What is BIS Certification & Why BIS certificate is important?
BIS certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is significant for a number of reasons, chief among them the assurance of product quality, safety, and dependability. It is the national standards agency of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards, offers a certification program called BIS registration. BIS Certificate indicates that a product satisfies applicable safety and quality requirements in India. In India, BIS certificate/ BIS marking is required for some items, especially those that have an effect on health and safety and need to be in compliance with regulations.
The third-party BIS assurance of a product's quality, dependability, and safety to consumers is shown by the BIS license certification. The Bureau of Indian Standards is engaged in a number of tasks, including testing, hallmarking, calibration schemes, standards development, product certification, and more.
It is an optional or voluntary process for manufacturers to procure a BIS certification for their products to receive a BIS license. However, considering public health, the Indian government has mandated that several products must have Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) markings. The government has stated that to obtain BIS registration for around 380 goods, BIS license holders are assigned a unique BIS marking, which includes the ISI mark, also known as the 'standard mark,' to display on their products. The ISI label indicates that a product meets Indian Standards Institution standards.
BIS License Registration Advantages
The BIS license is a national standards organization that governs and promotes standards for goods and products in India. To test product samples during preliminary and surveillance operations, the BIS has set up 8 central laboratories, 4 regional laboratories, and 3 branch laboratories across India. Although BIS registration is voluntary, the government supports it for several reasons:
- Assurance of Quality: Holding a BIS certificate guarantees that the product satisfies Indian requirements, which are frequently in line with global norms. This aids in preserving a high standard of quality.
- Safety Compliance: This certificate guarantees customers that the products are safe to use because they have undergone safety standard compliance testing.
- Consumer Confidence: Since BIS marking signifies dependability and quality, a manufacturing unit that applies for BIS registration and obtains a BIS certificate can help earn consumers' trust and confidence in its products.
- Market Access: BIS certification is necessary for some products in order to be sold in the Indian market. Products cannot be lawfully marketed in India without certificate.
- Government Recognition: The Indian government recognizes and acknowledges those goods that are registered under BIS. By holding the BIS certificate, these goods gain credibility and authority.
- An edge over competitors: Manufacturers who receive a BIS certificate can set their products apart from those of competitors who haven’t completed their BIS certification. This can be a major & big advantage in the Indian market, which has many players.
- International Trade: holding a BIS certificate makes it easier for Indian products to export to foreign nations by assisting them in meeting international standards. This is especially advantageous for manufacturers who want to grow internationally.
- Uniformity: Industry uniformity is aided by BIS marking. As a result, all producers are able to compete fairly and their products are guaranteed to fulfill a minimal standard for safety and quality.
- New Ideas and Advancements: Respecting BIS standards pushes producers to keep refining their workflows and goods. This leads to innovation and the development of higher-quality products over time.
- Financial Gains: BIS benefits the economy as a whole by raising the general caliber of items on the market, which can increase consumer happiness and confidence in homegrown goods. This can therefore result in more consumer expenditure and economic expansion.
Guidelines on sustainability and environmental effect are frequently included in Environmental Protection BIS standards. Assuring ecologically acceptable manufacturing practices through BIS license registration supports larger environmental protection initiatives.
Procedure for BIS Registration
- Application Submission: Manufacturers or importers submit a BIS application along with details about their products and test results from labs accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Sample Testing: In order to confirm compliance with pertinent standards, BIS performs sample testing.
- Factory examination: To verify adherence to production and quality control procedures, BIS representatives may carry out an examination of the manufacturing plant.
- License Grant: BIS authorizes the product to bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) upon successful completion of all testing and inspections.
BIS Certification Types
- Mandatory Certification: To ensure quality and safety, certain products like steel, cement, and electrical appliances must complete BIS registration and obtain a certificate.
- Voluntary Certification: BIS license certification is optional for some products; however, it can help boost consumer confidence and enhance marketability.
The Indian BIS requires certain products to have mandatory registration, and the details are available on the official website. Under Scheme-I, a total of 380 products need to obtain mandatory BIS certification, and they are granted BIS license. The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for specific electronics and information technology goods was announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. There are 77 manufacturers who must obtain a compulsory BIS marking, which can be done by visiting the official website.
Since the Indian BIS registration is not limited in terms of what it can certify, any manufacturer can voluntarily certify their products to meet high standards and quality requirements for consumers. The following manufacturers have voluntarily applied for and received BIS certificate.
