What is BIS Certification?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification is a means to provide a third-party guarantee of quality, safety, and reliability of products to the customer. It is mandatory for certain products to be sold in India, ensuring they meet the specific Indian Standards (IS).
BIS operates various certification schemes to cover different product categories, including the ISI Mark Scheme and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
Types of BIS Certification Schemes
- ISI Mark (Scheme I): For products like cement, steel, food products, and electrical appliances. Involves factory audit and product testing.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) (Scheme II): For IT and electronic goods like laptops, mobiles, and LED lights. Involves only lab testing (no factory audit).
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): For foreign manufacturers who want to export mandatory products to India. Involves factory audit and testing.
- Hallmarking: For gold and silver jewelry to certify purity.
Benefits of BIS Certification
- Legal Compliance: Mandatory for selling regulated products in India.
- Quality Assurance: Proof that your product meets Indian safety and quality standards.
- Market Access: Essential for government tenders and selling on e-commerce platforms.
- Consumer Trust: The ISI Mark/Standard Mark is a trusted symbol of safety for Indian consumers.
Documents Required
- Business Proof: Certificate of Incorporation, MSME, or Factory License.
- Factory Layout: Map showing manufacturing and testing areas (for ISI/FMCS).
- Process Flowchart: Detailed manufacturing process.
- Machinery List: Details of production and testing equipment.
- Test Reports: From a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Trademark Certificate: Proof of brand ownership.
- AIR Nomination: For foreign manufacturers, nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative.
Registration Process
- Application: Submit the application online via the Manakonline portal.
- Testing: Send product samples to a BIS-recognized lab for testing against relevant Indian Standards.
- Factory Audit (if applicable): For ISI/FMCS, BIS officials inspect the factory. (Not required for CRS).
- Scrutiny: BIS reviews the application, test reports, and audit reports.
- Grant of License: Upon approval, the license is granted, allowing you to use the BIS Standard Mark.
Fees & Costs
The cost varies by scheme and product:
- Application Fee: ₹1,000.
- License Fee: ₹1,000 annually.
- Audit Fee: ₹7,000 per man-day (for ISI/FMCS).
- Marking Fee: Based on production volume (Minimum marking fee applies).
- Testing Charges: Paid to the lab, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,50,000+ depending on the product.
Validity and Renewal
Validity:
- ISI Mark: Usually 1 year initially.
- CRS: Usually 2 years initially.
Renewal: Licenses can be renewed for 1 to 5 years by submitting production data and paying renewal fees before expiry.
