Key highlights
Traders and online sellers do not need their own BIS licence, but Section 17 of the BIS Act bars anyone from distributing, selling, storing or exhibiting notified goods without the Standard Mark under a valid licence. Sellers must stock only products whose manufacturer holds a current BIS licence or CRS registration, and should verify it before listing.
- No BIS licence is needed to trade, but you may only sell certified, marked goods.
- Section 17 covers distributing, selling, storing and exhibiting for sale.
- Verify the licence or R-number, and that it is current, before stocking or listing.
- Penalties reach ₹2 lakh or more and can extend to ten times the value of the goods.
Key Facts for Traders & online sellers
- Licence holder
- The manufacturer. BIS does not issue a licence to traders or sellers.
- Time for an ISI mark licence
- No application to BIS. Check the licence before you buy stock.
- Time for CRS registration
- No application to BIS. Check the registration before you buy stock.
- Products covered
- 796
- Last verified
BIS Process for Traders & online sellers: ISI Mark and CRS
Selling ISI-mark products
Check that each product carries the ISI mark with a licence number that is valid and covers that product.
Licence holder: The manufacturer. BIS does not issue a licence to traders or sellers.
Steps
- 1
Check whether the product is notified
See if a Quality Control Order covers the product and which standard applies.
- 2
Read the licence number on the product
The ISI mark carries a licence number (CM/L-).
- 3
Verify with BIS
Check the licence is valid and covers the product on BIS's online licence search.
- 4
Keep supplier records
Keep invoices and licence details for each product you stock.
- Timeline
- No application to BIS. Check the licence before you buy stock.
- Validity
- Check the licence is valid on the date you sell.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS fees for the seller | None | Licence fees are paid by the manufacturer. |
Government fees exclude GST. BIS revises fees by notification.
Documents
- Supplier invoices naming the certified product
- Licence details for each product
Selling CRS-registered electronics
Check each electronics product carries the Standard Mark with an R-number registered for that model.
Licence holder: The manufacturer. BIS does not register traders or sellers.
Steps
- 1
Find the R-number
It appears with the Standard Mark on the product or packaging.
- 2
Verify on the CRS portal
Confirm the registration is valid and lists the model you sell.
- 3
Keep records
Keep the registration details with your purchase records.
- Timeline
- No application to BIS. Check the registration before you buy stock.
- Validity
- Registrations are valid for 2 years at a time. Check that the registration is current.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS fees for the seller | None | Registration fees are paid by the manufacturer. |
Government fees exclude GST. BIS revises fees by notification.
Documents
- Registration number and model list for each product
Obligations for Traders & online sellers
Sell only marked goods
Section 17 of the BIS Act covers anyone who distributes, sells, stores or exhibits notified goods for sale.
Verify before you list
Check licence or registration numbers before buying stock or creating a listing.
Remove expired stock
If a licence lapses or is cancelled, stop selling goods made under it.
What's Different for Traders & online sellers
No licence of your own
Traders do not apply to BIS. They must deal only in certified goods.
No fees
Licence and marking fees are paid by the manufacturer.
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
- Manak Online (BIS applications portal)· 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.