BIS Scheme-I ( ISI mark) for forign manufacturers

Introduction

  • Concerned Indian ministries issue Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to regulate the quality of specific products sold in India. These orders aim to safeguard public interest, ensuring that only compliant and safe products are allowed in the market.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the implementing authority for these orders. It monitors industry compliance, enforces Indian Standards, and oversees the overall certification process under the QCO framework.
  • The ISI Mark is a symbol of assurance that the product has been tested and certified as per BIS norms. It reflects conformity with predefined standards related to safety, performance, and overall product quality.
  • The certification system is designed to uphold national quality standards and safeguard public interest. The BIS license is issued for a limited duration-typically one to two years-and requires timely renewal for continued validity.
  • The system was established to control the influx of substandard or unsafe imports into India. By setting strict quality benchmarks, BIS helps protect consumers and maintain product integrity in the domestic market.

Documents and Procedure

  • Manufacturers are required to submit both legal and technical documents according to the relevant Indian Standard. Legal documents include business licenses and factory registration, while technical documents include test reports, raw material specifications, and in-house testing infrastructure.
  • Based on the submitted checklist, all documents must be filed with the BIS FMCD in an offline submission. This step sets the foundation for further processing, including scrutiny and site audit.
  • Following submission, the factory undergoes a physical audit and product samples are tested in BIS-recognized labs. After successful review and fee payment, the license is granted.

Costing and Standard Timeline

  • BIS certification involves various categories of fees, including application charges, license fees, audit and inspection costs, product testing expenses, marking fees, professional consultancy charges, and the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) fee. The total cost may vary based on the product type, country of origin, and the level of regulatory guidance involved.
  • The fee structure is not fixed and depends on several factors, such as product complexity, testing requirements, and the applicant’s geographical location. Additionally, after the license is granted, the manufacturer must provide a bank guarantee of USD 1000 as part of the post-approval compliance.
  • The standard duration for obtaining BIS certification ranges from 5 to 6 months. However, the actual timeline may vary depending on case-specific factors such as documentation accuracy, audit scheduling, and lab testing timelines, as final processing lies within BIS administrative control.

Mandatory products

  • Concerned Indian ministries generally mandate BIS certification for products that have a direct impact on public health, hygiene, safety, and national development. This includes items that may be hazardous in nature or essential to infrastructure and public welfare.
  • Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are introduced to prevent the entry of substandard foreign products into the Indian market. Such orders help protect consumer safety and ensure that only products meeting defined benchmarks are legally sold.
  • Product categories commonly covered under mandatory certification include electrical appliances, cement, steel, stainless steel items, and aluminum and alloy-based products, as these are critical to safety and structural reliability.

Scope of work

  • The process begins with submission of the application along with the required legal and technical documents, as per the relevant Indian Standard. We help the manufacturer compile, verify, and organize all paperwork to ensure accuracy and completeness from the outset.
  • Throughout the review process, we maintain active coordination with the certification authority. We help resolve documentation issues, guide on technical testing procedures, and ensure that all compliance gaps are addressed proactively to avoid delays.
  • Prior to the audit, we assist the manufacturer in understanding product-specific testing requirements and applicable benchmarks. This helps ensure that technical readiness is achieved in advance, reducing the chances of non-compliance during inspection.
  • During the audit, our team supports the manufacturer in presenting their facility, processes, and documents in a manner that meets BIS standards. We ensure smooth communication with auditors and structured presentation of all relevant records.
  • Even after the audit, we continue to assist with sample testing coordination, report follow-ups, and submission to the BIS FMCD. From lab results to license approval, we remain engaged until the certificate is granted, ensuring seamless communication with authorities throughout.

Post compliance

  • After obtaining the BIS license, manufacturers are required to maintain post-certification compliance as per BIS regulations. This includes proper usage of the BIS logo, license number, and relevant IS code marking on the certified product as per the prescribed marking clause.
  • Regular in-house testing must be carried out in accordance with the approved Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT), and all related records should be properly maintained. These records also support timely license renewal, and we assist the manufacturer in keeping documentation updated and audit-ready at all times.
  • Before dispatching any consignment, manufacturers are required to file product details through the BIS online portal (Manak Online). This ensures traceability and transparency in certified product distribution.

Conclusion

  • Manufacturers simply need to assign us as their compliance partner—after that, we guide them through the complete certification journey. They only need to provide the necessary documents and product-related information; everything else is smoothly managed by our team.
  • From application submission to license grant, we guide the manufacturer through each step with proactive support. We ensure that every stage documentation, coordination, audits, and approvals is handled smoothly and in a timely manner.
  • Our support continues even after certification, helping manufacturers with post-compliance activities such as maintaining SIT records, applying correct markings, filing consignments on the Manak Online portal, and staying informed about renewal due dates.