- Home
- Services Detail
BIS (ISI Mark) for Foreign Manufacturers
Get Expert Advice Now
What is BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers is a conformity assessment process that ensures imported products meet India’s prescribed quality, safety, and performance standards. Even if a product is certified in its home country, it cannot be sold in India unless it complies with Indian Standards (IS) notified by BIS.
For products covered under the mandatory certification scheme, BIS approval is legally required before import, sale, or distribution in India.
BIS ISI Mark for Foreign Manufacturers
The ISI Mark is the official conformity mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For foreign manufacturers, the ISI mark confirms that the product complies with Indian Standards (IS) and is legally approved for sale in India under the FMCS scheme.
An ISI-marked product confirms that:
- It complies with the applicable Indian Standard (IS)
- It has successfully passed BIS-approved laboratory testing
- It is licensed under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Each ISI-marked product must display:
- The CM/L licence number
- The relevant IS standard number
The ISI mark must be clearly printed on the product, packaging, and labeling as prescribed by BIS. Incorrect or missing marking can lead to certificate suspension or penalties.
Who Needs BIS ISI Mark Certification Under FMCS?
BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers is mandatory for all overseas entities that manufacture regulated products and intend to sell or export them to India.
This certification is required for:
- Overseas manufacturers exporting notified products to the Indian market
- Foreign OEM manufacturers supplying goods to Indian brands
- International brand owners manufacturing products outside India
- Foreign factories supplying products directly to Indian importers or distributors
Example (Practical Scenario)
If a factory located in China manufactures electric cables for sale in India, the Chinese manufacturer—not the Indian importer—must obtain BIS ISI Mark Certification under the FMCS scheme before shipment.
Difference Between BIS Certification for Domestic and Foreign Manufacturers
Feature | Domestic Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
Manufacturing Location | India | Outside India |
Applicable Scheme | Product Certification Scheme | FMCS |
Factory Audit | In India | Overseas audit by BIS |
AIR Requirement | Not required | Mandatory |
Validity | 1–2 years | 1 year (renewable) |
Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Under BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a mandatory requirement. The AIR acts as the official local representative of the foreign manufacturer in India and is responsible for regulatory coordination with BIS.
What Is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?
An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a person or legal entity based in India appointed by a foreign manufacturer to represent them before the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for FMCS certification, compliance, and communication.
Why AIR Is Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers
BIS requires a local representative to:
- Ensure regulatory accountability under Indian law
- Act as a single point of communication with BIS
- Manage certification compliance, renewals, and complaints on behalf of the foreign manufacturer
Without an AIR, a foreign manufacturer cannot obtain BIS FMCS certification.
Eligibility Criteria for AIR
- Must be an Indian resident or Indian-registered entity
- Cannot represent more than one foreign manufacturer at a time
- Must have adequate knowledge of BIS laws, rules, and certification procedures
Key Responsibilities of AIR
- Filing and managing BIS FMCS applications
- Coordinating factory audits and product testing
- Handling BIS surveillance inspections and communications
Ensuring ongoing compliance with BIS licence conditions
Eligibility and Basic Requirements for FMCS Certification
To obtain BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers under the FMCS scheme, the foreign manufacturing unit must meet the following basic eligibility conditions set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- The manufacturing unit must be located outside India
- The product must fully comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS)
- In-house testing facilities should be available at the factory premises
- Adequate quality control staff and testing equipment must be maintained
- The manufacturer must accept the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) prescribed by BIS
- A separate application is required for each product model and each factory location, even if products are similar
Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification
- Factory registration documents
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- List of in-house testing equipment
- Quality control records
- Product test reports (if available)
- AIR nomination and consent letter
- Indemnity bond and undertakings
BIS ISI Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers (Step-by-Step)
The BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers under the FMCS scheme follows a well-defined approval process. Since the manufacturing unit is located outside India, BIS conducts detailed document checks, overseas factory audits, and product testing before granting certification.
Step 1: Application Submission
The foreign manufacturer initiates the process by submitting an FMCS application to BIS along with complete documentation.
This includes factory details, product information, quality control systems, and Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) nomination.
A complete and accurate application at this stage helps avoid delays later.
Step 2: Application Scrutiny by BIS
BIS officials carefully review the submitted application and documents to ensure:
- Correct Indian Standard (IS) is selected
- Factory details are complete
- AIR details and undertakings are valid
If any gaps or clarifications are required, BIS raises queries, which must be answered within the given timeline.
Step 3: Overseas Factory Audit
After document approval, BIS schedules an on-site inspection of the overseas manufacturing unit.
During the audit, BIS officers verify:
- Manufacturing and production process
- Availability of in-house testing facilities
- Quality control procedures and records
- Competence of technical and QC staff
The audit ensures that the factory can consistently produce products complying with Indian Standards.
Step 4: Sample Sealing and Testing
During the factory audit, BIS officials draw and seal product samples.
These sealed samples are sent to BIS-approved laboratories for testing as per the applicable Indian Standards (IS).
Testing confirms:
- Product safety
- Performance requirements
- Compliance with Indian regulations
Only products that pass all test parameters are eligible for certification.
