How to Get BIS Certification in India: Step-by-Step Process for Manufacturers, Importers, and Foreign Exporters (2026)

Introduction

For any manufacturer or importer planning to sell notified products in the Indian market, BIS certification in India is not optional, it is the gateway. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), set up on 1 April 1987 as the national standards body and operating under the BIS Act, 2016, is the regulator that determines whether your product can legally enter, be sold, or be distributed in India.

As of March 2025, the Government of India had issued 187 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering more than 679 product categories under mandatory BIS certification, a list that continues to expand as policy focuses tighten around consumer safety, quality, and self-reliance. The practical question of how to get BIS certification in India is therefore one of the most common questions Indian manufacturers, foreign exporters, and importers face today.

Getting it right matters for three reasons. First, it is legally required, under Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016, the manufacture, import, sale, storage, or distribution of any product covered by a Quality Control Order without valid BIS certification is prohibited, with fines of up to INR 2,00,000 for first offences, INR 5,00,000 for repeat offences, and imprisonment provisions for serious violations.

Second, it is commercially decisive, even where certification is voluntary, the ISI mark is widely recognised as a quality signal, and most large Indian procurement contracts (B2B, government, infrastructure) favour BIS-marked goods. Third, the BIS certification process is more procedural and time-consuming than most first-time applicants expect; getting it wrong adds 2-6 months and significant cost to the project timeline.

Drawing on IMARC Engineering's experience supporting product compliance, Indian Standards compliance, regulatory roadmap mapping, and certification advisory for manufacturers and importers across sectors, this guide lays out a structured, step-by-step process for obtaining BIS certification in 2026 India.

You will find an overview of the certification schemes, separate step-by-step processes for Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers under FMCS, and CRS registration for electronics, a clear view on importer obligations, a documents-and-cost summary, common pitfalls, a checklist, and a frequently-asked-questions section. The objective is to make the BIS conformity assessment path practical and predictable for your project team.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why BIS Certification Matters in 2026
• BIS Certification Schemes - Scheme I, Scheme II, FMCS, Hallmarking
• Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Indian Manufacturers
• BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
• BIS CRS Registration for Electronics and IT Products
• BIS Certification for Importers
• Documents, Cost, and Timelines
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• BIS Certification Checklist
• Conclusion

1. Why BIS Certification Matters in 2026

Understanding why BIS certification in India has become so consequential in 2026 starts with the policy and market context. Four factors make it indispensable for any meaningful product play in the Indian market.

1.1 The Scope of Mandatory Certification Has Expanded Sharply

BIS certification was historically voluntary for most products. Over the last decade, and particularly since 2020, the Government of India has used Quality Control Orders (QCOs), issued by sectoral ministries under Section 16 of the BIS Act, to bring large numbers of products under mandatory certification. As of March 2025, 187 QCOs covered over 679 product categories, spanning steel, cement, electronics, IT, household electrical appliances, toys, footwear, chemicals, automotive components, packaged water, food products, and many more.

New QCOs are notified regularly, often with implementation timelines of 6-12 months. The expanding scope means that products which were previously exportable to India without certification may now require it, and continued market access depends on staying current with QCO notifications.

1.2 Legal Consequences Are Substantial

The BIS Act, 2016, replaced the older BIS Act of 1986 with substantially stronger penal provisions. Under Section 17, the manufacture, import, sale, storage, or distribution of any notified product without valid BIS certification carries fines up to INR 2,00,000 for first offences and INR 5,00,000 for repeat offences, extendable to 10 times the value of the goods involved. Imprisonment provisions exist for serious violations.

In addition, BIS conducts market surveillance, sample purchases from the market and third-party laboratory testing to verify conformity, with the power to suspend or cancel licences for non-conformance. The non-compliance economics are clear: the cost of certification is materially lower than the cost of being caught without it.

1.3 Commercial Benefits Reach Well Beyond Legal Compliance

Even where BIS certification is voluntary, the commercial case is strong. The ISI mark is the single most recognised quality-and-safety mark in the Indian market, with consumer recognition built over six decades. Large Indian B2B buyers, government procurement, public-sector undertakings, and infrastructure contractors routinely require BIS-marked supply as a default qualification criterion.

 For exports to India, BIS-marked products clear customs faster, face less hold-up at port, and avoid the procedural friction that uncertified shipments encounter. Across product categories, BIS-marked goods typically command price premiums of 5-15% versus uncertified equivalents in the same channel.

