BIS Certificate for Import

Every country has its own regulatory framework for manufacturing and selling goods, and India is no exception. Importers bring various products into India for sale and distribution, but these products must comply with Indian quality and safety standards. As per Indian Standards, all imported products must be BIS-certified before being sold in the Indian market. A BIS Import Certificate allows the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark, ensuring that the product meets the necessary quality benchmarks. Before delving deeper, let’s first understand what BIS is.

What is BIS?

BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national body responsible for the standardisation, quality certification, and marking of goods in India. BIS develops and implements standards to ensure that products meet essential safety, performance, and reliability benchmarks.

To maintain product quality and consumer safety, BIS runs various certification programs for both Indian and foreign manufacturers, allowing them to use the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark on their products.

These certification schemes help ensure that the market is supplied with high-quality, risk-free, and reliable products.

Importance of a BIS Certificate for Import of Goods

Any product being imported into India must have a BIS Certificate for Import for the following key reasons:

• Ensures Safety & Reliability – Confirms that the imported product is safe, reliable, and meets quality standards.
• Compliance with Indian Standards – Verifies that the product aligns with applicable Indian regulations.
• Competitive Advantage – Provides an edge over competitors by demonstrating adherence to strict quality norms.
• Consumer Protection – Guarantees that the public receives high-quality, risk-free, and safe products.
• Legal Requirement for Market Entry – Enables legal sale of products in the Indian market.
• Proof of Certification & Testing – Serves as evidence that the product has undergone testing and certification.
• Authorization to Use the ISI Mark – Allows manufacturers and importers to use the standard BIS mark on their products.
• Mandatory for Certain Products – Required for goods listed under the BIS mandatory certification list.

Now that you understand why a BIS certificate is required for import in India let’s explore the different types of BIS certifications an importer may need.

To sell imported products in India, the importer must ensure that the foreign manufacturer obtains BIS certification under one of the BIS certification schemes.

There are two primary types of BIS certification for importers, depending on the product category:

• Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) – Required for most imported products except electronics and IT goods.
• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – Mandatory for electronics and IT products.

Role of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

To obtain a BIS Certificate for Import under either the FMCS or CRS schemes, all foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR is responsible for:

• Submitting the BIS application on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
• Ensuring compliance with the BIS Act, rules, and regulations.
• Coordinating with BIS authorities for certification processes and factory inspections.

Types of BIS Certificates for Importers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides two primary types of certifications for importers based on the nature of the products being imported:

CRS Registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

CRS Registration is mandatory for importers of electronic products under the guidelines set by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

• Applicable to: All electronic and IT products notified under the CRS Scheme.
• Purpose: Ensures imported electronic products comply with Indian safety and quality standards.
• Requirement: Importers must register their electronic products under CRS before selling them in India.

FMCS Certification (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)

The FMCS Certification applies to all other imported products except those covered under the CRS scheme. It allows foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification and use the ISI mark on their products.

• Applicable to: Non-electronic imported products (e.g., steel, cement, automotive parts, etc.).
• Purpose: Ensures compliance with Indian Standards (IS) for product safety, quality, and performance.
• Requirement: Importers must ensure that the foreign manufacturer of the product has obtained FMCS certification to sell their goods in the Indian market.

By securing the appropriate BIS certification, importers can legally distribute their products in India while ensuring compliance with national quality and safety regulations.

Documents Required for BIS Registration for Importers

Importers must provide specific documents based on the type of BIS certification they are applying for. The required documents vary depending on whether the importer is opting for CRS Registration or FMCS Certification. Below is a breakdown of the necessary documents for each scheme:

Documents for CRS Registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

CRS registration is mandatory for importers of electronic and IT products. The following documents are required:

• Nomination Letter of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Test Report for the product from a BIS-recognized lab
• Undertaking regarding the product's compliance with Indian Standards
• ISO Certificate of the foreign manufacturer
• Product Manual for the applied devices
• Trademark Certificate (if available or required)
• Testing Documents such as the Filled CCL (Critical Component List) and
• CDF (Construction Data Form)
• Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) Affidavit (for foreign manufacturers)
• Trademark Authorization Letter (if the brand is not owned by the manufacturer)
• Authorization Letter (if the signatory is someone other than the manufacturing head)

Documents for FMCS Certification (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)

FMCS certification applies to non-electronic imported products and requires additional documents:

• List of Manufacturing Equipment used in the production process
• List of Machinery used in the manufacturing plant
• Manufacturing Plant Layout Plan
• Brand Documents, such as a trademark certificate (if applicable)
• Business License or equivalent Incorporation Certificate
• Testing Report of Raw Materials used in product manufacturing
• Refundable Performance Bank Guarantee of $10,000, which must be submitted to BIS

By ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and submitted correctly, importers can streamline the BIS certification process and avoid unnecessary delays.

