BIS (ISI) Certification for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
There are different regulations in every country to manage imports and keep the quality and safety of products. The responsibility in India is taken by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
FMCS is a certification scheme for export manufacturers from abroad to India. It enables foreign manufacturers to get the ISI Mark on their product, which means that the products meet the safety, quality and reliability standards of India. This certification is essential to safeguard the interests of consumers and ensure the quality of products in the Indian market.
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What is FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) was introduced by BIS in 2000. It enables foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS license and use the ISI mark on their products after completing the required certification process.
The scheme ensures that imported products:
- Meet applicable Indian Standards (IS)
- Are safe and reliable for consumers
- Comply with Indian regulatory requirements
FMCS helps foreign manufacturers gain easier market access, improve credibility, and avoid duplication of testing and certification.
Advantages of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
FMCS offers several benefits that help foreign manufacturers build long-term relationships with Indian customers and stakeholders:
Access to the vast Indian market
Enhanced product credibility and consumer trust
Compliance with Indian safety and quality standards
Reduced duplication of testing and certification
Improved brand reputation globally
Increased sales and competitive market share
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process Under FMCS
Overview of the BIS Certification Journey
BIS Certification process under Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a structured process with a view of ensuring that products, which are manufactured out of India, comply with applicable Indian Standards. It includes application review, factory inspection, testing of the product and final approval by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The foreign manufacturer will get BIS Licence on successful completion and with this, it is entitled to use the ISI Mark on their certified products.
Step 1: Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Foreign manufacturers have to appoint the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) before making an application for BIS certification. The AIR is the official liaison between the manufacturer and BIS, and is also in charge of communications related to compliance within India.
Step 2: Application Submission to BIS
The manufacturer submits the BIS application with the necessary documentation, product information, manufacturing data, and prescribed fee to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) of BIS.
Step 3: Documentation Review and Scrutiny
BIS reviews the application form and supporting documents submitted to them to ensure they are complete, accurate and follow the Indian Standard applicable to them.
Step 4: Query Resolution and Clarifications
If BIS identifies any discrepancies or requires additional information, queries are raised to the manufacturer. The applicant must submit the necessary clarifications and supporting documents within the stipulated timeframe.
Step 5: Nomination of BIS Auditor
After satisfactory document verification, BIS nominates a technical officer or audit team to conduct an inspection of the overseas manufacturing facility.
Step 6: Factory Audit Scheduling
The factory inspection is scheduled in coordination with the manufacturer and the Authorized Indian Representative. Travel arrangements and audit logistics are finalized for the BIS inspection team.
Step 7: Factory Inspection and Assessment
BIS officials visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, quality control systems, testing facilities, manufacturing capabilities, and compliance with the applicable Indian Standard.
Step 8: Sample Selection and Sealing
During the factory inspection, BIS officials select product samples and seal them for independent testing. These samples are drawn from regular production to ensure authenticity and compliance.
Step 9: Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratories
The sealed samples are sent to BIS-approved laboratories in India for testing as per the relevant Indian Standard. The laboratory evaluates the product against all applicable technical and safety requirements.
Step 10: Evaluation of Test Reports and Audit Findings
BIS reviews the laboratory test reports, factory inspection findings, quality control records, and all supporting documents to determine whether the product complies with the relevant Indian Standard.
Step 11: Grant of BIS Licence
Upon successful completion of testing and inspection, BIS grants the licence under the FMCS scheme. The manufacturer is then authorized to affix the ISI Mark on the certified products and export them to the Indian market.
Step 12: Ongoing Surveillance and Compliance
After licence issuance, BIS conducts periodic surveillance activities, including factory audits and product testing, to ensure continued compliance with Indian Standards and licence conditions.
FMCS Certification Process & Timeline
The BIS FMCS certification process generally takes 8–12 weeks in total, depending on compliance and documentation readiness. The process is divided into four main phases:
Application Review
Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks. Involves submission of the application along with required documents, followed by a thorough review by BIS authorities to ensure completeness.
Factory Inspection
Estimated Time: 2–4 weeks. A BIS officer will visit the overseas manufacturing unit to inspect testing facilities, quality control procedures, and production capability.
Product Testing
Estimated Time: 4–6 weeks. Samples drawn during the factory inspection are sent to BIS-recognized laboratories in India or abroad for compliance testing against Indian Standards.
Final Approval
Estimated Time: 2–3 weeks. Once the test reports verify compliance and all discrepancies are addressed, BIS grants the license to use the ISI mark.
Documents Required for FMCS Certification
General & Administrative Documents
- Completed application form
- Business registration and incorporation certificate
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) authorization letter and ID proof
- BIS Standard Mark agreement
- Declaration/undertaking of compliance
- Documents supporting factory inspection logistics
Technical & Quality Documents
- Factory layout and manufacturing process flow chart
- Quality control documents and equipment details
- Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories
- Product specifications and technical drawings
- Raw material details
- Any additional regulatory approvals (if required)
Eligibility & Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Who Can Apply & Eligibility Criteria
- The manufacturing unit must be located outside India (importers/traders are not eligible)
- Products must comply with relevant Indian Standards Specifications (ISS)
- Required manufacturing and testing facilities must be available at the factory
- Qualified Quality Control personnel (QCI) must be appointed
- A separate application is required for each product, standard, and factory location
- The manufacturer must accept the Scheme of Testing and Inspection (STI) and marking fees
Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Must be an Indian resident to act as the local point of contact for BIS
- Can represent only one foreign manufacturer at a time
- Should have no conflict of interest with testing agencies
- Must understand BIS rules, regulations, and certification procedures
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with all BIS license conditions
- Must immediately inform BIS in case of any changes in details or operations
Overseas Factory Inspection
A key component of FMCS is the factory inspection conducted by BIS officials at the overseas facility. Applicants must be fully prepared to demonstrate their manufacturing capabilities, testing infrastructure, and provide necessary logistical support during the visit.
Validity and Renewal
The BIS license under FMCS is initially granted for 1 year. It can be renewed for up to 5 years with proper compliance, submission of required reports and fees. Manufacturers can also add new product variants to an existing license.
BIS FMCS Process Summary
Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Application Submission to BIS FMCD
Documentation Scrutiny and Review
Query Resolution and Clarification Submission
Nomination of BIS Technical Auditor
Factory Audit Scheduling and Coordination
Factory Inspection and Compliance Assessment
Sample Selection and Sealing by BIS Officials
Testing of Samples in BIS-Approved Laboratories
Review of Test Reports and Audit Findings
Issuance of BIS Licence and Permission to Use ISI Mark
Ongoing Surveillance and Compliance Monitoring
The FMCS certification process typically takes around 4 to 6 months, depending on product complexity, testing requirements, factory readiness, and the timely submission of documents and clarifications.
Foreign Manufacturers to sell the products in India need to have BIS (ISI) certification under FMCS. It provides a formal safety and quality testing, inspection and compliance process which ensures that products comply with the Indian safety and quality standards.
International manufacturers can confidently and legally enter the Indian market with a certified product and gain consumer trust with FMCS certification, and help promote high product standards.
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