The BIS Certification Process in India involves several steps through which a manufacturer establishes that its applicable product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and requirements of the applicable BIS conformity assessment scheme.

The exact process can vary depending on the product, Indian Standard, BIS scheme, testing requirements and applicable government notification or Quality Control Order (QCO).

For products covered by mandatory BIS requirements, manufacturers must complete the applicable compliance process before supplying the regulated product in the Indian market. BIS states that certification is generally voluntary, but the Central Government can make compliance compulsory for specified products through applicable regulatory orders.

In this guide, we explain the BIS Certification Process step by step, including standard identification, documentation, testing, application, factory assessment, evaluation and grant of the applicable licence or registration.

What Is the BIS Certification Process?

The BIS Certification Process is the procedure followed by manufacturers to obtain the applicable BIS licence, registration or conformity assessment approval for products covered under a relevant BIS framework.

For BIS product certification under Scheme-I, BIS explains that the process begins with identifying the applicable Indian Standard. The manufacturer must then assess its manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities against the relevant standard. Product conformity may be established through third-party laboratory testing, testing at the manufacturing premises, or a combination of applicable testing routes.

A simplified process is:

Identify Product & Standard
↓
Determine Applicable BIS Scheme
↓
Check Requirements
↓
Prepare Documents & Infrastructure
↓
Product Testing
↓
Submit Online Application
↓
BIS Assessment / Inspection, Where Applicable
↓
Evaluation of Compliance
↓
Grant of Licence / Registration

Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process in India

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

The first step in the BIS Certification Process is identifying the Indian Standard (IS) applicable to your product.

Different products may be covered by different Indian Standards. The relevant standard establishes the technical requirements against which the product may need to be assessed.

BIS recommends identifying the relevant Indian Standard before beginning the certification application process. Its official application guidance also provides access to Indian Standards and product-specific technical manuals.

At this stage, businesses should determine:

• Product category
• Product specifications
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Relevant BIS scheme
• Whether certification is mandatory or voluntary
• Applicable government notification or QCO
• Testing requirements

Step 2: Determine the Applicable BIS Scheme

Once the applicable standard has been identified, the next step is determining which BIS conformity assessment or registration scheme applies.

Depending on the product and regulatory framework, this may include:

• Scheme-I – Product Certification
• Scheme-II – Registration Scheme / CRS
• Scheme-IV – Certificate of Conformity
• Scheme-X – Certification
• FMCS for eligible foreign manufacturers

BIS lists these different schemes among the frameworks applicable to products under compulsory certification.

The applicable scheme should not be assumed solely from the product name. The relevant Indian Standard and current regulatory notification should be checked.

Step 3: Check BIS Certification Requirements

Before submitting an application, the manufacturer needs to evaluate whether it has the required manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities.

For product certification, BIS specifically states that manufacturers should analyse and document the required manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities according to the relevant Indian Standard.

Requirements may include:

• Manufacturing machinery
• Production facilities
• Quality-control procedures
• Testing equipment
• Qualified testing personnel
• Product specifications
• Technical documentation
• Labelling and marking arrangements
• Applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)

The exact requirements are product-specific.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

The next step is to prepare the documentation required under the applicable BIS scheme.

Depending on the product and application, documentation may include:

• Manufacturer details
• Company information
• Product specifications
• Technical documents
• Manufacturing process information
• Quality-control information
• Test reports
• Testing equipment details
• Product drawings
• Labelling and marking information
• Declarations and undertakings
• Scheme-specific documents

BIS provides product-specific manuals and guidance that can contain requirements relating to testing, sampling, equipment and the applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing.

Step 5: Arrange Product Testing

Product testing is an important part of the BIS certification process where testing is required under the applicable scheme.

The objective is to establish whether the product conforms to the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard.

Depending on the certification route, testing may be carried out:

• At a BIS-recognized/approved laboratory where applicable
• At the manufacturer’s testing facility where permitted
• Through a combination of applicable testing arrangements

For BIS product certification, BIS states that conformity can be established through third-party laboratory testing, testing at the manufacturing premises, or a combination of both, depending on the applicable process.

The applicable product manual and testing requirements should therefore be checked before arranging testing.

