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India is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. For foreign manufacturers, entering the Indian market offers huge business opportunities. However, before selling many regulated products in India, manufacturers must comply with Indian quality and safety standards. This is where BIS Certification becomes important.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensures that products sold in India meet defined quality, safety, and performance benchmarks. Without BIS certification, foreign manufacturers may face product rejection, penalties, or import restrictions.

In this blog, we will explain how foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS certification in India in simple words. We will cover the full process, required documents, timelines, challenges, and benefits. We will also guide you on how to Apply BIS Certification Online, including BIS CRS registration Online, FMCS BIS Certification Online, and ISI Mark Certification Online.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a quality approval issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It confirms that a product follows Indian Standards (IS). For many products, BIS certification is mandatory before selling or importing them into India.

For foreign manufacturers, BIS certification builds trust, ensures legal compliance, and allows smooth entry into the Indian market.

Why BIS Certification Is Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS certification for the following reasons:

• It is mandatory for many products under Indian law
  
  

• It ensures product safety and quality
  
  

• It helps avoid import delays and penalties
  
  

• It increases customer trust and brand value
  
  

• It allows legal sale of products in the Indian market
  
  

Without BIS certification, customs authorities may stop your goods at Indian ports.

Types of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS certification under different schemes based on the product type.

1. ISI Mark Certification (Scheme-I)

This scheme applies to products like cement, steel, electrical appliances, and household goods. Products approved under this scheme carry the ISI mark.

Foreign manufacturers can apply for ISI Mark Certification Online through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

2. BIS CRS Registration (Scheme-II)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is mainly for electronic and IT products such as:

• Mobile phones
  
  

• Laptops
  
  

• LED lights
  
  

• Power adapters
  
  

Manufacturers must complete BIS CRS registration Online before selling these products in India.

3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

FMCS is specially designed for manufacturers located outside India. Under this scheme, BIS officers inspect the foreign factory before granting certification.

Foreign companies can apply for FMCS BIS Certification Online through the BIS portal.

Products Covered Under BIS Certification

Some common products that require BIS certification include:

• Electronics and IT products
  
  

• Electrical appliances
  
  

• Steel and cement products
  
  

• Automotive components
  
  

• Medical devices
  
  

• Chemicals and fertilizers
  
  

The list of mandatory products is regularly updated by BIS.

Who Can Apply for BIS Certification?

Only the manufacturer can apply for BIS certification. Traders, importers, or distributors cannot apply directly.

For foreign manufacturers:

• The manufacturing unit must be located outside India
  
  

• The applicant must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
  
  

• The AIR acts as a local contact for BIS authorities
  
  

What Is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

An Authorized Indian Representative is a person or company based in India who represents the foreign manufacturer.

Role of AIR:

• Acts as a liaison between BIS and the manufacturer
  
  

• Handles compliance and documentation
  
  

• Responds to BIS queries and inspections
  
  

• Takes responsibility for product quality in India
  
  

Appointing the right AIR is critical for successful BIS certification.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply BIS Certification Online

Let us now understand the full process in simple steps.

Step 1: Identify the Applicable BIS Scheme

First, identify whether your product falls under:

• ISI Mark Scheme
  
  

• CRS Scheme
  
  

• FMCS Scheme
  
  

Each scheme has different requirements and procedures.

Step 2: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative

Foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR in India. BIS will not process the application without a valid AIR.

Step 3: Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Lab

The product sample must be tested in a BIS-approved laboratory.

• Testing must follow Indian Standards
  
  

• Reports must be recent
  
  

• Only approved labs are accepted
  
  

For CRS registration, test reports play a crucial role.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Common documents include:

• Manufacturing unit details
  
  

• Factory layout and machinery list
  
  

• Quality control documents
  
  

• Test reports from BIS labs
  
  

• Authorization letter for AIR
  
  

• Business licenses of the manufacturer
  
  

Accuracy in documents is very important.

Step 5: Apply BIS Certification Online

Foreign manufacturers can Apply BIS Certification Online through the official BIS portal.