1.4 The Process Itself Is Becoming More Structured

BIS has progressively moved toward more streamlined and digital application workflows, the Manak-Online portal for FMCS consignment recording, online application submission, electronic document upload, and digital tracking of application status. The BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, codified the scheme architecture (Scheme I, II, X) and provided a clearer rule-set for applicants.

For Indian manufacturers, a simplified procedure can lead to certification in approximately 20 working days; for normal procedure, approximately 40 working days; for some complex cases, up to 6 months. Foreign manufacturer applications under FMCS continue to involve substantial offline documentation and typically run 6-9 months, though the workflow has become more predictable than it was a decade ago.

2. BIS Certification Schemes - Scheme I, Scheme II, FMCS, Hallmarking

Effective Bureau of Indian Standards certification starts with identifying the right scheme for your product. The BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 codify the main schemes, each tailored to a specific product category, applicant type, and risk profile. Selecting the wrong scheme is one of the most common avoidable delays in the certification process.

2.1 Scheme I - ISI Mark Certification for Indian Manufacturers

Scheme I covers the bulk of mandatory Indian Standards compliance for Indian manufacturers, over 600 products across categories including cement, structural steel, household electrical appliances, packaged drinking water, food products, automotive components, and construction materials. BIS ISI mark certification in India under Scheme I requires factory audit, sample testing in BIS-approved labs, and grant of a licence valid for 1 or 2 years (renewable).

The licence is granted to the manufacturing unit, not to the importer, distributor, or retailer, with separate applications required for each factory address. This is the most common route for the ISI mark certification process in India.

2.2 Scheme II - Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronics

CRS, introduced in 2012 for an initial 15 product categories and progressively expanded to 60+ categories, is the primary route for electronics and IT products. Unlike Scheme I, CRS does not require a factory audit, it is based on product testing in BIS-recognised laboratories and self-declaration. The applicant submits the application along with the test report, BIS reviews the documentation and grants a unique Registration Number (R-number) that authorises use of the CRS Standard Mark.

 CRS is administered by BIS in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which issues the relevant QCOs. Common CRS-covered products include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, LED lights, set-top boxes, power banks, smart watches, USB cables, and a wide range of consumer electronics.

2.3 Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

FMCS, launched in 2000, extends Scheme I (ISI Mark) certification to foreign manufacturers exporting notified products to India. The certified product carries the same ISI Mark as domestically-manufactured equivalents, BIS does not distinguish foreign-origin from Indian-origin products in marking. FMCS is administered by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) of BIS.

Key features: the applicant must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) who is an Indian resident; documentation is largely submitted in offline hard-copy format through the AIR; the licence is initially granted for 1 year (renewable annually up to 5 years, after which a fresh application is required); and consignment-level details are recorded on the Manak-Online portal.

2.4 Hallmarking and Other Schemes

Mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery (six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification - HUID) is a separate regime administered by BIS under specific hallmarking regulations. It applies to gold jewellery and artefacts sold in notified districts in India and is enforced through registered jewellers and BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).

Beyond these primary schemes, BIS also operates the ECO Mark scheme for environment-friendly products and is a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), formulating over 20,000+ Indian Standards. Selecting the correct scheme at the start of the application is the foundational decision that shapes every subsequent step.

3. Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Indian Manufacturers

For Indian manufacturers seeking ISI Mark certification under Scheme I, the practical step-by-step BIS certification procedure for manufacturers unfolds in eight stages. Obtaining a BIS license for manufacturers operations cover ranges from straightforward consumer goods to complex industrial products, but the procedural backbone is the same. The full normal-procedure cycle typically runs 40 working days from application acceptance; a simplified procedure can complete in approximately 20 working days for eligible applicants. Some complex cases extend to up to 6 months depending on testing requirements and audit scheduling.

3.1 Stage 1 - Identify the Applicable Indian Standard and QCO

Start by identifying the relevant Indian Standard (IS) for your product and verifying whether the product is covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO) in India. The QCO database is maintained by BIS, with notifications by sectoral ministries (Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, MeitY, Ministry of Health, etc.). Map your specific product variant, model, and rating to the applicable IS specification,  small differences in product configuration can change the applicable standard. This stage is documentation-only but is foundational; an error here cascades through every subsequent stage.

