzhen was stopped at Nhava Sheva port.
The reason? Their Chinese supplier didn’t hold a valid BIS license under the proper certification scheme.

Two months of re-testing, additional freight costs, and countless emails later, the products were finally cleared. By then, NovaTech had missed their biggest retail order of the season.

Stories like this are increasingly common. As India strengthens product quality regulations, BIS certification has become a non-negotiable requirement for any Chinese manufacturer supplying goods to India.

This guide breaks down, in practical terms, how to obtain a BIS license — step by step — and how companies like Green Permits help streamline this process for importers and foreign manufacturers.

Understanding the BIS Licensing Framework

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification ensures that every product sold in India — whether made domestically or imported — meets prescribed safety and quality standards.

There are two main pathways for Chinese manufacturers:

Scheme Name	Who It Applies To	Examples of Products	Authority
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)	For industrial, mechanical, or non-electronic goods under mandatory BIS certification (ISI Mark)	Steel products, cables, cement, valves, paints, automotive components	BIS Headquarters, New Delhi
CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)	For electronic and IT products notified by MeitY under Electronics & IT Goods Order	LED lights, adapters, TVs, laptops, routers, power banks, etc.	BIS CRS Portal (https://crsbis.in)

India’s compliance environment is expanding fast — over 750+ products now fall under mandatory BIS certification, and more are being added under new QCOs (Quality Control Orders) every quarter.

Why Chinese Manufacturers Must Obtain a BIS License

India’s regulatory framework doesn’t differentiate between domestic and foreign producers. Once a product is covered under BIS standards, no importer or brand can sell it without certification.

Here’s why it matters:

• Mandatory for customs clearance: Goods arriving at Indian ports without a BIS license are detained until proof of compliance is shown.
• Trust and market access: E-commerce platforms, distributors, and public procurement systems all require BIS-registered products.
• Avoid penalties and loss: Violations under the BIS Act, 2016 can lead to financial penalties, confiscation, or permanent blacklisting.
• Business continuity: Renewal and surveillance under BIS ensure a long-term license to operate in India without supply chain interruptions.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a BIS License

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Scheme (FMCS or CRS)

Start by identifying which BIS scheme applies to your product category.

• If you’re dealing with non-electronic products (e.g., steel, kitchen appliances, industrial goods), your certification will fall under FMCS.
• If you manufacture electronic or IT items like LED lamps or mobile chargers, you’ll register under CRS.
• Always confirm the Indian Standard (IS) code relevant to your product. Each product has a unique IS code defining its testing and quality parameters.

Example:

• Electric Iron → IS 302
• LED Lamp → IS 16102 (Part 1 & 2)
• Steel Rebar → IS 1786

Getting the IS code right at the beginning helps avoid re-testing and document rejection later.

Step 2: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

A foreign manufacturer cannot apply for BIS certification without an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

The AIR acts as the manufacturer’s official point of contact with BIS and assumes responsibility for the product’s compliance in India.

Requirements for AIR:

• Must be an Indian resident or registered entity.
• Should have authorization from the foreign manufacturer to act on their behalf.
• Must maintain technical and legal documentation for inspection.

Practical Insight:
For many Chinese OEMs, the AIR is a local consultancy or import partner who can coordinate testing, documentation, and post-license renewals.
Green Permits often provides this AIR service to simplify communication and ensure faster license processing.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation and Factory Information

The BIS application requires detailed information about the manufacturer, factory setup, and quality control system.

Key Documents Needed:

• Business registration certificate (China)
• Authorized Indian Representative Agreement (notarized)
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certificate
• Factory layout and production flow chart
• List of machinery, inspection, and testing facilities
• Test reports for sample conformity
• Trademark or brand certificate
• Copy of product label and packaging
• List of raw materials used
• Applicant’s passport, ID proof, and authorization letter

All documents should be translated into English and notarized by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in China.

Step 4: Apply for BIS Certification

FMCS Applicants:

• Application is filed with the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS Headquarters, New Delhi.
• Submission includes a factory inspection request, fee payment, and document upload through the BIS portal.

CRS Applicants:

• Application is completed on the online CRS portal (https://crsbis.in).
• The system generates a unique application number for tracking.

Pro Tip:
Before submission, verify that the testing lab you plan to use is BIS-recognized. Unrecognized lab reports are not accepted.

