What is BIS / Scheme I (ISI Mark Certification)?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.
BIS is responsible for setting and maintaining quality, safety, and reliability standards for products manufactured or sold in India. It ensures that goods meet the prescribed Indian Standards (IS) so that consumers receive safe, reliable, and high-quality products
Under the BIS Schemes:
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A selected list of products (like electrical appliances, cement, steel, LPG cylinders, medical equipment, etc.) are declared “compulsory certification” products under law.
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These products must carry the ISI / Standard Mark to be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India.
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Compliance ensures that safety, quality, and reliability benchmarks laid down in the relevant Indian Standard (IS) are met.
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In short, BIS / ISI Mark Certification is a legal requirement for many products in India to ensure that consumers get safe, reliable, and standardized goods.
BIS / ISI Mark Certification Services
Why Obtain BIS / ISI Certification?
Securing BIS / ISI Mark Certification yields multiple advantages:
Regulatory Compliance & Market Access
For products under the Quality Control Orders, it is mandatory to have BIS certification. Without it, manufacturing, import, or sale is not permitted.
Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
Displaying the ISI mark signals to buyers that the product meets stringent safety and performance norms.
Risk Mitigation
Helps protect against product liability, recalls, or regulatory enforcement actions.
Competitive Differentiation
Demonstrates commitment to quality, giving you an edge over non-certified products in B2B / B2C environments.
Streamlined Imports & Exports
For imported products, BIS certification is often required at border checks. It smoothens customs clearance for compliantly marked goods.
Types of BIS Schemes
1. ISI Mark Certification Scheme (Scheme–I)
Applicable for : Indian Manufacturers
The ISI Mark is India’s most recognized symbol of quality and safety. This scheme covers products manufactured within India, where BIS conducts factory inspections, sample testing, and grants a license to use the ISI mark.
Examples: Cement, steel, electrical appliances, domestic pressure cookers, toys, packaged drinking water, etc.
Key Features :
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Mandatory for many product categories notified by the Government through Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
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Detail of products which are covered under compulsory BIS certification is available at https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/ If your product is in this list, it is compulsory for you to get a BIS licence for it. .
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BIS officers visit the factory to assess manufacturing facilities and quality control systems.
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Testing is conducted in BIS-recognized laboratories before license grant.
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License is valid for 1 or 2 years
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Licence may be renewed up to five years from the last date of validity of licence.
2. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Applicable for : Manufacturers located outside India
This scheme allows foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS license to use the ISI mark on their products before exporting them to India.
Key Features :
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Mandatory for foreign manufacturers of regulated products.
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Same as ISI (Scheme-I) but for foreign entities.Detail of products which are covered under compulsory BIS certification is available at https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/ If your product is in this list, it is compulsory for you to get a BIS licence for it. .
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Requires appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to liaise with BIS.
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BIS conducts an on-site inspection at the foreign factory.
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License is issued only after factory audit and sample testing are successfully completed.
Examples : Electrical cables, steel products, pressure cookers, cement, and household appliances.
3. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) (Scheme–II)
Applicable for : Electronic & IT Goods
Launched by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), this scheme mandates registration of certain electronic and IT products before sale in India.
Key Features :
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No factory inspection required.
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Samples must be tested in a BIS-recognized lab in India.
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BIS issues a Registration Number to each product model.
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The manufacturer (or brand owner) must affix the Standard Mark on the product.
Examples : Mobile phones, laptops, LED lights, inverters, power banks, battery packs, and solar PV modules.
4. Hallmarking Scheme
Applicable for : Jewellers and Precious Metal Articles
This scheme certifies the purity and fineness of gold, silver, and platinum jewellery and artefacts.
Key Features :
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Jewellers must obtain BIS registration to sell hallmarked articles.
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Testing and marking are done at BIS-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centres.
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Each item bears a unique HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number for traceability.
Purpose : To protect consumers from adulteration and ensure genuine purity standards.
5. OTR-Scheme-X
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Scheme-X is a product certification scheme under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, introduced on 16 March 2022.
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It is designed to cover machinery and electrical equipment — including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components — which require higher safety, quality, and technical standards.
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Under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) Order, 2024, many of these products must get certified under Scheme-X to be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
Key Features :
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Mandatory for both domestic and foreign manufacturers/importers for certain machinery and electrical equipment.
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Includes components, sub-assemblies, etc. Not just finished machinery.
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The deadline for compliance under the OTR was originally 28 August 2025, but it has been extended to 1 September 2026 to allow manufacturers/importers time to prepare.
6. ECO Mark Scheme
Applicable for : Environment-Friendly Products
This voluntary certification recognizes products that meet both quality and environmental standards.
