What is BIS Certification?
BIS certification is a mandatory product approval issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is India’s national standards body. BIS certificate full form is Bureau of Indian Standards certification. It confirms that a product meets Indian quality and safety standards before it can be legally sold in India. There are two main types — BIS ISI (with factory inspection) and BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme, without factory inspection). At JS Certification, we help manufacturers and importers get BIS certification smoothly, from document preparation to final approval.
Why Does BIS Certification Matter?
If you want to sell a product in India — whether you are a domestic manufacturer or a foreign exporter — there is one name you will hear again and again: BIS certification.Without a valid BIS certificate, your product cannot legally enter the Indian market. Customs can hold your shipment. Retailers can refuse your goods. And in some cases, you can face legal penalties.
But don’t worry. At JS Certification, we have helped hundreds of companies understand and complete the BIS certification process without stress. In this guide, we will explain everything in plain, simple language — what BIS is, the BIS certificate full form, what BIS CRS means, which products need it, and how long it takes.
What Does BIS Stand For? — BIS Certificate Full Form
The BIS certificate full form is Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS is the official government body in India that sets product quality standards and issues certification to confirm that products meet those standards. BIS operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It was established on April 1, 1987, replacing the older Indian Standards Institution (ISI).
So when someone says “get BIS certification,” they mean — get your product tested and approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards so it can be sold legally in India.
Types of BIS Certification — ISI and BIS CRS
There are two main certification paths under BIS. Understanding the difference is very important before you apply.
1. BIS ISI Certification (With Factory Inspection)
This is the classic BIS certification. It is issued under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for foreign manufacturers or under the regular scheme for Indian manufacturers.
Products approved under this scheme carry the famous ISI Mark — a logo you have probably seen on electrical cables, steel, safety glass, and many household products.
Key features of BIS ISI certification:
- Factory audit or inspection is required at the production site
- Products must pass tests in BIS-accredited laboratories
- Certificate is valid for 1 year (can be renewed)
- Products must display the ISI Mark after certification
Common products that need BIS ISI certification: electrical cables, steel products, automotive rims, safety glass, cement, and more.
2. BIS CRS — Compulsory Registration Scheme
BIS CRS stands for Compulsory Registration Scheme. It was introduced in 2012 mainly for electronics, IT products, and lighting equipment.
The big difference from ISI? No factory inspection is needed. Products just need to pass laboratory tests to get the BIS CRS registration.
The BIS CRS mark (also called the R-number or registration mark) must appear on all certified products.
Common products under BIS CRS: LED lights, laptops, mobile chargers, power banks, monitors, cameras, power supplies, set-top boxes, and similar electronics.
Key features of BIS CRS:
- No factory audit required
- Lab testing is mandatory
- Certificate valid for 2 years
- Process is faster than ISI — typically 2 to 3 months
At JS Certification, we handle both BIS ISI and BIS CRS registrations. Our team knows which scheme applies to your product and guides you step by step.
Which Products Need BIS Certification?
BIS has a growing list of products that require mandatory certification. The list is updated regularly by the Indian government, so it is important to stay current.
Products covered under BIS ISI (ISI Mark):
- Steel and iron products
- Electrical wiring and cables
- Safety glass and toughened glass
- Automotive wheels and rims
- Cement, plywood, and construction materials
- Domestic electrical appliances
Products covered under BIS CRS (CRS Mark):
- LED lamps and LED lighting drivers
- Laptops, tablets, and notebooks
- Mobile phone chargers and adapters
- Power banks and UPS systems
- Monitors and display screens
- Wi-Fi routers and networking devices
- Set-top boxes and media players
BIS Certification Process — Step by Step
The certification process can feel complex, but it becomes simple when you have the right partner. Here is how it works:
- Step 1: Product Assessment First, identify whether your product needs BIS ISI certification or BIS CRS registration. JS Certification can do this check for you quickly.
- Step 2: Document Preparation Prepare your application documents — product specifications, test reports, manufacturing details, and authorization letters. This is a critical step where many applicants face delays due to incorrect documents.
- Step 3: Product Testing Your product is sent to a BIS-accredited laboratory for testing against the relevant Indian Standard (IS). The test results must show compliance.
- Step 4: Factory Inspection (ISI only) For BIS ISI certification, a BIS officer will inspect your production facility to verify quality control processes. This does not apply to BIS CRS.
- Step 5: BIS Application Submission The application is submitted to BIS through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). This is mandatory — foreign manufacturers must have an AIR in India. JS Certification provides AIR services.
- Step 6: BIS Review and Approval BIS reviews your application and test reports. If everything is in order, the certificate is issued.