3.2 Stage 2 - Set Up Internal Quality Infrastructure

BIS Scheme I requires the manufacturer to have in-house testing equipment, qualified quality control personnel, and a documented quality management system aligned with the relevant IS. Before applying, ensure: testing equipment as listed in the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) for the product is installed and calibrated; a designated quality manager and competent QC technicians are in place; the manufacturing process is fully documented from raw-material receipt through final packing; and any outsourced manufacturing has its own BIS clearance arrangement. Gaps at this stage typically surface during the factory audit and cause material delays.

3.3 Stage 3 - Prepare the Application and Supporting Documents

Complete the application form on the BIS Manak Online portal (the primary route for online application) and assemble supporting documents: company registration certificate; factory licence and trade licence; product brochure and technical specifications; list of testing equipment with calibration certificates; quality control plan and SIT compliance evidence; trademark / brand registration documents; raw-material source list with supplier credentials; and authorised signatory documentation. For multi-product applications, separate sets are typically required per product category.

3.4 Stage 4 - Pay Application Fees and Submit

Application fees, marking fees, and (subsequently) annual licence and marking fees are payable through the BIS payment portal. Fees vary by product category, scheme, and applicant size (MSME applicants pay lower fees). Submit the completed application along with documents and fee receipts, BIS issues an application acknowledgement number, which is used for tracking the application thereafter.

3.5 Stage 5 - Preliminary Factory Inspection

BIS deputes an officer to conduct a preliminary factory inspection. The inspector verifies the manufacturing process, testing equipment, QC personnel, raw-material storage, finished-goods storage, and overall conformance to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing. During the inspection, samples are typically drawn for testing. Deficiencies identified during this inspection must be closed before the next stage.

3.6 Stage 6 - Sample Testing in BIS-Approved Laboratory

Samples drawn during the factory inspection are tested at a BIS-approved laboratory, either a BIS in-house laboratory or an approved external testing facility. Test reports must demonstrate conformance to the applicable IS. If samples fail, the manufacturer can address the cause and re-submit (with retesting fees), but this adds material time. Robust internal quality control before applying is therefore the single most important determinant of first-pass success.

3.7 Stage 7 - Grant of Licence

On satisfactory factory inspection, successful sample testing, payment of marking fees, and execution of the licence agreement, BIS grants the licence, valid initially for 1 or 2 years depending on the product category. The licence authorises use of the ISI Mark with a unique licence number and the relevant IS number on the certified product. The mark, licence number, and IS reference must be displayed in the prescribed format.

3.8 Stage 8 - Surveillance, Renewal, and Post-Certification Obligations

Post-grant, BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits and sample testing throughout the licence period. The licensee must maintain consistent product quality, retain test records, notify BIS of any changes (manufacturing process, raw-material source, plant location, design specification), and renew the licence on schedule. Failure to maintain compliance can result in licence suspension or cancellation. Any change in factory location requires a fresh application or formal transfer process with BIS verification of the new premises.

4. BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

The BIS FMCS scheme for foreign manufacturers is the primary route for overseas exporters to obtain ISI Mark certification for products covered by Quality Control Orders. The process broadly mirrors Scheme I but with additional requirements specific to foreign applicants. The end-to-end FMCS application typically runs 6-9 months.

4.1 BIS Certification Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers India

Mapping the BIS certification requirements for foreign manufacturers in India is the foundational step for FMCS. Five categories of requirements apply: legal entity and AIR appointment; product and quality system documentation; factory testing and quality infrastructure; testing of samples in BIS-recognised laboratories; and acceptance of BIS audit at the overseas factory.

4.2 Step 1 - Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)

Every foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative, an Indian resident who acts as the BIS liaison and holds legal responsibility within India for the certified product. The AIR must exclusively represent one foreign manufacturer (with limited exceptions for group companies) and must have no conflict of interest with the testing laboratories or BIS auditors. The AIR appointment is formalised through a notarised Power of Attorney and is non-trivial, the AIR's profile, capability, and presence affect the credibility of the application.

4.3 Step 2 - Pre-Application Documentation

Compile two complete hard copy sets of application documents, the FMCS process is largely offline, with originals routed through the AIR. Required documentation typically includes: completed FMCS application form; factory registration / incorporation documents; product technical specifications and test reports; quality management system documentation (ISO 9001 or equivalent); list of testing equipment with calibration evidence; SIT compliance plan; raw-material source list; brand and trademark documentation; AIR appointment Power of Attorney; and prescribed undertakings on regulatory compliance.

