What is BIS FMCS Certification?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a scheme by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that allows manufacturers located outside India to use the ISI Mark on their products. This certification is mandatory for products listed under various Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India.
It ensures that imported goods meet the same safety and quality standards as domestically produced goods. Without FMCS certification, foreign manufacturers cannot legally export and sell regulated products in the Indian market.
Benefits of BIS FMCS Certification
- Market Access: Legally sell your products in the vast Indian market.
- Consumer Trust: The ISI Mark is a symbol of quality and safety trusted by Indian consumers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoid customs delays, penalties, and legal issues.
- Competitive Edge: Differentiate your products from non-certified competitors.
- Government Tenders: Eligibility to participate in government procurement projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for FMCS, a foreign manufacturer must:
- Have a manufacturing unit located outside India.
- Ensure the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
- Have adequate in-house testing facilities and quality control personnel.
- Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who is a resident of India to act as a liaison with BIS.
Documents Required
- Business License: Proof of manufacturing unit's registration in the country of origin.
- Process Flowchart: Detailed manufacturing process flow.
- Factory Layout: Map showing production and testing areas.
- Test Reports: In-house or third-party lab test reports as per Indian Standards.
- AIR Details: Nomination form and ID proof of the Authorized Indian Representative.
- List of Machinery: Details of manufacturing and testing equipment.
- Raw Material Details: List of raw materials and their suppliers.
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the application form (Form-V) along with documents and fees to BIS.
- Scrutiny: BIS officials review the application and communicate any queries.
- Factory Audit: A team of BIS officers visits the overseas factory to audit manufacturing and testing capabilities.
- Sample Drawing: Samples are drawn during the audit and sent to a BIS-recognized lab in India for testing.
- Lab Testing: The product is tested against the relevant Indian Standard.
- Grant of License: If the audit and test reports are satisfactory, the license is granted.
- Indemnity Bond: Submission of an indemnity bond and performance bank guarantee.
Fees & Costs
The cost involves several components:
- Application Fee: ₹1,000 (Non-refundable).
- Audit Charges: Inspection charges per man-day, plus travel and stay expenses for BIS officials.
- License Fee: Annual license fee of ₹1,000.
- Marking Fee: Based on the production volume (Minimum marking fee applies).
- Performance Bank Guarantee: A refundable security deposit (approx USD 10,000).
Validity and Renewal
Validity: The FMCS license is initially valid for 1 to 2 years.
Renewal: It can be renewed for up to 5 years based on performance and compliance. Renewal requires submission of production details, payment of marking fees, and potentially a surveillance audit.
