India has rapidly emerged as one of the largest import destinations for electrical, mechanical, and consumer goods. But with that growth comes a critical question — how can Indian consumers be sure that imported products are safe and reliable?
That’s where the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) steps in.
A Quick Story to Begin
In 2023, a consignment of sub-standard pressure cookers was detained at the Mumbai port. The products lacked BIS FMCS marking — meaning they hadn’t been tested or approved for the Indian market.
The shipment was held for months, the importer lost crores in demurrage, and consumers were spared a potential safety risk.
The lesson? FMCS isn’t just paperwork — it’s India’s first line of defense for product safety.
What is BIS FMCS?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act 2016 and the Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018.
It allows foreign manufacturers to certify their products with the ISI mark before exporting to India.
This ensures that all goods sold in India — even those made abroad — meet the same safety, performance, and quality standards as locally produced items.
Key Facts
- Applicable to: Non-electronic goods (mechanical, chemical, construction, food, etc.)
- Governing Authority: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- Legal Basis: BIS Act 2016 + Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018
- Validity of License: 2 years (renewable)
- Testing Requirement: Compulsory in a BIS-recognized laboratory
Why FMCS Matters for Consumer Safety
1. Every Product Is Lab-Tested Before Approval
Before a foreign manufacturer gets the BIS license, product samples are tested in BIS-approved Indian laboratories.
The tests cover:
- Mechanical strength and durability
- Electrical and fire safety (if applicable)
- Chemical composition for toxicity and purity
- Environmental resistance (corrosion, heat, pressure tests)
Only after passing all Indian Standards (IS) does a product receive the ISI mark, ensuring that what reaches Indian homes is safe by design.
2. On-Site Factory Inspection by BIS
The BIS team or a nominated auditor visits the foreign factory to:
- Verify production processes and machinery
- Check raw-material traceability and testing labs
- Ensure quality assurance protocols (QA/QC)
- Cross-verify product samples with IS standards
This real-time inspection makes sure the company isn’t just providing documents but genuinely maintains Indian safety standards at its facility.
3. Continuous Surveillance and Sample Testing
FMCS certification isn’t a one-time event.
BIS conducts periodic audits and market sampling of ISI-marked products sold in India.
If any sample fails the test:
- The license is suspended or cancelled.
- The product is recalled from the market.
- Import is stopped at customs check points.
This ongoing surveillance system creates a closed loop of safety — from factory to consumer.
4. Traceability via ISI Mark and License Number
Each FMCS-certified product carries:
- The ISI mark logo, and
- A unique license number (e.g., CM/L–1234567).
Consumers, importers, and custom officials can verify this number on the BIS portal.
This traceability helps pinpoint the manufacturer if a fault or safety issue arises.
Step-by-Step FMCS Certification Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Application | Manufacturer applies on the BIS portal with documents and product details. |
| 2. Document Review | BIS verifies factory licenses, test reports, and ISO systems. |
| 3. Sample Testing | Samples sent to a BIS-recognized lab in India for testing against Indian Standards. |
| 4. Factory Audit | BIS officers inspect the manufacturing facility abroad. |
| 5. Grant of License | If approved, BIS issues a license to use the ISI mark under FMCS. |
| 6. Surveillance | Periodic testing and audit for quality consistency. |
How FMCS Protects the Indian Market
| Risk Area | Without FMCS Control | With FMCS Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-standard imports | Unsafe products enter market freely | Blocked at customs due to missing ISI mark |
| Consumer injuries | High risk of fire/electric shock or material failure | Certified tested products reduce incidents |
| Brand trust | Foreign brands seen as low-quality | FMCS license builds credibility and consumer confidence |
| Legal liability | DGFT/BIS can penalize importers | Full compliance under BIS Act 2016 |
| Counterfeit goods | Difficult to identify authenticity | ISI mark + license number enables verification |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the BIS Act 2016, manufacturing or importing non-certified products can lead to:
- Up to ₹2 lakh fine per offence
- Seizure of products at ports or warehouses
- Cancellation of import license
- Prosecution under Section 29 of the Act
For businesses, it’s not just a penalty — it’s a complete halt to market entry.
Case Example: Industrial Valve Manufacturer
A German manufacturer of industrial valves applied for FMCS certification before exporting to India.
After BIS testing and a factory audit, the valves were granted an ISI license.
When a competing non-certified batch was imported through Chennai Port, customs rejected it — saving Indian industries from potential system failures due to faulty parts.
That’s how FMCS translates into real consumer and industrial safety.
Advantages for Manufacturers and Importers
- Smooth custom clearance with valid FMCS license
- Wider market access in India’s regulated sectors
- Higher brand credibility with ISI mark
- Reduced risk of recalls and litigation
- Compliance with DGFT and customs regulations
How Green Permits Can Help
At Green Permits, we help foreign manufacturers and Indian importers navigate the entire FMCS process — from product testing and documentation to BIS inspection and license renewal.
Our team coordinates with BIS officials and labs to ensure a smooth and compliant certification journey.
BIS FMCS is more than a regulatory requirement — it’s a national safety framework.
By testing, auditing, and monitoring foreign products before they reach Indian consumers, it protects lives, prevents defective imports, and builds trust in India’s marketplace.
If you’re a foreign manufacturer or Indian importer, make FMCS compliance your first step towards responsible growth in India.
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
👉 Book a Consultation
Book a Technical Call with Expert
FAQS
Mechanical items such as steel products, cement, chemicals, food, and automotive components — essentially non-electronic goods covered under specific Indian Standards.
Typically 4 to 6 months (depending on lab testing time and audit schedule).
Yes. Without an FMCS license, imports of regulated products are not allowed by customs or DGFT.
CRS is for electronics and IT goods, while FMCS covers non-electronic industrial products.
No. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) registered with BIS.
