BIS Certification in India: Process, Types, and Compliance

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is a quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body of India established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS develops Indian Standards (IS) for products and services, and certifies that products meet these standards.

The most recognised BIS certification marks are the ISI Mark (for products manufactured in India) and the BIS Standard Mark. BIS certification is mandatory for over 350+ product categories covering electronics, electrical equipment, cement, steel, food products, chemicals, and more.

Types of BIS Certification

Mandatory BIS Certification: Product Categories

• Electronics: Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, LED lights, power banks, adapters, cables
• Electrical: Switches, wires, cables, MCBs, fans, water heaters, transformers
• Cement: All varieties of cement (OPC, PPC, PSC, etc.)
• Steel: TMT bars, structural steel, stainless steel
• Food Products: Packaged drinking water, milk powder, infant food
• Chemicals: LPG cylinders, pressure cookers, helmets
• Automotive: Safety glass, tyres, batteries
• Toys: All toys sold in India (since 2021)

ISI Mark Certification Process

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Standard

Determine which Indian Standard (IS) applies to your product. BIS publishes a catalogue of all IS standards — available on the BIS website (bis.gov.in).

Step 2: Apply on the BIS Portal

Submit the online application on the BIS Manak portal (manakonline.in) with details of the product, manufacturing facility, quality control measures, and testing infrastructure.

Step 3: Document Submission

• Factory layout plan and process flow
• Quality Control Manual
• List of raw materials with sources
• List of testing equipment in the factory
• Previous test reports (if any)
• Factory licence and GST certificate

Step 4: Factory Inspection

BIS officers conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify quality control systems, testing infrastructure, raw material quality, and compliance with the applicable IS standard.

Step 5: Product Testing

Product samples are collected during the factory inspection and sent to a BIS-recognised laboratory for testing against the IS standard parameters.

Step 6: Grant of Licence

If the factory meets the requirements and the product passes testing, BIS grants the ISI Mark licence. The licence is valid for 1 year (renewable) and authorises the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark on their products.

BIS CRS Registration Process

The Compulsory Registration Scheme is simpler than ISI certification. It requires lab testing of the product but does not mandate a factory inspection (for the initial application).

1. Identify the applicable IS standard and get products tested at a BIS-recognised lab
2. Apply on the BIS Manak portal with test reports and product details
3. BIS reviews the application and test reports
4. BIS issues a Registration Certificate valid for 2 years (renewable)
5. Post-registration, BIS may conduct market surveillance and random testing

Fees (Approximate)

Lab testing charges are separate and vary by product — typically ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 per model depending on the testing parameters.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Sale of products requiring mandatory BIS certification without the mark: imprisonment up to 2 years and fine up to ₹5 lakh
• Misuse of ISI Mark or Standard Mark: imprisonment up to 1 year and fine up to ₹2 lakh
• BIS can suspend or cancel the licence for quality failures

How The Ledger Company Can Help

The Ledger Company assists manufacturers and importers with BIS ISI Mark certification and CRS registration. From standard identification and lab testing coordination to portal application and factory inspection preparation, we provide comprehensive support. Get a consultation to start your BIS certification.