India Updates BIS Compliance: Transition from Scheme-I to Scheme-II
2. July 2026The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in India has introduced a significant regulatory update regarding quality control compliance. This new transition facilitation order allows manufacturers to shift from BIS Scheme-I to Scheme-II for a defined list of products currently covered under existing Quality Control Orders (QCOs). By enabling this transition, the government aims to streamline certification processes for specific supply chains under the oversight of a newly formed implementation committee.
Understanding the Transition Mechanism
The transition process is specifically designed for supplies directed toward entities that have secured explicit permission from the DPIIT. To manage this regulatory adjustment, an implementation committee—consisting of representatives from the DPIIT, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and other relevant departments—has been established. This body is tasked with evaluating applicants based on several critical criteria, including technical capability, historical compliance records, robust quality assurance systems, and supply-chain management controls. Furthermore, the committee will prioritize applicants who demonstrate a long-term commitment to enhancing India’s domestic manufacturing, design, and research and development capabilities.
Implications for Manufacturers and Market Access
This regulatory change provides a 24-month window from the date of commencement for eligible manufacturers to submit their applications. The order is set to remain in force for a period of five years, subject to potential extensions by the Central Government. Manufacturers operating in sectors such as toys, footwear, air conditioners, and various household electrical appliances must carefully assess their eligibility and alignment with the committee’s requirements to leverage this transition. Various industrial goods usually require BIS Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.
Practical Uncertainty: What Manufacturers Should Know
It currently remains unclear how this process will work in practice. While the transition is described as a simplified pathway to Scheme-II approval, the volume of documentation referenced in the official announcement significantly exceeds what is required for a standard BIS CRS application. In this regard, the documentation burden is expected to be more comparable to that of a BIS ISI certification under Scheme-I.
It is also unclear when the first applications will actually be processed. The official announcement states that processing will commence within 24 months of publication. This means that manufacturers hoping to benefit from the simplified procedure should expect considerable delays before their applications are even reviewed.
This is a critical consideration for market entry planning. While avoiding the factory audit required under Scheme-I (BIS ISI) may represent a meaningful cost saving, the opportunity cost of a delayed market entry by several months or potentially years can far outweigh those potential savings. Manufacturers should therefore carefully evaluate the opportunity cost of waiting and plan their market entry strategy accordingly.
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