Step 6: Submit the BIS Application Online

Once the applicable requirements, documentation and testing arrangements are ready, the manufacturer can submit the relevant application through the applicable BIS online process.

BIS currently states that applications for product certification are accepted through online mode, including applicable payments, through the Manakonline portal.

Before submitting the application, check that:

• Required information is complete
• Documents are correctly prepared
• Applicable fees are paid
• Product details are accurate
• Manufacturing details are correctly provided
• Testing information is available
• The application corresponds to the correct Indian Standard and BIS scheme

An incomplete application can result in queries and delays.

Step 7: BIS Application Scrutiny

After submission, BIS reviews the application and supporting information.

During this stage, BIS may identify deficiencies or raise queries requiring clarification or additional information.

The applicant should respond to such queries within the applicable timeframe and provide the requested information accurately.

For FMCS applications, for example, BIS explicitly notes that delays can occur because of incomplete applications, delayed responses to queries or pending payments.

This principle highlights why accurate documentation and timely responses are important throughout the certification process.

Step 8: Factory Assessment / Inspection

Where applicable, BIS may assess the manufacturer’s premises.

The assessment can involve verification of:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Production processes
• Quality-control arrangements
• Testing facilities
• Testing capabilities
• Relevant records
• Compliance with applicable requirements

For Scheme-I product certification, BIS states that the Bureau assesses manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control and testing capabilities through a visit to the manufacturing premises.

The exact assessment requirements depend on the product and applicable scheme.

Step 9: Sample Collection and Testing

Where applicable, samples may be drawn during assessment or through the prescribed testing process.

The samples are then tested against the applicable Indian Standard.

The results help establish whether the product conforms to the required technical specifications.

If the product does not meet applicable requirements, the applicant may need to address the identified non-conformities and follow the applicable BIS procedure.

Step 10: BIS Evaluation and Compliance Review

After assessment and testing, BIS evaluates the relevant information, which may include:

• Application documents
• Test reports
• Inspection findings
• Manufacturing capabilities
• Quality-control arrangements
• Product conformity
• Applicable compliance requirements

BIS may raise additional queries or seek clarification where necessary.

The application progresses toward grant of the applicable approval only after the required conditions are satisfactorily met.

Step 11: Payment of Applicable Fees

The applicant must pay applicable fees associated with the certification process.

Depending on the scheme and product, costs can include:

• Application fee
• Inspection/assessment fee
• Testing/laboratory charges
• Licence or registration fee
• Marking-related charges
• Other applicable fees

There is no single universal BIS Certification cost for every product.

The applicable fee structure should be checked against the current BIS requirements for the specific product and scheme.

Step 12: Grant of BIS Licence / Registration

Once the applicable requirements have been successfully completed and BIS is satisfied with the conformity assessment, the relevant licence, registration or certificate may be granted.

For BIS product certification, the licence permits the manufacturer to use/apply the applicable Standard Mark subject to the conditions of the licence.

BIS defines a licence as a licence granted under Section 13 of the BIS Act, 2016 to use a specified Standard Mark in relation to goods or articles conforming to a standard.

Step 13: Follow Post-Certification Requirements

Obtaining BIS certification is not necessarily the end of the compliance process.

Depending on the applicable scheme, manufacturers may have continuing obligations relating to:

• Product conformity
• Quality control
• Testing
• Marking
• Records
• Surveillance
• Renewal
• Changes in manufacturing or product specifications

The applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) can specify production controls, sampling frequency, testing requirements, acceptance criteria and marking requirements.

Manufacturers should therefore continue maintaining compliance throughout the validity of the applicable licence or registration.

BIS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers may follow a separate BIS route depending on the product and applicable requirements.

Under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), eligible manufacturers whose factories are located outside India can apply for a BIS licence for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards. BIS states that foreign manufacturers must have the required manufacturing facilities, testing arrangements and competent testing personnel at their factory premises.

The FMCS process can include:

1. Identify applicable Indian Standard
2. Check FMCS applicability
3. Prepare documentation
4. Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
5. Submit application
6. Application scrutiny
7. Factory assessment
8. Sample testing
9. Compliance with applicable requirements
10. Payment of applicable fees
11. Grant of BIS licence

BIS currently states that FMCS applications can be submitted online through the Manakonline portal, and from 1 June 2026, only online applications are accepted for FMCS.

