No, only specific products listed under the various scheme framework  and QCOs are mandated to be BIS certified.

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.

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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.

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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).

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. .

Yes! imported units of “compulsory certification” products require BIS approval and must carry the Standard Mark to be cleared through customs.

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.

BIS may reject the application, issue non-conformity reports, ask for corrective actions, or suspend / cancel existing license.

No. Unauthorized use of the Standard Mark is punishable under the BIS Act / rules.

BIS conducts periodic surprise inspections or audits to ensure continued compliance through the life of the license.

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

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.