The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is a product conformity assessment system introduced by the Indian government under the BIS Act, 1986. This mandatory certification aims to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability, protect consumer interests, and promote fair market competition. The BIS framework primarily consists of three schemes: the compulsory ISI Mark certification, the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), and voluntary certification.
Established in 1955, BIS has developed a system covering over a thousand products. Any product listed under the compulsory category must obtain the relevant certification before it can be sold in India. As the sole national standards body authorized for product certification, the BIS ISI Mark is widely recognized across India and neighboring regions, serving as a key assurance of product quality.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. While functioning as a statutory body, it performs key governmental duties, including:
1.Formulating and promoting Indian Standards.
2.Operating conformity assessment schemes.
3.Representing India in international standardization bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
BIS operates through 5 Regional Offices and 19 Branch Offices. It relies on its own network of 8 laboratories and numerous recognized partner laboratories, which perform testing per ISO/IEC 17025:1999 standards to ensure professionalism and credibility in the certification process.
BIS Certification Schemes & Product Scope:
1.Compulsory ISI Mark Certification：
·Applicable Products:Cement, certain food items, steel products, automobile components, household appliances (e.g., electric irons, kettles), tungsten filament lamps, electric cables, plugs, etc.
·Certification Mode: Product testing + Initial factory audit + Post-certification surveillance.
2.Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)：
·Applicable Products: IT and electronics equipment, such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, LED lamps, power adapters, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), batteries, power banks, etc.
·Certification Mode: Product testing + Post-certification surveillance.
3.Voluntary Certification：
·Applicable to products not listed under compulsory certification; manufacturers can apply voluntarily based on market needs.
Core BIS Certification Process:
1.Document & Sample Preparation: The applicant submits technical files and representative samples to a recognized testing agency.
2.Document Review & Sample Dispatch: The testing agency reviews the product construction and arranges for sample shipment to a BIS-recognized laboratory in India.
3.Product Testing: The Indian laboratory tests the samples against applicable Indian Standards and issues a test report.
4.Registration Application: The testing agency compiles the registration application, test report, and details of the Indian Authorized Representative (if applicable), and submits everything to BIS.
5.Approval & Issuance: Upon successful review, BIS grants a Registration Letter, and the applicant receives a unique Registration Number.
BIS Certification Required Documents:
·Duly completed BIS application form.
·Appointment letter for an Indian Authorized Representative or proof of Indian branch office.
·Company Registration Certificate and Business License.
·Description of the manufacturing process.
·Quality control documentation (Quality Manual, Test Plan, etc.).
·List of critical components and raw materials.
·List of production and test equipment.
·Factory layout diagram and geographical location map.
·Laboratory accreditation certificates and personnel qualifications.
·Product design drawings and test reports from recognized labs.
·Bank payment receipt.
Important Considerations:
1.BIS certification is typically valid for one year and requires timely annual fee payment and renewal application submission.
2.BIS accepts CB Test Reports from the IECEE CB Scheme for certain products, which can streamline the process.
3.Certification can be expedited if:
·The manufacturing plant address is clearly stated in the application.
·The factory is equipped with test facilities meeting relevant Indian Standards.
·The product design inherently complies with the applicable Indian Standard(s).
Obtaining BIS certification is not just a legal requirement for market access but also a significant step in enhancing product competitiveness and consumer trust. Companies should identify the correct certification path based on their product type to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, provides professional certification consulting services!
