BIS (ISI) Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Every country has its own laws and regulations regarding imports. These policies help maintain market assurance and confidence. Likewise, the Indian government offers a few certifications to ensure the safety and reliability of the products brought into the country. For goods producers outside of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) administers the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). International producers wishing to sell their goods in India must obtain this license confirming that they fulfil quality, safety, and reliability requirements. In India, maintaining product quality standards and safeguarding consumer interests depend heavily on the FMCS. It guarantees that the imported goods are of the required caliber and are safe for the users.
What is an FMCS Scheme (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched into effect the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme in 2000. After a separate certification process, the program is designed for foreign applicants and foreign producers who are authorized to use the ISI mark within six months. To guarantee that their products meet Indian standards and criteria, the program attempts to assist overseas producers in the certification process. Foreign manufacturers save money by avoiding unnecessary testing and certification, and they can also gain advantages by following this scheme, such as easier product certification, recognition of international standards for the product, increased credibility, and entry into the Indian market.
Who can apply for a license under FMCS?
Foreign applicants should fulfill the following requirements:
1. The manufacturing unit must be located outside of India.
2. Ensure that all products conform to the requirements of the applicable Indian Standards Specification.
3. All foreign manufacturers will be considered ‘large scale’ as per BIS FMCS norms.
4. The applicant shall confirm readiness for the factory inspection and fulfill the formalities, like availability of an English translator, arrangement of transport in the foreign country, etc., for the officer's ease so that the visit can take place as soon as possible.
5. At the factory premises, all manufacturing machinery and testing facilities as per the requirement of ISS should be available.
6. The applicant (manufacturer) must accept the SCHEME OF TESTING (SIT) and annual marking fee.
7. Quality Control Personnel (QCI) must be technically qualified and able to perform the testing as per the requirement of applicable Indian Standards.
8. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the timely and safe deposition of the sample sealed by the BIS officer to the designated lab, and the remittance of testing charges has to be paid by the applicant/manufacturer.
9. BIS payments are to be made in equivalent USD by applicants (foreign manufacturers only). SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) applicants can make the payment either in Indian rupees with GST (as applicable) or in equivalent USD.
10. Foreign applicants/manufacturers must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
12. Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of USD 10,000, having a branch office in India and being RBI approved, is required to be furnished just after the grant of the license to the applicant.
13. A separate application is required to be submitted for each product/Indian Standard and each factory address.
Note: A BIS license is granted initially for one year and up to two years.
Eligibility Criteria for Acquiring FMCS License
These are the requirements one needs to fulfill while applying for FMCS:
1. Eligibility: Only foreign manufacturers, not importers or traders, are eligible for the FMCS.
2. Standards Compliance: Items must adhere to the pertinent Indian Standards (IS) that BIS specifies.
3. Authorized Representative: The application process requires an Indian resident representative.
4. Factory Inspection: The overseas manufacturing facility is thoroughly inspected by BIS.
5. Testing Requirement: In labs approved by BIS, the products must pass the test.
6. Certification Mark: The BIS Standard Mark may only be applied to goods by authorized producers.
7. Application Process: Fill up the online application and send it in with the required paperwork and payment.
8. License Validity: FMCS licenses are renewed annually and have a one-year validity period.
Mandatory Product List for BIS (ISI) Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Documents Required for Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme
The following is the list of required documents for FMCS:
1. Application Form: A fully completed form as requested to apply for FMCS by BIS.
2. Proof of Legal Identity: incorporation certificate and registration of business in case of foreign manufacturers.
3. Authorized Representative details: Authorization letter including details regarding an authorized person of an Indian company authorized to collect the same and represent their identification along with address proof
4. Factory Layout: Complete layout of the manufacturing plant, including the manufacturing process
5. Quality Control Documents: Necessary to check the updated BIS Quality Control order on mandatory products. Detailed list of quality control apparatus and procedure. The names and qualifications of quality control people.
6. Test Reports: The test reports of products that are issued by a BIS-recognized laboratory certifying conformity with relevant Indian Standards (IS).
7. Product Details: Technical specifications and drawings of the product along with raw material utilization used in the product.
8. Manufacturing Process: Description with flowcharts.
9. BIS Standard Mark Agreement: Agreement copy signed about the utilization of BIS Standard Mark on marked products.
10. Undertaking: declaration of conformity to the Indian Standards and undertaking that shall continue to abide by the provisions contained under the BIS rules.
11. Factory Inspection Support: Documents to facilitate factory inspection, including travel and logistics details for BIS officials.
12. Regulatory Approvals: any additional certifications or approvals required for the product in the importing country.
What is the duration/timeline for getting your product FMCS certified?
The BIS FMCS certification process generally takes 8–12 weeks. Application review takes 1-2 weeks, the factory inspection 2–4 weeks, and product testing 4-6 weeks. BIS reviews the reports in 2–3 weeks before granting the license.
How do I renew the BIS license under FMCS?
