A BIS Certification Mark License issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards grants domestic and foreign manufacturers legal authorization to use the standard ISI mark on compliant products. BIS certification confirms that manufactured goods fulfill mandatory Indian quality, safety, and performance standards under statutory conformity assessment schemes.
Role and Mandate of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards operates as the national standards body under the BIS Act, 2016. Governed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, BIS establishes technical product specifications (Indian Standards - IS), certifies manufacturing processes, and tests commercial samples in accredited laboratories across India.
While voluntary certification is available across thousands of industrial products, the Government of India regularly issues mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Under these orders, manufacturing, importing, stocking, or selling specified electrical appliances, steel products, chemicals, toys, footwear, and automotive parts without a valid BIS license is strictly prohibited by law.
Major BIS Certification Schemes in India
BIS administers distinct certification schemes tailored to product types, manufacturing locations, and regulatory frameworks:
| Scheme Name | Target Beneficiary | Certification Process |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Manufacturers (Scheme-I / ISI Mark) | Indian manufacturing units producing industrial and consumer goods | Factory audit, in-house laboratory evaluation, independent sample testing, and license grant |
| Simplified Procedure (Scheme-I) | Domestic producers seeking accelerated market clearance | Submission of pre-tested sample report from BIS lab, factory verification within 30 days, and grant |
| Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) | Electronics, IT goods, solar equipment, and battery manufacturers | Self-declaration of conformity based on test reports from BIS-recognized labs without mandatory factory audit |
| Foreign Manufacturers Scheme (FMCS) | Overseas production plants exporting goods into Indian markets | Factory audit by BIS officers abroad, testing of sample goods, and appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) |
| ECO Mark Scheme | Manufacturers of environmentally friendly products | Assessment of ecological criteria alongside standard quality conformity |
Documentation Required for BIS License Application
Preparing an accurate application dossier prevents procedural delays and rejection during initial desk review. Essential records include:
- Corporate and Legal Identity: Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, factory license, MSME registration, and PAN card.
- Factory Infrastructure Details: Manufacturing location proof, factory layout diagram, machinery inventory, installed capacity, and pollution control consent.
- Quality Control and Testing Facilities: List of testing equipment installed on-site, valid calibration certificates, and qualifications of in-house quality control personnel.
- Manufacturing Process Flow: Detailed manufacturing process chart outlining raw material inspection, intermediate checks, and final packaging.
- Commercial and Administrative Paperwork: Corporate board resolutions, authorized representative nomination, and a verified document checklist covering all plant compliance parameters.
- Accounting and Fee Proofs: Receipt of application fees, audit fees, sample testing fees, and annual marking fees supported by records from your professional accounting service.
Step-by-Step Licensing Procedure
Securing a BIS Certification Mark License involves systematic stages of application, evaluation, and testing:
- Standard Identification: Identify the specific Indian Standard (IS code) governing the product and review the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
- Online Portal Submission: Register on the BIS Manak Online portal, submit Form-V, and upload the manufacturing, testing, and technical documentation.
- Preliminary Factory Evaluation: A designated BIS inspecting officer conducts an exhaustive audit of the manufacturing facility to examine plant machinery, testing capabilities, and quality controls.
- Sample Drawing and Laboratory Testing: The inspecting officer draws representative production samples for testing in both the factory lab and independent BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Grant of License: Upon satisfactory test results and audit verification, BIS issues the Certificate of License (CM/L number) authorizing the application of the ISI mark on conforming batches.
- Post-Grant Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits and draws market and factory samples to ensure unwavering standard conformity throughout the license term.
Validity, Renewal, and Compliance Responsibilities
A BIS license is initially granted for a period of one to two years and can be renewed for up to five years upon submission of renewal applications, payment of marking fees, and a clean surveillance record. Manufacturers must maintain meticulous daily testing logs and adhere strictly to the marking guidelines, displaying the IS standard number, CM/L license code, and official mark on all packaging.