BIS Certification (ISI Mark) for Indian Manufacturers
Consumers, who buy a product with a brand name or without one, goods, electronics, machinery, foodstuff or construction material, have one thing in common: they are worried about whether the product is safe and of good quality.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) comes to the rescue when this happens. BIS certifies the products for their quality, safety and reliability. ISI Mark is one of the most well-known certificates which indicates that the product is standard in India.
Presently there are over 370 products notified and are under compulsory certification, that is, they need to get BIS certification before they can be sold in India. For products that are not mandatory, manufacturers can also apply for BIS certification to boost consumer trust and strengthen their brand image.
99%
Success Rate
1000+
Certifications
32+
Locations served services
20+
Years Expertise
Get Free Expert Consultation
Basic Criteria to Obtain BIS Certification
To apply for BIS (ISI Mark) certification, manufacturers must meet the following conditions:
- Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product
- BIS certification is granted only to the manufacturing unit, not to importers, distributors, or retailers
- Separate applications are required for each manufacturing location
- Provide a complete manufacturing process flow, from raw material to final packaging
- Obtain BIS approval if any part of the manufacturing process is outsourced
- Maintain in-house testing facilities with required equipment
- Employ qualified Quality Control personnel (QCI) to ensure compliance with standards
Key Benefits of BIS (ISI Mark) Certification
Obtaining the ISI mark ensures that your products meet stringent safety and quality requirements:
Assured product quality and safety
Legal compliance with Indian regulations
Enhanced brand trust and market reputation
Competitive advantage in the marketplace
Access to government tenders and institutional buyers
Procedures to Obtain BIS License
Manufacturers can apply for BIS certification through two different procedures depending on their readiness and testing availability:
1. Simplified Procedure
This is a faster route for obtaining certification, provided the product already complies with standards.
- Identify the relevant Indian Standard and establish an in-house testing facility
- Prepare documents along with a test report from a BIS-recognized lab
- Submit the application through the BIS online portal
- BIS officer conducts a factory inspection
- Sample is sealed and sent for independent testing
- Address any non-conformities (if raised)
- BIS grants the ISI Certificate
2. Normal Procedure
This procedure is followed when the test report is not initially available prior to application.
- Identify the applicable Indian Standard and set up testing facilities
- Submit the application with required documents
- BIS officer conducts factory inspection
- Sample is collected and sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory
- Rectify any non-conformities identified during testing
- Certification is granted after successful compliance
Documents Required for BIS Certification
To ensure a smooth and timely process for BIS Certification, it is crucial to have a comprehensive and accurate documentation package. The necessary documents are used to obtain information from the manufacturer about their legal status, production capacity, quality control system, and product conformance to the Indian Standard.
For BIS Certification, the following documents are key:
Business Registration Papers
Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration, Factory License or any other valid business registration papers.
Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
The detailed Manufacturing Process Flow Chart from Raw Material procurement to the final product inspection.
List of Machinery & Equipment
Information about the production machinery, test equipment and quality control tools used at the manufacturing facility.
Product Specs & Tech Docs
Product drawings, technical specification, design details, etc. and relevant information for compliance to the applicable Indian standard.
Test Reports from BIS Labs
Product test report is provided by a BIS recognized lab that confirms compliance with the relevant standard.
Quality Control Documents
Contains information on in-house quality control, inspection, testing procedures and quality assurance systems.
Trademark Certificate
Certificate of registration of the trademark or authorization to use the brand name for certified products.
Factory Layout & Unit Details
Layout plan of the manufacturing premises with details of manufacturing/testing facilities.
Authorized Signatory Details
ID and authorization documents of the individual who will manage the BIS application and compliance process.
The initial submission of complete and accurate documentation helps to reduce the time to obtain BIS certification, clears the queries by the BIS authorities and increases the chances of acquiring BIS certification within the stipulated deadline.
Fee Structure for BIS Licence (ISI Certification)
The fees for obtaining a BIS Licence (ISI Certification) includes the charges for Application, Licence, Inspection, Testing and Marking. The overall cost of certification of the product may vary according to product category, Indian Standard, testing requirements and manufacturing location.
Please note: The final certification fees could vary depending on the complexity of the product, the number of tests needed, location of the factory, and other compliance needs. Using the BIS fee schedule is the best way to get an accurate estimate of the costs of a product to manufacturers, or for manufacturers to consult a BIS expert.
Typical Fee Structure
The typical fee structure consists of the following components:
- Application Fee₹1,000 per application submitted to BIS.
- Licence/Renewal₹1,000 for BIS licence or renewal application.
- Factory Inspection₹7,000 per man-day for BIS officers conducting audits at factories.
- Product TestingAs per testing requirements of Indian Standard and fee-charges by BIS recognised laboratory.
- Minimum MarkingAs per the requirements of the applicable BIS Scheme and depends on the type of products.
- Annual SurveillanceThese will apply as per BIS guidelines, to keep the licence current and ensure continued compliance.
Timeline: Simplified Procedure
Under the Simplified Procedure, the timeline for obtaining the license is approximately 25–30 working days after the application is successfully submitted.
Timeline: Normal Procedure
Under the Normal Procedure, where initial test reports are unavailable, the timeline is approximately 60–90 working days for successful compliance.
In India, BIS certification (ISI Mark) is a crucial requirement for numerous products, guaranteeing them to satisfy high-quality and safety standards. It not only meets regulatory requirements but also helps build consumer trust and enhance brand value for manufacturers.
While the process of BIS certification may be structured and technical, it is a potent instrument for business growth and credibility in the Indian market with the right preparation and compliance.
Let's Talk About Product Certification
Gold Star has experienced BIS certification consultants who are committed to providing reliable compliance services across India. We guide you at every stage of the certification process and help you understand the exact requirements your product must meet to enter the Indian market and build a strong, trusted customer base.