- Step 7: Product Marking After approval, your products must carry the ISI Mark (for ISI certification) or the BIS CRS Mark (for CRS registration) along with your license number.
How Long Does BIS Certification Take?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at JS Certification.
- BIS CRS Registration: Typically 2 to 3 months (no factory audit, so faster)
- BIS ISI Certification: Typically 6 to 8 months (includes factory audit scheduling)
Timelines can vary based on laboratory testing queues and BIS workload. Proper documentation from the start can significantly reduce delays.
BIS Certificate Validity — How Long is it Valid?
- BIS ISI Certificate: Valid for 1 year. Can be renewed annually or in some cases for up to 5 years.
- BIS CRS Certificate: Valid for 2 years. Random product audits may be requested during this period.
After validity expires, you must renew your BIS certificate to continue selling in India. JS Certification provides renewal support and keeps you notified well before your certificate expires.
What is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?
For foreign manufacturers, every BIS application must go through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). This is a person or company based in India who acts as the local contact point for BIS authorities.
The AIR is legally responsible for compliance with BIS regulations on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
BIS Marking — ISI Mark vs CRS Mark
Once certified, your product must carry the correct BIS mark. Using the wrong mark — or no mark — is a violation of Indian law.
- ISI Mark: A circular logo with “IS” and the standard number. Used for products certified under BIS ISI scheme.
- CRS Mark: A different logo assigned for BIS CRS registered products. Each registered product also gets an R-number (a unique 7 or 8 digit registration number) that must appear on the product and packaging.
Both marks tell consumers and customs authorities: this product is certified and safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in BIS Certification
Many applicants face unnecessary delays or rejections due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
- Wrong standard selected: Applying under the wrong Indian Standard (IS number) is a frequent error that wastes months of effort.
- Incomplete documents: Missing authorization letters, incorrect product descriptions, or outdated test reports will get your application rejected.
- Unaccredited lab used: Test reports from labs not recognized by BIS are not accepted.
- No AIR appointed: Foreign manufacturers who skip the AIR requirement face immediate rejection.
- Changes not reported: Modifying a certified product without informing BIS can result in certificate cancellation.
Working with an experienced certification partner like JS Certification prevents all of these mistakes.
Why Choose JS Certification for Your BIS Certification?
At JS Certification, we are not just consultants — we are your complete BIS certification partner. Here is what we offer:
- Free initial assessment — we check if your product needs BIS and which scheme applies
- End-to-end documentation support — we prepare all your application papers
- AIR services — we act as your Authorized Indian Representative in India
- Lab coordination — we connect you with accredited BIS testing labs
- Factory audit preparation — we prepare your team for BIS inspection (ISI)
- Renewal and compliance monitoring — we track your certificate expiry and regulation updates
- Transparent pricing — no hidden charges, no surprises
Whether you are a startup launching your first product in India or an established multinational looking to expand — JS Certification has the expertise and contacts to get your BIS certificate quickly and correctly.
BIS Certification Quick Reference Table
| Feature | BIS ISI | BIS CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ISI Mark Certification | Compulsory Registration Scheme |
| Factory Audit | Yes | No |
| Lab Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate Validity | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Processing Time | 6–8 Months | 2–3 Months |
| AIR Required | Yes | Yes |
| Mark on Product | ISI Mark | CRS Mark + R-Number |
| Typical Products | Steel, Cables, Glass | Electronics, LED, IT Products |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BIS Certification
A BIS certificate is an official approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards confirming that a product meets India's quality and safety standards and can legally be sold in India.
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. The BIS certificate full form is "Bureau of Indian Standards Certification.
BIS CRS stands for BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. It is a simpler and faster BIS registration process mainly for electronics, IT, and lighting products that does not require a factory audit.
Yes, for products on the BIS mandatory list, having a valid BIS certificate is legally required before selling in India. Selling without it can result in legal action, product seizure, and fines.
The cost depends on your product type, the certification scheme, and testing requirements. Contact JS Certification for a transparent, customized quote with no hidden fees.
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can get BIS certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for ISI, or through BIS CRS for electronics. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). JS Certification provides AIR services.
BIS CRS certificates are valid for 2 years. BIS ISI certificates are valid for 1 year (with renewal options).
Ready to Get Your BIS Certification?
Getting BIS certification does not have to be complicated or stressful. With the right partner, it is a smooth, predictable process.
JS Certification has a dedicated team of BIS experts who have successfully guided products across industries — from consumer electronics and LED lighting to industrial equipment and construction materials — through the BIS certification process.
Get started today:
- Free product eligibility check
- Clear timeline and cost estimate
- Complete end-to-end support
- No surprises, no delays
