How to Obtain BIS Certification for Products in India: Process, Fees, and Standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS certification, commonly known as the ISI Mark, is a quality certification mark that confirms a product has been tested against the applicable Indian Standard (IS) and the manufacturing facility has been inspected and found compliant. For certain categories of products, BIS certification is mandatory before they can be sold in India. This guide explains the complete process for obtaining BIS certification, the fees involved, and the compliance requirements.

When is BIS Certification Required

BIS certification is mandatory for products covered under compulsory certification orders issued by the Government of India. These include cement, steel and steel products, electrical wires and cables, switches and plugs, pressure cookers, LPG cylinders and regulators, packaged drinking water, certain food products, helmets, batteries, and many other categories of consumer goods. The full list of products under mandatory certification is published by BIS and updated periodically. For products not under mandatory certification, manufacturers can voluntarily apply for the ISI Mark to demonstrate compliance with quality standards and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Types of BIS Certification Schemes

BIS operates several certification schemes depending on the product category. The Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I) is the most common and applies to domestically manufactured goods. It involves factory inspection, product testing, and ongoing surveillance. The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) applies to electronic and IT products and requires testing and registration but not factory inspection. The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) applies to products manufactured outside India. The Hallmarking Scheme applies specifically to gold and silver jewellery. This guide focuses on the Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I), which covers the ISI Mark.

Eligibility

Any manufacturer operating a factory in India can apply for BIS certification under Scheme I. The applicant must have adequate manufacturing infrastructure, testing equipment (either in-house or access to an accredited laboratory), a quality control process, and the ability to consistently produce goods conforming to the relevant Indian Standard. The Indian Standard number for the product must be identified before filing the application, as it forms the basis of the entire certification process.

Application Process

Step 1: Register on the BIS Manak Online portal at manakonline.in. Create an account as a manufacturer and complete your profile with details of the manufacturing unit, products, and authorised signatories. Step 2: Navigate to the Product Certification section and select the applicable Indian Standard for your product. Fill in the application form with details of the manufacturing process, raw materials used, testing equipment available, and quality control measures in place. Upload the required documents including factory layout, process flow chart, test reports from an accredited laboratory, and a declaration of conformity.

Step 3: Pay the application fee and processing fee online through the portal. Step 4: BIS will assign an officer to conduct a factory inspection. The officer will visit your manufacturing facility, examine the production process, verify quality control procedures, draw product samples for independent testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory, and check that the factory has adequate testing equipment and trained personnel. Step 5: If the factory inspection is satisfactory and the test results confirm that the product meets the Indian Standard, BIS will grant the licence and issue the ISI Mark certificate.

Fees

The fee structure for BIS certification under Scheme I includes an application fee of Rs 1,000, a processing fee of Rs 2,000, factory inspection charges of approximately Rs 7,000 (covering the inspector's travel and daily allowance), and laboratory testing charges that vary widely depending on the product, ranging from Rs 5,000 for simple products to over Rs 1,00,000 for complex electrical or mechanical products. There is also an annual marking fee based on the volume of production, calculated as a percentage of the ex-factory value of certified products.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered under the Udyam portal are eligible for a concession of up to 80% on BIS fees, significantly reducing the financial burden of certification. Startups recognised under Startup India may also be eligible for fee concessions. The total cost for a small manufacturer producing low-risk consumer goods typically falls between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 for the initial certification.

Timeline

The BIS certification process from application to licence grant typically takes 35 to 60 days if all documents are in order and no major non-conformities are found during the factory inspection. Delays can occur if the laboratory testing takes longer than expected, if the factory inspection reveals deficiencies that need to be corrected, or if additional information is requested by the BIS officer. Manufacturers are advised to prepare their factory and documentation thoroughly before applying to minimise processing time.

Post-Certification Obligations

Once certified, the manufacturer must maintain the quality standards continuously. BIS conducts periodic surveillance inspections (at least once a year) and may draw market samples at any time for testing. The ISI Mark licence must be renewed annually. If a surveillance inspection reveals non-conformity, BIS can suspend or cancel the licence. The manufacturer must also report any changes to the manufacturing process, raw materials, or factory location to BIS promptly. Failure to comply with post-certification obligations can result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including fines and imprisonment for misuse of the ISI Mark.