• Fill in the application form
  
  

• Upload documents
  
  

• Pay the government fees
  
  

For electronics, apply for BIS CRS registration Online.
For factory inspection-based approval, apply under FMCS BIS Certification Online.

Step 6: Factory Inspection by BIS Officials

Under FMCS and ISI schemes, BIS officers visit the foreign factory.

During inspection, they check:

• Manufacturing process
  
  

• Quality control systems
  
  

• Testing facilities
  
  

• Raw material storage
  
  

This step is critical for approval.

Step 7: Grant of BIS License

If everything is satisfactory, BIS grants the certification license.

• The license allows use of ISI mark or CRS registration number
  
  

• The manufacturer can now legally export products to India
  
  

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time required depends on the product and scheme:

• CRS Registration: 20–30 working days
  
  

• FMCS Certification: 3–6 months
  
  

• ISI Mark Certification: 4–6 months
  
  

Delays can occur due to incomplete documents or failed tests.

Cost of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

The cost includes:

• Government fees
  
  

• Laboratory testing charges
  
  

• Inspection fees
  
  

• AIR service charges
  
  

• Professional consultancy fees
  
  

Costs vary depending on product category and factory location.

Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers often face challenges such as:

• Complex documentation
  
  

• Understanding Indian standards
  
  

• Delays in testing and inspection
  
  

• Communication gaps with BIS
  
  

• Errors in online application
  
  

These challenges can delay market entry.

How Corpbiz Helps Foreign Manufacturers with BIS Certification

Corpbiz is a trusted compliance and certification consulting firm in India. We help foreign manufacturers complete BIS certification smoothly and quickly.

Our Services Include:

• Product classification and scheme identification
  
  

• Assistance to Apply BIS Certification Online
  
  

• BIS CRS registration Online support
  
  

• FMCS BIS Certification Online filing
  
  

• ISI Mark Certification Online assistance
  
  

• AIR appointment support
  
  

• End-to-end coordination with BIS
  
  

With Corpbiz, foreign manufacturers can focus on business while we handle compliance.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS certification offers many long-term benefits:

• Legal access to the Indian market
  
  

• Increased product credibility
  
  

• Improved customer confidence
  
  

• Competitive advantage
  
  

• Reduced risk of penalties
  
  

It is not just a legal requirement but a business growth tool.

Renewal and Surveillance of BIS Certification

BIS licenses are not permanent.

• CRS licenses are usually valid for two years
  
  

• ISI and FMCS licenses require periodic renewal
  
  

• BIS conducts surveillance audits and sample testing
  
  

Timely renewal is important to avoid license cancellation.

Tips for Faster BIS Approval

• Choose the correct BIS scheme
  
  

• Prepare accurate documents
  
  

• Use BIS-approved labs only
  
  

• Appoint an experienced AIR
  
  

• Take professional help
  
  

Expert guidance can save time and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for foreign manufacturers?

Yes, for many products, BIS certification is mandatory before importing or selling in India.

2. Can a foreign company apply for BIS certification without an AIR?

No, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative is compulsory.

3. Can I apply for BIS certification online?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can Apply BIS Certification Online through the BIS portal.

4. What is BIS CRS registration Online?

It is an online registration process for electronics and IT products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

5. How long does FMCS BIS Certification Online take?

It usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on inspection and document approval.

6. Is factory inspection mandatory for all BIS schemes?

Factory inspection is mandatory for ISI Mark and FMCS schemes but not always for CRS.

7. Can Corpbiz help with the full BIS certification process?

Yes, Corpbiz provides complete end-to-end BIS certification support for foreign manufacturers.

Conclusion

For foreign manufacturers, BIS certification is the gateway to the Indian market. Although the process may seem complex, it becomes simple when handled correctly. From Apply BIS Certification Online to ISI Mark Certification Online, every step requires accuracy and compliance.

With expert assistance from Corpbiz, foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS certification smoothly, legally, and without stress. If you are planning to expand your business into India, BIS certification should be your first step.

Author Profile

Atul Shukla
Atul Shukla is a compliance and regulatory expert with extensive experience in BIS certification, government registrations, and business advisory services. He has helped numerous Indian and foreign companies achieve smooth regulatory compliance and successful market entry in India.

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