BIS Certification in India

Bureau of Indian Standards Certificate is necessary for all the electronics products sold in India, which are listed under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) governed by the government of India. It gives a third-party guarantee of the quality, safety, and reliability of products to customers. The government has made BIS Registration mandatory for 49 products taking into consideration public health. All manufacturers must obtain BIS CRS Certificate before importing goods/products in India and for carrying out services regarding sales in the Indian market.

The Objective of BIS Certification in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, responsible for the development, maintenance, and promotion of standards in various areas such as products, services, processes, and systems. BIS Certificate in India is mandatory for various products and is aimed at ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products and services for the Indian market. 

The objectives of BIS Certificate in India are as follows:

1. BIS Certificate ensures that the products and services conform to the specified standards and meet the quality requirements set by the government of India.
2. it ensures that the products and services are safe for the consumers to use and do not pose any risk to their health and safety that are critical to public health and safety, such as food, electrical equipment, and building materials.
3. It safeguards the consumers from illegal as well as substandard products or services by making sure that the product or services fulfill the standard of quality and safety issued by the government of India.
4. BIS Registration assist Indian producers in exporting applicable items to various other nations, which enhances the Indian economic status as a reliable supplier of high-quality products.
5. BIS Certification assists manufacturers as well as importers to comply with the regulatory needs as well as prevent penalties due to non-compliance.

Who Can Obtain CRS, ISI, and BIS Certificate?

The following are the eligible applicants for BIS Certification:

• Any Manufacturers in India or outside India producing products notified in the Compulsory Registration Order can apply for BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme(CRS).
• Manufacturers have to apply for a separate Registration number for products being manufactured at different locations.
• Manufacturers have to apply for a separate Registration number for each brand being manufactured at the same location.

Benefits of BIS Registration

Obtaining BIS registration in India can confer the following benefits to the applicants:

• Lays down the foundation for Total Quality Standard by encouraging applicants to ensure the highest quality standards
• Promotes optimal utilisation of resources
• Reduction in unnecessary overhead expenses incurred in manufacturing final goods
• Facilitate global recognition of your brand and products, allowing you to expand to international horizons
• Helps win consumer trust and thereby enhances goodwill
• A strong evidence of a good product quality and encourages bespoke quality management

Types of BIS Certification in India

You can apply for the following categories of licenses under the BIS Registration Scheme:

• BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
• ISI Mark / Certification
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
• Recognition of Assaying and Hallmarking Centre
• Hallmark
• ECO Mark Certification
• BIS Laboratory Recognition Scheme
• Management System Certification

Let’s understand the above certifications in detail:

• BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme

The Compulsory Registration Scheme was notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2012. The order was initially passed for 15 categories of electronic items that were later expanded to more categories and goods. Under the CRS, the manufacturers are required to obtain BIS certification for products listed under the CRS. The BIS grants license to the electronic product manufacturers following which they can use the standard mark.

The manufacturers are required to obtain a test report from the BIS-recognised laboratory. The verified test report should be submitted along with an undertaking of the conformity of the product. Further, the application should also indicate that the manufacturer has the necessary infrastructure to manufacture quality products.

• ISI Mark

ISI stands for Indian Standards Institute. ISI mark is awarded to industrial products that are in conformity with Indian standards. An ISI mark product indicates that the product matches the BIS quality standards. It allows the manufacturers and sellers to manufacture and sell goods in all parts of India. Further, it helps build consumer trust and ensures safety.

• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

The BIS introduced the FMCS scheme in the year 2000 to allow foreign manufacturers and overseas applicants to use the standard ISI mark on their products. They are required to set up a branch office in India after obtaining all the required permissions and nominating an agent. The foreign applicants shall submit the requisite application form along with the required documents and fees. The BIS authorities will conduct a preliminary inspection of the product in the applicant’s testing and manufacturing unit. They will also collect samples for independent testing.

• Hallmark

Hallmarking is done for accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of the precious metals. Hallmarking is done in the case of jewellery and ornaments. It acts as a guarantee of the purity and fitness of the precious metals and a hallmark is granted by the BIS. It protects the public against adulteration. This places the responsibility on the manufacturers to maintain the highest legal and quality standards.

