BIS Certification for Import into India

Introduction

Every country enforces its own regulatory standards for the manufacturing and sale of goods—and India is no different. Importers bring a wide range of products into the country for sale and distribution, but these items must meet India’s quality and safety standards. According to Indian regulations, all imported products must obtain BIS certification before they can be sold in the Indian market. The BIS Import Certificate authorizes manufacturers to use the ISI Mark, signifying compliance with established quality benchmarks. Before exploring the certification process in detail, let’s first understand what BIS is.

What is BIS?

BIS, or the Bureau of Indian Standards, is India’s national authority for standardization and quality certification. It is responsible for developing and enforcing standards to ensure that products meet essential safety, performance, and reliability criteria.

To uphold product quality and protect consumers, BIS operates certification schemes for both domestic and international manufacturers. Certified products are granted the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark, indicating compliance with Indian quality standards

Importance of BIS Certification for Importing Goods into India

Any product imported into India must have a BIS Certificate for the following key reasons:

Ensures Safety & Reliability – Confirms that products meet safety and quality standards.
Compliance with Indian Regulations – Validates adherence to Indian statutory and regulatory norms.
Legal Requirement – Mandatory for market entry and legal sale of certain products in India.
Consumer Protection – Ensures Indian consumers receive safe, high-quality, and certified goods.
Competitive Edge – Enhances market reputation by showcasing commitment to quality.
Proof of Testing & Certification – Serves as official evidence that the product has been tested and approved.
Authorization to Use the ISI Mark – Permits use of the ISI mark, symbolizing conformity with Indian Standards.
Mandatory for Specific Product Categories – Required for products listed under the BIS mandatory certification scheme.

Understanding the importance of BIS certification is crucial for importers. Now, let’s look at the types of BIS certification required for different product categories.

Types of BIS Certification for Importers

To legally sell imported products in India, importers must ensure that the foreign manufacturer obtains BIS certification under one of the following schemes:

Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Applicable to most product categories except electronics and IT goods. Certification is granted after factory inspection and product testing in India.
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Mandatory for electronics and IT products. Products must be registered with BIS before being sold in the Indian market.

Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to obtain BIS certification. The AIR plays a vital role by:

Submitting the BIS application on behalf of the manufacturer.
Ensuring compliance with BIS laws, rules, and procedures.
Coordinating with BIS officials during inspections and throughout the certification process.

Types of BIS Certificates for Importers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) offers two main types of certification for importers, depending on the product category:

1. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

CRS registration is mandatory for the import of electronic and IT products, as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Applies to: Electronic and IT products listed under the CRS Scheme
Purpose: Ensures that imported electronics meet Indian safety and quality standards
Requirement: Products must be registered under the CRS before being sold in the Indian market

2. Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)

FMCS applies to all non-electronic imported products. It enables foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification and use the ISI mark, signifying compliance with Indian Standards.

Applies to: Non-electronic goods such as cement, steel, automotive parts, and more
Purpose: Verifies product quality, safety, and performance as per Indian Standards (IS)
Requirement: Importers must ensure the foreign manufacturer has obtained FMCS certification to legally distribute the products in India

Securing the appropriate BIS certification is essential for importers to comply with Indian regulations and legally market their products. It also reinforces product credibility and assures consumers of quality and safety.

Documents Required for BIS Registration for Importers

Importers must submit specific documentation based on the type of BIS certification being pursued—CRS Registration for electronic/IT products or FMCS Certification for other product categories. Below is a detailed breakdown of the required documents for each scheme:

Documents for CRS Registration

(Compulsory Registration Scheme – for electronic and IT products)

Nomination Letter – Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Product Test Report – From a BIS-recognized laboratory
Compliance Undertaking – Declaration of conformity to Indian Standards
ISO Certificate – Of the foreign manufacturer
Product Manual – Detailing specifications and usage
Trademark Certificate – If applicable
Testing Documents – Including:
- Filled CCL (Critical Component List)
- Completed CDF (Construction Data Form)
AIR Affidavit – For foreign manufacturers
Trademark Authorization Letter – If the trademark is not owned by the manufacturer
Authorization Letter – If the application is signed by someone other than the head of manufacturing

