The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides product certification to ensure the quality and safety of products in India. Manufacturers had to meet specific testing rules and laboratory requirements for this certification. The biggest requirement was having their own or an in-house testing laboratory.
On December 16, 2025, BIS issued a new circular, which comes as a great relief for many manufacturers in 2026. This circular removes the mandatory requirement of having an in-house laboratory in most cases.
This change helps MSMEs, startups, and new manufacturers. It will reduce costs, expedite certification, and simplify the compliance process. BIS has taken this step to facilitate the ease of doing business.
Why was an In-house Testing Lab Considered Mandatory?
In-house testing laboratories were considered mandatory for BIS product certification. Setting up an in-house lab requires significant investment. This includes the cost of testing equipment, trained technical personnel, lab calibration and maintenance, and BIS and NABL accreditation.
So, many manufacturers’ BIS registration applications were held up for months. This became a major obstacle, especially for small units. Therefore, industry associations and manufacturers have been demanding flexibility in this rule for a long time.
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Key Changes in BIS Circular
The new BIS circular clearly states that an in-house testing laboratory is no longer mandatory for most products. This is a major policy change.
This relaxation will apply to:
- New BIS license applicants
- Manufacturers who already hold a license
BIS is now focusing on whether the product maintains the quality according to the prescribed Indian Standard (IS).
The ownership of the laboratory is no longer the primary concern. Through this change, BIS has aimed to convey its requirements:
- Simplify business processes
- Reduce unnecessary investments
- Without compromising on product quality
New Testing Options Approved by BIS
According to the new circular, manufacturers can now fulfill testing requirements through various options. BIS has approved multiple practical options.
The approved testing systems are-
- Shared or Common Testing Facilities: where multiple manufacturers can use the same lab.
- Cluster-based Testing Laboratories: Especially suitable for units located in industrial clusters.
External Laboratories, such as:
- BIS-accredited labs
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs
Manufacturers can now choose the most suitable lab considering their:
- Factory location
- Production volume
- Budget and timeline
This will reduce unnecessary costs and make BIS compliance much more practical.
Read more – BIS Certification Relief for Steel Industry Extended – A Much-Needed Breather?
Comparison Table: Old Vs New BIS Testing Requirements
| Particulars | Earlier Practice | After 16 Dec 2025 Circular |
| In-house lab | Treated as mandatory | Not compulsory in most cases |
| External labs | Limited acceptance | Widely allowed |
| Testing scheme | Mandatory as per the manual | Recommendatory ` |
| Compliance cost | High | Significantly reduced |
| Certification timeline | Longer | Faster |
Major Changes in Testing and Inspection Schemes
The new BIS circular states that the testing and inspection schemes mentioned in the BIS Product Manual are no longer mandatory. They are now considered only recommendatory.
So, manufacturers can now develop their own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). This ensures the quality of the product according to the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
An effective QAP should include:
- Clear testing procedures
- Specific testing frequencies
- Traceability from raw materials to the final product
- Proper documentation
However, incorrectly developing a QAP can create compliance risks. Therefore, the role of experienced consultants in drafting the QAP according to BIS rules is crucial.
Products Excluded from this Relaxation
This relaxation does not apply to all products. It is important to avoid misleading clients with incorrect information.
This relaxation does not apply to the following products:
- Products regulated by DPIIT / PESO, where pre-dispatch or lot inspection is mandatory
- Cement products under DPIIT
- Food products
- Two-wheeler helmets
Products that are governed on a factory testing basis, according to product guidelines Specific testing requirements still need to be met. Therefore, it is important to examine each case individually.
Practical Impact on Manufacturers and Businesses
This BIS change will directly impact manufacturers’ business decisions. The main impacts are
- Initial investment will be reduced due to the absence of an in-house lab.
- BIS licenses will be obtained faster, as there will be no waiting period for lab setup.
- Market entry will be easier for startups and MSME units.
- There will be no separate concerns about lab capacity even with increased production.
- Compliance planning will be more flexible.
Especially, cluster-based industrial units can now obtain BIS certification at a lower cost by using shared labs. This will create a balance between production and quality.
Read more – BIS Extends Deadline for UPS Standard Implementation to November 2026
Strategic Advantages in Sales and Compliance Planning
If this BIS change is presented correctly, significant advantages can be gained in sales and client conversion.
