BIS Certification in India: BIS Licence & Application Guide

Introduction

In India, product safety and quality are regulated through mandatory standards set by the government. To ensure that products sold in the market meet these standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role. Any manufacturer or importer dealing in notified products must obtain BIS Certification before selling or distributing them in India.

Many businesses find the compliance process confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the BIS Application procedure and obtaining a valid BIS Licence. This blog provides a complete and easy-to-understand guide on BIS Certification, the application process, and the importance of holding a BIS Licence in India.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is an official approval issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, India’s national standards body functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

The certification confirms that a product complies with the relevant Indian Standard (IS) related to safety, quality, and performance. Once certified, manufacturers are allowed to use the BIS Standard Mark, such as the ISI Mark or CRS Mark, depending on the applicable certification scheme.

Why BIS Certification is Mandatory

BIS Certification is mandatory to:

• Ensure consumer safety
  
  

• Maintain consistent product quality
  
  

• Prevent the sale of substandard goods
  
  

• Ensure legal manufacturing, import, and sale
  
  

• Build trust among customers and regulators
  
  

Non-compliance with BIS regulations can lead to penalties, seizure of products, or prohibition from sale in India.

Understanding BIS Licence

A BIS Licence is the legal authorization granted by BIS after successful completion of the certification process. It allows manufacturers to produce, import, and sell certified products in India while using the BIS Standard Mark.

Key points about BIS Licence:

• It is product-specific
  
  

• It is factory-specific
  
  

• It is issued for a limited validity period
  
  

• Renewal is mandatory to continue compliance
  
  

Without a valid BIS Licence, certified products cannot be legally sold in India.

What is a BIS Application?

A BIS Application is the formal request submitted to BIS to obtain BIS Certification and a BIS Licence. Through the application, manufacturers or importers provide product details, testing reports, and supporting documents for evaluation.

The BIS Application can be submitted under different certification schemes, depending on the product category, such as:

• ISI Certification Scheme
  
  

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
  
  

• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
  
  

Selecting the correct scheme is essential for approval.

Who Needs BIS Certification and Licence?

BIS Certification and BIS Licence are required for:

• Domestic manufacturers of regulated products
  
  

• Importers of BIS-notified goods
  
  

• Foreign manufacturers exporting products to India
  
  

In most cases, the manufacturer is responsible for certification, while importers must ensure that valid BIS approval exists.

BIS Application Process in India

The BIS Application process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Identify Applicable Indian Standard

Each product must comply with a specific Indian Standard (IS). Identifying the correct standard is the foundation of the certification process.

Step 2: Product Testing

Product samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to verify compliance with safety and quality requirements.

Step 3: Submission of BIS Application

The BIS Application is submitted along with test reports and required documents to BIS through the prescribed portal or offline process.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

For certain schemes, BIS officials conduct a factory inspection to assess manufacturing capability and quality control systems.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Licence

After successful evaluation, BIS grants the BIS Licence and authorizes the use of the BIS Standard Mark.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Common documents required during the BIS Application process include:

• Business registration certificate
  
  

• Manufacturing licence or factory registration
  
  

• Product test reports from BIS-recognized labs
  
  

• Factory layout and manufacturing process flow
  
  

• Quality control manual
  
  

• List of testing equipment
  
  

• Trademark registration certificate (if applicable)
  
  

Accurate documentation helps prevent delays or rejection.

Validity and Renewal of BIS Licence

A BIS Licence is usually valid for one to two years, depending on the certification scheme and product category.

Renewal involves:

• Submission of updated documents
  
  

• Surveillance inspection, if required
  
  

• Payment of renewal fees
  
  

Failure to renew the BIS Licence on time may lead to suspension or cancellation.

Benefits of BIS Certification and Licence

• Legal approval to sell products in India
  
  

• Increased consumer trust and confidence
  
  

• Improved brand reputation
  
  

• Smooth customs clearance
  
  

• Competitive advantage in the market
  
  

• Long-term regulatory compliance
  
  

Common Challenges in BIS Application

Businesses often face challenges such as:

• Identifying the correct Indian Standard
  
  

• Managing product testing timelines
  
  

• Understanding BIS procedures
  
  

• Preparing accurate documentation
  
  

Professional guidance can help simplify the process and ensure timely approval.

Conclusion

BIS Certification is a vital regulatory requirement for businesses operating in India. A properly submitted BIS Application and a valid BIS Licence ensure that products comply with Indian quality and safety standards. While the certification process may seem complex, systematic planning and expert support can make it smooth and efficient sunconsultants.co.in

For businesses, BIS Certification is not just a legal obligation—it is a mark of quality, reliability, and trust that supports long-term growth in the Indian market.