The Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with immense potential to match leading international markets. Globalization has opened new avenues in trade, manufacturing, and services, leading to a significant influx of foreign companies setting up manufacturing bases in India. Recognizing the manufacturing sector as the “engine of growth,” India has become a hot destination for foreign investment. Major global brands such as Amazon and Samsung have already begun manufacturing operations in India.
With the increase in cross-border trade, India has emphasized the need for foreign manufacturers to comply with Indian standards before entering the market. To facilitate this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), allowing foreign entities to obtain certification under the ISI mark scheme.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS Act, 2016 and the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. Initiated in the year 2000, FMCS allows overseas manufacturers to obtain a license to use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) and sell their products in the Indian market.
The FMCS certification process is governed by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), which is the sole authority responsible for issuing BIS certificates to foreign manufacturing units. A key requirement of the scheme is the mandatory nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) by the foreign applicant.
Certification under FMCS is essential to ensure that products imported into India are safe, reliable, of high quality, and conform to Indian Standards. Before granting the certificate, BIS conducts a factory audit to confirm compliance with all relevant guidelines and manufacturing practices.
The ISI Mark is issued to foreign manufacturers by BIS’s FMCD department and has been in place since 2000. It certifies that the product meets Indian quality and safety standards.
The ISI Mark includes:
Only after successful inspection and compliance verification, the Bureau of Indian Standards grants the authority to use this mark.
Note: Without FMCS certification, no foreign manufacturer is allowed to export and sell products in India that require mandatory BIS compliance.
Foreign manufacturers wishing to export their products to India must first obtain a manufacturer certificate from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). This certification ensures that the product complies with Indian standards and is safe for the Indian market. The process involves several requirements and steps that need to be fulfilled by the applicant.
The documentation for FMCS BIS certification has become more streamlined with the introduction of BIS’s online application system. Below are the essential documents that must be submitted:
The FMCS BIS certification process involves several key steps that are essential to obtaining the FMCS license:
An agreement and indemnity bond will be entered into between the applicant and BIS. This bond includes provisions on:
Once the indemnity bond is signed, the license will be granted and the manufacturer can export their certified products to India.
Surveillance Inspection is carried out periodically by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to monitor the performance of foreign BIS licensees. Market samples of the products are drawn out during these inspections to assess their compliance with the applicable Indian Standards (ISS). This process helps ensure that the foreign manufacturers maintain consistent quality standards in the products they export to India.
In the event of a complaint against a BIS-certified product, an investigation will be carried out in accordance with IS/ISO 10002. The licensee will be required to take immediate corrective actions to resolve the complaint, such as offering a free replacement or repair of the product. Any damages or losses caused by defective products will be the responsibility of the licensee, and BIS will not be held liable for such issues.
A BIS-certified manufacturer's license is valid for one year. To renew the license, the manufacturer must submit a renewal application along with the prescribed fees. The application must be certified by a Chartered Accountant. The license can be renewed annually by following the same process.
It is mandatory for foreign manufacturers to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to represent their interests in India for BIS licensing purposes. The AIR should fulfill all liabilities and obligations related to the BIS Act, 1986, on behalf of the foreign applicant. Below are the key guidelines for nominating an AIR:
The process of obtaining BIS certification is detailed and complex, requiring various legal and technical steps. Therefore, it is highly recommended for foreign manufacturers to hire a professional consultant to navigate the BIS certification process smoothly. Aleph India Group is a leading consultancy specializing in BIS FMCS registration, with over 16 years of experience assisting foreign manufacturers in achieving BIS compliance and ISI mark certification for products in India. We offer seamless and hassle-free consultancy services, ensuring smooth market entry.
Several products require BIS certification before they can be manufactured, imported, and sold in the Indian market. Below are some examples of products that fall under the mandatory BIS certification scheme:
For more information on these and other products under the BIS certification scheme, please contact Sasbisindia at +91 9937784044 or email us at sasbisindia@gmail.com.