When it comes to exporting products to the Indian market, Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) becomes highly important. FMCS is a compulsory certification scheme managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to foreign manufacturers who seek to use the ISI Mark on products that are under mandatory BIS certification. It makes sure that imported goods are in line with Indian safety, quality and performance standards. To be guided correctly on FMCS Certification of your products, you can get in touch with Gold Star which is one of the best BIS consultants in India.
The products covered by FMCS scheme include Electrical Appliances, Steel Products, Cement, Chemicals, Toys, Automotive Components among many others. In this blog, the information regarding Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) has been explained in details.
How to Get FMCS Certification
Getting the appropriate information on the FMCS certification process is a requirement to have a BIS license. Some of the key things to be considered include application, audit of the factory, testing of the products and permission to use the ISI Mark.
First, you should apply online, and provide the FMCS application on the portal of BIS.
Designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to liaise with BIS on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
Have samples of products tested in BIS-approved labs as stipulated in the corresponding Indian Standard.
A factory inspection that is carried out by the BIS officials is aimed at verification of the manufacturing facilities, quality control systems, and the production capability.
Provided that your product and factory meet all the specifications required by the BIS, BIS issues a permission to use the ISI Mark to sell the product in the Indian market.
To gain more information and the free help with FMCS certification, please call Gold Star.
What Are the Documents to FMCS Certification?
FMCS certification typically needs the following documents:
- Corporation and registration documents of the company.
- Evidence of name and address of the foreign manufacturing unit.
- Information about the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Specifications of products and details of manufacturing process.
- Details of quality control and testing facility.
- Report on product testing in accordance with the Indian Standards.
- Trademark approval letter (where necessary).
- Table of machine list and capacity.
- Any other documents that BIS might need.
What is the FMCS Certification Fee?
The FMCS fee plan mostly encompasses the following charges:
- Application Fee
- Factory Inspection Charges
- Sample Testing Charges
- Annual License Fee
- Marking Fee
- Professional Consultancy Charges (where applicable)
The overall price of FMCS certification can be different based on the following:
- Type of product.
- Quantity of product models and variants.
- Travel cost and location of factories to inspect.
- Relevant BIS government charges and testing fees.
- Period to Obtaining FMCS License.
Provided that all the documents submitted are in full and the factory meets the requirements of BIS, FMCS license can be issued after the successful inspection and testing. In case there is any deficiency, it should be rectified within the stipulated time. Lateness in responses can lead to rejection or additional requests of clarification.
Timeline to Obtain FMCS License
Provided that all the documents submitted are in full and the factory meets the requirements of BIS, FMCS license can be issued after the successful inspection and testing. In case there is any deficiency, it should be rectified within the stipulated time. Lateness in responses can lead to rejection or additional requests of clarification.
Validity and Renewal of FMCS License
According to the BIS, the FMCS License is usually issued with a certain period of validity. It may be renewed according to the compliance history, payment of necessary fees, and successful audits of surveillance by BIS.
Approval of renewal is subject to payment of applicable fees, including:
- Renewal Application Fee
- Annual Fee
- Marking Fee
- Inspection Charges
- Outstanding Dues (if any)
Conclusion
The foreign manufacturers are required to receive FMCS certification of the product before exporting to India to which the product falls under mandatory BIS certification. This certification enables the manufacturers to use the ISI Mark and guarantees the adherence to Indian safety and quality requirements.
In case you would like to achieve FMCS certification, then contact Gold Star. The BIS consultants of Gold Star offer valuable advice and assistance throughout the certification cycle and can assist foreign manufacturers to obtain their BIS license within the allotted time.