Key highlights
An importer cannot get a BIS licence for a product it imports. BIS licences and CRS registrations are granted to the manufacturing unit, so the overseas factory must hold a valid FMCS licence or CRS registration for that product. The importer must import only certified, correctly marked goods. Goods under a Quality Control Order without it cannot be brought in.
- The BIS licence is held by the manufacturer, never by the importer.
- ISI-mark goods: the foreign factory needs an FMCS licence. Electronics: a CRS registration.
- Section 17 of the BIS Act covers import: notified goods need a valid licence and the Standard Mark.
- Importers pay no BIS fees. Licence fees are paid by the manufacturer.
- Check the licence or R-number before you place the order, not at the port.
Key Facts for Importers
- Licence holder
- The overseas manufacturer, under an FMCS licence. BIS does not issue a licence to the importer.
- Time for an ISI mark licence
- Depends on your supplier. An FMCS licence usually takes about six months, so confirm your supplier is licensed before you place an order.
- Time for CRS registration
- If your supplier is not yet registered, BIS normally grants registration within 20 working days after testing.
- Products covered
- 796
- Last verified
BIS Process for Importers: ISI Mark and CRS
Importing ISI-mark products
For goods needing the ISI mark, the overseas factory must hold a BIS licence under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
Licence holder: The overseas manufacturer, under an FMCS licence. BIS does not issue a licence to the importer.
Steps
- 1
Check whether a QCO covers the product
Find the product's Indian Standard and the Quality Control Order that makes certification mandatory.
- 2
Ask the supplier for its BIS licence
Get the FMCS licence number (CM/L-) and confirm it covers the exact product and the factory you buy from.
- 3
Verify the licence with BIS
Check the licence is valid on BIS's online licence search before you place the order.
- 4
Check the marking
Make sure goods carry the ISI mark with that licence number.
- 5
Keep records for customs
Keep the licence details with your shipping documents.
- Timeline
- Depends on your supplier. An FMCS licence usually takes about six months, so confirm your supplier is licensed before you place an order.
- Validity
- Same as the supplier's licence. Check that it is valid on the date of import.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS fees for the importer | None | Licence fees are paid by the foreign manufacturer. |
Government fees exclude GST. BIS revises fees by notification.
Documents
- Supplier's FMCS licence details (licence number, IS, factory)
- Invoice and packing list naming the certified product
Importing CRS-registered electronics
For electronics and IT goods under CRS, the manufacturer must hold a BIS registration for each model you import.
Licence holder: The manufacturer. A manufacturer outside India registers through its Authorised Indian Representative.
Steps
- 1
Confirm the product is under CRS
Check the product and its Indian Standard in the CRS list.
- 2
Get the registration number
Ask the manufacturer for the R-number and confirm your models are included.
- 3
Verify on the BIS CRS portal
Check the registration is valid and lists the models.
- 4
Check the marking
Products must carry the Standard Mark with the R-number as BIS prescribes.
- Timeline
- If your supplier is not yet registered, BIS normally grants registration within 20 working days after testing.
- Validity
- Same as the supplier's registration, which is valid for 2 years at a time.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS fees for the importer | None | Registration fees are paid by the manufacturer. |
Government fees exclude GST. BIS revises fees by notification.
Documents
- Manufacturer's CRS registration (R-number and model list)
- Invoice and packing list showing registered models
Obligations for Importers
Import only certified goods
Section 17 of the BIS Act bars importing notified goods without a valid licence and Standard Mark.
Match product, model and factory
Each licence covers one factory and one Indian Standard. Check that it matches the goods you import.
Plan for customs checks
Goods under a QCO without valid certification can be held at the port.
What's Different for Importers
You can't hold the licence
BIS issues licences to manufacturers for their own premises. An importer cannot get a licence for goods it does not make.
No application or fees
Importers do not apply to BIS or pay BIS fees. The manufacturer does.
Verification is your responsibility
You carry the risk if goods arrive uncertified, so verify before ordering.
Penalty Under the BIS Act
Under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, breaking Section 17 is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of not less than ₹2 lakh for the first offence and not less than ₹5 lakh for later offences, which may extend up to ten times the value of the goods.
Official Sources
- The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016· BIS
- Do you require a BIS licence to import a product?· BIS
- FMCS FAQs· BIS
- CRS: how to apply· BIS
Source: BIS publications, last verified . Fees and procedures change by BIS notification, so check the BIS website before you apply.