In today’s quality-conscious and regulation-driven market, BIS certification is more than just a compliance requirement — it’s a badge of trust, safety, and reliability. Whether you're manufacturing in India or importing goods into the country, getting your products BIS certified is often mandatory to legally sell and distribute them.
With new regulatory updates and stricter enforcement in 2025, it’s critical to understand the BIS registration process, the applicable schemes (like ISI and CRS), costs, documentation, and the steps needed to ensure smooth approval.
This blog will help you navigate the BIS certification process in 2025, and answer common questions regarding documentation, fees, renewal, and import regulations.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS, or the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national standards body of India. It develops and enforces product standards to ensure quality, safety, and reliability. Products approved by BIS carry the ISI mark or a registration number indicating compliance.
BIS certification is mandatory for a wide range of products under different schemes. Products without proper certification can be rejected at ports, fined, or barred from sale in the Indian market.
Why is BIS Certification Important in 2025?
With growing emphasis on consumer safety, standardized imports, and quality control, BIS certification ensures:
- Legal compliance under Indian law
- Safe and quality-assured products for consumers
- Hassle-free customs clearance for importers
- Participation in government tenders
- Improved brand reputation and market acceptance
Types of BIS Certification Schemes
There are three major certification schemes under BIS, each with its own applicability:
1. ISI Mark Certification (For Domestic Manufacturers)
- Mandatory for over 370+ products like cement, electrical goods, kitchen appliances, etc.
- Involves factory inspection and sample testing
- Products receive the ISI mark
2. FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
- Applies to overseas manufacturers exporting to India
- Requires in-country factory inspection by BIS officials
- A BIS license is granted to use the ISI mark on foreign-manufactured goods
3. CRS – Compulsory Registration Scheme (For Electronics/IT)
- Applicable to 76+ product categories including mobile phones, power adapters, LED lights, CCTV systems, etc.
- No factory audit required
- Products must be tested in BIS-approved labs and registered with BIS
Products that Require BIS Certification in 2025 (Sample List)
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Smartwatches and fitness bands
- CCTV cameras and recorders
- LED lights and drivers
- Power banks, adapters, chargers
- Pressure cookers
- Helmets
- Toys and plasticwar
- Household appliances (e.g., geysers, washing machines)
Note: The BIS list of mandatory products is constantly being updated. Always verify your product category before beginning the application.
BIS Certification Process – Step-by-Step (2025)
Whether you're a domestic or foreign manufacturer, here’s how the BIS certification process works:
✔ Step 1: Determine Applicable BIS Scheme
- Check whether your product falls under ISI, FMCS, or CRS scheme.
- This determines the process, cost, and documentation.
✔ Step 2: Product Testing
- Send product samples to BIS-recognized labs for testing as per relevant Indian Standards (IS codes).
- Get valid test reports.
✔ Step 3: Submit Online Application
- Register on the BIS online portal
- Upload:
- Product specifications
- Lab test reports
- Manufacturing details
- Factory location
- Quality management documents
✔ Step 4: Factory Audit (for ISI & FMCS only)
- BIS officers conduct a physical audit of your manufacturing facility.
- They verify production processes, quality controls, and labeling practices.
✔ Step 5: Grant of License
- If all documents and inspections are satisfactory, BIS issues a license or registration number.
- You are now authorized to use the ISI mark or CRS registration on your products.
✔ Step 6: Renewal & Surveillance
- BIS licenses are generally valid for 1–2 years.
- Periodic surveillance, market sampling, and renewal applications are necessary to maintain validity.
🧾 Documents Required for BIS Certification
- Company registration documents
- Factory address proof and layout plan
- List of manufacturing equipment
- Quality control plan
- Test report from BIS approved lab
- Product photos and labeling details
- Indian Authorized Representative (for foreign applicants)
- BIS self-declaration of conformity
BIS Certification Fees & Costs (2025 Update)
The cost of BIS certification varies depending on the product type and certification scheme. Here's a rough breakdown:
- Application fee: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
- Testing charges: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 (varies by product)
- Inspection fees: ₹50,000+ (for ISI/FMSC schemes)
- License issuance: ₹25,000 – ₹75,000 approx.
- Renewal fee: Based on product and validity period
Additional costs may apply for overseas factory inspections, translations, consultants, or re-testing (in case of product failure).
BIS Certification for Importers & Foreign Brands
If you are importing products into India, you must ensure BIS compliance before the goods arrive at customs.
Importers must:
- Verify if the product falls under mandatory BIS list
- Ensure the foreign manufacturer has a valid BIS license
- Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for compliance
- Submit the BIS registration details for customs clearance
Non-compliant goods may be rejected or destroyed at ports. BIS registration is mandatory before shipping.
How to Renew BIS License
- Apply for renewal before license expiry
- Submit updated documents and latest test reports
- BIS may conduct a fresh inspection or market surveillance
- Pay renewal and processing fees
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted product availability in the market.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting expired test reports
- Choosing the wrong scheme (ISI/CRS/FMCS)
- Not having an Indian Authorized Representative
- Incorrect labeling or ISI mark usage
- Ignoring renewal deadlines
Benefits of BIS Certification in 2025
- Mandatory for legal sales of products in India
- Increases consumer trust and safety assurance
- Helps in faster customs clearance
- Gives access to e-commerce platforms and government tenders
- Ensures consistency in product quality
✅ Final Tips for Smooth BIS Certification
- Start early – testing and documentation can take weeks
- Hire BIS consultants if needed to avoid delays
- Maintain good recordkeeping for audits
- Always check the latest BIS updates and notifications
- Never falsify BIS numbers or use expired certificates — it's a punishable offense
Conclusion
BIS certification is not just a bureaucratic step — it’s a strategic business move in 2025. Whether you're a manufacturer in India or an overseas brand looking to tap into the Indian market, BIS approval boosts your credibility, unlocks sales channels, and ensures your products are safe and legal.
Stay updated with the latest norms, prepare documents in advance, and follow the right certification path (ISI, CRS, or FMCS) for your product.
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