Types of BIS Certification Scheme
1) ISI Marking System
The ISI (Indian Standards Institution) mark, which stands for quality and safety, is one of the most well-known certification marks in India.
Manufacturers of goods that require mandatory BIS certification (Scheme-I) must register through the standard process. However, the list of products eligible for streamlined registration also includes some items that need the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards license. Manufacturers of products needing a Bureau of Indian Standards license, and that qualify for simplified registration, should register those products using the streamlined process instead of the standard one.
The manufacturer must submit the Bureau of Indian Standards registration application for the mandatory product to the authorized officer of the jurisdiction where the manufacturing unit is located, following the Indian BIS certification procedures.
Form V under Scheme-I (BIS registration application) must be submitted by the product's maker together with the necessary paperwork and costs.
Products that apply:
Cement, steel, bottled drinking water, electrical appliances, and different consumer goods.
Time Frame: After receiving the BIS certificate registration application, the BIS officers will conduct an initial inspection of the factory. BIS officers will collect product samples, test them, and obtain a report from an independent testing facility. Once the products meet the confirmed quality standards, the BIS license will be granted. The BIS license is awarded following this process, typically within 4 to 6 months after submitting the registration application.
2) BIS - CRS Registration - Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) in 2012 concerning BIS - CRS registration. It introduced the ‘Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012’ for 15 categories of electronic items. Later on, it added more electronic and information technology goods to the BIS - CRS registration.
Under the CRS, manufacturers of the products listed must obtain BIS certification for those products as a mandatory requirement. According to the 2012 order issued by MeitY, no person is allowed to manufacture, distribute, or store goods for sale or import if they do not conform to the Indian Standards mentioned in the order and do not bear the standard mark with a unique BIS number.
Products That Apply:
Manufacturers of electronic goods are authorized by the BIS to use or apply a standard mark with a distinct R-number. Through registration based on a self-declaration of conformance for each product, manufacturers can acquire BIS - CSR registration under the BIS - CRS by filing Form-I under smart registration.
3) Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
The BIS introduced the FMCS in 2000 to enable overseas applicants or foreign manufacturers to obtain and use the standard ISI mark on their products. The foreign manufacturers have to set up a branch office in India with the required permissions and nominate an agent in India.
Within six months, the Foreign producers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows foreign producers or overseas applicants to receive the specifically developed ISI mark from the BIS. Under the BIS-CSR registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme) a Compulsory BIS registration Scheme (Scheme-I) has to be applied and registered, they are able to receive BIS license for their products.
Relevant Products:
The international applicant needs to send the BIS registration application form in the required format, along with all the necessary documents and fees, to the BIS. The BIS will conduct a preliminary examination of the product at the applicant's manufacturing and testing facilities and collect samples for impartial testing.
The BIS will certify the products if it is satisfied that they meet the required standards. Foreign manufacturers and applicants seeking BIS certification must pay an annual minimum marking fee along with an annual license cost upon receiving the certification.
4) ECO Mark Scheme
Under the ECO mark scheme, the BIS certifies products that are friendly to the environment. The BIS classifies all environmental products that meet the basic conditions outlined in Indian Standards under this system. The products receive both the 'ISI Mark' and the 'ECO' logo from the BIS.
The product meets the relevant Indian Standards quality requirements and specific environmental criteria, as shown by the logo and mark. Products are permitted to display only one mark, which is a combination of the ECO logo and the ISI mark.
Getting a BIS license under the ECO mark system is similar to the process that domestic firms follow under the regular or streamlined registration procedure for BIS licenses. If a manufacturer already has a valid BIS certification mark for their product, they need to specifically request the BIS to cover a new product under the ECO mark scheme. To obtain a BIS license under this scheme, the BIS will take the necessary steps.
Products that apply:
Paints, paper, soaps, detergents, and other consumer goods.
An overview of the projected time frames:
- Stage of Pre-Application: 1-2 months
- Application submission: 1-2 weeks
- Examining applications: 2-4 weeks
- Sample Testing: one to three months
- Factory Inspection: one to two months
- Exam and License Grant: one to two months
- The entire duration is roughly 6 to 8 months.
5) Hallmarking Scheme
Bureau of Indian Standards license ensures the purity and fineness of precious metal articles such as gold and silver jewelry.
Applicable Products:
Gold jewelry, silver jewelry, and artifacts.
