Why this matters
Last quarter, a mid-sized mixer-grinder brand in Noida missed a Quality Control Order (QCO) deadline by six weeks. Customs flagged incoming components, the BIS lab slot had to be re-booked, and distributors paused POs. Net impact: a two-month launch delay and more than ₹1 crore in lost revenue.
Had the ISI/CRS path been identified six months earlier, the delay could have been avoided.
Think of BIS as your product’s passport into the Indian market. If you’re a manufacturer setting up a plant in Pune or importing steel or white goods through Nhava Sheva, ISI certification (Scheme I) and CRS (for electronics / IT) determine whether your product can be sold, stocked, imported, or cleared by customs.
What “mandatory” really means
When the Government issues a Quality Control Order (QCO) for a product, BIS certification becomes compulsory — typically ISI Mark under Scheme I (sometimes a BIS Certificate of Conformity), and CRS for certain electronics / IT goods.
Each ministry notifies QCOs; BIS executes testing, licensing, and surveillance. In 2025, an inter-ministerial group began reviewing QCOs, and enforcement deadlines for some electrical items were pushed to March 2026.
Snapshot: Where ISI is mandatory right now
| Sector | Typical coverage under QCO (examples) | BIS scheme | Why it’s enforced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement | Portland cement (IS 269, 1489, 455 etc.) | Scheme I – ISI Mark | Structural safety & quality in construction |
| Steel & steel products | Rebars, structural steel, flat/long products | Scheme I – ISI Mark | Infrastructure integrity & safety |
| Appliances (White goods) | ACs, refrigerators, washing machines (timeline extended to 2026) | Scheme I – ISI Mark | Electrical safety & performance |
| Electronics & IT | Laptops, tablets, phones, power supplies, LED lamps | CRS | Electrical safety & EMC compliance |
| Footwear, Furniture & others | Multiple items moving under QCOs in 2025–26 | Scheme I – ISI Mark | Consumer-safety expansion |
Takeaway: for most cement and steel, ISI is non-negotiable before sale. For appliances, verify whether your model falls under ISI or CRS — timelines and product scopes differ by notification.
Cement: the original “always-ISI” category
If you manufacture or import cement, you’re already in the mandatory ISI zone. Expect factory assessment, product testing, marking permission, and surveillance sampling.
Business impact: without ISI, you lose access to major buyers, government tenders, and marketplace listings.
Action checklist
- Identify the IS number (e.g., IS 269 / 1489 / 455).
- Schedule BIS-recognized lab testing early.
- Prepare Factory Quality Control (FQC) documents and nominate a Quality Manager.
- Factor the marking fee into pricing.
Steel: QCO coverage expands each year
Steel products such as rebars, structural sections, and wire rods are steadily being added under QCOs. If you supply EPC, automotive, or construction OEMs, assume mandatory ISI unless confirmed otherwise.
Why it matters
- Buyers now demand an ISI licence number on POs.
- Imports face customs checks referencing QCO schedules.
- Certified mills gain priority in national contracts.
Action checklist
- Map every SKU to its exact IS and QCO clause.
- Align Mill Test Certificates with BIS sampling formats.
- Prepare for regular factory and market surveillance.
Appliances: ISI or CRS — verify, don’t guess
“Appliances” straddle two regimes:
- ISI (Scheme I) via QCOs for many white goods (ACs, refrigerators, washers) — deadlines for some electricals extended to March 2026.
- CRS for numerous electronics / IT items (adapters, LED lamps, laptops, tablets, phones).
Why it matters
- The wrong scheme wastes months.
- Import clearance depends on correct BIS documentation.
- Retailers and e-commerce platforms require licence / registration numbers.
Action checklist
- Confirm whether your model is under QCO ( ISI ) or CRS.
- Reserve BIS-recognized lab slots early.
- Budget time for re-testing and documentation queries.
Timelines & Fees
| Stage | ISI (Scheme I) | CRS (Electronics / IT) | Key factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standards mapping | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | Number of SKUs |
| Lab testing | 2–6 weeks | 2–4 weeks | Lab queue, retests |
| Factory assessment | 1–2 days | — | QMS readiness |
| BIS review & grant | ~30–45 working days | ~2–3 weeks | Query cycles |
| Fees | Application + processing + marking fee | Application + processing | Product type & quantity |
Tip: build buffer time for testing and documentation. Group variants under one family wherever possible to save cost and time.
Penalties & Non-compliance Risks
- Seizure & prosecution: BIS conducts surprise raids for misuse of the mark or sale of unlicensed goods.
- Legal penalties: up to two years’ imprisonment or ₹2 lakh fine, plus forfeiture of goods.
- Commercial risk: online delisting, customs holds, and brand-reputation loss.
Skipping BIS can delay a launch by three-to-six months once retesting and enforcement costs are added. Certifying early is always cheaper than firefighting later.
How to choose the right path quickly
- Confirm coverage: Check current QCOs and BIS product lists.
- Pick the scheme:
- ISI (Scheme I) for QCO-mandated products.
- CRS for notified electronics / IT categories.
- Plan testing: Choose BIS-recognized labs.
- Get documentation right: Quality control manual, BOM, labels, and ISI/registration artwork.
- Budget fees: Use the BIS portal’s latest fee schedule.
Common product examples
| Category | Example Standards / Notes |
|---|---|
| Cement | IS 269 (OPC), IS 1489 (PPC), IS 455 (PSC) — ISI mandatory |
| Steel | Rebars, structures, flats — ISI mandatory under QCO |
| Appliances | Refrigerators, ACs, washers — ISI (QCO); Laptops, phones, LEDs — CRS |
Conclusion
Recap:
- Cement and steel → ISI mandatory.
- Appliances → confirm ISI (QCO) or CRS category; deadlines shift to March 2026 for some electricals.
- Monitor BIS fee updates (latest mid-2025).
- Non-compliance = seizures, fines, brand damage.
BIS certification isn’t just paperwork — it’s your product’s entry ticket to the Indian market.
Green Permits helps manufacturers and importers simplify BIS compliance, testing, and licensing from start to finish.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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FAQS
Yes. All cement types notified via QCOs require ISI certification under Scheme I before sale in India.
Both. White goods fall under ISI (QCOs); electronics and IT items like laptops and phones fall under CRS.
Fees include application, processing and marking charges per product category; these are revised periodically.
Allow about 30–45 working days after testing and document submission; total time varies by category and lab slot availability.
BIS may seize goods, levy fines, and initiate prosecution. Compliance protects your brand and market access.