Documents for FMCS Certification

(Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme – for non-electronic products)

List of Manufacturing Equipment – Detailing tools used in production
Machinery List – Used in the manufacturing facility
Manufacturing Plant Layout – Diagram or schematic of the plant
Brand Documentation – Trademark certificate, if applicable
Business License – Or certificate of incorporation
Raw Material Test Reports – For materials used in production
Performance Bank Guarantee – Refundable $10,000 security deposit payable to BIS

How to Apply for a BIS Certificate for Import in India

To import and sell products in India legally, obtaining BIS certification is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard (IS Code)

Begin by determining the Indian Standard (IS) relevant to your product. Each product category has a specific IS code that outlines its safety, quality, and performance requirements. Identifying the correct code ensures your product aligns with BIS norms.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation

Gather and submit a complete set of documents, including:

Product specifications
Manufacturing process details
Quality assurance protocols
Product testing procedures

Ensure all documents are accurate and up to date to avoid processing delays.

Step 3: Conduct Product Testing

Submit your product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing. This verifies that the product complies with the required Indian Standards for safety and quality.

Step 4: Undergo Factory Inspection

Once your product passes testing, BIS officials will visit the manufacturing facility to assess:

Production processes
Quality control systems
Consistency with Indian Standards

This inspection ensures that the manufacturing environment supports ongoing compliance.

Step 5: Receive BIS Certification

After successful testing and inspection, BIS will issue the certification and authorize the use of the ISI Mark on your product.

Validity: The certificate is valid for a defined period.
Renewal: Regular renewal is required to maintain certification and compliance.

Identification of IS Standard for Imported Products

Before applying for BIS certification, it’s essential to identify the correct Indian Standard (IS) that applies to your imported product. Each category of goods has a designated IS code that defines the quality, safety, and performance benchmarks. Importers can visit the official BIS website and use the product search feature to find the relevant standard applicable to their product type.

Can You Import Goods Without a BIS Certificate?

Yes, in limited scenarios, it is possible to import goods into India without a BIS certificate. Below are the exceptions where BIS registration is not mandatory:

1. Import of Product Samples for Testing or R&D

Products can be imported for testing, research, or development purposes without a BIS license.
Importers must declare that these samples are solely for evaluation and not for commercial use.
Only one unit per model can be imported as a sample.
Approval from customs is required during clearance.

2. Import for Personal Use

Products imported strictly for personal use do not require BIS certification.
As per the Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), end users can import goods for self-use without restrictions.

3. Temporary Import for Exhibitions or Trade Fairs

Special permission is required for items imported temporarily for display.
Products must either be re-exported after the event or disposed of according to BIS norms.

Note: These exemptions are strictly regulated, and misuse may lead to penalties or seizure. Always consult a BIS expert before proceeding

Cost of BIS Certificate for Import

The cost of obtaining BIS certification varies depending on the product type and the applicable scheme. Key cost components include:

Application Fee – Charged for submitting the certification request.
Product Testing Fee – Cost of testing in a BIS-approved lab.
Inspection Fee – Covers factory audits by BIS officials.
Marking Fee – For using the ISI or CRS mark on the product.
Performance Bank Guarantee – Applicable under the FMCS scheme; foreign manufacturers must submit a refundable $10,000 guarantee.

Estimated Total Cost: Ranges from a few thousand to several lakhs of rupees, depending on product complexity and certification scope.

BIS Certification for E-commerce Importers

Selling imported products through online marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, or Shopify requires BIS certification, especially for regulated product categories such as electronics, toys, and household appliances.

Important Guidelines:

Products must be BIS-registered before being listed online.
Marketplaces may remove or block uncertified products.
Sellers should confirm their supplier’s BIS compliance.
BIS-certified products earn more trust and visibility with consumers

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About the Author

Manisha

Manisha is an expert writer skilled at simplifying complex legal topics into practical, easy-to-understand guidance. Her insightful articles equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge necessary to navigate business laws confidently, helping them launch and manage their ventures successfully.

June 26, 2025