BIS Certification for Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Manufacturers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for BIS certification and the regulation of products and bearings. This certification ensures that the product meets the Indian quality, safety, and performance standards. This certification is crucial to get market entry and consumer trust.

Industrial products rely on accessories and bearings to ensure smooth and mechanical operations. These components are steel balls, needle rollers, cylindrical rollers, and plummer block housings. These parts help to enhance the machine's durability, improve efficiency, and reduce friction. Go through this guide to get complete information about BIS certification for bearings in India.

Understanding BIS Certification For Bearing

BIS Certification is a mark given to products that meet the Indian Standard (IS) and comply with all requirements in terms of safety, quality, and environmental protection. Following the certification process, manufacturers can get the ISI Mark that boosts consumer confidence, marketability, and regulatory compliance. This procedure includes product testing, factory inspection, and regular audits. Manufacturers must stay updated on standards and regulations set by BIS to ensure ongoing certification and avoid compliance issues.

Quality Control Order (QCO) For Bearing

In 2025, the Indian government, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued a Quality Control Order (QCO). This mandates the BIS certification for bearings. The process ensures the quality, safety, and durability of the product.

List Of Products Under Bearings Components

Below, you can go through the BIS certification product list that comes under Bearing:

Key Difference Between Bearing Components & Products

The key difference between the bearing components and the product lies in their scope and functionality. Bearing components are individual parts that make up a bearing, like inner and outer rings, rolling elements, and cages. Whereas bearing products are assembled units, they are ready to use, for example, a ball bearing or a roller bearing. Here, you can go through the most detailed information:

Bearing Components

There are individual parts known as bearing components. They are essential pieces that work together to allow smooth movement and rotation. They are often sold separately and can be customized to fit different bearing types or applications. 

The different bearing components are: 

• Inner Race (or Inner Ring): Fits tightly around the shaft. 
• Outer Race (or Outer Ring): Fits tightly into the housing.
• Rolling Elements (Ball, Roller, Needle): The balls or rollers reduce friction as they roll between the inner and outer races.
• Cage (or Separator): Guides the rolling elements without letting them touch. 

Bearing Products

Bearing products refer to complete or finished bearings that are ready to use in various machines or systems. Bearing pricts include the components but also comes fully assembled, sometimes sealed and lubricated, and make it ready for installation. Products are designed to meet specific engineering requirements and are often standardized in terms of load capacity, size, and speed rating.

There are 3 common products:

• Ball Bearings: Used to carry radial and axial loads. 
• Roller Bearings: Used for high-load situations.
• Needle Bearings: Designed for tighter spaces.

What Are the Essential Requirements for Bearing Certification?

Below, we have mentioned the list of essential requirements for bearing components:

• IS Compliance: Products should align with Indian Standards (IS) to provide safety, performance, and durability. 
• Testing BIS Labs: Testing the product must be done by laboratories approved by BIS, with testing reports submitted through their portal.
• Application Submission: BIS-branded standards can only be used if an application is made through the BIS Portal by their regulations and accompanied by complete paperwork.
• Factory Inspection: BIS makes site visits to observe the factory operation, the in-house testing space, and overall quality control.
• Documents: Product test results, product specifications, factory specifications, information about manufacturers, and relevant documents must be submitted for the review process.
• ISI Marking: Certified products must have the BIS Standard Mark (ISI) and the license number present for products and certifications.
• Renewal & Surveillance: BIS routinely audits and product tests as part of product compliance and assurance that everything is being done according to the standards.

Why is BIS ISI Certification Important for Bearings? 

Let’s go through the importance of obtaining ISI BIS Certification for bearing products:

• Market Acceptance: Certification ensures that the bearings meet quality standards, increasing the product’s acceptance in the Indian market.
• Trust and Credibility: The ISI mark is a trusted symbol of quality, helping manufacturers build credibility with consumers and business partners.
• Competitive Advantage: Manufacturers with BIS certification often gain an edge over competitors who do not have it.
• Quality Assurance: Consumers are assured of the quality and safety of the bearings they purchase.
• Regulatory Compliance: The certification ensures that bearings are compliant with the necessary safety and performance standards.
• Reliability: Bearings that are BIS-certified are tested for durability, performance, and safety.

What are the challenges faced while obtaining a BIS certification for bearings?

Obtaining BIS certification for bearings can present many challenges, few of which are as follows:

• Manufacturers need to be aware of the specific Indian Standard (ISS) applicable to bearings. 
• Manufacturers need to ensure that their products comply with relevant Indian standards and documentation.
• Products must be tested in BIS-recognized labs to ensure that they meet specific standards.
• A few bearings are under the mandatory certification section, which means that importers, manufacturers, and traders must obtain BIS certification. 
• The cost and time required to obtain BIS certification can be significant, especially for smaller manufacturers.
• Manufacturers need to understand the requirements of a Quality Control Order (QCO) for bearings. This mandates that importers, traders, and manufacturers must
• comply with Indian Standards (IS) for bearings. They must get BIS certification before importing, manufacturing, distributing, hiring, selling, or storing the product.

Is BIS certification for bearings mandatory in India?

Yes, BIS certification for bearings in India is mandatory. This is mandated by the "Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025."

Who requires a BIS certification for bearings?

BIS certification for bearings is required by both Indian and foreign manufacturers. The certification is compulsory for products under the Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCS), ensuring they meet Indian quality and safety standards.

What is the difference between a BIS certificate and an ISO certificate for bearings?

The BIS certification is a national organization that primarily sets the standard for industries and sectors within India. Whereas ISO is recognized and used worldwide.

 Conclusion

Obtaining BIS certification for bearings is a necessary step for manufacturers. This ensures product safety, product quality, and legal compliance in India. The certification process can be taxing; however, experienced BIS consultants like ERCS can help you facilitate the certification approvals and resolve issues. In the end, BIS certification helps to build consumer confidence, enhance market credibility, and support your sustainable growth, both in India and internationally.