BIS Certification for German Companies (Foreign Manufacturers)
28. July 2025BIS Certification for German Companies (Foreign Manufacturers)
German manufacturers wishing to export products to India must meet the requirements of the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Certification is mandatory for numerous product groups – such as steel, machinery, electrical appliances. The BIS is subordinate to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Requirements and Legal Context
- The FMCS is managed by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS headquarters in New Delhi.
- German companies can only obtain a license as a manufacturer. Dealers, importers or distributors are not entitled to license.
- Each production facility – also international – requires a separate registration and license.
- For each product, the appropriate Indian Standard (IS code) must be identified, e.g. IS 1786, IS 2062, etc.
- The production process must be clearly documented – from the receipt of the raw material to the packaging. Outsourcing requires explicit approval via SIT (Scheme of Inspection & Testing).
- The manufacturer’s own test facilities and qualified quality control personnel are necessary.
- An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) resident in India must be appointed – he or she will be responsible for communication and representation vis-à-vis the BIS.
Certification Process (FMCS / Scheme I)
- Prepare technical documents with product description, process diagram and IS specifications
- Submit the application in printed form to the authority on site (Form-I) including technical documents, test reports, operation diagram
- Factory inspection by BIS auditors on site: quality assurance & management, production processes, test results are checked
- Sample selection and collection: Samples are then tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory
- After successful verification: License with ISI standard mark & license number (starts with “CM/L-“) is issued
- Ongoing monitoring: regular inspections, market samples and, if necessary, re-tests; License valid for 1 year, extension possible, but usually no new audit is required.
Machinery and Technical Equipment (Scheme X)
For machinery and technical equipment from with customs tariff classes (HS codes starting with 84/85), the certification obligation according to Scheme X has been in effect since August 2026, also for German manufacturing companies. Under Scheme X, extended requirements apply to product data, technical files (compliance reports), type-approved or CoC certificates – often closely based on European ISO and C standards (e.g. IS 16819)
Consequences of Non-Conformity
Without a valid BIS license, import into India is not permitted. Products can be rejected at the border, confiscated or subject to heavy fines. In addition, there is a risk of criminal consequences in certain areas (e.g. medical devices, industrial plants).