• ECO Mark Certification

ECO Mark is the BIS certification for environmentally friendly products under the ECO Mark scheme. All the environmental products are categorised by the BIS as per the requirements of Indian standards. After approval, the ‘ECO’ logo is granted along with the ‘ISI’ mark. This indicates that the product meets the specified environmental criteria and adheres to the BIS quality requirements. The procedure to obtain a BIS license under the ECO Mark scheme is similar to obtaining a BIS license for domestic manufacturers. If a manufacturer already has a valid BIS certification mark for a product and wants to obtain an ECO mark for the same product, then it needs to request the same from BIS.

BIS Certificate Registration Scheme

The BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is an obligatory certification scheme introduced by the BIS for specified items sold in India. The objective of the CRS BIS certificate is to ensure that the products satisfy the quality and safety, and security requirements set by BIS.

1. Under the BIS CRS Certification, specific items require BIS Registration prior to being sold and marketed in the Indian market.
2. The listing of items that need BIS Certification is readily available on the BIS official website and includes items such as electronic products, batteries, chemicals, building materials, and other equipment.
3. The BIS Compulsory Registration procedure involves product testing in BIS-approved laboratories to make sure that they fulfill the specified quality and security requirements.
4. BIS Registration conducts an assessment of the production center to guarantee that the manufacturing procedures are in compliance with the requirements set by BIS.

Steps Involved in the Bureau of Indian Standard Registration

• First of all, the sample of products is to be offered to the BIS Authorized Indian Laboratory" for analysis under a defined BIS Certificate.
• Secondly, after getting the test report, you need to apply for BIS Certificate will be issued.

Timeline & Validity of BIS Certificate

• The time for BIS Registration will be approx. 30-35 days, including testing time (15-20 days)
• The BIS certificate issues are effective for a period of two years and can be renewed thereafter.

BIS Certification for Exports to India

Businesses that are exporting goods to India are required to obtain BIS registration to ensure they comply with the quality standards of India. Following are some of the key reasons for such businesses to obtain BIS registration to penetrate the Indian market:

• BIS registration serves as evidence that their products meet the quality standards of India.
• BIS certification has become crucial in industries like machinery, electronics and chemicals.
• Compliance with the BIS standards also assists in customs clearance, instilling a sense of confidence in the companies in targeting Indian customers.
• BIS registration demonstrates their truthfulness, reliability and contribution to the Indian market.

Steps Involved in the Bureau of Indian Standard Registration

Here’s the complete procedure for obtaining BIS registration in India:

• You need to file an application in the prescribed form with BIS authorities.
• After furnishing complete details, you need to submit all the relevant documents.
• The BIS officer will conduct an inspection of your factory for preliminary inspection after receiving the application for registration.
• The officer will examine the product samples. The sample of products is to be offered to the BIS Authorised Indian Laboratory for analysis under a defined BIS Certificate. After getting the test report, the same shall be furnished to the BIS authority.
• After all the evaluations, the BIS officer will prepare the final test report.
• After the inspection process, the BIS officer will carry out the surveillance process. The officer will visit the factory to testify about the test reports.
• A performance review report will be prepared. After examination of all the reports, a BIS certificate shall be issued.

Timeline & Validity of BIS Certificate

The time required to obtain BIS Registration is approximately 30-35 days, including testing time which takes 15-20 days. Further, the BIS certificate issues are effective for a period of 2 years and can be renewed thereafter. The renewed BIS certificate shall be valid for a period of at least 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. 

Documents Required for BIS Certificate in India

• Address Proof- Business License or any other document issued by Govt
• Registration certificate of the brand
• Test Report of the lab
• FORM VI Online generated copy (duly signed and sealed)
• Certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies
• An affidavit cum undertaking
• Affidavit as per Format C

How ASC Help?

• ASC Group is a leading CA firm & Provides all services related to BIS registration and compliance in accordance with the BIS certification.
• Provide ends to end consultancy and services for BIS Certification of new products that come under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) in the Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Issuance of Bureau of Indian Standard renewal BIS Registration.
• Providing consultancy & arrangement for ISI licenses issued by the BIS department
• Providing consultancy and services for the approval of (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) BEE registration.