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What is BIS Certification for India?
BIS certification is a mandatory product certification for the Indian market that confirms the safety, quality, and reliability of products in accordance with Indian Standards (IS). Without a valid BIS certificate, regulated products may not be imported into India, cleared through customs, or sold on the Indian market.
The certification is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s national standards and certification authority operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. On April 1, 1987, BIS effectively replaced the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) and assumed all of its functions.
For exporting products to India, manufacturers of a wide range of products require either BIS certification (ISI) under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) in order to introduce and distribute their products on the Indian market. The list of affected product categories continues to grow and includes, among others, electronics, steel products, chemicals, and automotive components.
What are the differences between BIS ISI Certification (Scheme I) and BIS CRS Registration (Scheme II)?
There are two main certification schemes for achieving BIS compliance in the Indian market:
BIS-Certifications with Factory Inspection:
BIS ISI Certification (BIS Scheme I, ISI-Mark Scheme)
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) issues the BIS ISI certification for foreign manufacturers. Since 2000 this authority has been responsible for the BIS certificate under the umbrella of BIS. Rules and regulations under which ISI certification is granted are set out in the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
All products that comply with the FMCS regulations are marked with the ISI logo, also known as the “BIS Standard Mark” or “ISI Mark” in accordance with ISI Mark Scheme I.
BIS-Certification without Factory Inspection:
BIS CRS Certification (BIS Scheme II, BIS Registration)
The BIS registration under CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) was introduced in 2012 for 15 product categories. Since then, new products have been added in phases. Based on the regulations published by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), foreign products for the Indian market can also obtain BIS registration.
The BIS-CRS registration mainly covers products in the IT, electronics and lighting categories, however the list of products subject to registration is constantly being expanded. This makes BIS-CRS registration one of the most important and common registrations in India.
BIS ISI vs. BIS CRS at a Glance
| Feature | BIS ISI (Scheme I) | BIS CRS (Scheme II) |
| Factory audit required? | Yes — Mandatory on-site audit conducted by Indian auditors | No — Documentation review and laboratory testing only |
| Product testing | In accredited laboratories in India | In accredited laboratories in India |
| Typical products | Steel, cement, tires, chemicals, toys, and more | IT equipment, mobile phones, solar modules, batteries, and more |
| Certification timeline | Approximately 6 to 9 months after the application is successfully submitted | Approximately 5 to 6 months after the application is successfully submitted |
| Certificate validity | 1 year (annual renewal required) | 5 years with annual renewal process |
BIS Scheme X Certification: Available on Voluntary Basis
BIS Scheme X is a certification scheme for machinery and electrical equipment that was originally intended to become mandatory but is currently voluntary. The underlying regulation (OTR) was withdrawn in early 2026. Manufacturers may nevertheless opt for certification in order to meet customer requirements or to prepare early for a possible future mandate. Further details can be found on the BIS Scheme X certification post page.
Which Product Categories Require Mandatory BIS Certification or BIS CRS Registration?
As new products are continuously added to the BIS catalog, it is advisable to verify the certification requirements for individual products with the relevant authorities before importing them into India.
In particular, it is important to determine whether BIS certification under the ISI scheme (Scheme I) or BIS registration under the CRS scheme (Scheme II) is required.
We would be pleased to assist you in assessing whether your products are subject to mandatory certification requirements.
Examples of affected product categories include:
- Cables
- Safety Glass
- Wheels/ Rims
- Steel Products
- Cameras
- Power Supplies
- LED Lamps
- Displays/ Monitors
As new products are continuously added to the BIS catalog, it is advisable to verify the certification requirements for individual products with the relevant authorities before importing them into India. In particular, it is important to determine whether BIS certification under the ISI scheme (Scheme I) or BIS registration under the CRS scheme (Scheme II) is required.
CE Marking vs. BIS Certification: Key Differences
Many manufacturers already hold CE marking for the European market and often ask whether it is sufficient for exporting products to India. The short answer is: no.
The CE marking is a European conformity mark and does not replace BIS certification for India. For many regulated products, a separate BIS ISI certification or BIS CRS registration is mandatory before products can be legally marketed in India.
While existing CE documentation, test reports, and technical files can provide a useful foundation for the certification process, products intended for the Indian market must additionally be assessed according to the relevant Indian Standards (IS standards) and BIS requirements.
Depending on the product category, additional requirements may include:
- Product testing in accredited laboratories in India
- Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- A factory audit for Scheme I (ISI Certification)
For manufacturers, this means that CE marking can simplify preparation, but it is not equivalent to BIS compliance. Before exporting products to India, companies should always verify whether BIS certification is required and determine which certification pathway applies to their specific products.
You can find more information on our article about details on the comparison between BIS and CE requirements.
What Does the BIS Certification Process Look Like Step by Step?
The BIS certification process always includes:
Preparation of the application documents and submission of the application.
For BIS ISI certification: factory audit.
Product testing in accredited testing laboratories.
Issuance of the certificate.
Marking and labeling of the component.
The validity period of a BIS certificate is generally one to two years. During the validity period, repeat testing may be required to maintain certification. The frequency of these tests depends on the applicable testing and surveillance requirements for the specific product category. In addition, BIS may request manufacturers on a random basis to submit their latest internal test reports as evidence of ongoing compliance. Any changes to the product or the manufacturing process may trigger additional testing requirements to ensure the continued validity of the certificate.