Step 5: Grant of BIS FMCS Licence
Once the audit report and laboratory test results are found satisfactory:
- BIS issues the FMCS licence
- A unique CM/L licence number is allotted
- The foreign manufacturer is officially authorized to use the ISI mark
At this stage, the product becomes legally compliant for the Indian market.
Step 6: ISI Marking and Market Entry
After licence grant, the ISI mark must be correctly displayed on:
- Product body
- Packaging
- Labels or nameplates (as applicable)
Only after proper ISI marking can the product be exported, imported, and sold in India.
Important Compliance Note
Any change in:
- Product design
- Raw materials or components
- Manufacturing process
- Factory location
requires prior approval from BIS. Selling modified products without approval can lead to licence suspension or cancellation.
Timeline for BIS FMCS Certification
The timeline for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers under the FMCS scheme generally depends on documentation readiness, audit scheduling, and laboratory testing timelines.
- Average timeline: 4 to 6 months from the date of submission of a complete application
- The timeline may vary due to:
- Scheduling of the overseas factory audit
- Time taken for sample testing at BIS-approved laboratories
- Delays in responding to BIS queries or document gaps
- Scheduling of the overseas factory audit
Important Note
Proper preparation of documents, correct Indian Standard selection, and audit readiness can significantly reduce delays and help complete the FMCS certification process smoothly.
BIS FMCS Certification Cost
Cost Component | Remarks |
Application Fee | Paid to BIS |
Audit & Inspection Cost | Overseas factory audit |
Sample Testing Charges | Depends on product & lab |
Licence Fee | After approval |
Annual Marking Fee | As per IS |
Performance Bank Guarantee | USD 10,000 (mandatory) |
AIR Charges | Depends on agreement |
Post-Certification Compliance for Foreign Manufacturers
After obtaining BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, ongoing compliance with BIS rules is mandatory to keep the FMCS licence valid.
- Correct ISI Marking: The ISI mark must be accurately printed on every product unit, packaging, and labeling as prescribed by BIS.
- Product Consistency: All manufactured products must remain consistent with the approved and tested samples. Any deviation can result in non-compliance.
- Timely Licence Renewal: The FMCS licence must be renewed before expiry to avoid suspension or cancellation.
- Reporting of Product Changes: Any change in product design, raw materials, components, or manufacturing process must be reported to BIS in advance for approval.
Cooperation During BIS Inspections: Foreign manufacturers must fully cooperate during BIS surveillance inspections, audits, or market sampling activities.
Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers often face specific challenges while applying for BIS ISI Mark Certification under the FMCS scheme. Identifying and addressing these issues early helps avoid delays and rejections.
- Wrong selection of Indian Standard (IS): Choosing an incorrect IS can lead to application rejection or repeated testing.
- Audit non-conformities: Gaps in manufacturing processes, testing facilities, or quality control systems identified during the overseas factory audit.
- Delays in sample testing: Limited availability or scheduling delays at BIS-approved laboratories can extend the certification timeline.
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Missing documents, incorrect formats, or inconsistent factory details often result in BIS queries and processing delays.
Improper AIR nomination: Errors in Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) appointment or eligibility can block the FMCS application entirely.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Under FMCS
Failure to comply with BIS ISI Mark Certification requirements under the FMCS scheme can result in serious legal and commercial consequences for foreign manufacturers.
Selling or importing products without valid BIS certification may lead to:
- Cancellation or suspension of the FMCS licence, stopping further sales in India
- Import bans imposed by Indian authorities, blocking market access
- Heavy financial penalties under the BIS Act and related regulations
- Legal action, including prosecution in severe cases
- Permanent damage to brand reputation in India, affecting long-term business growth
Why Choose JS Certification for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
JS Certification is a trusted provider of certification, compliance, and regulatory support services, helping overseas manufacturers obtain BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers under the FMCS scheme smoothly, accurately, and without unnecessary delays.
Our expert-led approach ensures that your products fully comply with BIS FMCS regulations and applicable Indian Standards (IS), helping you avoid penalties, application rejections, and compliance gaps while entering the Indian market with confidence.
Our Key Benefits
- Simple and Clear Guidance
Step-by-step support to help foreign manufacturers understand whether their products require FMCS certification and which Indian Standards apply. - Product Applicability & IS Identification
Accurate verification of product category and selection of the correct Indian Standard to prevent errors at the initial stage. - End-to-End FMCS Documentation Support
Complete assistance in preparing, reviewing, and submitting all documents required by BIS for foreign manufacturers. - Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Coordination
Support in AIR nomination, consent documentation, and ongoing coordination to meet BIS FMCS requirements. - Overseas Factory Audit Preparation
Guidance and audit readiness support to help foreign factories comply with BIS inspection and testing expectations. - Application Filing & BIS Liaison
End-to-end handling of FMCS application submission, BIS follow-ups, and communication with BIS officials.
FAQ
A reassuring message that focuses on clarity and understanding.
It shows a commitment to answering every question with care, one step at a time.
BIS FMCS certification usually takes 4–6 months, depending on factory audit scheduling, testing timelines, and document readiness.
No. Separate BIS FMCS licences are required for each manufacturing location, even for the same product.
Uncertified products may be seized, and the manufacturer can face legal action, penalties, and import restrictions under the BIS Act.
Google Review