The following should be emphasized:
- The cost and time savings are due to the elimination of in-house labs.
- Addressing common client objections regarding lab setup.
- Verify whether any exemptions apply to a product before making commitments.
- Avoiding incorrect compliance with the help of experienced consultants.
This change will help move many stalled BIS projects forward easily, with accurate information and guidance.
How Does Corpbiz Assist Manufacturers in This Transition?
Understanding and implementing the new BIS circular correctly makes compliance much easier. Corpbiz assists manufacturers step-by-step throughout this entire process.
Our support includes:
- Verification of product eligibility according to the new BIS circular
- Selection of suitable external or cluster-based labs based on product type and location
- Preparation and alignment of the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) as per BIS expectations
- End-to-end BIS product certification support, from application to license issuance
- Ensuring adherence to the correct mandatory compliance route for products where the exemption does not apply
To Wrap Up
The BIS circular is a significant and timely decision for Indian manufacturers. BIS has clarified that in-house testing labs are no longer a default requirement in most cases. This will reduce unnecessary investments and make the BIS certification process more practical.
However, this relaxation does not apply to all products. Correct interpretation and planning rules are now more crucial than ever. Misinterpretation can lead to compliance risks.
If you are looking to apply for BIS product certification or are facing challenges with testing infrastructure, Corpbiz can help you effectively leverage this new exemption. Our experts ensure quick approvals, preparation of BIS-compliant QAPs, and complete end-to-end certification support.
Helpful Questions About BIS In-House Lab Norms
What is this new BIS circular state?
The new BIS circular issued on December 16, 2025, states that in-house testing labs are no longer mandatory for most products. Manufacturers can now use external or shared labs to meet BIS testing requirements. BIS has emphasized product quality and compliance with Indian Standard (IS) and not on lab ownership.
Is an in-house lab completely removed for all BIS certified products?
No, the in-house lab requirement has not been lifted for all products. This exemption is applicable to certain categories of products. Some products still have to follow specific testing and inspection schemes mandatorily. So, it is important to check the BIS rules according to the type of product before taking any decision.
Which testing options are now allowed under BIS rules?
As per the new circular, manufacturers can now use multiple options. These include:
– Shared or common testing facilities
– Cluster-based testing laboratories
– External laboratories
These external labs can be BIS accredited or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. Manufacturers can choose the most suitable option based on cost, location, and convenience.Can ISO/IEC 17025 labs be used for BIS testing?
Yes, as per the new BIS circular, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs can be used if that lab has the capability to test as per the relevant Indian Standard. This is a big advantage for manufacturers. It will help them to get testing done easily using local or known accredited labs.
What is a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for BIS certification?
A Quality Assurance Plan, or QAP, is a written plan where the manufacturer shows how they will maintain the quality of the product on a regular basis. This includes testing methods, testing frequency, record maintenance, and traceability. Under the new rules, manufacturers can prepare their own QAP, but it must be consistent with the relevant IS.
Are BIS product manuals still mandatory to follow?
The testing and inspection schemes given in the BIS Product Manual are not mandatory. However, they should not be completely ignored. Manufacturers can use these manuals as a reference to prepare their own QAP, so it is easier to prove compliance during BIS audits.
Which products are excluded from this relaxation
This exemption is not applicable to:
– Products regulated by DPIIT or PESO
– Cement products under DPIIT
– Food products
– Two-wheeler helmets
– Products that are operated on a factory testing basis
Specific testing and inspection rules are still mandatory for such products.Does this change apply to existing BIS license holders?
Yes, this change applies to both new applicants and existing BIS licensees. Those who were previously facing problems due to a lack of in-house labs can now maintain or update their licenses using alternative labs.
How does this update reduce BIS certification cost and time?
Manufacturers do not have to make a large initial investment, since there is no in-house lab. It saves time on lab setup, equipment purchase, and staffing. So, BIS license applications are processed faster. This change has made the certification process much more cost-effective and practical, especially for MSMEs and startups.
How can Corpbiz help manufacturers comply with the new BIS circular?
Corpbiz supports manufacturers from start to finish with BIS compliance. We verify product eligibility, select suitable labs, and help create BIS-compliant QAPs. In addition, the correct mandatory route is ensured to avoid any compliance issues in the future for products that are not eligible for relaxation.
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