BIS Certification Consultancy Services: Your Guide to Seamless Compliance in India

Understanding BIS Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), established under the BIS Act, 2016, is India’s national standards body, succeeding the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) founded in 1947. BIS develops and enforces Indian Standards (IS) to ensure products meet rigorous criteria for quality, safety, and reliability across industries such as electronics, consumer goods, automotive, and medical devices. BIS certification verifies compliance with these standards, marked by the ISI Mark for industrial and consumer goods or the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) mark for electronics and IT products.

BIS certification is voluntary for many products, allowing manufacturers to showcase quality commitment and gain a competitive edge. However, for over 380 products, it is mandatory under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India to protect consumer safety, environmental concerns, and fair trade practices. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines starting at ₹2 lakh, imprisonment up to two years, product seizures, or market bans, making BIS certification essential for legal market operations in India.

The Value of BIS Certification Consultancy Services

The BIS certification process is multifaceted, requiring manufacturers to identify applicable standards, prepare detailed documentation, coordinate testing at BIS-approved labs, and undergo factory audits. For many businesses—particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, or foreign manufacturers unfamiliar with Indian regulations—this process can be overwhelming. BIS certification consultancy services simplify compliance by offering specialized expertise and tailored solutions. Key benefits include:

• Regulatory Expertise: Consultants identify relevant Indian Standards and QCOs, ensuring products meet mandatory requirements.
• Accurate Documentation: They prepare and submit precise applications, reducing the risk of rejections or delays.
• Testing Coordination: Consultants manage product testing at BIS-recognized labs, ensuring test reports comply with Indian Standard Specifications (ISS).
• Audit Preparation: They guide manufacturers through BIS factory inspections, addressing gaps in quality control or infrastructure.
• Time and Cost Efficiency: By avoiding common errors like incomplete documentation or non-compliant testing, consultants minimize delays and additional costs.
• Global Support: For foreign manufacturers, consultants act as or connect with Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

Without professional support, manufacturers risk prolonged timelines, regulatory penalties, or market entry barriers. Consultancy services are crucial for achieving BIS certification efficiently and ensuring products bear trusted marks like the ISI or CRS Mark.

BIS Certification Consultancy for Indian Manufacturers

Indian manufacturers, from small-scale enterprises to large corporations, face unique challenges in navigating BIS certification. Consultancy services tailored for domestic producers streamline compliance with Scheme-I (ISI Mark) for industrial goods or Scheme-II (CRS) for electronics, enabling seamless market access. These services provide:

• Process Streamlining: Consultants assess production facilities, quality control systems, and testing capabilities to align with BIS standards.
• Simplified Procedures: For eligible products, consultants leverage BIS’s simplified procedure (Option 2), using valid test reports to expedite licensing within 60–90 days.
• Tatkal Scheme Support: For urgent certifications, consultants facilitate the Tatkal Scheme, ensuring faster processing (within 30 days) for mandatory products.
• Audit Readiness: They prepare manufacturers for BIS factory inspections, ensuring compliance with quality management and manufacturing standards.
• Testing Support: Consultants coordinate with BIS-approved labs to produce ISS-compliant test reports, minimizing re-testing risks.

By partnering with a consultancy like MSCi, Indian manufacturers can efficiently secure BIS certification, display the ISI Mark, and enhance product credibility in the domestic market, gaining a competitive advantage.

What Are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are government mandates issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, requiring mandatory BIS certification for specific products. QCOs aim to protect public health, ensure consumer safety, safeguard the environment, and prevent unfair trade practices. Products under QCOs cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India without a valid BIS license or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and the appropriate BIS Standard Mark (ISI or CRS).

QCOs are issued by ministries such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for electronics or the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for industrial goods. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, product seizures, or market bans. As the list of QCO-covered products evolves, manufacturers must stay informed to ensure compliance.

Who Needs BIS Certification in India?

BIS certification is mandatory for:

• Manufacturers: Indian and foreign producers of QCO-covered products, such as electronics, toys, or medical devices, must obtain BIS certification to operate legally.
• Importers: Those importing mandatory products need BIS certification to ensure compliance before market entry.
• Distributors and Retailers: While they do not apply for licenses, they must ensure products bear the BIS Standard Mark if required by QCOs.
• Jewelers: Those dealing in gold or silver jewelry must comply with BIS hallmarking schemes.

Voluntary BIS certification is pursued by manufacturers of non-mandatory products to enhance market competitiveness, meet procurement requirements, and build consumer trust. The ISI Mark, a symbol of quality since 1955, is widely recognized in India.

Which Products Require BIS Certification?

As of 2025, over 380 products require mandatory BIS certification under QCOs, including:

• Electronics and IT: Smartphones, laptops, power banks, LED lights, and adapters (CRS, Scheme-II).
• Electrical Appliances: Cables, switches, electric irons, water heaters, and domestic gas stoves.
• Industrial Materials: Cement, steel, aluminum foils, polyethylene products, and chemicals.
• Consumer Goods: Toys, helmets, pressure cookers, safety footwear, and woven ground covers.
• Medical Devices: Syringes, catheters, diagnostic equipment, and orthopedic implants.
• Jewelry: Gold and silver jewelry under hallmarking schemes.
• Automotive Components: Wheel rims, safety glass, and two-wheeler helmets.

