BIS Registration & Certification for Importers

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Under the BIS Act, 2016, the Government of India has made BIS certification mandatory for a large and growing number of product categories through Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Products without the required BIS licence/certificate cannot be imported into India — they are detained and rejected at ports of entry.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Foreign manufacturers who wish to export their products to India must obtain BIS certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Under this scheme, BIS grants a licence to use the ISI Mark (Standard Mark) on products after product testing at BIS-recognised laboratories and factory audit.

Products Requiring Mandatory BIS/ISI Certification (Examples)

  • Electronics: LED lights, mobile phones, power banks, laptops, set-top boxes, TVs, smart watches
  • Electrical appliances: water heaters, electric motors, transformers, cables and wires
  • Steel and iron products (TMT bars, structurals, HR/CR coils)
  • Cement, tyres, and automotive components
  • Helmets and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Pressure cookers, kitchen appliances, and gas cylinders
  • Chemicals and fertilizers
  • Toys and children's articles
  • Food and food contact materials (packaged drinking water, baby food)

How Samarth EXIM Can Help

  1. Mandatory Check: We first determine whether your product requires BIS certification under the applicable Quality Control Order. Not all products need BIS — but for those that do, it is non-negotiable.
  2. FMCS Application Filing: Preparation and submission of the FMCS application on the BIS portal on behalf of foreign manufacturers, including BIS Form 1, technical file, and fee payment.
  3. Product Testing Coordination: Liaison with BIS-recognised laboratories in India and/or the country of manufacture for product testing and report preparation.
  4. Factory Audit Assistance: Preparation for the BIS factory inspection / audit of the manufacturing facility, including pre-audit gap analysis.
  5. License Grant and ISI Marking: Obtaining the BIS licence and setting up the ISI Mark system on the product and packaging.
  6. Annual Renewal: Handling annual surveillance audits and licence renewals to keep certification active.
  7. Customs Compliance: Ensuring import consignments comply with BIS certification requirements and preventing detention at ports.

Consequences of Importing Without BIS Certification

  • Detention and seizure of goods at port/airport by Customs
  • Compulsory re-export at the importer's expense
  • Fines up to Rs. 2,00,000 per consignment under the BIS Act, 2016
  • Imprisonment of up to 2 years for repeat violations
  • Blacklisting of the supplier in BIS database

Frequently Asked Questions – BIS Certification

Q: Does every import product need BIS certification?

No. BIS certification is mandatory only for products covered under a specific Quality Control Order (QCO). There are currently over 100 product categories under mandatory certification. We provide a free check for clients to determine if their specific product requires BIS.

Q: How long does FMCS certification take?

Typically 4–8 months for new FMCS certification, depending on the product category, testing lab turnaround, and BIS review. We recommend starting the process well before the first import shipment is planned.

Q: Can Indian importers apply for BIS on behalf of foreign manufacturers?

Yes, for some product categories, the Indian importer can apply under the Indian Manufacturers Certification Scheme if the product is assembled/manufactured in India. However, for products manufactured entirely abroad, the FMCS route (by the foreign manufacturer) is required. Samarth EXIM helps both importers and their foreign suppliers navigate the right route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and why is it mandatory in India?

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary business identification number required for any person or business engaged in import or export of goods and services.

IEC is mandatory because no import or export can be made without it (unless specifically exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy). It is required for Customs clearance, DGFT scheme applications, and receiving or making foreign trade payments through banks.

What are the main documents required for import-export in India?

Key documents for import-export operations in India include:

  • Shipping Bill (for exports) or Bill of Entry (for imports) — filed with Customs for clearance.
  • Commercial Invoice cum Packing List — details of goods, quantity, value, and packaging.
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill — transport document issued by the carrier.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO) — certifies the country of origin, needed for FTA benefits and some import requirements.
  • IEC Code — the importer/exporter identification number.
  • GST Invoice / LUT — for GST compliance on exports.
  • FSSAI Certificate — for food and agricultural imports.
  • BIS Certificate / NOC — for products under mandatory BIS certification.

What does DGFT do and why is it important for importers and exporters?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the apex government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for formulating and implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Its key roles include:

  • Issuing and managing Importer Exporter Codes (IEC)
  • Administering export incentive schemes: Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, SEIS
  • Granting export licences for restricted and SCOMET items
  • Issuing import licences for restricted items
  • Recognising Star Export Houses (status holders)
  • Fixing Standard Input Output Norms (SION)

Every Indian exporter and importer must interact with DGFT at some point — whether for obtaining an IEC, applying for export incentives, or seeking licences for restricted goods.

How can I find out if my product requires a special import licence in India?

India's import policy is classified under the ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import Items published by DGFT. Every item has an import policy designation:

  • Free: Can be imported without any licence.
  • Restricted: Requires a specific import licence from DGFT before import.
  • Prohibited: Cannot be imported under any circumstances (e.g., beef in some categories).
  • Canalised: Can only be imported by government-designated agencies.

You can check the policy on the DGFT website by your ITC(HS) code, or contact Samarth EXIM for a free preliminary import policy check for your specific product.

What is the difference between Advance Authorisation and EPCG scheme?

Both are export promotion schemes under India's Foreign Trade Policy, but they serve different purposes:

  • Advance Authorisation (AA): Allows duty-free import of raw materials and inputs that are physically used in manufacturing export goods. The export obligation is the value of goods exported. Applicable before production.
  • EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Allows duty-free import of capital goods (machinery, equipment, tools) used in production of export goods. The export obligation is 6 times the duty saved, over 6 years.

They can be used together — EPCG for capital goods and Advance Authorisation for input materials — giving double duty savings on both machinery and raw materials.

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