Last year, a Korean LED-panel manufacturer shipped its first batch to India. The goods reached Mumbai port—but Customs held them for one reason: no BIS FMCS licence.
Two months of delay, demurrage, and a new learning: without BIS approval, market entry stops at the port gate.
If you manufacture outside India but sell products in the Indian market, this guide explains how FMCS registration works, what it costs, and how to get it right the first time.
What Is BIS FMCS and Why It Matters for Foreign Manufacturers
The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows overseas manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on products exported to India.
It is operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018–2024 .
Think of BIS FMCS as your product passport—without it, you cannot legally market or distribute ISI-marked goods in India.
Business benefits:
- Legal import clearance by DGFT and Customs
- Stronger buyer confidence and tender eligibility
- Protection against seizure and penalty for unregistered goods
Who Needs FMCS Registration
FMCS applies to foreign manufacturers of products that fall under mandatory Indian Standards (QCOs).
Typical sectors include:
| Category | Common Examples | Relevant BIS Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical & Electronics | LED luminaires, cables, motors, circuit breakers | FMCS (Scheme I) |
| Steel & Mechanical Products | Steel bars, valves, cement | FMCS (Scheme I) |
| Chemical & Plastic Items | Adhesives, PVC compounds | FMCS (Scheme I) |
If your product is notified under a Quality Control Order (QCO), you must get a BIS licence before export to India.
The FMCS Registration Process Step by Step
Below is the official BIS workflow simplified for businesses.
| Stage | Key Actions | Owner / Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application | Submit BIS FMCS Form VI with company, product, test-report, and plant details. | Manufacturer |
| 2. Nominate Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) | Appoint a resident Indian entity to liaise with BIS and hold legal responsibility. | Manufacturer |
| 3. Document Scrutiny | BIS reviews application and issues query (if any). | BIS HQ, New Delhi |
| 4. Factory Inspection | BIS officers inspect foreign factory for in-house testing, quality control, and process flow. | BIS / AIR |
| 5. Sample Testing | Samples drawn during inspection are tested in BIS-recognized labs in India. | BIS-Empanelled Lab |
| 6. Licence Grant | Upon satisfactory test results and inspection, BIS issues Licence to Use Standard Mark. | BIS |
| 7. Post-Licence Surveillance | Annual fee payment, marking fee returns, and random market sampling. | AIR / Manufacturer |
Documents Required for FMCS Application
A. By Manufacturer
- Application Form VI and Company Profile
- ISO 9001 Certificate (QMS)
- List of Manufacturing Machinery & Process Flow Diagram
- In-house Testing Facilities and Calibration Records
- Test Reports as per applicable IS Standard
- Authorization Letter appointing AIR
- Factory layout and location map
B. By Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Indian PAN Card and Address Proof
- Undertaking to represent the manufacturer before BIS
- Indemnity Bond on ₹100 Stamp Paper
- Copy of agreement between Manufacturer and AIR
BIS FMCS Fee Structure (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 | BIS | Non-refundable |
| Annual Licence Fee | ₹1,000 | BIS | Payable each year of validity |
| Factory Inspection Charges | ₹7,000 per man-day | BIS | Travel & inspection expenses extra |
| Marking Fee | As per IS standard (₹ per unit/kg/m) | BIS | Declared at licence grant |
| Performance Bank Guarantee | Typically USD 10,000 – 15,000 equivalent | BIS HQ | Refundable after licence expiry |
Licence Validity: Two years from the date of grant; renewable on continued compliance.
Average Timeline for FMCS Approval
| Stage | Typical Duration* |
|---|---|
| Application scrutiny and query | 10 – 15 days |
| Factory inspection scheduling & testing | 20 – 25 days |
| Licence issuance (post approval) | 5 – 10 days |
| Total processing time | ≈ 45 days (subject to complete documents and test success) |
*Indicative, based on recent BIS projects managed by Green Permits.
Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Every foreign applicant must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) registered with BIS.
The AIR acts as the official liaison between BIS and the manufacturer and assumes local liability for compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate testing and inspection visits
- Pay fees and marking charges on manufacturer’s behalf
- Receive licence documents and renewal notices
- Facilitate sample testing and corrective actions
- Represent manufacturer in case of enforcement or appeal
Eligibility of AIR:
- Indian citizen or entity registered in India
- Minimum graduate qualification
- No commercial link with any testing laboratory
- Full-time availability to liaise with BIS
Surveillance and Renewal
Once licence is issued, BIS conducts periodic factory audits and product testing to verify ongoing compliance.
Renewal applications should be filed at least three months before licence expiry.
Documents required for renewal:
- Updated test reports and QMS certificate
- Last two years’ production records and marking fee payments
- Undertaking on no change in manufacturing location or process
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating without a valid BIS FMCS licence can lead to serious commercial and legal risks:
| Violation | Possible Action |
|---|---|
| Import or sale of non-certified products | Customs seizure and refusal of clearance under DGFT Trade Notice |
| Misuse of ISI mark | Licence suspension or cancellation by BIS under Reg. 11(2) |
| False or forged documents | Monetary penalty and blacklisting of AIR and manufacturer |
| Failure to renew licence | Market access halt until fresh approval |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documents without test reports
- Appointing an AIR with no industrial experience
- Delayed response to BIS queries
- Testing at non-BIS-recognized labs
- Using outdated QCO references or standards
Mini Case: How a European Switchgear Brand Cut Time by 40 %
A French electrical switchgear manufacturer approached Green Permits after two earlier applications were stalled for missing factory drawings.
We prepared a complete FMCS dossier with QMS validation and pre-audit video evidence, helping BIS approve the licence in just 33 days.
The client now exports legally to India with a 5-year renewable marking plan.
How Green Permits Can Help
- End-to-end FMCS application drafting and AIR support
- Technical documentation and IS standard mapping
- Coordination with BIS for inspection and testing
- Renewal and marking fee advisory
Visit www.greenpermits.in/bis-certification for custom guidance.
Quick Reference Tables
1. FMCS vs CRS Comparison
| Parameter | FMCS (Scheme I) | CRS (Scheme II) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Type | Foreign Manufacturer | Domestic Manufacturer / Importer |
| Product Testing Location | In India at BIS-recognized lab | In India at BIS lab or recognized lab |
| Factory Inspection | Required by BIS | Not required |
| Licence Validity | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Standard Mark | ISI Mark | CRS Mark (Registration No.) |
2. Indicative Fee & Timeline Snapshot
| Step | Fee Range (INR) | Typical Timeline (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission | ₹1,000 | 2–3 |
| Inspection & testing | ₹7,000 + actual testing | 20–25 |
| Licence grant | ₹1,000 annual | 5–10 |
| Total | — | ≈ 45 days |
Conclusion & Next Steps
BIS FMCS registration is not just a formal requirement—it is your gateway to the Indian market.
A clear application, qualified AIR, and accurate testing save months of delay and revenue loss.
Green Permits assists foreign manufacturers and importers through each stage—from documentation to BIS licence issuance.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
👉 Book a Consultation with Green Permits to start your FMCS application today.
Book a Technical Call with Expert
Yes. Every foreign manufacturer must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative before applying to BIS.
Two years from the date of grant; renewable upon satisfactory surveillance.
Yes, if approved by BIS and no conflict of interest exists with testing labs.
BIS issues a non-conformity report; rectification and re-testing must be completed before licence can be granted.
Yes—we manage complete FMCS lifecycle support, from application to renewal and BIS audits.