For foreign manufacturers, the Authorized Indian Representative must meet BIS requirements; BIS states that the AIR must be an Indian resident and is responsible for specified compliance-related functions.

BIS Certification Process for Importers

Importers should first determine whether the product they intend to import is covered by a mandatory BIS requirement.

An importer should verify:

• Product category
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Applicable BIS scheme
• Manufacturer’s BIS compliance
• Applicable government notification/QCO
• Marking and labelling requirements

Importers should not assume that simply importing a product makes the importer eligible to follow the same certification route as a manufacturer.

The applicable compliance route depends on the specific product and regulatory framework.

How Long Does BIS Certification Take?

There is no single timeline that applies to every BIS application.

Processing time can depend on:

• Product type
• Applicable BIS scheme
• Completeness of application
• Testing requirements
• Laboratory availability
• Factory inspection
• Sample testing
• Queries raised by BIS
• Applicant’s response time
• Payment of applicable fees

BIS’s current FAQ provides scheme-specific indicative timelines for certain product certification routes, but also notes that delays can arise from queries, inspection arrangements, sample deposition and fee-related matters.

Therefore, businesses should avoid relying on a generic “X days” promise without evaluating the specific product and scheme

How Much Does the BIS Certification Process Cost?

The cost depends on the product and applicable BIS route.

Potential cost components include:

• BIS application fees
• Inspection/assessment charges
• Product testing
• Laboratory charges
• Licence/registration fees
• Marking fees
• Renewal-related charges
• Professional assistance, where applicable

BIS publishes applicable fee structures and product-specific marking fees.

For an accurate estimate, the product, manufacturer location, applicable Indian Standard and BIS scheme should first be identified.

Common Reasons for Delays in BIS Certification

Some common factors that can delay an application include:

Incomplete Documentation

Missing or inconsistent information can result in queries and additional processing time.

Incorrect Standard Identification

Selecting the wrong Indian Standard can lead to problems during application and assessment.

Testing Delays

Laboratory testing and sample-related issues can affect the overall timeline.

Manufacturing Readiness

The manufacturer should have the required infrastructure, testing capabilities and quality-control systems in place before assessment.

Delayed Responses

Failure to respond promptly to BIS queries can delay processing.

Pending Payments

Applicable fees and other dues should be paid within the required timeframe.

BIS Certification Process Checklist

Before starting the application, manufacturers should generally verify:

☐ Product identified
☐ Applicable Indian Standard identified
☐ BIS scheme identified
☐ Mandatory/voluntary applicability checked
☐ Manufacturing infrastructure reviewed
☐ Testing requirements identified
☐ Quality-control arrangements prepared
☐ Required documents prepared
☐ Applicable testing completed/arranged
☐ Online application prepared
☐ Applicable fees checked
☐ Factory ready for assessment, where applicable
☐ Post-certification requirements understood

BIS Certification Process: Quick Overview

BIS Certification Process vs BIS Registration Process

The term “BIS registration” is sometimes used broadly, but BIS operates different conformity assessment frameworks.

For example, BIS Product Certification under Scheme-I and CRS registration under Scheme-II are different routes.

Therefore, the correct process should be determined based on the product and applicable scheme rather than assuming that every BIS application follows the same procedure. BIS lists Scheme-I, Scheme-II, Scheme-IV and Scheme-X among its relevant conformity assessment frameworks for products under compulsory certification.

Why Choose Grant Tech Solution for BIS Certification Assistance?

Grant Tech Solution provides assistance with product certification and regulatory compliance requirements.

Our support can include:

• Product applicability assessment
• BIS scheme identification
• Documentation assistance
• Testing coordination
• Application support
• Certification-related compliance assistance
• Guidance for manufacturers and importers

The first step is to identify your product, manufacturer location and applicable Indian Standard.

Need Help With the BIS Certification Process?

Not sure whether your product requires BIS Certification or which BIS scheme applies?

Grant Tech Solution can help you understand the applicable BIS requirements and certification route for your product.

Contact Grant Tech Solution for BIS Certification assistance in India.