Step 5: Factory Audit and Product Testing

Once the application is accepted, BIS will conduct a factory inspection and collect product samples.

What Happens During Inspection:

• Verification of production lines and testing equipment.
• Examination of in-house quality assurance processes.
• Random sampling of finished products for testing.

Testing Phase:

• Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories in India (or mutually recognized labs overseas).
• Products must meet all safety, performance, and labeling requirements under the respective IS code.

Example:
For a lithium-ion power bank (covered under IS 13252), the lab tests for overcharging, short-circuit protection, and fire safety before issuing a compliance report.

Step 6: Review, Payment, and License Issuance

Once BIS receives positive test results and a satisfactory inspection report, the manufacturer must pay the license fees.

Type of Fee (FMCS)	Approx. Range (₹)	Details
Application Fee	1,000 – 5,000	One-time, non-refundable
Annual Marking Fee	50,000 – 2,00,000	Depends on product type and turnover
Testing Fee	40,000 – 1,00,000 per product	Charged by BIS-approved labs
License Validity	2 years	Renewable with updated test reports

For CRS, the structure differs slightly:

• Registration Fee: ₹25,000 per model
• Renewal Fee: ₹25,000 per model
• License Validity: 2 years

Upon successful review, BIS issues:

• A BIS License Number,
• A Standard Mark (ISI or CRS), and
• A Certificate of Registration.

These details are publicly listed on the BIS database and can be verified by importers or customs officials.

Step 7: Post-License Obligations and Renewal

The responsibility doesn’t end after receiving the BIS license.

Manufacturers must:

• Maintain consistent product quality as per BIS standards.
• Keep all testing and production records for inspection.
• Inform BIS immediately of any design or component changes.
• Allow unannounced surveillance audits by BIS officials.
• File for renewal at least 90 days before license expiry.

Failure to follow these conditions can result in license suspension or cancellation, halting shipments indefinitely.

Updated BIS Licensing Timeline (2025)

Process Step	Estimated Duration
Documentation & AIR nomination	1–2 weeks
Application submission	3–5 working days
Product testing	3–6 weeks
Factory audit	2–3 weeks
License approval	10–15 working days
Total Average Duration	8–10 weeks

Manufacturers with existing global certifications (like CE, CB, or UL) often experience smoother BIS processing since documentation overlaps significantly.

Common Errors That Delay or Reject Applications

1. Submitting incomplete or poorly translated documents.
2. Choosing the wrong BIS scheme (FMCS vs CRS).
3. Failing to appoint a qualified AIR before submission.
4. Testing samples at non-accredited labs.
5. Not maintaining updated quality management certificates.
6. Ignoring renewal deadlines — causing license lapse and market delays.

Case Example: How a 3-Week Delay Cost ₹18 Lakh

A Guangzhou-based smart home manufacturer exported Bluetooth-enabled switches without BIS registration under the CRS scheme. The shipment was detained at port, and re-testing took six weeks.
By the time clearance arrived, their Indian distributor had canceled the order, costing over ₹18 lakh in lost revenue and logistics.

Lesson: Proactive compliance is far cheaper than reactive problem-solving.

Penalties for BIS Non-Compliance

Violation Type	Penalty under BIS Act, 2016
Import or sale of non-certified goods	Up to ₹2 lakh per product batch
Repeated violations	Up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment (2 years)
Misuse of BIS Standard Mark	₹1 lakh + license cancellation
Providing false or misleading information	Permanent blacklisting + prosecution

Why Work with Green Permits

Navigating BIS procedures across two countries, multiple authorities, and shifting regulations can be complex.
Green Permits simplifies it with an end-to-end managed compliance process tailored for Chinese OEMs and Indian importers.

Our Support Includes:

• Product classification and IS code mapping
• Coordination with BIS FMCD and CRS departments
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) facilitation
• Lab testing and document legalization from China
• License renewal and annual surveillance support

Partnering with a compliance expert ensures your shipment never gets held up due to paperwork again.

📞 Book Your BIS Consultation with Green Permits

Importing from China doesn’t have to involve guesswork.
Green Permits helps manufacturers and Indian importers secure BIS licenses smoothly — from documentation to final approval.

Contact Us:
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in

Your compliance, simplified.