How to Apply for BIS Certificate?

•  16 Sep, 2024
•  ISI Certification (BIS)

To sell your product in the Indian market, you must come across terms such as ISI Mark or ISI certification, BIS Certification, etc.

You must be wondering, what is the significance of BIS Certification and how to apply for it.

Indeed the BIS certification is the first and foremost foundational step for success in the Indian market, let’s understand its cruciality. 

What is BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification and what is its significance?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national certifying authority, headed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. On April 1, 1987, it essentially superseded the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) and assumed its responsibilities.

Obtaining BIS certification for your product demonstrates your commitment to quality, safety, and compliance. It offers protection for public health. It offers quality assurance, and protects consumers from harmful items; ultimately benefiting your business and customers.

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is a mark of conformity that signifies that a product meets the safety standards established by the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's national standards agency. It's a mandatory certification for certain products sold in India, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and performance standards.

How to get BIS certificate? Know the Process

The BIS registration procedure typically includes both the licensing and surveillance processes.

BIS Licensing Process is explained below :

For conformity assessment please ensure that complete in-house testing is available before applying for BIS certification.

Get BIS Certification in two ways:

• Option 1 - Normal Procedure
• Option 2 - Simplified Procedure

Let’s understand the Option 1 - 90 days timeline - Normal Procedure : 

A : If NO lab is recognized by BIS for your product 

• Step 1: Apply under the Normal Procedure & Pay the BIS Fee
• Step 2: Accept the Inspection date proposed
• Step 3: Samples will be sealed during the inspection
• Step 4: Send the samples to the designated lab by the BIS Auditor
• Step 5: Wait for testing until the Test reports are sent to BIS
• Step 6: Your License will be granted based on the above-said test reports!

B: If the product cannot be Transported (Factory based testing)

• Step 1: Apply under the Normal procedure & Pay the BIS Fee
• Step 2: Accept the inspection date
• Step 3: Samples will be tested In-house
• Step 4: Your License will be granted based on the In-house Factory Test Reports

Let’s understand the Option 2 - 30 days timeline - Simplified Procedure : 

• Step 1: Register your Company on the BIS portal
• Step 2: Generate QR Codes of the Samples for testing in a BIS-recognized Laboratory
• Step 3: Send the samples for testing in the chosen laboratory
• Step 4: Apply under the Simplified procedure along with the test reports generated
• Step 5: Pay the BIS Fee at once and wait for the inspection date
• Step 6: Accept the inspection date proposed within 10 days
• Step 7: Samples will be tested In-house and sealed for testing
• Step 8: Send the samples to the lab designated by the BIS officer and submit the POD
• Step 9: Your License will be granted within 3-4 working days.

Following the inspection, the inspecting officer will perform a surveillance operation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the plant. 

The surveillance procedure is explained below : 

1. BIS conducts licensee factory visits through a third-party inspection agency.
2. Inspection agencies appoint officers for factory visit
3. The officer will be inspecting all the data as BIS records for example Production Detail, Test Report record of Batches of factory production details as per IS & Consignee Details.
4. The officer verifies all the data which are submitted on the BIS portal for example Equipment as per IS and machinery which are used to manufacture that product.
5. The officer draws the sample for in-house testing, and then the Quality Control officer in charge performs all the tests as per IS.
6. The officer sends the sample to the BIS Laboratory.
7. 
   

Certification is valid for a specified period (usually 1-5 years). Apply for renewal before the certification expires. Please note that the BIS process may vary depending on the product category and scheme (e.g., Scheme-I or Scheme-II). You should consult the BIS website or contact a BIS officer for specific guidance on how to apply online for BIS certification and handholding throughout the whole BIS process.

How many types Of BIS Certifications are there? 

BIS certification helps ensure that products and services meet defined standards of quality, safety, and performance. Each type of certification addresses different aspects of product and service standards, depending on the industry and product category.

1. ISI Mark Certification: For products conforming to Indian Standards (IS).

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): BIS CRS Mandatory products certification for certain products like electronics, wireless devices, and telecom equipment.

3. Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS): Optional certification for products not covered under CRS.

4. ECO Mark Certification: For environmentally friendly products.

5. Hallmark Certification: For gold and silver jewelry.

6. Conformity Assessment Scheme (CAS): For products requiring conformity assessment.

7. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): For foreign manufacturers.

8. Scheme for Recognition of Conformity Assessment Bodies: For recognition of conformity assessment bodies.

9. Scheme for Recognition of Testing Laboratories: For recognition of testing laboratories.

10. Certification of Management Systems: For certification of management systems like ISO 9001 (quality management).

These types of BIS certification cater to different products, industries, and purposes, ensuring compliance with Indian Standards and regulations.

Check out the BIS mandatory products list and the Latest BIS QCO (Quality Control Orders) Notification 2024 at the ERCS BIS Certification Website. 

How long is the BIS certification valid? 

The validity of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification varies depending on the scheme and product category.

Generally, BIS certification is valid for a period of:

• 1 year for products under Scheme-I (for domestic manufacturers)
• 2 years for products under Scheme-II (for foreign manufacturers)
• 3 years for products under Scheme-III (for products without an Indian Standard)
• 5 years for products under Scheme-IV (for products certified by recognized foreign certification bodies)
• 1-5 years for products under Scheme-V (for small-scale industries or artisans)

What is the need for a BIS Consultant for the Product Certification Process?

A BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) consultant can be quite valuable in navigating the product certification process in India. Here are some of the key reasons why a BIS consultant might be needed:

• BIS consultants have in-depth knowledge of the certification process, Indian Standards (IS), and BIS regulations.
• They can guide you through the complex process, saving you time and effort.
• Consultants ensure compliance with BIS requirements, reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
• They assist with documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Consultants coordinate testing and inspection, making the process smoother.
• They follow up with BIS authorities, ensuring timely progress.
• Consultants provide training and conduct internal audits to ensure quality control.
• They help optimize costs by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
• Consultants have established relationships with BIS officials and testing labs, facilitating the process.
•  With a consultant, you can be assured that the certification process is in expert hands. 

Hiring a BIS consultant can make the certification process more efficient, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays. 

FAQS ABOUT BIS CERTIFICATION PROCESS

How long does it take to get a BIS license?

The typical timeframe for obtaining a BIS license varies by manufacturer category, with domestic manufacturers taking 30-60 days and foreign manufacturers taking 60-120 days. Consultations with a BIS consultant are recommended.

Who can apply for BIS certificate?

BIS application requires valid business registration and BIS requirements. Indian and foreign manufacturers, importers, authorized representatives, small-scale industries, artisans, startups, and MSMEs can apply.

How to Get BIS Certification in India?

Applying for a BIS Certificate involves identifying product categories, submitting applications, preparing required documents, and obtaining a license for fee payment testing, inspection, and audit. 

If you have any queries, please contact +919076611767