BIS Certification in India 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS Certification in India (2025) is mandatory for over 679 product categories, including electronics, machinery, chemicals, and consumer goods. Foreign manufacturers aiming to export to India must comply with BIS regulations via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or the newly introduced Scheme X.

This comprehensive guide explains why BIS is mandatory, identifies regulated sectors, and outlines a step-by-step certification process. Learn about costs, audit requirements, testing in BIS-approved labs, and compliance best practices—everything international exporters need to access India’s booming market while meeting strict safety and quality standards.

India’s booming economy, expansive consumer base, and infrastructure-led growth have made it a top destination for global exporters. However, foreign manufacturers looking to sell products in India must navigate the country’s stringent quality and safety compliance regime—most notably, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.

BIS certification is a mandatory requirement for numerous products ranging from construction materials and consumer appliances to industrial machinery and chemicals. Products that fall under these categories cannot be imported, sold, or distributed in India unless they meet the applicable Indian Standards (IS) and carry the appropriate BIS mark.

For overseas companies, the key pathways to BIS compliance include the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)—used for ISI-marked products—and the newer, machinery-focused Scheme X, which comes into force for a wide range of equipment from August 28, 2025.

Quick snapshot of BIS compliance in India 2025

What is BIS and why it matters

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The BIS, functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA), is India’s national standards body. Established in 1987, BIS replaced the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) and operates under the BIS Act, 2016. Its core role is to formulate Indian Standards and ensure product conformity through licensing and certification. Products conforming to BIS standards carry the ISI mark — a trusted symbol of quality in the Indian market.

BIS certification ensures products meet national benchmarks and is crucial for public safety, health, environmental protection, and national security. For foreign manufacturers, BIS certification signals product compliance and grants market access to India’s large consumer and industrial base.

Why BIS certification is mandatory for certain imports

Originally a voluntary initiative, BIS certification has become legally mandatory for numerous product categories, especially imports. India’s central government uses BIS as a regulatory tool to prevent the influx of substandard, unsafe, or environmentally harmful goods. Under Section 16 of the BIS Act, the central government can issue Quality Control Orders (QCOs), making certification compulsory for specified products. These mandatory norms are enforced to:

• Safeguard public safety and health
• Protect the environment
• Prevent unfair trade practices
• Ensure national security

Mandatory BIS certification means that regulated products cannot be manufactured, sold, or imported into India unless certified by BIS.

Sectors and products requiring mandatory BIS certification

As of March 2025, India had issued 187 QCOs covering over 679 product categories. 

Note: If your product is widely used or safety-critical, it’s likely to fall under mandatory certification. Always cross-check the latest QCO notifications before exporting to India.

Voluntary vs. mandatory BIS certification schemes

Voluntary certification

Applies to products not under mandatory QCOs. Manufacturers may choose to obtain the ISI mark to boost market credibility. Many procurement contracts in India favor BIS-marked goods even when certification is optional.

Mandatory certification

The central government notifies mandatory product certification under Section 16 of the BIS Act. the two major schemes under this includes the following:

• ISI Mark Certification (Scheme I): It applies to most regulated consumer and industrial goods. Furthermore, the scheme requires factory inspection and testing. It is accessible to foreign manufacturers via FMCS.
• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS or Scheme II): Scheme II is primarily for electronics and IT products and involves self-declaration post-lab testing. It does not requires factory audit.

BIS certification pathways for foreign manufacturers

1. FMCS

FMCS was launched in India in 2000 to extend ISI Mark certification (Scheme I) to foreign entities. It allows foreign manufacturers to get licensed by BIS and affix the ISI mark on certified products.

Key highlights

• Who needs FMCS: Foreign companies exporting products listed under Quslity Control Order (QCO).
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): An AIR acts as the BIS liaison and holds legal responsibility in India. This is a mandatory process.
• License validity: the license is valid for one year and renewable on an annual basis.
• BIS marking: Certified foreign products bear the same ISI mark as those from Indian manufacturers; no distinction.

2. Scheme X: BIS certification for machinery and high-risk equipment

BIS’s Scheme X addresses industrial, electrical, and high-risk equipment. With the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, it becomes mandatory from August 28, 2025.

The scheme cover certification for commodities such as the following:

• Pumps, compressors, cranes, mining equipment
• Transformers, motors, switchgear, control panels
• Large industrial machinery not previously covered under ISI

Key features:

• The certification process is similar to FMCS, with technical documentation required.
• Typically grants Certificate of Conformity (CoC) which is valid for 3 years.
• Products are marked with a special BIS mark (aligned with CRS-style marking).

Step-by-Step guide to BIS certification for foreign companies

Dezan Shira & Associates’ India Office can assist with the below process. For business inquiries, please email us at: India@dezshira.com

1. Confirm applicability

• Check if your product is under a QCO.
• Identify the relevant Indian Standard (IS code).
• Refer to BIS’s official product list or gazette notifications.

2. Appoint an AIR

• Must be based in India (importer, subsidiary, or consultant)
• Required to provide declarations, ID, and authority letters

3. Compile documentation

• Application forms and business licenses
• Technical product file (drawings, specs, BoM)
• Testing and quality assurance details
• Factory photos and layout
• AIR nomination forms and ID proofs

4. Submit application and pay fees

• Application and audit fees must be paid via the BIS portal.
• Include initial deposit for BIS audit travel and man-days.

5. Respond to BIS queries

• BIS will review and may request clarifications or additional documents.

6. Factory audit (Inspection)

• BIS inspectors travel to your factory (typically 3 days abroad)
• Check manufacturing process, QA systems, documentation
• Witness product testing
• Select sealed samples for BIS lab testing

7. Product testing in BIS-approved lab

• Conducted independently using sealed samples
• Test reports submitted directly to BIS
• Failure leads to rejection or re-testing

8. Grant of license/CoC After successful audit and testing, BIS issues:
   • License (ISI mark) under FMCS
   • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under Scheme X
   • Products must bear BIS mark as per guidelines

9. License renewal and quality inspection

• License typically valid for 1–3 years
• Annual surveillance audits are mandatory
• Non-compliance can lead to cancellation

Timelines and testing considerations

Estimated timeline

• FMCS (ISI mark): ~6–8 months
• Scheme X: ~9–12 months due to higher technical scrutiny

Testing considerations

• Only BIS-recognized labs are accepted
• Pre-testing is highly recommended to avoid test failures
• BIS may witness critical tests during factory audit
• Multiple samples may be needed
• For CRS (electronics), lab reports are submitted at application stage

Best practices for foreign manufacturers

• Start early: Begin at least 6–8 months before shipping
• Pre-test your product: Ensure product quality against Indian Standards before applying for certification.
• Get documentation right: Follow BIS formats meticulously
• Engage experts: Consider hiring a BIS consultant in India
• Stay compliant: Any change in product or process must be approved
• Use the BIS mark correctly: Misuse is penalized
• Monitor updates: Track new QCOs and standard revisions
• Leverage certification: Market your product as BIS certified

Conclusion

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BIS certification is non-negotiable for a growing sweep of products entering India. Whether you manufacture steel bars, smartphones, or industrial cranes, India’s regulators demand proof that your goods meet Indian Standards. For foreign firms, the FMCS and Scheme X pathways are the keys to market access.

By starting early, aligning designs with IS specifications, leveraging a competent AIR, and following the structured roadmap above, overseas suppliers can turn compliance from a hurdle into a competitive advantage—and enter the world’s fastest-growing consumer and infrastructure market with confidence.

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