A BIS license can be renewed for up to five years just by filling out a renewal application form along with supporting documents with the renewal and marking fee. Inclusion of New Variety in the Existing License. BIS Licensee can include new varieties, grades, types, and classes in the existing license by the following procedure:
- Submission of Original test report (Tested in BIS-recognized lab)
- In-house test report
- Details of testing equipment
- Inclusion fee, etc.
Advantages of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
There are some evident advantages for BIS certification of foreign manufacturers; those are:
- Additional Growth Opportunities: FMCS unlocks avenues to long-term profitability as international manufacturers who trade in India will adhere to the rules and regulations of India. They, besides continuing to build success and growth opportunities, would now be able to initiate setting up sustainable relationships with the Indian stakeholders and customers.
- Fosters Quality of Product: This certification encourages the production of quality products since it assures local consumers and businesses of the authenticity of goods and products manufactured overseas. It creates a distinction for foreign manufacturers above their less deserving competitors. It symbolizes excellence and dependability and thus gives identified businesses more advantages over competitors in the Indian market.
- Increases User Trust: It increases customer trust through the assurance that international companies are adapting to Indian standards and reduces the chances of non-compliance. Besides this, FMCS increases market shares and sales as well as the consumers' trust in India.
- Saves Time: By giving certification to overseas producers, FMCS saves them time and cost. Besides this, FMCS accepts international standards, thereby making it easier for overseas producers to follow Indian legislation.
- Saves the money of foreign producers: The FMCS accreditation would have benefited the foreign producers while they promoted their products in the Indian market as well, bringing about savings in less duplication of testing and certification requirements.
These benefits help international manufacturers who follow Indian norms and laws in selling their products in the Indian market. By helping international manufacturers understand Indian rules, regulations, and standards, the FMCS plan facilitates international manufacturers entering the Indian market and manufacturing products of higher safety and quality.
Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)/ ERCS
The following are the requirements for designating an authorized Indian representative (AIR):
To obtain a BIS FMCS Certification, foreign applicants must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to conduct business in India. A local office is crucial in India. AIR is responsible for organizing and submitting certification applications as the local agent. You can ask them questions as well.
The applicant (foreign manufacturer) shall nominate an authorized Indian representative (AIR) for the operation of the BIS license. For nominating an AIR, the applicant shall ensure the following points:
- The authorized Indian representative (AIR) shall be an Indian resident.
- The nominated AIR is representative of one manufacturing firm only and cannot represent another foreign manufacturer(s) as AIR under the BIS Conformity Assessment schemes.
- AIR shall not have any conflict of interest concerning their role as AIR with testing of samples in third-party laboratories.
- AIR must be graduated by qualification and be able to understand the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016 the rules and regulations framed thereunder and the implications thereof.
- AIR shall declare his consent to be responsible for compliance with the BIS Act, Rules, Regulations, and Terms & Conditions as written in the BIS License, Agreement, Undertaking, and indemnity bond executed on behalf of the foreign manufacturer in connection with the grant and operation of the BIS license.
- In case of a change of the AIR or address, the manufacturer shall be required to inform BIS in advance.
As an established BIS FMCS consultant, ERCS Private Limited assists in obtaining FMCS certifications from all relevant departments and agencies, as well as any necessary licenses and approvals. With this dedication, we can guarantee a seamless process with few delays to make sure your product complies as much as feasible with market standards.
Conclusion
Since the product satisfies Indian safety and quality standards, importation requires a BIS certificate. Consequently, product testing, inspections, and application filing were necessary. These procedures keep dangerous products off the market while guaranteeing the delivery of trustworthy and secure products. These processes increase consumer confidence, make markets more accessible, and avoid any legal problems. The importers will receive assistance while meeting the requirements if they follow these guidelines.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Only Foreign manufacturers whose company are located outside India and want to export their product in India.
Please click to get mandatory product list under scheme 1
In order to know the procedure of getting BIS FMCS license, Please follow the above mentioned process.
Yes. Foreign applicant has to nominate AIR who must be Indian resident with his consent to be responsible for the compliance to the provisions of the BIS Act, norms, terms and conditions included in the BIS License and Agreement.
It is compulsory to foreign applicant to do the payment in USD. SAARC Countries can do the payment in either in USD or INR.
It cannot be accepted. Only as per applicable Indian standard test report will be applicable.
Separate application for each product / ISS is required to be submitted even for same factory unit.
No. Only foreign manufacturer can apply for BIS license under FMCS.
Separate application for each product / ISS is required to be submitted even for same factory / Manufacturing location.
BIS product certification is offered under the ISI mark scheme by the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS). Since 1950, the ISI mark has been used to identify industrial items in India that meet standards.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
For products to be introduced and sold on the Indian market, BIS Certification is required. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issues BIS Certification India or BIS Registration, which guarantees the dependability, safety, and quality of goods in compliance with Indian Standards (IS).
A foreign applicant has to nominate AIR, who must be an Indian resident with his consent to be responsible for compliance with the provisions of the BIS Act, norms, terms, and conditions included in the BIS FMCS License and Agreement.
No. Only foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS licenses under FMCS.
A separate application for each product/ISS is required to be submitted, even for the same factory unit.
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