How to Apply for a BIS Certificate for Import in India?

To successfully obtain a BIS certificate for your product, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Identify the Relevant Standard

The first step is to determine the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for your product. Each product category has a designated IS code specifying the safety and quality requirements. Understanding these standards ensures compliance with BIS regulations.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Submit a complete application to BIS, including:

• Product details
• Manufacturing process information
• Quality control measures
• Testing procedures

Ensure that all documents are accurate and complete to prevent unnecessary delays in the certification process.

Step 3: Product Testing

Your product must undergo testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory to verify its compliance with Indian Standards. This ensures that the product meets the quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

Following successful product testing, BIS officials will conduct an inspection of your manufacturing facility. This assessment includes:

• Evaluation of the production process
• Review of quality control systems
• Verification of adherence to Indian Standards

The goal is to confirm that your manufacturing process consistently produces standard-compliant products.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Certificate

Once the product clears both testing and inspection, BIS will grant the license to use the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on the product.

• Validity – The BIS certification remains valid for a specific period.
• Renewal Requirement – Manufacturers must renew the certification periodically to maintain compliance.

By obtaining a BIS certificate, importers ensure that their products meet Indian regulatory requirements, enabling smooth customs clearance and market entry in India.

Identification of IS Mark for Imported Products

Before applying for BIS registration, it is crucial to determine the applicable Indian Standard (IS) mark for the imported product. Each product category has a specific IS standard, ensuring compliance with Indian quality and safety norms. Importers can visit the official BIS website and search by product name to find the relevant standard applicable to their goods.

How to Import Goods Without a BIS Certificate?

In certain cases, importing goods without a BIS certificate is possible under specific conditions. Below are the scenarios where you can import products without mandatory BIS registration:

Importing Product Samples for Testing & Research

• Importers can bring in product samples without a BIS certificate only for testing, research, and development purposes.
• You must assure customs that the imported goods will be used exclusively for testing and evaluation.
• Limitations: The same model can only be imported once for sampling.
• The customs clearance process must still be followed for approval.

Importing for Personal Use

• BIS registration is not required if you are importing products for personal use.
• According to the Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), end-users face no restrictions on bringing in products for personal consumption.

Temporary Import for Exhibitions & Trade Fairs

• Special permissions are required for temporary display import.
• Must re-export or dispose of items per BIS regulations

If you are facing challenges with BIS certification for import, feel free to contact us for expert assistance!

Cost of BIS Certificate for Import

The cost of obtaining a BIS certificate for import varies based on the product type and the applicable certification scheme. The total expense generally includes:

• Application Fee – Charged for submitting the BIS certification request.
• Product Testing Fee – Cost of testing the product in a BIS-recognized laboratory to ensure compliance with Indian Standards.
• Inspection Fee – Covers the cost of BIS officials inspecting the manufacturing facility.
• Marking Fee – Fee for using the ISI mark or CRS mark on the certified product.
• Performance Bank Guarantee (For FMCS Applicants) – Foreign manufacturers applying under the FMCS scheme must deposit a refundable performance bank guarantee of $10,000 with BIS.

The total cost can range from a few thousand to several lakhs of rupees, depending on the complexity and category of the product. For an exact cost estimate, contact our experts today!

BIS Certification for E-commerce Importers

If an importer sells products via platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Shopify, compliance with BIS standards is mandatory.

Key Considerations for E-commerce Importers:

• BIS registration is required for listing electronics, toys, and regulated goods.
• Products without certification may be delisted by online marketplaces. 
• Sellers must verify supplier certifications before listing imported goods. 
• A BIS-registered importer enjoys greater credibility and trust from buyers.

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