What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Certification body of India that issues BIS licenses to manufacturers and importers for various products under voluntary or mandatory certification schemes. BIS certification serves as third-party assurance of a product's quality, consumer safety, and the trustworthiness of the BIS mark. Established under the BIS Act of 1986, BIS operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Government of India.

As a national standards agency, BIS is responsible for ensuring numerous certifications that maintain product quality in the Indian market. The BIS grants certification to companies for products that meet relevant quality standards under the Product Certification Scheme. This process not only ensures compliance but also helps businesses enhance their brand image and credibility in the market. Over the years, BIS has become synonymous with product authenticity and quality. Once certified, manufacturers can use the BIS standard mark on their products, assuring consumers of product safety and compliance.

BIS certification confirms that a product complies with specific Indian Standards and is safe for use in India. The certification process involves rigorous testing and inspections to ensure compliance. For many products listed under BIS's mandatory Product Certification Scheme, BIS certification is a legal requirement for sale in the Indian market.

Why BIS Certificate?

Whether it’s food, cars, electronics, or clothing—consumers often wonder how to assess the trustworthiness or quality of the products they purchase. Are there clear parameters for determining quality or safety? If so, who sets these parameters? This is where BIS Certification becomes vital.

In India, BIS Certification (ISI Mark) serves as a symbol of trust for consumers. A BIS Certificate assures consumers that a product meets high quality, safety, and reliability standards. While BIS certification is voluntary for many products, certain products are mandated under the BIS’s compulsory certification scheme.

What is ISI Mark?

ISI stands for Indian Standards Institute, which was later renamed the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1987. The ISI Mark is the official symbol provided by BIS to manufacturers whose products conform to Indian Standards. Since 1955, the ISI Mark has represented quality, safety, and trust. It acts as a conformity mark primarily for industrial products, signifying compliance with Indian Standards (IS) set by BIS.ISI Mark Registration is the process of obtaining the ISI mark for products that meet the prescribed Indian Standards.

Difference Between BIS and ISI Mark

BIS, as a national quality management organization, is responsible for providing certification and ensuring the quality, stability, and reliability of goods for end users. On the other hand, the ISI Mark is a standard conformity mark awarded by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to certify that a product complies with applicable Indian standards.

The ISI Mark indicates that a product matches the specific quality standards set by BIS. Under the Product Certification Scheme, BIS grants licenses to manufacturers to use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on products conforming to Indian standards. The ISI Mark includes the license number, formatted as CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX, at the bottom, and the Indian Standard number at the top.

Basic Requirements for BIS Certification

• The product must meet the Indian Standard Specification (ISS) criteria.
• BIS license is only issued to the factory (manufacturer of finished goods), not to distributors or retailers.
• Separate applications must be filed for each product and each factory location if multiple manufacturing units exist.
• The factory must have a fully equipped laboratory with testing equipment and qualified personnel to perform testing as per ISS.
• All necessary machinery and testing facilities must be located on the factory premises in accordance with ISS norms and the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
• The entire manufacturing process—from receiving raw materials to final packaging—must be completed at the factory. Any outsourcing must be approved by BIS.
• Technical guidelines are provided in 'Product Manuals' for all certified products. These manuals include sampling procedures, test equipment lists, SIT details, and scope descriptions. Referring to these manuals helps applicants prepare for the audit and improve chances of successful certification.

Benefits of BIS Certification (ISI Mark Certificate)

• Enables uninterrupted manufacturing and nationwide distribution of certified products.
• Permits the use of the ISI Mark on products under the mandatory certification scheme, ensuring legal compliance.
• Protects consumers by assuring product safety and health standards.
• Enhances brand reputation and consumer trust, resulting in increased revenue.
• Mandatory for over 150 products to safeguard consumers from counterfeit and substandard items.

List of Products Under ISI Certification click

Also Read:
BIS Registration for Electronic and IT Products
ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS ISI Certification Process for Indian Manufacturers

In this section, we’ll explain how to apply for ISI Mark—or simply, how to get ISI Certification for your product. The ISI Mark Certification process in India involves several essential steps designed to verify product quality and manufacturing standards.

General Steps for ISI Mark Certification

• Selection of the relevant product code (Indian Standard Code)
• Filling out the ISI Mark registration online application form with required documents
• Factory audit conducted by BIS-authorized officials
• Sample testing report issued by a BIS-recognized laboratory
• Grant of license by BIS authority upon successful compliance

There are two main procedures to obtain BIS Certification:

• Normal Procedure (takes approximately 60–65 days)
• Simplified Procedure (takes approximately 35–40 days)

Normal Procedure

The normal BIS certification process involves the following steps:

• Prepare for BIS Certification by setting up an in-house laboratory and manufacturing products per the relevant Indian Standard.
• Submit the application along with the required documents.
• BIS officials conduct a thorough inspection of the factory and product samples.
• Samples are sealed and sent to BIS-approved labs for testing.
• If the product meets all quality parameters, BIS grants the certification within 60–65 days from the date of application.

Applies under: PRODUCT CERTIFICATION SCHEME (ISI MARK) FOR DOMESTIC MANUFACTURERS

Simplified Procedure

The simplified BIS certification process offers a faster route for manufacturers:

• The applicant submits a test report of the product from a BIS-approved lab, confirming conformity with Indian Standards.
• An online application form and certification fee are submitted along with the necessary documentation.
• BIS authorities review the application and inspect the factory and product samples.
• Samples are again sealed and sent for re-verification through BIS-recognized labs.
• If the verification is successful, BIS grants certification within 35–40 days of application.

Applies under: PRODUCT CERTIFICATION SCHEME (ISI MARK) FOR DOMESTIC MANUFACTURERS