If you’re manufacturing or importing products in India and haven’t looked into BIS Certification yet, that’s a gap worth closing. The Bureau of Indian Standards runs two mandatory certification schemes — the ISI mark for domestically produced goods and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronics and IT products — and non-compliance carries real consequences: customs clearance blocks, product seizures, and penalties.
BIS Certification is the formal process through which products are verified against Indian standards and authorised to carry the BIS mark. It applies to hundreds of product categories, and for many of these, it’s legally required before the product can be sold in India. Understanding BIS registration India requirements, BIS certification process steps, and product testing and certification requirements before you apply saves significant time and avoidable rejections.
E2E Compliance Advisors handles BIS Certification applications for Indian manufacturers and foreign companies, including Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) appointments, BIS CRS registration, and ISI mark certification — from document preparation through to final licence issuance.
What Is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is the conformity certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. It verifies that a product meets the relevant Indian Standard for that product category and grants the manufacturer the right to use the BIS mark.
There are two distinct schemes:
- Scheme I (ISI Mark): For domestically manufactured products
- Scheme II (CRS): For electronics and IT products — both domestic and imported
Both schemes require product testing and certification through BIS-accredited laboratories, but the application structure, documentation, and timelines differ.
Types of BIS Certification
BIS ISI Certification – Scheme I
What it covers: ISI mark certification applies to products manufactured in India across a wide range of categories — building materials, electrical goods, food products, chemicals, and more. The ISI mark on a product indicates it meets the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
Factory inspection and product testing: Under Scheme I, the BIS licensing process includes a factory inspection of the manufacturing premises in addition to product testing. A BIS officer visits the facility to assess quality control systems, production processes, and testing infrastructure. Products must be tested at a BIS accredited laboratory against the applicable IS standard. The ISI mark on the final product includes the manufacturer’s BIS license number, making the product traceable to the approved facility.
BIS CRS Registration – Scheme II
What it covers: BIS CRS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) covers electronics and IT products — mobile phones, LED lights, power adapters, laptops, televisions, and a growing list of products notified by the government. Both Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers selling into India require CRS registration.
Product testing and registration: Unlike Scheme I, the CRS does not require a factory inspection. Products are tested at a BIS accredited laboratory; test reports are submitted as part of the BIS registration application. For foreign manufacturers, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be appointed — the AIR is the legally responsible Indian entity for the CRS registered product. BIS CRS registration is product-specific and model-specific; each model requires a separate registration.
Which Products Need BIS Certification?
Products covered by BIS Certification fall into two categories:
Compulsory certification: Products listed under Schedule I of the relevant Quality Control Orders must carry the BIS mark or CRS registration before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India. The list currently includes over 500 product categories. Selling a notified product without valid BIS Certification is a legal offence.
Voluntary certification: Manufacturers of non-listed products can voluntarily obtain ISI mark certification to demonstrate quality compliance. This is common in export-oriented industries and B2B procurement contexts where buyers require certification.
Checking whether your specific product falls under mandatory BIS product certification requirements before launching in India is a necessary first step.
BIS Certification Process in India
For ISI Mark (Scheme I):
- Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product
- Submit the BIS Certification application online through the BIS portal
- BIS grants in-principle approval and schedules a factory inspection
- Factory inspection by BIS officer assesses GMP compliance and QC systems
- Product samples are drawn and tested at a BIS accredited laboratory
- On satisfactory test results and inspection report, the BIS licence is issued
- Manufacturer applies the ISI mark with the assigned licence number
For CRS (Scheme II):
- Identify the product category and applicable IS standard
- Get product tested at a BIS accredited laboratory; obtain test report
- Foreign manufacturers appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
- Submit BIS CRS registration application through the BIS portal with test reports
- BIS reviews the application; additional documents may be requested
- On approval, the CRS registration certificate is issued
- Product carries the BIS CRS mark before sale
BIS Certification Requirements & Documents
Documents required vary by scheme and product type. Core requirements include:
For ISI Mark:
- Product details and applicable IS number
- Factory details — location, ownership, production capacity
- Quality control plan and internal testing records
- Application form and fee payment
- Undertaking for compliance with the IS standard
For CRS Registration:
- Product test report from BIS accredited laboratory
- Product details — model name, specifications, technical parameters
- Brand owner details and AIR appointment (for foreign manufacturers)
- Self-declaration of conformity (in some product categories)
- Application form and fee payment
The accuracy and completeness of BIS certification requirements documentation is the single biggest factor in application timeline. Deficient applications are returned for rectification, adding weeks to the process.
