The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) serves as the national certification authority in India, operating under the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. Established on April 1, 1987, it succeeded the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) organisation, inheriting and expanding upon its functions. BIS certification stands as a hallmark of quality and safety assurance, administered by the Government of India through the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is obligatory for a wide array of products marketed in India, ensuring their alignment with predetermined quality benchmarks and regulatory requisites.
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BIS certification is an important quality assurance system that confirms products comply with Indian standards for safety, reliability, and performance. This overview outlines the objective of BIS certification, its different types, and the step-by-step certification process. It also covers mandatory product categories, required documentation, and the validity of certification. Intended for manufacturers and businesses operating in or entering the Indian market, this guide supports understanding of compliance obligations, helps build consumer confidence, and enables smoother market entry through recognised national standards.
What is BIS certification?
BIS certification, issued by India’s Bureau of Indian Standards, is a quality mark that confirms products meet national requirements for safety, quality, and reliability. It is essential for selling goods in India, particularly for items where certification is mandatory, such as electronics and automotive components. This system helps protect consumers and supports fair trade through proper testing and compliance. Although BIS certification is voluntary for many products, the government mandates it for items linked to public health and safety, requiring manufacturers to obtain a licence to use the ISI mark.
Step-by-step procedure for BIS certification
Step |
Description |
1 |
Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product. |
2 |
Set up an in-house laboratory in accordance with the relevant standard. |
3 |
Create an account on the BIS portal (for Indian manufacturers). |
4 |
Have the product tested as per Indian Standard Specifications (ISS). |
5 |
Submit the BIS application along with the test report and required documents. |
6 |
Respond to any queries raised by the BIS authority, if applicable. |
7 |
Undergo a factory audit conducted by the BIS officer assigned to the firm. |
8 |
Carry out sample testing in the in-house laboratory. |
9 |
Seal samples for re-verification by the BIS officer during the audit. This step does not require waiting for a new test report, as testing results are already submitted with the application. |
10 |
Complete the audit process. |
11 |
Receive the BIS licence upon approval. |
Types of BIS certification
ISI Mark Certification
Description:
ISI mark certification is one of the most widely recognised certification schemes under BIS. It confirms that a product complies with the specified Indian Standards relating to quality, safety, and reliability.
Applicability:
This certification applies to a wide range of products, including electrical appliances, cement, steel products, food items, and agricultural machinery.
Process:
Manufacturers must submit product samples for testing at BIS-recognised laboratories. Once the product meets the required standards, BIS grants a licence to use the ISI mark on the product.
Benefits:
It builds consumer confidence, enables easier market entry, and ensures compliance with Indian laws and regulations.
Hallmarking Certification
Description:
BIS hallmarking certifies the purity of precious metals such as gold and silver, ensuring consumers receive products with verified purity levels.
Process:
Articles are tested at BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centres to check compliance with prescribed purity standards.
Benefits:
It guarantees authenticity, promotes fair trade practices, and protects consumers from counterfeit or substandard products.
Product Certification Scheme
Description:
BIS offers specific product certification schemes for selected categories of products.
Applicability:
These schemes cover a wide range of sectors, including electronics and IT goods, chemicals, textiles, automotive components, and household products.
Process:
Manufacturers apply for certification by submitting product samples for testing at BIS-approved laboratories. Certification is granted once the applicable Indian Standards are met.
Benefits:
It demonstrates compliance with quality and safety standards, improves consumer acceptance, and ensures consumer protection.
System Certification (ISO 9001 and others)
Description:
BIS provides system certification based on international standards such as ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems.
Applicability:
This certification is suitable for organisations seeking to demonstrate effective process management through established management systems.
Process:
Organisations undergo audits conducted by BIS-accredited certification bodies to assess conformity with the relevant standards.
Benefits:
It enhances operational efficiency, improves customer satisfaction, and reinforces a strong commitment to quality management practices.
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Description:
The Compulsory Registration Scheme requires manufacturers to register specified products with the government before they can be sold in India.
Applicability:
It covers products such as electronics, IT goods, machinery, and chemicals, based on their potential impact on health and safety.
Process:
Manufacturers must obtain registration by testing products and verifying compliance with applicable Indian Standards.
Benefits:
The scheme ensures product safety, protects consumers from substandard goods, and supports regulatory compliance.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
Description:
This scheme allows foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification through authorised representatives based in India.
Process:
Overseas manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative to manage and coordinate the certification process in line with Indian Standards.
Benefits:
It enables easier entry of foreign products into the Indian market, simplifies certification procedures, and ensures alignment with Indian regulatory requirements.
Benefits of BIS certification
The BIS registration offers several advantages, enhancing product credibility and ensuring consumer safety:
- Authenticity: BIS-certified products are recognised for their high-quality performance and reliability, providing assurance to consumers. This certification acts as a trust signal, encouraging consumer preference and loyalty towards BIS-certified products.
- Quality Assurance: BIS registration ensures adherence to specific standards during the manufacturing process, thereby guaranteeing the quality of the products. It serves as a benchmark for quality, distinguishing certified products from their counterparts in the competitive market.
- Rigorous Testing: BIS registration involves thorough testing of product samples in BIS laboratories, ensuring meticulous quality inspection and maintaining high product standards. This comprehensive evaluation process reinforces the integrity and safety of BIS-certified products.
- Environmental Protection: BIS-certified products help minimise environmental risks by complying with BIS regulations that restrict the use of certain chemicals and materials. This commitment to environmental sustainability also aligns with global eco-friendly practices, promoting a greener approach to manufacturing.
