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.
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.
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:
Start by identifying which BIS scheme applies to your product category.
Example:
Getting the IS code right at the beginning helps avoid re-testing and document rejection later.
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:
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.
The BIS application requires detailed information about the manufacturer, factory setup, and quality control system.
Key Documents Needed:
All documents should be translated into English and notarized by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in China.
FMCS Applicants:
CRS Applicants:
Pro Tip:
Before submission, verify that the testing lab you plan to use is BIS-recognized. Unrecognized lab reports are not accepted.
Once the application is accepted, BIS will conduct a factory inspection and collect product samples.
What Happens During Inspection:
Testing Phase:
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.
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:
Upon successful review, BIS issues:
These details are publicly listed on the BIS database and can be verified by importers or customs officials.
The responsibility doesn’t end after receiving the BIS license.
Manufacturers must:
Failure to follow these conditions can result in license suspension or cancellation, halting shipments indefinitely.
| 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.
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.
| 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 |
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:
Partnering with a compliance expert ensures your shipment never gets held up due to paperwork again.
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
Usually 2 years, renewable upon inspection and submission of updated test reports.
No. Each manufacturing location requires a separate license.
Yes, only if the laboratory is recognized under BIS or part of a mutual recognition agreement.
Only if those components are listed under a specific Indian Standard.
The manufacturer must notify BIS within 30 days and submit new authorization documents.