Documents needed to obtain a BIS license
Depending on the type of BIS registration system, different documents are required. Nonetheless, the following are the standard documentation that a producer must submit to the Bureau of Indian Standards in order to receive a BIS certificate:
- Name and address proof of office and factory
- Document showing the establishment of the manufacturing unit such as Incorporation Certificate or Registration Certificate or Memorandum of Association, etc.
- MSME/SSI certificate, if applicable
- Manufacturing process flow covering all processes of manufacture (from raw material to finished product stage)
- Manufacturing machinery list along with the machinery details
- Details of outsourcing of manufacturing operation, if applicable
- A detailed list of testing facilities and testing equipment list
- Copies of valid calibration certificates of testing equipment
- Third-party laboratory test report as per Indian Standards, if applicable
- Layout plan of the factory premises and location plan of the factory
- In-house or independent test report, if applicable
- In case the application is signed by the authorised signatory, the authorisation letter from CEO in the authorised signatory name
- In case of a foreign manufacturer or overseas applicant, nomination details of Indian agent and nomination form
Renewal of BIS License
The BIS license is typically valid for one or two years, after which it must be renewed. Renewal involves submitting an application along with updated documents and renewal fees. BIS may conduct a fresh factory inspection and sample testing for renewal and compliance.
BIS License validity
The validity period of a BIS certificate or BIS marking is two years. When the relevant items and recommended standards remain unchanged, manufacturers are permitted to renew the BIS marking that has been issued. The validity of the renewed BIS certificate is for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.
The annual advance minimum marking charge and license cost are applicable to the renewal of the BIS certificate. On the other hand, the applicant must pay a late fee if the BIS certificate renewal application is submitted after the Bureau of Indian Standards certificate has expired.
How SKMC Global can help ?
As a service provider, SKMC Global is essential in assisting businesses in obtaining BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification, which guarantees that goods fulfill the performance, quality, and safety requirements set by the Indian market. For businesses that are unfamiliar with Indian regulatory systems or that produce goods that need to be certified, the BIS registration process can be particularly challenging.
Pre-Assessment and Documentation Support:
completing a pre-assessment prior to submitting an application for BIS certification to make sure the product satisfies the necessary requirements. helping to prepare important documentation like drawings, specifications, and product test reports. assisting with the precise completion and submission of the BIS application form together with all necessary supporting documentation, making sure that no errors are made that can cause delays or rejections.
Product Testing and Lab Coordination:
locating labs certified to test the particular product category and approved by BIS. overseeing the logistics of shipping product samples to the laboratory and making sure that BIS standards are followed throughout testing. Lastly, if any test failures are found, the test reports are reviewed to make sure the product satisfies BIS criteria and to offer advice on corrective measures.
Handling Bureaucratic Processes
As service providers, we serve as a point of contact between the business and BIS representatives to facilitate communication, respond to questions, and settle disputes that come up throughout the registration procedure. responding to inquiries about compliance and managing any queries or clarifications brought up by BIS throughout the application review and product testing phases.
Guidance on Marking and Labeling Proper use of certification marks:
Ensuring that the product and packaging appropriately show the BIS certification mark while adhering to BIS regulations on format, size, and placement. helping to design product labels so that the BIS standard's requirements for the presentation of all relevant information such as product specifications, manufacturer name, and BIS mark are met.
Foreign Manufacturer Certification (FMCS) Support
Assisting foreign businesses with the BIS certification process and assisting them in understanding Indian regulatory standards. helping with application submission, coordinating testing, and resolving procedural and linguistic issues. As part of the certification procedure, BIS may demand that foreign manufacturers undergo a factory inspection. Coordination and preparation for these inspections are assisted by service providers.
Post-Certification Support:
Usually, BIS certification needs to be renewed on a regular basis. Service providers help with timely renewal application filing and keep an eye on expiration dates. ensuring that the certification is maintained and that BIS is informed of any modifications to the product's design, composition, or manufacturing procedures. Service providers assist in providing updated documentation and overseeing the re-certification procedure if necessary in the event that the product is modified.
We SKMC Global as a Service providers play a vital role in helping companies navigate the BIS registration process by offering end-to-end support from understanding applicable standards and preparing documentation to coordinating product testing and managing regulatory interactions. Their expertise reduces the complexity of the BIS certification process, ensuring that products meet Indian regulatory requirements and can be legally sold in the Indian market. This partnership enables businesses to achieve compliance more efficiently and effectively.