What is BIS Certification?
BIS is a short form for the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is a National Standard Body of India constituted under the BIS Act 2016. It was established for the harmonious development of standardisation, marking, and quality certification of goods and for incidental or connected matters. BIS provides traceable and tangible benefits to the national economy by providing safe and reliable quality goods, decreasing health hazards to consumers, promoting import and export substitutes, controlling the proliferation of varieties, etc., through standardisation, Certification and testing.
BIS is involved in various activities for the interest of consumers, and they are as follows:
In India, the BIS issues BIS Certification to provide customers with a third-party guarantee of goods' safety, quality, and reliability. The government of our country has made it compulsory to consider public health when deciding on specific products. The purposes of BIS Certification are to increase the customers' confidence and trust in the products, provide quality assurance, safeguard customers from hazardous products, and protect public health.
The manufacturers of electronic products listed under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) obtain the BIS Certification. The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2012. The Ministry also passed an order in 2012 that a person cannot manufacture, distribute or store goods for sale or import that do not conform to the Indian Standard as specified in the order and bear a standard mark with a BIS unique registration number.
Objectives of BIS
Continual & harmonies development of standardisation, quality certification, & marking
Seamless development of a national strategy for standards recognition and syncing them with the development of products as well as exports
To ensure a new thrust to quality control and standardisation.
Quality Control Orders
BIS is a National Standards Body in India involved with Conformity Assessment, Standardisation, and Quality Assurance of goods, services, processes and systems. The Indian Standards established by BIS underpin the basis for the Product Certification Schemes, which facilitate Third Party Assurance of product safety, quality, and reliability to consumers.
The BIS certification scheme is essentially voluntary in nature. But, for certain products, compliance with Indian standards is made mandatory by the Indian government under several considerations, namely, public interest, the safety of humans, animals, or plants, environmental protection, prevention of unfair trade practices, and national security. For these products, the Indian Government mandates using Standard Mark under Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or License from BIS via issuing QCOs.
The Central Government of India, with the consultation of BIS, has published QCOs in the exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 16, 17 and 25 of the BIS Act, 2016, thereby making the products mandatory for BIS Certification.
Benefits of Securing BIS Certification for Different Product Categories
In A Nutshell, a BIS Certificate provides the following benefits:
BIS Certification for Exporting Products to India
A BIS Certification is a prerequisite for exporting goods to India, ensuring compliance with the country's rigorous quality standards. It is essential for businesses who are looking to penetrate the Indian Market to obtain a BIS certification for the following reasons-
The exporters and manufacturers who export their products to India are required to get a BIS certification (ISI) as per the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), as well as BIS CRS Certification for conformity to the products they're exporting. BIS regurgitation certificate is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards only if the product or the list of products is of quality products and they adhere to all the quality standards set by the government to obtain BIS registration.
Types of BIS Certification
In the process of obtaining BIS Certification, we take care of all BIS Schemes and norms. We provide you full assistance, from filing the application form to testing and coordinating with the BIS Officer until you obtain the certificate. We assist in product testing and also in obtaining the various licenses covered under BIS.
The BIS registration Scheme involves the following licenses:
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Product Covered Under BIS Certification
The grant of a BIS license is mandatory for a wide variety of products, some of which are mentioned below-
Bureau of Indian Standards - Certification with Factory Inspection (Scheme X)
As per Scheme X, many products related to control switch gear and low voltage switchgear are covered. The list of products that are covered in scheme X of BIS certification are listed below-
Bureau of Indian Standards - Certification (ISI) Contains Factory Inspection (Scheme I, ISI Mark Scheme)
Bureau of Indian Standards - Product Under Mandatory Certification Scheme- IV (Grant of Certification of Conformity)
Bureau of Indian Standards - Products Under Mandatory Certification: Scheme - II (Registration Scheme)
List of Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components under Compulsory Registration Scheme- Notified by Ministry of New and Renewable
Voltage switchgear and control gear-Notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
List of chemicals notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Types of Documentation Needed for BIS Certification
BIS demands a number of Documents for the issuance of BIS Certification to the applicant; here are the Documents required for BIS registration:
BIS certification for products that are mentioned in the above-mentioned list is mandatory. You will find a BIS standard mark on the BIS-approved products. Some of which are used on a daily basis in a household.
Procedure for BIS Certification
The procedure for BIS Certification includes licensing and surveillance processes.
The steps for voluntary BIS Certification, BIS registration procedure and Licensing Process are as follows:
The steps of the Surveillance Process for obtaining a BIS License are:
Upon successful completion of the above-mentioned, a BIS registration certificate or BIS License is granted.
ISI Mark Scheme Registration for Domestic Manufacturers
Manufacturers of products subjected to compulsory BIS certification (Scheme-1) must adhere to the standard registration process. However, certain items mandating compulsory certification are also featured in the simplified registration list. In instances where such products fall under both categories, manufacturers are required to opt for simplified registration rather than the conventional procedure.
In the standard BIS certification protocol, manufacturers of compulsory certification products must submit their BIS registration applications to the designated officer in the jurisdiction where their manufacturing unit is situated. The submission entails Form V under Scheme-1 (BIS registration application), accompanied by the Document works and applicable fees.
Following the submission of the BIS certification application, BIS officers undertake a preliminary assessment of the manufacturing facility. Subsequently, samples of the products are collected and tested, and an independent testing report is obtained. Upon conformation that the products meet the prescribed quality standards, the BIS certification or license is issued. This process ensures that the BIS license is granted within a time frame of 4-6 months from the submission of the registration application.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a pivotal component of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification process, designed to streamline and facilitate certification for international manufacturers. This scheme allows foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification for their products, ensuring they meet India's stringent quality and safety standards. Under the FMCS, manufacturers located outside India can apply for certification without the need for a physical presence in the country. This not only simplifies the certification process but also encourages global businesses to access the Indian market seamlessly. The FMCS is instrumental in promoting international trade by fostering a more accessible and efficient certification pathway, making it an invaluable mechanism for foreign manufacturers seeking to navigate the complexities of BIS compliance. As India continues to be a significant consumer market, the FMCSS emerges as a strategic tool for businesses worldwide looking to enhance their market presence and credibility in the Indian Marketplace.
BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) stands as an unwavering testament to product quality and consumer safety. As an imperative mandated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the CRS ensures that products conform to predefined standards, leaving no room for compromise. This scheme serves as a shield against substandard goods, upholding the sanctity of consumer rights and instilling confidence in the market. Our commitment to compliance with the BIS CRS is a testament to our dedication to excellence. By adhering to these rigorous standards, brands not only prioritize consumer safety but also bolster their credibility.
ECO Mark Scheme Registration
The ECO Mark Scheme registration is a voluntary certification program encouraging environmentally conscious products. Administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards, it signifies a commitment to sustainable practices. Products bearing the ECO mark meet stringent Eco-friendly criteria, providing consumers with a reliable symbol for environmentally responsible choices.
ISI Mark Scheme Registration for Domestic Manufacturers
ISI Mark Scheme Registration for domestic manufacturers is a mandatory certification program overseen by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It ensures that products meet predefined quality and safety standards. Domestic manufacturers displaying the ISI Mark affirm their adherence to these benchmarks, assuring consumers of reliable and compliant products and fostering trust in the market.
BIS Marking- Difference between ISI Mark and CRS Logo
It has been observed that many people fail to recognize the difference between the ISI mark and the CRS logo. To solve this issue, here are the two logos with their objectives-
The ISI logo has the letter ISI in it. Hence, it can be easily identified by anyone. The ISI mark proves that the product has been made as per the standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The BIS CRS logo, on the other hand, is given to products after they have been registered under the Bureau of Indian Standards. You will find this mark on LED Lights, Displays/ monitors, cameras, etc.
Validity of BIS Certification
BIS certification validity is crucial for product compliance. Once certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the validity typically ranges from one to five years, contingent upon the product category. Regular assessments are conducted to ensure ongoing adherence to standards, reinforcing a commitment to sustained quality and consumer safety.
What are the Challenges associated with BIS Registration?
There are many challenges a person has to face to get BIS certification; products without a standard mark with a unique meaning to them aren't trusted by Indian consumers. Hence, many manufacturers try to avail the BIS certification, but here are the challenges they face or they may face-
Complex Documentation Requirements
BIS Registration involves a large set of Documents that are required to get the mark on their products. Businesses often suffer when compiling and submitting these Documents, and the entire process of Document collection is time-consuming.
Strict Quality Standards
Many businesses fail to meet the rigorous quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Manufacturers are required to pay meticulous attention to the details and technical specifications of a product to avail of a BIS certification.
Long Processing Time
The entire process of BIS registration is extremely time-consuming. A number of tests and inspections are conducted to check if products meet Indian standards or not.
Resource Intensive Process
Compliance with BIS standards may require a lot of resources, both in terms of financial investment and manpower, especially for MSMEs.
Testing Challenges
As per BIS, products have to go through the process of technical testing to ensure compliance. The specifics of this testing process can prove to be tedious.
Regulatory Changes
Frequent changes in standards necessitate continuous monitoring and adaptation. Businesses often need to start the entire process again because of it.
Cost Implications
The BIS registration process incurs costs related to testing, paper works, and compliance. This can prove to be very costly, especially for startups.
Market Access
If a product fails to match the BIS standards, then non-compliance leads to restrictions from access to the Indian Market.
Educational Gap
Some businesses may face challenges in understanding and interpreting the BIS standards, requiring education and awareness-building efforts to ensure proper compliance.
Corpbiz Assistance in BIS Certification
Get in Touch with Corpbiz Experts for Availing of BIS Certification with Ease
There is no denying that securing BIS certification is an intricate affair that seeks adequate skill and a professional approach. Many mistakes occur in the paper works part that inherently leads to the cancellation of the Application. With Corpbiz support at your disposal, you do not need to encounter such hassles. All you need to facilitate requested credentials and information to our expert, and you are good to go. Our experts will take care of all the formalities and ensure seamless delivery of Certification in a prompt time frame.
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Frequently Asked Questions
First, fill up the standard application form and attach the same with mandatory Documents. Next, appoint an AIR, i.e. Authorized Indian Representative, via the standard nomination form. Lastly, submit these Documents at the BIS headquarter, New Delhi, along with the standard fee.
BIS Registration Certificate is essentially granted to Manufacturing Units. However, traders and importers of eligible products can also secure this certification in the name of their respective Manufacturing Units.
Product certification as per the BIS is aimed to guarantee safety, quality, and reliability to third parties. The certification aims to ensure product conformity as per the Indian Standards (IS).
BIS registration remains valid for the duration of two years, and it is renewal in nature. The authority seeks a few Documents and prescribed fees for this purpose. On-site or lab testing is not required to renew the BIS certification.
The BIS mark is mandatory for several types of IT and electrical items, including TV, keyboard, batteries, etc. In contrast, the ISI mark is compulsory for items like food products, cement, steel material etc. The ISI mark also encompasses various voluntary BIS certification product categories.
Yes, given the exemption cited in the compulsory hallmarking order, a jeweller with a yearly turnover of less than INR 40 lacs may sell hallmarked jewellery in locations under mandatory hallmarking if they have a certificate of registration from BIS.
Common Documents required for securing BIS registration include a Business certificate, tax certificate, List of machinery and product, AIR nomination form ( in case of the foreign manufacturer), etc.