India BIS Requirements for Foreign Firms

Komal4 September 2025

Introduction

India is one of the world’s fastest‑growing consumer markets, attracting foreign manufacturers across industries such as electronics, chemicals, steel, toys, and consumer appliances. To ensure product safety, quality, and compliance, the Government of India mandates certification through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For foreign companies, obtaining BIS certification is not just a legal requirement but also a pathway to consumer trust and market access.

What is BIS?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It is responsible for:
Developing Indian Standards (IS).
Certifying products for safety and quality.
Regulating hallmarking and quality management systems.
Protecting consumer interests by enforcing mandatory conformity to standards.

For foreign firms, BIS certification is essential when their products fall under the list of items notified as mandatory by the Government of India.

Applicability for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign firms that wish to export products to India must comply with BIS regulations if their products fall under the Compulsory Certification Schemes. There are two primary schemes:

1. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS):
Applicable to products like cement, household appliances, medical devices, steel, and chemicals.
Requires the foreign manufacturer to set up a local representative in India who will act as an authorized agent for BIS liaison.
Factory inspection by BIS officials is mandatory before the license is granted.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):
Applicable to electronics and IT products such as mobile phones, laptops, LED lights, printers, and power adapters.
Does not require factory inspection, but the products must be tested in BIS‑recognized laboratories in India.
The manufacturer must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to interact with BIS.

Key Requirements for Foreign Firms

To obtain BIS certification, foreign manufacturers need to comply with the following:

1. Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR):
The AIR acts as the local contact point and is responsible for ensuring compliance.
They are liable for product quality and adherence to BIS guidelines in India.

2. Product Testing:
Samples of the product must be tested in BIS‑approved labs located in India.
Test reports are required to demonstrate conformity to the relevant Indian Standards.

3. Application and Documentation:
Submission of detailed product information, factory details, business licenses, quality control systems, and test reports.
For FMCS, additional documents related to factory layout, raw material sources, and manufacturing processes are needed.

4. Factory Audit (for FMCS):
BIS officers may conduct physical inspections of the foreign manufacturing facility to verify compliance with Indian Standards.

5. Certification Fees:
Includes application fee, processing fee, testing charges, and license fee.
Renewal fees apply for continuation of certification.

Challenges for Foreign Firms

Regulatory Complexity: Multiple schemes and frequent updates in standards can be difficult to track.
Time‑consuming Process: Factory inspections and document verification may extend the approval timeline.
Cost of Compliance: Testing in India and maintaining an authorized representative adds to the cost burden.
Language & Documentation: Documents often need to be provided in English and in prescribed BIS formats.

Benefits of BIS Certification

Market Access: Only BIS‑certified products are allowed for sale in India in regulated categories.
Consumer Trust: BIS mark signals product quality and safety, increasing consumer confidence.
Legal Compliance: Prevents legal penalties, product recalls, or import rejections.
Competitive Advantage: Enhances reputation and strengthens position against uncertified competitors.

In short, for foreign firms, compliance with India’s BIS requirements is not optional but mandatory in many sectors. While the process involves detailed documentation, testing, and sometimes factory audits, the certification opens doors to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. With proper planning, assistance from compliance consultants, and a reliable Authorized Indian Representative, foreign manufacturers can navigate the BIS certification process smoothly and establish a strong presence in India.