BIS Certification Schemes

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) serves as a National Standard Authority. It was founded in 1986 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, which was repealed the 1986 Act. The government has mandated a significant number of products to obtain the BIS Certification. This certification provides license holders the right to use the ISI mark on their products. BIS specifies the quality & safety of the product. Now let’s delve deeper into the blog and know more about the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the Indian market.

What is the Bureau of Indian Standards Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a national standard body responsible for promoting and regulating the standards of products and goods in India. BIS has established eight central laboratories, four regional laboratories, and three branch laboratories across the country to test product samples during preliminary and surveillance operations.

BIS is functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution to channel the benefits of quality products that deliver stable performance. It gives priority to quality and safety and ensures reliability. The sign of the central government, the Standard Mark, is required to be used as a mark of quality through a License or Certificate of Conformance to standards.

Schemes Covered Under BIS Certification India 

There are several different certification schemes administered by BIS related to quality certification of different product categories. This approval is compulsory for many products, such as pressure cookers,  toys, water heaters, aluminium foil, helmets, cables, etc. Every scheme under BIS works for different categories of products. These schemes are as follows: 

• BIS Certification Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme): Includes Factory Inspection
• BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) Scheme-II
• BIS Scheme – IV: Grant Of Certificate Of Conformity (Coc) 
• BIS Certification Scheme – X 
• Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme
• BIS Hallmark Scheme

BIS Scheme - I (ISI Mark Scheme): Includes Factory Inspection

Scheme I, also known as the ISI Mark Scheme, signifies the product's compliance with Indian standards, including the factory inspection to ensure its quality. Manufacturers use the ISI mark after being granted a license, which includes factory inspection, product testing, and quality system assessment.

This license allows manufacturers to export and market their products using either the ISI mark or its equivalent in other countries on product samples. There are mandatory ISI Mark requirements for various products,  like electrical appliances, cement, packaged water, and other similar products. Factory inspection is a massive component. BIS professionals inspect the manufacturer on the site to verify compliance with good manufacturing practices and testing.

BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) Scheme - II 

The BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 for 15 product categories. Since then, more products have been added to the phase. According to the regulation published by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, foreign products intended for the Indian market can also obtain BIS registration.

BIS CRS Registration includes all products under IT, Electronics, and Lighting. However, the list of products that require registration continues to grow. The scheme was initiated in 2012 under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology.

The manufacturers of products under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) must apply for BIS Registration after their product has been tested. BIS will license manufacturers, who will then be entitled to use or apply the Standard Mark with their unique R-number on electronics and IT products.

Scheme – IV: Grant Of Certificate Of Conformity (CoC)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) started the process of granting Certificates of Conformity under Scheme-IV of Schedule II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulation, 2018. The Bureau may issue a Certificate of Conformity (Coc) for products produced to the specifications of applicable Indian Standards. Every product covered by a mandatory Coc will be required to bear the Coc Number. Products covered by Coc are subject to being manufactured from BIS Standard-marked (ISI Marked) materials.

Furthermore, because of various factors such as national security, public interest, non-violation of goods and services, etc., the government has notified several other things with mandatory compliance to Quality Control Orders (QCO) of International Standards.

Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCS) Scheme – X (Certification) 

Compulsory Certification Scheme or Scheme X is an initiative taken by BIS that mandates compliance with Indian Standards for a few products. This ensures the public interest, safety, and unfair trade practices. This scheme was introduced on March 16th, 2022, for various products related to low-voltage switchgear and control gear.

The mandatory certification requirements will be rolled out in phases, ensuring a systematic and organised implementation by May 2027. The products that were previously covered under BIS-ISI are now classified under the BIS Scheme X. However, the requirements are the same.

Checklist of Documents Required Under BIS Scheme X

BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification (FMCS)

BIS has created a foreign manufacturing certification scheme for overseas applicants or foreign manufacturers within the timeframe of six months. Foreign Manufacturers must establish a branch office in India with Authorisation and must nominate a representative in India. The overseas applicant must complete and submit to BIS an application for registration in the prescribed format.

The foreign applicant must have a few important required documents and pay the fees. A preliminary inspection will be conducted for the manufacturing and testing unit, and samples will be samples and sent to independent testing. Once Product certification is issued to the foreign manufacturer or overseas applicant, they will be required to pay an annual minimum marking fee and an annual license fee.

BIS Hallmark Scheme

The BIS Hallmark Scheme is a certified program that establishes the purity and authenticity of gold and silver jewellery sold in India. This assures consumers against the risk of adulteration and deception.

This registration is specific to the jewellery location. Additionally, hallmarking centres must also be approved by BIS. These centres will be recognised by BIS for assaying and hallmarking of jewellery according to ISO 15820 standards.

