BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
28. July 2025BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
BIS certification is mandatory for many industrial products if they are to be sold on the Indian market – regardless of the manufacturer’s country of origin. For foreign producers, this means that they must also undergo the Indian conformity procedure in order to import and distribute their products in accordance with the law.
Requirements and Special Features for Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers can only apply for BIS certification via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – depending on the product category. In both cases, the appointment of an Indian representative, the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), is mandatory. The AIR acts as the official contact for the Indian Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and assumes responsibility for compliance with legal requirements in the country, among other things.
Important: The application, product tests and factory inspections are carried out in English, but communication with the BIS requires experience with local requirements. In addition, product samples must be tested in India – either in a BIS-approved laboratory or, in the case of FMCS, additionally on site at the factory by an Indian auditor.
Consequences for Exporting to India
Without valid BIS certification, affected products may not be imported or sold at the Indian border. Violations will result in returns, refusal of customs clearance or criminal consequences. For foreign manufacturers, early planning of the certification process is crucial to avoid jeopardizing supply chains and market access.