4.4 Step 3 - Submit Application Through AIR

The AIR submits the two complete hard copy sets along with prescribed fees to the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department. BIS issues an Application Acknowledgement Number, typically via email to the foreign manufacturer with the AIR in copy. From acknowledgement, the application moves into BIS-side processing.

4.5 Step 4 - Sample Testing

Samples are submitted to BIS-recognised laboratories for testing against the applicable Indian Standard. For foreign applicants, samples are typically shipped to India for testing, though some categories permit testing at overseas BIS-recognised laboratories. Test reports must demonstrate conformance to the IS specification, sample failure leads to retesting (with fees and time) and is the single most common cause of FMCS delay.

4.6 Step 5 - Overseas Factory Audit

A BIS audit team conducts an inspection at the foreign manufacturer's overseas factory. The audit covers manufacturing process, testing equipment, QC personnel, raw-material storage, finished-goods storage, batch traceability, and SIT compliance. Travel and audit costs are borne by the applicant. The audit can take 1-3 days depending on product complexity; deficiencies identified during the audit must be closed before licence grant.

4.7 Step 6 - Manak-Online Portal Account and Consignment Recording

Foreign manufacturers must open an account on the BIS Manak-Online portal to record details of every consignment exported to India, product, quantity, batch, destination, and other prescribed parameters. This requirement applies from licence grant onwards and is the principal post-certification compliance obligation under FMCS.

4.8 Step 7 - Grant of Licence and Use of ISI Mark

On satisfactory completion of testing, audit, payment of marking fees, and execution of the licence agreement, BIS grants the FMCS licence, initially valid for 1 year, renewable annually up to 5 years. After 5 years, a fresh application or formal renewal request must be submitted; the final renewal decision rests with BIS.

The certified product carries the same ISI Mark as Indian-manufactured products, with the licence number and IS reference displayed in the prescribed format. Importers in India can ask the foreign manufacturer for a copy of the BIS licence to verify compliance, in fact, importers should make this a standard pre-shipment check.

5. BIS CRS Registration for Electronics and IT Products

The BIS CRS registration for electronics is the primary certification route for the electronics and IT product category. CRS, introduced in 2012 with 15 initial product categories, has been progressively expanded to cover 60+ categories of electronic, IT, and lighting products under QCOs issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

5.1 What CRS Covers

Common CRS-covered products include: mobile phones, smartphones, and feature phones; laptops, tablets, and notebooks; LED lights, LED panels, and self-ballasted LED lamps; LED TVs and television sets; set-top boxes; power banks and rechargeable batteries; USB-type-C chargers and adapters; wireless speakers and headphones; smart watches and wearable devices; CCTV cameras; printers and scanners; and a wide range of consumer electronics. The CRS list is updated regularly through MeitY notifications; checking the current applicable list is part of the pre-application diligence.

5.2 How CRS Differs from Scheme I

Unlike Scheme I, CRS does not require a factory audit, it is based on product testing and self-declaration. This makes the process faster but more dependent on robust documentation. The certified product carries the CRS Standard Mark with a unique Registration Number (R-number) rather than the ISI Mark. CRS applies equally to Indian and foreign manufacturers; foreign applicants still appoint an AIR but do not face overseas factory audit under the CRS pathway.

5.3 CRS Step-by-Step

• Test the product at a BIS-recognised laboratory against the applicable Indian Standard (typically IEC-aligned, harmonised IS
• Obtain the test report from the BIS-recognised laboratory
• Complete the online application on the BIS portal with product details, manufacturer details, and AIR details (for foreign applicants)
• Upload the test report, manufacturer's declaration, trademark documents, and prescribed undertakings
• Pay the application and registration fees
• BIS reviews the application; deficiencies are notified for response
• On satisfactory review, BIS grants the Registration Number (R-number) and authorises use of the CRS Standard Mark
• Maintain ongoing compliance, product changes require re-registration; BIS may request periodic re-testing

5.4 Common CRS Pitfalls

The most common CRS-stage pitfalls are: testing at a laboratory that is not BIS-recognised; testing against an outdated version of the IS specification; submitting incomplete declaration of constituent components or chips; failing to disclose product variants or model numbers; and inadequate AIR documentation for foreign applicants. Address these in pre-application preparation to avoid 4-8 weeks of avoidable back-and-forth with BIS.

6. BIS Certification for Importers

A common misunderstanding among Indian importers is that they can apply for BIS certification themselves. The reality is more nuanced: BIS certification for imported products in India is granted to the manufacturer (whether Indian or foreign), not to the importer or distributor. Importers do not apply directly for ISI Mark certification, but they bear substantial compliance obligations.