Manufacturers must consult the BIS website or expert consultants to stay updated on the evolving QCO list, as new products are frequently added.

Who Can Apply for BIS Certification?

Eligible applicants for BIS certification include:

• Indian Manufacturers: Domestic producers with facilities in India, applying under Scheme-I (ISI Mark) or Scheme-II (CRS).
• Foreign Manufacturers: Overseas producers under the FMCS, requiring an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Importers: Those importing QCO-covered products to ensure compliance before market entry.
• Jewelers: For hallmarking of gold and silver jewelry.

Applicants must maintain adequate manufacturing and testing facilities, comply with ISS, and pay required fees, including application, audit, license, and marking fees. Each product and manufacturing location requires a separate application.

How MSCi Simplifies Your BIS Certification Journey

MSCi, a trusted BIS certification consultancy, offers comprehensive support to streamline the certification process for Indian and foreign manufacturers. With a focus on efficiency and compliance, MSCi’s services include:

• Regulatory Guidance: MSCi identifies applicable Indian Standards and QCOs, ensuring full compliance with current regulations.
• Documentation Assistance: MSCi prepares and submits accurate applications, including Form V for Scheme-I or Form II for CRS, along with supporting documents like production details and quality control plans.
• Testing Facilitation: MSCi coordinates with BIS-approved laboratories to conduct product testing, ensuring test reports meet ISS and remain valid (up to 90 days for simplified procedures).
• Audit Preparation: MSCi conducts pre-audits to address gaps in quality control or infrastructure, ensuring readiness for BIS factory inspections.
• AIR Services: For foreign manufacturers, MSCi acts as or connects with an AIR, facilitating communication and compliance under FMCS.
• Fast-Track Options: MSCi leverages simplified procedures or the Tatkal Scheme to expedite certification, achieving timelines of 60–90 days for domestic manufacturers or 5–6 months for FMCS.
• Ongoing Compliance even after BIS Certification: MSCi supports license renewals (valid for 2 years, renewable up to 5 years) and monitors regulatory updates to keep clients compliant.

MSCi’s expertise ensures a seamless, cost-effective certification process, allowing manufacturers to focus on their core business while achieving market success.

Steps to Obtain the ISI Mark

The ISI Mark, a trusted symbol of quality under Scheme-I, is obtained through a structured process:

1. Standard Identification: Confirm the relevant Indian Standard (IS) using BIS resources or consultancy support.
2. Application Submission: Submit Form V online via the BIS portal, including documents like production process details, quality control plans, and testing equipment lists.
3. Factory Audit: BIS inspects the manufacturing facility to verify infrastructure, quality controls, and testing capabilities, often collecting samples for testing.
4. Product Testing: Submit samples to BIS-approved labs for testing. Test reports must comply with ISS and remain valid (up to 90 days for simplified procedures).
5. Fee Payment: Pay application, audit, license, and marking fees. Foreign manufacturers must provide a $10,000 Performance Bank Guarantee.
6. License Issuance: Upon successful inspection and testing, BIS grants the license, allowing the use of the ISI Mark. The process takes 60–90 days for domestic manufacturers and 5–6 months for FMCS.

Consultants like MSCi streamline this process by managing documentation, testing, and audits, ensuring compliance and efficiency at every step.

Manufacturers Eligible for the ISI Mark

Manufacturers eligible to apply for the ISI Mark under Scheme-I include:

• Indian Manufacturers: Producers of cement, steel, electrical appliances, toys, helmets, food products, or other QCO-covered goods.
• Foreign Manufacturers: Overseas producers of QCO-covered products, such as chemicals, medical devices, or consumer goods, applying through FMCS with an AIR.
• ECO Mark Applicants: Manufacturers of eco-friendly products seeking the ECO Mark alongside the ISI Mark.
• Specialized Producers: Those manufacturing niche products like safety glass, wheel rims, or heating oil under QCOs.
• MSMEs: Micro and small-scale manufacturers, with optional inspection and testing schemes for certain products like consumer footwear.

Applicants must maintain robust testing facilities and quality control systems to meet ISS requirements.

Why Choose MSCi for BIS Certification?

MSCi stands out as a premier BIS certification consultancy due to its client-centric approach and proven expertise. Reasons to choose MSCi include:

• Specialized Knowledge: Extensive experience in Scheme-I and Scheme-II certifications across diverse industries.
• Comprehensive Support: End-to-end services, from standard identification to post-certification compliance.
• Tailored Solutions: Customized services for MSMEs, startups, and multinational corporations.
• Regulatory Vigilance: Proactive monitoring of QCOs and BIS standards to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Proven Reliability: A strong track record of successful certifications and client satisfaction.

MSCi empowers manufacturers to achieve BIS certification quickly, ensuring compliance and market success.

Conclusion

BIS certification is a cornerstone for manufacturers targeting India’s competitive market, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with QCOs. The ISI Mark and CRS Mark enhance consumer trust and enable legal market access, but the certification process can be complex. MSCi’s BIS Certification Consultancy Services simplify this journey, offering expert regulatory guidance, documentation support, testing coordination, and audit preparation. By partnering with MSCi, manufacturers can efficiently secure BIS certification, display trusted quality marks, and thrive in India’s dynamic market. Whether you’re a domestic MSME or a global producer, MSCi is your trusted partner for compliance and success.