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How Can Foreign Companies Apply for BIS Certification in India?
India is one of the world's major markets for international manufacturers and exporters. However, foreign companies planning to sell certain products in India must comply with applicable Indian quality and safety regulations. One important requirement is BIS Certification, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India's national standards body.BIS certification helps establish that a product meets the relevant Indian Standard and applicable certification requirements. Depending on the product category, foreign manufacturers may need a BIS licence under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) registration under another applicable scheme.Understanding the correct procedure, documentation, testing requirements and application process can help international businesses enter the Indian market more smoothly.What Is BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?The Bureau of Indian Standards operates the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) to grant licences to manufacturers whose factories are located outside India. Under this scheme, eligible manufacturers can obtain permission to use the BIS Standard Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.FMCS generally covers products other than electronics and IT goods notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The appropriate certification route depends on the product and the applicable Indian government notifications.Foreign companies should first verify whether their products fall under mandatory certification before exporting them to India.Step-by-Step Process to Apply for BIS Certification in IndiaStep 1: Identify the Applicable Indian StandardThe first step is to identify the Indian Standard (IS) applicable to the product. Each product category may have specific requirements relating to quality, performance, safety and testing.Manufacturers should check the official BIS website to determine the applicable standard and whether certification is mandatory under a relevant Quality Control Order (QCO) or other notification.Selecting the correct standard is essential because it determines the testing requirements, manufacturing controls and certification scope.Step 2: Check Factory and Testing FacilitiesForeign manufacturers applying under FMCS must have suitable manufacturing infrastructure and quality control arrangements at their factory premises.The manufacturer should ensure that:Appropriate manufacturing machinery and facilities are available.Required testing equipment and arrangements are maintained.Competent personnel can conduct the necessary product tests.Production processes comply with the applicable Indian Standard.The company can follow the prescribed Scheme of Testing and Inspection (STI/SIT) and applicable marking requirements.BIS assesses the manufacturer's ability to consistently produce products that meet the relevant standard.Step 3: Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)Foreign manufacturers are required to nominate an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) for the applicable certification process.The AIR must be an Indian resident and is responsible for representing the manufacturer in matters concerning compliance with the BIS Act, rules, regulations and licence conditions.The representative may be an eligible employee of the manufacturer's Indian branch or office. Where no such office exists, the manufacturer can nominate an appropriate representative in accordance with BIS requirements.The nomination must follow the prescribed format, and the representative should understand the responsibilities associated with the licence.Step 4: Prepare the Required DocumentsDocumentation is an important part of the BIS application process. Foreign manufacturers should prepare the prescribed application form and supporting records before submitting the application.Depending on the product and applicable requirements, documents may include:Company registration and manufacturing establishment details.Factory address and manufacturing process information.Details of production machinery and testing equipment.Quality control procedures and testing arrangements.Product specifications and relevant technical documents.Information about raw materials and production controls.Details and nomination documents for the AIR.Undertakings and declarations required by BIS.Applicable application fees and supporting payment details.Applicants should refer to the latest BIS checklist for their specific product and certification scheme, as the exact requirements may vary.Step 5: Submit the BIS Application OnlineOnce the documents are ready, the foreign manufacturer can submit the application through the official BIS Manak Online portal, following the procedure applicable to the relevant scheme.As of October 2026, BIS states that FMCS applications must be submitted online from 1 June 2026; the earlier offline application facility was accepted only up to 31 May 2026.Applicants should complete the required fields, upload the prescribed documents and pay the applicable fees. Incomplete information or delayed responses to BIS queries can extend the processing time.Step 6: Factory Inspection and Product TestingAfter the application is reviewed and the necessary formalities are completed, BIS arranges an assessment of the manufacturing facility in accordance with the applicable scheme.During the assessment, the inspection team may examine manufacturing processes, quality control systems, testing facilities, equipment and the manufacturer's ability to maintain consistent product quality.Product samples are also tested according to the applicable certification requirements. Testing may involve a BIS-recognised or approved laboratory, depending on the scheme and product category.If discrepancies are identified, the manufacturer must address them and provide the required information or corrective actions.Step 7: Grant of BIS LicenceIf the factory assessment, product testing and other applicable requirements are satisfactorily completed, BIS may grant the licence.The manufacturer must fulfil the applicable fee and compliance requirements before the licence is issued. Once authorised, the company may use the BIS Standard Mark only within the approved licence scope and subject to the licence conditions.Foreign manufacturers must also maintain ongoing compliance with applicable testing, inspection, marking and renewal requirements.How Much Does BIS Certification Cost for Foreign Companies?The cost of BIS certification depends on several factors, including the product category, applicable standard, number of products or varieties, testing expenses, factory inspection requirements and applicable BIS fees.Foreign manufacturers should also account for international travel, visa and related expenses associated with factory assessments where applicable.Because the costs vary by scheme and product, businesses should consult the latest official BIS fee schedule rather than rely on a single fixed price.How Long Does BIS Certification Take?The processing time depends on the completeness of the application, factory readiness, inspection scheduling, laboratory testing and the time taken to resolve any deficiencies.Manufacturers should begin the certification process well before their planned shipment or product launch in India. No product-specific timeline should be assumed until the applicable scheme and requirements have been confirmed.ConclusionForeign companies can apply for BIS certification in India by identifying the correct Indian Standard, preparing their manufacturing and testing facilities, appointing an Authorised Indian Representative, submitting the application, and completing the required inspection and product testing.Choosing the correct certification scheme is particularly important because FMCS and CRS have different scopes and procedures. Careful preparation can help reduce avoidable delays and support a smoother entry into the Indian market.