List of Documents Required for BIS Certification

The documents for BIS certification vary for each scheme, but some general documents that you require for certification are as follows:

• Name & address of Factory/Office
• Document showing the establishment of the manufacturing unit such as an Incorporation or Registration Certificate or Memorandum of Association, etc.
• Manufacturing process flow covering all processes of manufacture from raw material to the finished product stage
• Details of the outsourcing of manufacturing operations, if applicable
• A detailed list of testing facilities and testing equipment
• Copies of valid calibration certificates for testing equipment
• Third-party laboratory test report as per Indian Standards, if applicable
• In the event of a Foreign Manufacturer or overseas applicant, the nomination details of the Indian agent and the nomination form
• In-house or independent test report, if applicable

How to Apply for BIS Certification? Complete Process

The BIS Certification process typically includes both the processes of licensing and surveillance. Let’s go through them one by one: You can get BIS product certification in two ways: Normal & Simplified procedures. The BIS Licensing Process in normal procedure is explained below :

1. If BIS has recognised no labs for your product.

• Apply under normal procedure, pay the BIS fee
• Get the inspection date proposed
• Samples will be sealed during inspection
• Send your samples to the designated lab by BIS
• Wait for testing until the Test reports are sent to BIS
• Your license will be granted on the above-mentioned test reports, it will take the 90-day timeline

2. For factory-based testing

• Apply under the Normal procedure & pay the BIS Fee
• Accept the inspection date
• In-house sample testing will be done
• You will get your license based on in-house factory test reports

3. The certification process for option 2 - 30-day timeline (Simplified Procedure) is given below:

• Register for your Company on the BIS portal
• Generate QR Codes of the Samples for testing in a BIS-recognised laboratory
• Send the samples for testing in the laboratory of your choice
• Apply through the simplified procedure along with the test reports generated
• Pay the BIS fee at once and await the inspection date
• Accept the inspection date proposed within 10 days
• Samples will be tested In-house and sealed for testing
• Send the samples to the lab appointed by the BIS officer, including the POD
• Your License will be granted in 3-4 working days.

What are the Benefits of BIS Certification in India?

There are several advantages of BIS registration for businesses and consumers. Let’s go through a few benefits of getting the ISI mark:

• Consumers' Trust & Authenticity of Product: BIS Registration provides manufacturers a huge advantage in that it communicates high-performance reliability and quality. Therefore, obtaining a BIS product Certification improves consumer trust and authenticity for the product.
• Quality & Safety Testing: During this process, an Investigation Officer will investigate and assess the registration facility, collect any samples, and send them for lab testing. Once the product or unit becomes certified, to show compliance and testing, the sample with the test report will be returned to the Manufacturer.
• Mark Specific Standard of the Product: BIS ensures that all manufacturers comply with quality standards. Businesses that are registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards must manufacture their products according to particular standards.
• Prevent Environmental Damage: BIS certifies several products, some of which can endanger the environment, particularly electronic products that can cause irreversible damage. For that reason, BIS has established protocols when manufacturing these products to mitigate harm to the environment.

BIS Certification for Different Industries 

The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification indicates quality, safety, and reliability, which the national standards body of India grants to products across different industries.

Many industries require mandatory BIS certification to sell their products in India, which includes electronics, automotive, construction, chemicals, and food processing. For instance, electronic goods such as mobile phones, LED lights, power adapters, etc., must comply with particular BIS standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

The certification protects consumers but also increases the competitiveness & reliability of Indian and foreign manufacturers in the Indian market. 

• Electrical & Electronic Industry
• Chemical & Fertilisers Industry
• Building & Construction Material
• Automotive Industry
• Food & Agriculture Industry
• Medical Device & Healthcare
• Fire Safety & Security Products

BIS Product Certification Cost

Below is a detailed estimate of the costs associated with ISI certification by ERCS:

Role of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) while Granting Certificate

An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a designated individual who serves as a contact person in India. They submit applications to the Bureau of Indian Standards to confirm compliance with BIS requirements for manufacturers, especially for foreign manufacturers.

AIR is an important facilitator of the regulatory approval process for foreign manufacturers who wish to market or import products in India. They duly grant certificates or licenses and maintain a pot-approval regulatory commitment. AIR is also liable under Indian law for compliance with Indian legal obligations, including labelling obligations, safety reporting obligations, and import obligations.

Validity & Renewal of BIS Certification 

BIS certification is valid for an initial period of 1-2 years and can be renewed for a minimum of one and a maximum of five years, contingent on payment of fees and being free of negative reports. You must submit your application to the BIS before the expiry date. If you submit after the expiry date, there will be an added late fee of Rs. 5000.

• Submit Renewal Application: You need to submit the renewal application on the BIS online portal, www.manakonline.in. 
• Pay Fees: Pay the renewal fee, which includes the application fee, license fee, advance minimum marking fee, etc. 
• Provide Updated Information: Provide the product and the updated information. Enclosed is the information related to the manufacturing company. 
• Timely Renewal: Ensure timely renewal so that your compliance with the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme is not disrupted.

Conclusion

As you are aware, it is a legal requirement for manufacturers to obtain a BIS Certification as per various Schemes. If this is the first time you are obtaining your BIS product certification, you may be confused by the whole process.

So, it would be a good idea to step back, get expert advice, and leave the complete process to them to get their BIS certificate. ERCS provides BIS consultation services to product Manufacturers anywhere in the world.

The ERCS team will fast-track getting an ISI mark for your product from BIS in a short time. A tested and internationally accepted quality assurance system helps Industries achieve better production efficiency and quality standards.