When a Haryana-based trading firm, brought in its first container of smart lighting systems from Shenzhen, the team expected a smooth customs clearance. Instead, the shipment sat at Mumbai Port for 14 days. The reason? Their Chinese supplier’s BIS licence for the LED drivers had expired. Customs officers refused clearance until a valid BIS approval was produced.
That one delay cost over ₹6 lakhs in demurrage charges and missed client deadlines.
Stories like this are becoming common as India tightens quality control rules on imported goods—especially from China. Let’s unpack what’s really happening and how importers can stay compliant and profitable.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces quality and safety across more than 700 product categories in India. Once the government issues a Quality Control Order (QCO), that product can’t be sold, manufactured, or imported without BIS certification.
For importers, this means every batch entering India must be traceable to a manufacturer with a valid BIS licence or registration. Without it, customs authorities can detain or re-export shipments.
BIS approval isn’t just paperwork—it’s a safeguard against substandard or unsafe imports. For businesses, it also signals credibility to distributors, retailers, and consumers who increasingly demand verified quality.
China is India’s largest source of electronic and industrial components. Most of these goods fall under one of three BIS schemes depending on the product type and risk level.
| Manufacturer Route | BIS Scheme Type | Approval Authority | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic & IT Products | CRS – Compulsory Registration Scheme | BIS + Ministry of Electronics & IT | 45–60 days |
| Industrial & Machinery Items | FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme | BIS HQ New Delhi | 60–90 days |
| Electrical Equipment & Appliances | Scheme X (2024 Launch) | BIS HQ New Delhi | 90–120 days |
Each overseas factory must undergo a BIS audit to verify manufacturing processes and product testing capability. Samples are tested in BIS-approved Indian laboratories, and certificates are issued only when the results comply with Indian standards.
Without this licence, customs automatically flags shipments as “non-compliant under QCO”, resulting in detention until verification.
| Product Category | Relevant IS Standard / QCO Reference | Applicable Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| LED bulbs, lighting fittings | IS 10322 / IS 16102 | CRS |
| Laptops, computers, tablets | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 | CRS |
| Mobile chargers & adapters | IS 616: 2017 | FMCS / Scheme X |
| Electric motors & pumps | IS 12615: 2018 / IS 325 | Scheme X |
| Steel rods, fasteners, valves | Various QCOs 2024–25 | FMCS |
| Toys & child products | IS 9873 series / IS 15644 | FMCS / CRS |
Many Chinese factories supplying Indian distributors already hold BIS licences, but importers must ensure that:
Even a small mismatch can lead to customs rejection.
Every Bill of Entry is automatically validated through the Customs Risk Management System (RMS). The system compares the declared HS Code and product description with the BIS QCO database.
If a product appears on the list but lacks a valid licence number, the consignment is flagged for examination. Common triggers include expired certificates, incorrect IS standards, or unregistered factories.
| Customs Flag | Result | Resolution Required |
|---|---|---|
| Missing BIS licence | Shipment detained / re-export order | Submit valid BIS approval or seek provisional clearance |
| Expired certificate | Hold for verification | Renew licence and resubmit |
| Unlisted manufacturer | Entry rejected or audit requested | Register factory with BIS |
| Wrong HS code | Penalty under Customs Act 1962 | Amend BoE and correct classification |
This process ensures that only certified goods reach Indian consumers—but it also means any compliance gap can instantly translate to financial loss.
Only a few. Under Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) Para 2.03A, entities operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), or Advance Authorisation schemes can import non-BIS goods for captive use or re-export manufacturing.
However, these imports must not be sold in the domestic market, and importers are required to file a written undertaking with DGFT and customs authorities before shipment.
For all other importers, BIS approval remains mandatory, regardless of quantity or value.
Many businesses underestimate how quickly non-compliance costs escalate:
The message is clear: preventive compliance is far cheaper than corrective action.
1. Nominate an Indian Representative (AIR):
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Indian entity to liaise with BIS and handle documentation.
2. Prepare Technical Documents:
Include factory licences, quality-control plans, test reports, and safety manuals.
3. Submit Application Online:
Use the BIS portal to apply under the appropriate scheme (FMCS, CRS, or Scheme X).
4. Factory Audit:
BIS inspectors visit the facility in China to verify production standards, safety tests, and traceability.
5. Sample Testing:
Samples are tested in BIS-accredited Indian labs. Any deviation requires corrective action.
6. Licence Grant & Marking:
Once conformity is established, the factory receives a licence valid for two years. Every product must carry the Standard Mark and Licence number before export to India.
Proactive exporters often partner with compliance consultants to shorten this process and avoid documentation errors that cause rejection.
Having these documents ready ensures faster port clearance and prevents unnecessary inspection.
In 2024, a Gurgaon start-up importing IoT smart switches secured BIS approval six months before product launch. Their shipments cleared Nhava Sheva in under 48 hours, while rivals without certification waited nearly two weeks.
Timely compliance didn’t just save money—it gave them an early-mover advantage in a fast-growing market segment.
Importing from China can be highly profitable—but only if your supply chain is compliant from factory to port. BIS approval is now a fundamental requirement, not an optional formality.
Before your next shipment leaves the port of Shenzhen, let compliance experts verify your documents and factory credentials.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits to secure your BIS approval and clear customs without delays.
Yes. If the item is listed under a Government of India Quality Control Order (QCO), it cannot be imported, sold, or distributed without a valid BIS licence or registration.
Electronics, IT equipment, electrical appliances, steel items, toys, and many industrial components now fall under mandatory BIS standards through various QCOs.
No. The manufacturer must apply for certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), but they can nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with BIS.
Customs will detain or re-export the consignment. You may also face penalties under the BIS Act 2016 and incur heavy demurrage at ports.
Processing typically takes 60 to 90 days, depending on product category, lab testing, and audit scheduling by BIS.