Key Features :
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Promotes eco-friendly manufacturing and consumer awareness.
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Applicable to paints, packaging materials, paper, textiles, detergents, etc.
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Products must comply with Indian Standards as well as additional environmental criteria prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
BIS Certification Process & Timelines
Below is an approximate flow of the BIS / ISI certification process and expected durations.
Note : Timelines can vary by product complexity, preparedness of documentation, backlog of BIS offices, and speed of addressing queries.
1. Pre-Assessment & Gap Closure
Internal review, lab testing, corrective actions (duration depends on product maturity)
2. Application Submission
Filing to BIS with required documents, test reports, sample details
3. BIS Review & Query Resolution
BIS may raise clarifications or request additional information
4. Factory Audit / Inspection
BIS inspects your manufacturing unit(s) for compliance
5. Decision & License Grant
If satisfied, BIS issues the license authorizing use of the Standard Mark
6. Validity & Surveillance
The license is valid for a defined term (typically five years, subject to renewal) with periodic audits / checks by BIS
CCC’s End-to-End BIS / ISI Certification Support
At CCC, we simplify the often complex BIS certification process by offering comprehensive, start-to-finish support.
In short, we ensure that you not only obtain the BIS certification quickly and smoothly but also remain compliant throughout the lifecycle of your license.
Pre-Certification Advisory
We begin with a detailed assessment of your product against the applicable Indian Standards (IS). Our experts identify gaps, suggest design or documentation improvements, and prepare your team for compliance.
Testing Assistance
We coordinate with BIS-approved laboratories, handle sample submission, and ensure test reports meet all certification requirements.
Application Preparation & Filing
Our team drafts and files your BIS application with complete documentation, eliminating errors that can cause delays.
Factory Audit Readiness
We conduct pre-audit reviews and guide your manufacturing unit on quality control systems, processes, and infrastructure compliance before BIS inspectors visit.
Liaison & Representation
From responding to BIS queries to managing on-site inspections, we act as your single point of contact with regulatory authorities.
License Grant & Standard Mark Usage
Once approved, we guide you on the correct and compliant usage of the ISI Standard Mark on your products, packaging, and marketing materials.
Post-Certification Support
Our assistance continues even after you get certified, including renewals, surveillance audit preparation, and compliance support for any product or factory modifications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for BIS / ISI Certification
Q1. Is BIS / ISI certification mandatory for all products?
No, only specific products listed under the various scheme framework and QCOs are mandated to be BIS certified.
Q2. What is a quality control order (QCO)?
BIS certification scheme is basically voluntary in nature. However, for a number of products, compliance to Indian Standards is made compulsory by the Central Government under various considerations viz. public interest, protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of environment, prevention of unfair trade practices and national security.
For all such products, the Central Government directs mandatory use of Standard Mark under a Licence from BIS through issuance of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 16 read in conjunction with section 17 and subsection (3) of section 25 of the BIS Act, 2016.
After the date of commencement of the QCO, no person shall manufacture, import, distribute, sell, hire, lease, store or exhibit for sale any product(s) covered under the QCO without the Standard Mark (e.g. the ISI Mark).
Q3. Which products come under BIS / Scheme I?
Examples include electrical appliances, cables, cement, LPG cylinders, medical imaging equipment, steel products, etc. Detail of products which are covered under compulsory BIS certification is available at https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/ If your product is in this list, it is compulsory for you to get a BIS licence for it. .
Q4. Can imported goods also need BIS certification?
Yes! imported units of “compulsory certification” products require BIS approval and must carry the Standard Mark to be cleared through customs.
Q5. What documents are required for a BIS application?
Typical documents include product drawings/specifications, bill of materials, test reports from BIS-recognized labs, Quality Manual, factory layout, quality assurance procedures, machinery list, technical file etc.
Q6. What happens if a product fails BIS inspection?
BIS may reject the application, issue non-conformity reports, ask for corrective actions, or suspend / cancel existing license.
Q7. Can the ISI mark be used on non-certified products?
No. Unauthorized use of the Standard Mark is punishable under the BIS Act / rules.
Q8. How often are surveillance audits done?
BIS conducts periodic surprise inspections or audits to ensure continued compliance through the life of the license.
Q9. Is a foreign manufacturer required to apply for BIS certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers should obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or Scheme-X, depending on the product type. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with BIS on their behalf
Q10. What are the penalties for selling products without BIS certification?
Selling, importing, or distributing products without mandatory BIS certification is a legal offence under the BIS Act, 2016. It can result in product seizure, monetary penalties, and prosecution. BIS has the authority to take strict action against violators.
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