6.1 What Importers Must Do

Indian importers of notified products must: verify that the foreign manufacturer holds a valid FMCS licence (for ISI-mark products) or CRS registration (for electronics) for the specific product, model, and rating being imported; obtain a copy of the licence / registration certificate and retain it; ensure the imported product carries the prescribed ISI Mark or CRS Mark with the correct licence / R-number and IS reference; verify that consignment-level details have been recorded on the Manak-Online portal by the foreign manufacturer; and maintain records for production at customs clearance or market surveillance.

6.2 Customs Clearance Implications

Indian Customs, supported by BIS and DGFT, has progressively tightened enforcement at port. Notified products without valid BIS certification are subject to detention, sample testing at customs labs, and either re-export or destruction at the importer's cost, in addition to fines and penalties under the BIS Act. Customs clearance for BIS-marked products is materially faster; uncertified consignments face hold-up that can run several weeks to months while documentation is verified, or the product is rejected.

6.3 The Importer's Pre-Shipment Checklist

• Verify the product is or is not under a Quality Control Order (QCO)
• If covered, identify whether the requirement is FMCS (ISI Mark) or CRS (R-number)
• Obtain a copy of the foreign manufacturer's valid BIS licence / R-number
• Verify the licence covers the specific product model, rating, and configuration being imported
• Verify the consignment is recorded on the Manak-Online portal (for FMCS products)
• Verify the actual marking on the product matches the prescribed format (mark + number + IS reference)
• Retain certification documents for production at customs / BIS surveillance

7. Documents, Cost, and Timelines

Understanding the documents required for BIS certification India, the fee structure, and realistic timelines is essential for project-team planning. The summary below provides a working baseline; the precise requirements vary by product category, applicant size (MSME vs. large), and scheme.

7.1 Documents Required (Indian Manufacturers - Scheme I)

• Company / firm registration certificate (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or equivalent)
• Factory licence and trade licence
• Product brochure, technical specifications, and drawings
• List of testing equipment with calibration certificates
• Quality control plan and Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) compliance evidence
• Trademark / brand registration documents (where applicable)
• Raw-material source list with supplier credentials
• Manufacturing process flow chart from raw-material receipt to final packing
• Authorised signatory documentation (board resolution, Power of Attorney)
• Bank details and recent financial statements (where required)

7.2 Additional Documents for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

• Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) appointment - notarised Power of Attorney
• AIR's identity proof, address proof, and tax registration documents
• Foreign factory registration / incorporation in country of manufacture
• Country-of-origin quality system certifications (ISO 9001 or equivalent)
• Hard-copy original documents in two complete sets, duly signed and stamped
• Confidentiality and compliance undertakings in prescribed BIS format

7.3 BIS Certification Cost in India

The BIS certification cost in India comprises multiple components: application fee; sample testing charges; factory inspection fee (with daily inspection-officer charges); marking fee on certified production; annual licence fee; and renewal fees on each cycle. Total cost varies materially by product complexity, scheme, applicant size, and whether external consultants are engaged. MSME applicants enjoy lower inspection and licence fees under BIS's small-scale support framework.

Foreign manufacturer FMCS applications carry additional costs for AIR engagement, overseas audit travel, document logistics, and sample shipment to India. Costs published on the BIS portal (www.bis.gov.in) provide the latest authoritative reference; engaging a BIS certification consultant in India adds professional fees but typically reduces total time and rework cost by enough to be cost-positive on first-time applications.

7.4 Realistic Timelines

Timelines assume complete documentation, robust pre-application quality preparation, sample first-pass success, and prompt response to BIS deficiency notices. Deficiencies, sample failures, audit-deferral, or AIR coordination gaps each add weeks to months.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The mistakes below are the recurring patterns we see across BIS certification applications in India, and the ones most likely to add 2-6 months to the project timeline. Each is paired with the discipline that prevents it.

8.1 Identifying the Wrong Scheme or IS Specification

Applying under the wrong scheme (Scheme I instead of CRS, or vice versa) or against the wrong Indian Standard variant is the most common first-mistake. The pattern: a generic product description is matched to the closest sounding IS without verifying product variant, rating, or configuration. Discipline: confirm the applicable QCO, IS specification, and scheme through the BIS website or a qualified consultant before drafting the application.

