BIS Certification is an important conformity assessment system in India that helps ensure products meet applicable Indian Standards for quality, safety, reliability, and performance. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It operates product certification schemes for eligible products manufactured in India and abroad.

Depending on the product category and applicable government regulations, manufacturers may need to obtain certification before selling their products in the Indian market. BIS certification requirements apply to various categories, including electronics, electrical appliances, steel products, cement, toys, and other notified goods. However, certification is not mandatory for every product; the requirement depends on the relevant Indian Standard and applicable Quality Control Order (QCO) or other regulation.

Understanding the process of BIS Registration helps manufacturers, importers, and businesses determine the correct certification scheme and comply with applicable requirements.

What Is BIS Registration?

BIS Registration refers to the process of obtaining the relevant approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards for a product covered under an applicable certification scheme. The procedure varies depending on the product, its Indian Standard, manufacturing location, and regulatory requirements.

For certain electronic and IT products, BIS operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Under this scheme, manufacturers generally need to have their products tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory and complete the required registration formalities before placing covered products on the market.

Other products may fall under the ISI Mark Scheme or another applicable BIS certification scheme. Therefore, businesses should first identify the correct Indian Standard and determine whether their product requires compulsory certification, registration, or another form of regulatory approval.

The registration process typically involves product testing, technical documentation, an application, payment of applicable fees, and review by BIS. The exact requirements depend on the scheme concerned.

What Is a BIS Certificate?

A BIS Certificate is an official document issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the relevant conformity assessment scheme. It confirms that the product or applicant meets the applicable requirements of that scheme.

The type of approval issued depends on the product category. For products covered under the ISI Mark Scheme, BIS grants a licence to use the Standard Mark after evaluating the manufacturer's capability and product conformity. Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, eligible products receive registration after fulfilling the applicable testing and documentation requirements.

A BIS Certificate can help businesses demonstrate regulatory compliance, build customer confidence, and access markets where BIS approval is compulsory. However, businesses must ensure that the certificate or registration covers the correct product, manufacturer, model, and applicable standard.

What Is a BIS License?

A BIS License is the authorization granted by BIS to a manufacturer to use the applicable Standard Mark on certified products, subject to the conditions of the relevant scheme. It is particularly associated with the ISI Mark product certification process.

Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products comply with the applicable Indian Standard and that they have the necessary manufacturing and testing facilities to maintain consistent quality. BIS may conduct factory inspections, sample testing, and surveillance activities to verify ongoing compliance.

A BIS licence is not a universal approval for every product manufactured by a company. Its scope is limited to the products and standards covered by the authorization. Manufacturers must also comply with licence conditions, marking requirements, renewal provisions, and applicable surveillance procedures.

BIS Certification in India: Step-by-Step Process

Obtaining BIS Certification in India requires manufacturers to follow the procedure prescribed for their particular product and certification scheme.

The general steps are outlined below.

1. Identify the applicable Indian Standard: Determine the correct IS number and verify whether certification is mandatory for the product.

2. Select the appropriate scheme: Establish whether the product falls under the ISI Mark Scheme, CRS, FMCS, or another applicable conformity assessment scheme.

3. Arrange product testing: Submit product samples to the laboratory specified or recognized under the applicable scheme.

4. Prepare the documentation: Collect the required manufacturing details, test reports, business documents, product specifications, and other scheme-specific records.

5. Submit the application: Apply through the relevant official BIS portal and pay the prescribed fees.

6. Complete the assessment: Fulfil any applicable factory inspection, technical review, testing, or clarification requirements.

7. Receive approval: BIS grants the relevant licence, registration, or certificate when the applicable requirements are satisfied.

8. Maintain compliance: Follow marking, quality-control, renewal, and surveillance requirements applicable to the approval.

The exact process and timeline can vary depending on the product, scheme, testing requirements, and completeness of the application.

Documents Required for BIS Registration

The documents required for BIS Registration depend on the certification scheme and product category. Commonly requested documents may include:

• Manufacturer's business registration documents.

• Details of the manufacturing facility.

• Product specifications and technical information.

• Applicable Indian Standard details.

• Test reports from the required laboratory.

• Details of manufacturing and testing equipment, where applicable.

• Authorized signatory documents and declarations.

• Brand authorization or trademark-related documents, where required.

• Scheme-specific undertakings and application forms.

Foreign manufacturers may need additional documents and must follow the requirements of the applicable foreign manufacturer certification or registration scheme. Applicants should verify the current checklist on the official BIS portal before submitting their applications.

Benefits of BIS Certification

Obtaining the appropriate BIS approval offers several benefits to manufacturers and businesses.

Improved product credibility: Demonstrates conformity with the relevant Indian Standard under the applicable scheme.

Regulatory compliance: Helps businesses meet mandatory certification requirements for notified products.

Customer confidence: Provides assurance that certified products have undergone the required conformity assessment.

Market access: Enables businesses to sell products in markets where the relevant BIS approval is required, subject to other applicable regulations.

Quality consistency: Encourages manufacturers to maintain production controls and follow applicable quality requirements.

These benefits depend on maintaining valid approval and complying with the conditions associated with the certification scheme.

Conclusion

BIS certification plays an important role in product quality assurance and regulatory compliance in India. Understanding the difference between BIS Certification, BIS Registration, a BIS Certificate, and a BIS License helps businesses choose the correct approval route for their products.

Before applying, manufacturers should verify the applicable Indian Standard, identify the relevant certification scheme, and check whether a Quality Control Order makes compliance compulsory. For accurate requirements, application procedures, and fee information, consult the official Bureau of Indian Standards website: www.bis.gov.in.