BIS Certification Cost in India
BIS certification cost in India includes several components:
Application fees: Charged by BIS at the time of application. Fees vary by scheme, product category, and number of models (for CRS). ISI mark application fees are generally ₹10,000–₹30,000 depending on the product.
Testing fees: Payable to the BIS accredited laboratory for product testing. This varies significantly by product category — from ₹20,000 for simpler products to ₹2–5 lakhs for complex electronics.
Factory inspection fees (Scheme I): An inspection fee is payable for the BIS factory visit.
Annual licence fees: After grant, an annual fee is payable to maintain the BIS licence or CRS registration.
Professional/advisory fees: Companies working with compliance advisors add this to the overall BIS certification cost. For foreign companies, the AIR appointment also carries commercial terms.
Total BIS certification cost for a typical CRS product typically ranges from ₹1.5 to ₹4 lakhs per model depending on the testing scope and complexity.
BIS Certification Validity & Renewal
ISI Mark (Scheme I): The BIS licence is typically valid for one to two years and renewable. BIS conducts surveillance inspections of licensed facilities during the validity period. Non-compliance discovered during surveillance can result in licence suspension.
CRS (Scheme II): BIS certificate validity for CRS registrations is typically two years, renewable before expiry. The registration is model-specific — any change in the product specification requires reassessment.
BIS renewal must be initiated before the expiry date. Lapsed certifications require re-application and can disrupt product sales if not managed proactively.
BIS Marking: ISI Mark & CRS Mark
ISI Mark: The ISI mark is applied directly to the product or its packaging. It must include the IS number, the manufacturer’s BIS licence number, and optionally the BIS logo. Misuse of the ISI mark — applying it to non-certified products or after licence expiry — is a criminal offence under the BIS Act.
CRS Mark: Products registered under CRS carry the BIS CRS registration mark. The registration number links to the specific model and the registered entity. Electronics sold in India without the CRS mark in notified categories are illegal imports or non-compliant domestic products.
Conclusion
BIS Certification is not an optional compliance exercise for most product categories in India — it’s a legal requirement, and enforcement has tightened significantly over the last five years. Understanding which scheme applies, what the process involves, and what the BIS certification cost and timeline look like is essential before a product launch or import shipment.
For manufacturers and importers navigating ISI mark certification, BIS CRS registration, or voluntary BIS product certification for the first time, the documentation and process complexity is manageable with the right support.
E2E Compliance Advisors provides complete BIS Certification assistance — from scheme identification and product testing coordination to BIS portal submissions, AIR appointments, and post-certification compliance. Visit e2ecomplianceadvisors.com to discuss your BIS registration requirement.
FAQs
- What is BIS Certification in India?
BIS Certification confirms that a product meets the applicable Indian Standard and allows eligible manufacturers to use the BIS mark. - What is the BIS certification process?
The process generally includes identifying the applicable standard, product testing, submitting an application, document review, and certification approval. - What is BIS CRS Registration?
BIS CRS Registration is a compulsory scheme for notified electronics and IT products, covering both Indian and foreign manufacturers. - How much does BIS Certification cost in India?
BIS certification cost depends on the product and scheme, including application, testing, inspection, annual licence, and professional fees. - What is the difference between ISI and BIS CRS Certification?
ISI certification generally involves factory inspection, while BIS CRS registration relies on product testing and does not require a factory inspection.