Process & Documents

BIS Certification Process & Required Documents — Complete Guide

Comprehensive guide to the BIS certification process in India, including step-by-step procedure, required documents, timelines, costs, and expert consulting from Standphill India.

  • 6-step certification process explained
  • Complete documents checklist by category
  • Timelines & costs for all schemes
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Overview

BIS Certification Schemes

BIS operates three main certification schemes. The applicable scheme depends on your product type, origin of manufacture, and regulatory requirements.

ISI Mark (Product Certification Scheme)

For domestic manufacturers and authorized importers. Involves factory inspection, product testing, and annual renewal.

CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

For electronic and IT products. Self-declaration-based with lab testing but no factory inspection.

FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)

For foreign manufacturers. Requires appointing an Authorized Indian Representative and overseas factory inspection.

Learn more about each scheme
6-Step Process

Complete BIS Certification Process

Follow these 6 steps to successfully obtain BIS certification for your product in India.

01

Product & Standard Identification

Identify the exact product type and applicable Indian Standard (IS). Consult the BIS Quality Control Orders to confirm if certification is mandatory for your product.

02

Lab Testing

Submit samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing. Tests verify conformity with the applicable Indian Standard. Lab testing takes 2-4 weeks depending on product complexity.

03

Application Filing

Submit the BIS application through the MANAK online portal with test reports, product specifications, manufacturing details, and required documents.

04

Factory Inspection (ISI Mark Only)

BIS conducts factory inspection to verify quality control systems, raw materials, testing equipment, and production processes. Not required for CRS schemes.

05

Certificate Grant

Upon successful testing and inspection (where applicable), BIS grants the ISI Mark licence or registration certificate with a unique registration number.

06

Surveillance & Renewal

BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits and market sampling. Licence must be renewed annually or at specified intervals.

Documentation

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Proper documentation is crucial for a successful BIS certification application. Here is a comprehensive checklist organized by category.

Company Documents

  • Incorporation certificate (Ltd./Partnership/Proprietorship)
  • GST registration
  • PAN card
  • Import Export Code (IEC) — for importers
  • Authorized signatory ID proof

Product Documents

  • Technical specifications and drawings
  • Product photographs and labels
  • Bill of materials
  • List of raw material suppliers
  • Applicable standards (IS) number and copy

Testing Documents

  • Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratory
  • Accreditation certificate of the testing lab
  • Raw material test certificates
  • Product label showing manufacturer details

Manufacturing Documents

  • Factory layout plan
  • Manufacturing process flowchart
  • Quality control plan
  • List of testing equipment with calibration records
  • Previous BIS licence (for renewal)

Pro Tip

Prepare all documents in advance and have them verified before application. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is the most common cause of application delays. Standphill India helps ensure your documentation is complete and BIS-ready.

Processing Time

BIS Certification Timelines

CRS (Electronics)

4-8 weeks

Faster process, no factory inspection required

ISI Mark

3-6 months

Includes factory inspection, testing, and approval

FMCS

4-8 months

Overseas factory inspection adds time

Expenses

Cost Breakdown

BIS Application Fee

INR 1,000-2,000

Varies by scheme

Lab Testing

INR 20K-2L+

Depends on product type and number of tests

Marking Fee

Based on production

Per unit or annual marking fee

Licence Renewal

INR 500-2,000

Annual or periodic renewal fee

Note: Exact costs vary by product category, complexity, and number of tests required. Contact Standphill India for a customized cost estimate.

Why It Matters

Benefits of BIS Certification

Market Access

BIS certification is mandatory for many product categories. Without it, you cannot legally sell certain products in India.

Consumer Trust

The ISI Mark is recognized by consumers as a symbol of quality and safety, increasing product credibility and market demand.

Government Procurement

Government departments and PSUs often mandate BIS certification in their procurement tenders, opening access to institutional orders.

Quality Improvement

The certification process ensures your manufacturing processes meet international-level quality standards.

Legal Protection

Certification protects you from penalties, product seizures, and legal action under the BIS Act 2016.

Export Credibility

BIS certification enhances your product credibility in international markets, especially in South Asia and Africa.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIS certification?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is a mandatory or voluntary quality assurance mark that certifies a product meets the relevant Indian Standard (IS). It assures consumers of product quality, safety, and reliability. The ISI Mark on products signals compliance with Indian standards for manufacturing, testing, and quality control.
Is BIS certification mandatory for all products?
No. BIS certification is mandatory only for products specified in Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India. These typically cover products with safety implications like electrical appliances, footwear, hinges, furniture, toys, and electronics. Check the BIS website or consult Standphill India to determine if your product falls under mandatory certification.
How long does the BIS certification process take?
The timeline varies by scheme: CRS takes 4-8 weeks, ISI Mark takes 3-6 months, and FMCS takes 4-8 months. The duration depends on product complexity, lab testing requirements, and how quickly you respond to BIS queries. Standphill India helps expedite the process through efficient preparation.
What is the role of the MANAK portal?
The BIS MANAK Online Portal (manak.bis.gov.in) is the official platform for submitting all BIS certification applications. As of 2026, it is the only authorized method for BIS applications. The portal handles application filing, document uploads, payment processing, query management, and certificate issuance.
Do I need factory inspection for all BIS schemes?
No. Factory inspection is required for ISI Mark and FMCS schemes but not for CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) for electronics. CRS is a self-declaration-based scheme backed by third-party lab testing. The specific scheme applicable to your product determines whether factory inspection is needed.
Can foreign manufacturers get BIS certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS certification through the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme). They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to manage the application and facilitate factory inspection at their overseas manufacturing facility.
What happens if I sell non-certified products when certification is mandatory?
Selling products without mandatory BIS certification violates the BIS Act 2016. Penalties include fines up to INR 2 lakh for the first offence, imprisonment up to 2 years for repeat violations, and seizure and confiscation of non-compliant products from the market.
How do I know which Indian Standard applies to my product?
Each product category has a specific Indian Standard (IS number). You can find applicable standards on the BIS website by product type. Standphill India assists in identifying the correct standard for your product, which is crucial for a successful certification application.

Ready to Start Your BIS Certification?

Standphill India provides end-to-end BIS certification consulting — from product assessment and documentation preparation to lab coordination, MANAK portal management, and post-certification compliance. Let us guide you through the process.

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