The following changes must be reported to BIS and may require a modification application or additional evaluation:
- Changes to the product design
- Changes to the product structure (e.g., adding an additional material layer to the enclosure)
- Changes to a key component (e.g., an electrical component)
- Changes to raw materials
- Changes of material suppliers
How Must Products Be Marked After BIS Certification?
Once you have obtained the BIS certificate, you may label your product accordingly. Originally, there were two types of markings: the ISI Mark for products certified under the BIS ISI scheme and the CRS Mark for products certified under the BIS CRS scheme.
BIS-CRS Logo (CRS-Mark) für die BIS-Registrierung
BIS-ISI Logo (BIS Standard Mark) für die BIS-Zertifizierung
Along with the certification license, the Bureau of Indian Standards also assigns a CM/L BIS license number (for BIS ISI certification) or an R-number (for BIS CRS registration). These are unique 7-digit and 8-digit identification numbers, respectively, designed to simplify the identification and traceability of products at the manufacturing facility.
Who Can Act as an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India?
An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a legally required representative based in India who must be appointed by foreign manufacturers for the BIS certification process. The BIS certification application must always be submitted through this AIR, who acts as the official intermediary and point of contact between the manufacturer and the Bureau of Indian Standards and is responsible for submitting applications.
Key requirements and responsibilities of an AIR at a glance:
- Registered presence in India: The AIR must be a registered legal entity or an Indian citizen with permanent residence in India.
- Technical competence: The AIR must have sufficient technical knowledge to respond professionally to official BIS inquiries.
- Exclusivity: As a rule, an AIR may represent only one foreign manufacturer before BIS.
What Does BIS Certification Cost?
The total cost of BIS certification can vary significantly depending on the scope of certification, product category, and number of manufacturing facilities involved. Whether an ISI certification or a CRS registration is required, each project comes with specific requirements that directly influence the overall cost structure.
The costs generally consist of the following components:
- Government Fees: Official application and license fees charged by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Laboratory Testing in India: Fees for mandatory product testing conducted by a BIS-accredited laboratory in India.
- Audit and Travel Costs: Expenses related to travel, accommodation, and daily allowances for the Indian BIS auditor in the case of an ISI certification.
- AIR Fees: Costs associated with providing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Consulting Fees: Support with document preparation, coordination with authorities and laboratories, as well as overall project management.
As the total costs can vary considerably depending on the product category, certification scheme, and number of production sites, we would be happy to assist you in preparing an individual cost estimate for your project.
Simply contact us, and we will work with you to determine the exact effort and expected costs for your certification process.
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Our complete package for product certifications for India.
A dedicated contact person for all BIS-related questions.
Assessment and clarification of applicable certification requirements.
Preparation and review of all application documents.
Provision of a local Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
Preparation and support for the factory audit process.
Organization and coordination of product testing in India.
Guidance on the correct marking and labeling of your products.
Complete management and coordination of certificate renewals and follow-up certifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions About BIS Certification (FAQ)
You can review our list of products subject to mandatory BIS requirements to determine whether certification is required based on applicable Indian Standards (IS standards). The official Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website also provides an overview of all products requiring registration.
As Indian standards and regulations are frequently updated, we strongly recommend conducting regular reviews or consulting directly with BIS. We are happy to assist you with the reliable assessment and classification of your products.
In general, it is not advisable to determine BIS certification requirements solely on the basis of HS codes (customs tariff classifications).
Although various online tools, such as the European Commission’s Access2Markets platform and the Indian Customs Authority’s ICEGATE portal, appear to offer this functionality, our experience shows that the results are often inaccurate and therefore unreliable.
There are exceptions, however. For steel products subject to the BIS ISI scheme, official government documents published by the Indian authorities explicitly list the relevant HS codes, making verification considerably easier.
The duration of the BIS certification process depends largely on whether a factory audit is required for your product category.
- BIS CRS Registration (without factory audit): typically 2–3 months
- BIS ISI Certification (including on-site factory audit): typically 6–8 months
BIS CRS registrations are generally valid for five years, while BIS ISI certificates are initially issued for one year.
During the validity period of a CRS registration, BIS may conduct random product audits as part of its market surveillance activities.
For ISI certificates, renewals of up to five years are theoretically possible. In practice, however, most manufacturers choose to renew their licenses annually in order to remain flexible and adapt more easily to regulatory changes.
Since product testing in India is carried out strictly in accordance with the applicable Indian Standards (IS standards), manufacturers should carefully review all relevant product standards and Indian regulatory requirements in advance.
Conducting an early conformity assessment in your own laboratory can help identify potential issues and avoid delays during official testing in India.
If you have questions regarding specific testing requirements, we are always available to provide guidance and support.
The physical factory audit for BIS ISI certification is always conducted at the actual manufacturing location of the product.
If a product is manufactured at multiple sites, the facility that performs the final quality-relevant production step must be audited.
Pure distribution centers or warehouse locations are not eligible for factory audits.
Marking requirements depend on the applicable certification scheme:
- Products certified under Scheme I must display the ISI Mark.
- Products certified under Scheme II must display the BIS CRS logo.
In addition, the license number issued by BIS (CM/L number for ISI certification or R-number for CRS registration) as well as the applicable Indian Standard (IS standard) must be clearly visible on the product or its packaging.
No. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) does not proactively notify certificate holders about regulatory changes.
New regulations, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and amendments to Indian Standards are published exclusively in English on the official BIS website.
Companies are therefore responsible for monitoring regulatory developments themselves or engaging a specialized consulting firm such as MPR International to provide regulatory monitoring services and ensure the continued compliance of their products.
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