Who needs BIS certification
BIS Certification for Your Business
A BIS licence is issued to the factory that makes the product. Your obligations depend on whether you manufacture in India, manufacture abroad, import or sell. Select your business type.
Choose your role
- Indian manufacturersCheck whether a product needs an ISI licence or CRS registration before you launch it or change its design.BIS rules for indian manufacturers
- ImportersConfirm BIS requirements before goods reach Indian customs, where uncertified products under a QCO are held.BIS rules for importers
- Foreign manufacturersSee which scheme applies to your factory, including FMCS and the Authorised Indian Representative requirement.BIS rules for foreign manufacturers
- Traders & online sellersVerify that products you stock or list carry a valid BIS licence or registration for their standard.BIS rules for traders & online sellers
BIS Requirements Compared: Manufacturers, Importers and Sellers
Only manufacturers are issued a BIS licence. Importers and sellers do not apply to BIS, but they may only import or sell products that carry a valid BIS mark.
| BIS requirement | Indian manufacturersView full guide → | ImportersView full guide → | Foreign manufacturersView full guide → | Traders & online sellersView full guide → |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needs its own BIS licence | Yes, in the factory's name | No, the overseas factory holds it | Yes, in the foreign factory's name | No |
| ISI-mark products | Scheme-I licence (ISI mark) | Buy only from FMCS-licensed factories | FMCS licence (ISI mark) | Sell only ISI-marked goods with a valid licence |
| Electronics and IT (CRS) | CRS registration | Import only registered models | CRS registration through an AIR | Sell only models with a valid R-number |
| Authorised Indian Representative | No | No | Yes, resident in India | No |
| Bank guarantee | No | No | Yes, USD 10,000 (FMCS) | No |
| BIS factory inspection | Yes, for the ISI mark. Not for CRS | No | Yes, for FMCS, at the factory abroad. Not for CRS | No |
| Pays BIS fees | Yes, in INR | No | Yes, in USD (SAARC countries may pay in INR) | No |
| Typical time to certify | About 30 days for ISI (simplified procedure). 20 working days for CRS | Depends on the supplier's licence | About 6 months for FMCS. 20 working days for CRS | No, application needed |
| Licence validity | ISI: 1–2 years, renewable up to 5. CRS: 2 years | Follows the supplier's licence | FMCS: 1–2 years, renewable up to 5. CRS: 2 years | Check the licence is valid when you sell |
| Main responsibility | Make and mark only goods that meet the standard | Verify the supplier's licence or R-number before ordering | Keep the licence, AIR and marking valid for every shipment | Stock and list only certified, marked products |
Source: BIS publications. Fees and timelines change by BIS notification. Each guide lists the full steps, fees and sources.
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