The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products in India. To sell or import certain products in India, manufacturers must obtain BIS certification. This process ensures that products meet Indian standards, providing safety to consumers and compliance with Indian laws.

In today’s digital age, applying for BIS certification has become more accessible thanks to online portals. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help businesses apply for BIS certification online, along with the necessary documents, costs, and regulations.

Step 1: Identify the Type of BIS Certification You Need

BIS certification comes in various types based on the product category. Here are the primary types:

1. ISI Mark Certification:

   • This is the most common certification in India. It is required for products such as electrical appliances, cement, steel, packaged food, and automotive components.
   • It ensures the product meets Indian standards for quality and safety.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):

   • This certification is mandatory for certain electronics and IT goods, such as mobile phones, chargers, LED lights, and adapters.
   • Manufacturers must test their products in BIS-recognized laboratories before applying for CRS registration.

3. Hallmarking:

   • This is mandatory for precious metals like gold and silver jewelry. Hallmarking certifies the purity and fineness of the metal.

4. Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS):

   • This is applicable for foreign manufacturers exporting products to India. They must ensure that their products meet Indian standards and undergo the necessary testing.

To begin, identify which category your product falls into and determine the applicable certification scheme.

Step 2: Register on the BIS Portal

To apply for BIS certification online, the first step is to register your company on the official BIS website.

1. Visit the BIS Portal: Go to the official BIS website at https://www.bis.gov.in/.

2. Create an Account:

   • Click on the “Online Services” section and choose the “BIS Registration” option.
   • You’ll be required to create an account by entering your company details, including the business name, address, contact details, and email.
   • Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with login credentials.

3. Log into the BIS Portal: Use your login credentials to access the portal and begin your application process.

Step 3: Submit Your Application for BIS Certification

After logging into your account, you can now submit your application for BIS certification. Here’s how:

1. Fill Out the Application Form:
   Depending on the type of certification, you will need to fill out different forms:

   • Form V: For domestic manufacturers applying for ISI mark certification.
   • Form IV: For foreign manufacturers seeking BIS registration.

   The application form will require details about your product, manufacturing processes, and compliance with Indian standards.

2. Attach Required Documents:
   You will need to upload various documents to support your application. These typically include:

   • Company Details: Registration certificate, GST certificate, address proof of the manufacturing facility.
   • Product Specifications: Technical specifications, product drawings, and samples.
   • Testing Reports: Product test reports from BIS-accredited laboratories that prove your product complies with Indian standards.
   • ISO Certification: If applicable, provide an ISO 9001 certificate or other relevant quality management certifications.
   • Factory Inspection Details: In some cases, especially for ISI mark certification, you may need to submit details of the factory inspection.

Step 4: Product Testing at BIS-Recognized Laboratories

One of the most important steps in obtaining BIS certification is testing the product at a BIS-accredited laboratory. The laboratory will perform detailed tests to verify if your product meets the required Indian standards.

1. Select a BIS-Recognized Laboratory:
   The BIS website provides a list of laboratories that are accredited for testing products for compliance with Indian standards. Choose a laboratory that suits your product’s requirements.

2. Submit the Product for Testing:

   • The laboratory will test the product based on the specified Indian standards for safety, quality, and performance.
   • The testing duration may vary depending on the complexity of the product.

3. Obtain the Test Reports:
   Once the testing is complete, you will receive the official test reports from the laboratory, which will form part of your application.

Step 5: Factory Inspection (If Applicable)

For certain product categories, such as those applying for the ISI certification, BIS will conduct a factory inspection to ensure that the manufacturing process complies with quality control measures.

1. Inspection Procedure:

   • BIS officials will visit your manufacturing facility and inspect the production process, raw materials, and machinery.
   • The inspection also ensures that the company follows safety protocols and meets regulatory requirements.

2. Approval:
   If the inspection is successful and the facility meets the required standards, BIS will approve the application. If issues are found, they will provide guidelines for corrective actions.

Step 6: Payment of Fees

After submitting your application and undergoing product testing, you will be required to pay the application fee. The fee structure depends on the type of certification, product category, and inspection requirements.

1. Payment Methods:
   Payment can typically be made through the BIS portal using various online payment methods such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or demand drafts.

2. Fee Structure:
   BIS has a clear fee structure for each type of certification, which is available on their website. The fees are generally categorized into application fees, testing fees, factory inspection fees, and annual fees for maintaining certification.

Step 7: Review and Issuance of BIS Certification

Once all the necessary documents, fees, and tests are completed, the BIS will review your application. If everything meets the required standards, BIS will issue the certification.

1. Certification Approval:
   BIS will issue a unique certification number and, in the case of ISI-marked products, provide an ISI mark to be affixed to your product packaging.

2. Validity:
   BIS certification is generally valid for one to two years. After the validity period, businesses must renew their certification by submitting updated documents, new test reports, and fees.

Step 8: Display of Certification

Once you receive your BIS certification, you can display the corresponding certification mark on your products. This mark assures consumers that the product meets Indian standards for quality and safety.

• ISI Mark: For ISI-certified products.
• BIS CRS Mark: For products under the compulsory registration scheme.
• Hallmark: For precious metals like gold and silver.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you gather the following documents:

• Business registration certificate.
• GST certificate and PAN details.
• Address proof of manufacturing facility.
• Product technical specifications and drawings.
• Test reports from BIS-accredited laboratories.
• ISO 9001 certificate (if applicable).
• Factory inspection documents (for ISI certification).

Benefits of BIS Certification

1. Market Access: BIS certification is mandatory for selling many products in India. It helps businesses gain market access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

2. Consumer Safety: Certified products ensure safety, quality, and reliability, boosting consumer confidence.

3. Regulatory Compliance: BIS certification helps businesses comply with Indian laws, avoiding penalties or legal action.

4. Enhanced Brand Image: BIS-certified products build trust among consumers and enhance a company’s reputation.

Conclusion

The process of applying for BIS certification online is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail, compliance with testing requirements, and proper documentation. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can secure BIS certification and enter the Indian market with confidence.

For assistance with BIS certification, businesses can seek the help of experienced BIS consultants like ERCS Pvt Ltd, which can guide you through the entire process and ensure compliance with all necessary standards.