8.2 Applying Without Pre-Application Quality Preparation

Submitting an application before the factory has the required testing equipment, calibration, QC personnel, and SIT compliance evidence ready is the second-most-common cause of delay. The pattern: BIS issues deficiency notices, applicant scrambles to plug gaps, factory inspection identifies further issues, sample testing fails.

8.3 Inadequate AIR Selection for FMCS

Appointing an AIR who lacks the regulatory familiarity, infrastructure, or bandwidth to handle the documentation, communication, and post-certification compliance is a frequent FMCS-stage failure. The pattern: the AIR misses deadlines, fails to follow up on BIS queries, or struggles with Manak-Online portal compliance.

8.4 Underestimating Sample-Testing Risk

Treating sample testing as a formality is the third-most-common cost driver. The pattern: applicant assumes the product complies, sends samples for testing, and discovers non-conformance only after the test report comes back. Each sample failure means re-engineering or process changes, retesting fees, and 4-8 weeks of additional time.

8.5 Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

Inconsistent product names, model numbers, ratings, or specifications across application form, brochure, test report, and licence agreement triggers BIS deficiency notices that add 2-4 weeks per round-trip.

8.6 Missing Post-Certification Obligations

Post-grant, licensees often forget to: notify BIS of changes (manufacturing process, raw-material source, factory location, design specification); maintain test records for surveillance; renew the licence before expiry; and (for FMCS) record consignments on the Manak-Online portal.

8.7 DIY Application Without Sector-Specific Expertise

First-time applicants who attempt the full application without specialised support frequently spend more total time and cost than they would have with consultant support because they hit each procedural step for the first time. Discipline: assess the cost-benefit of engaging an ISI mark certification consultant or specialised compliance firm against the value of getting to market on schedule. For straightforward Scheme I applications by experienced manufacturers, DIY can work; for FMCS or first-time applications, professional support typically pays for itself.

9. BIS Certification Checklist

The checklist below consolidates the operational decision points into a structured set that project and compliance teams can apply directly to their next BIS application.

9.1 Pre-Application Phase

• Applicable Quality Control Order (QCO) confirmed for the product
• Applicable Indian Standard (IS) specification identified and obtained
• Applicable BIS scheme (Scheme I, CRS, FMCS) confirmed
• Product master document (name, model, rating, IS spec) finalised
• Testing equipment per SIT installed and calibrated
• QC personnel trained on test methods and IS spec
• Manufacturing process flow documented from raw material to packing
• Pilot production samples tested internally against IS spec
• AIR appointed and Power of Attorney executed (for FMCS)

9.2 Application Phase

• BIS Manak Online portal account created
• Application form completed with consistent product references
• All supporting documents assembled per checklist
• Fee payment completed
• Application submitted; acknowledgement number received and recorded
• For FMCS: two hard-copy sets dispatched to AIR for submission to BIS

9.3 Inspection and Testing Phase

• Pre-inspection internal audit completed; gaps closed
• Factory inspection scheduled and conducted (Scheme I / FMCS)
• Samples drawn during inspection (or shipped for CRS) sent to BIS-recognised laboratory
• Test reports reviewed for conformance
• Any non-conformance addressed and resubmitted
• Marking fee paid; licence agreement executed

9.4 Post-Certification Phase

• Licence / R-number received; ISI Mark or CRS Mark applied in prescribed format
• Manak-Online consignment recording set up (for FMCS)
• Surveillance schedule noted; renewal date recorded in compliance calendar
• Named compliance manager assigned
• Quarterly compliance review forum established
• Procedure documented for notifying BIS of any product or process changes

Conclusion

Obtaining BIS certification in India is a structured, multi-stage process that rewards preparation and penalises shortcuts. The legal regime under the BIS Act, 2016, the expanding scope of Quality Control Orders and the tightening enforcement at port and through market surveillance have collectively made the BIS Act 2016 compliance regime central to any meaningful product play in the Indian market.

The good news is that the framework is now more transparent and digital-friendly than it has ever been, the Manak Online portal, codified Conformity Assessment Regulations, and clear scheme architecture (Scheme I, CRS, FMCS, Hallmarking) give applicants a predictable path from application to grant.

Three key reminders: first, identify the correct scheme and Indian Standard upfront, errors here affect the entire process. Second, invest 4–6 weeks in pre-application preparation (testing, QC training, compliance checks) to ensure first-pass success. Third, treat post-certification compliance as an ongoing function with clear ownership and regular reviews.