STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR BIS CERTIFICATION: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Step-by-Step Guide for BIS Certification: Everything You Need to Know

Step-by-Step Guide for BIS Certification: Everything You Need to Know

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The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national body that ensures the quality, safety, and reliability of products sold in India. BIS certification is crucial for products that meet specific Indian Standards (IS), providing manufacturers and importers a mark of quality assurance. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining BIS certification for your product, including key insights about BIS certification requirements, fees, and the entire certification journey, with a particular focus on locations like Delhi, Noida, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, China, and the United States.

What is BIS Certification?


BIS certification is a mark of conformity for products to show that they meet the relevant Indian Standards (IS). This certification is essential for many products sold in India, ensuring they comply with safety, performance, and environmental requirements. For manufacturers and importers, obtaining BIS certification is not just a regulatory requirement—it enhances consumer trust, ensures product quality, and provides access to the vast Indian market.

BIS offers several certification schemes, such as the ISI mark, which covers products in categories like electrical appliances, toys, food, and more. In many cases, the certification is mandatory before selling products in India.

Why is BIS Certification Important?


For products sold in India, obtaining BIS certification ensures:

  • Safety and Reliability: The certification ensures that products meet Indian safety standards.

  • Consumer Confidence: The ISI mark assures consumers that the product is tested and meets regulatory standards.

  • Regulatory Compliance: It ensures compliance with Indian laws governing product quality and safety.

  • Market Access: BIS certification allows easy entry into the Indian market and compliance with import regulations.


Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain BIS Certification


Obtaining BIS certification involves a well-defined process, and the following steps explain the entire procedure. Whether you're located in Delhi, Noida, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, China, or the United States, the process remains largely consistent, although there may be some region-specific considerations for foreign manufacturers.

Step 1: Identify the Product and Applicable Standards


Before applying for BIS certification, you must identify which Indian Standard (IS) is applicable to your product. For example, if you're importing LED lights into India, you would need to comply with IS 16102 for LED lamps. BIS covers a wide range of products, each of which may fall under different IS codes.

  • Local Manufacturers in Delhi, Noida, and Mumbai: If you're based in these areas, start by consulting the relevant IS code for your product. BIS also has offices and consultants in these cities who can help identify the standards applicable to your product.

  • For Foreign Manufacturers (China and the United States): If your factory is based in China or the United States, you can still get your products certified for the Indian market by identifying the right standards through BIS-approved agents or consultants. These consultants can help you navigate through the process efficiently.


Step 2: Apply for BIS Certification


The next step is to submit an application for BIS certification. The application includes basic details about your product and the manufacturing process. You need to submit the following documents to BIS:

  • Application Form: A completed application form is available on the BIS website.

  • Product Specifications: A detailed description of the product, including technical specifications and usage.

  • Manufacturing Details: Information on how and where the product is manufactured, including raw material sourcing.

  • Compliance Declaration: A declaration that the product meets the relevant IS standards.

  • Test Reports (if applicable): If the product has already been tested in accredited labs, include these test reports.


If you are importing from China or the United States, it’s important to ensure that your overseas manufacturer provides these documents as well. Once the application is ready, submit it to the BIS regional office or online portal.

Step 3: Product Testing


After submitting the application, your product will undergo a series of tests in an BIS-accredited laboratory. The testing process can include:

  • Electrical Safety: For electrical products, testing to ensure they are free from electrical hazards is mandatory.

  • Performance Testing: Ensuring the product performs as per specifications is a critical part of the testing process.

  • Environmental Testing: Environmental impact and compliance with regulations like RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).

  • Durability Testing: Ensuring the product has a reasonable lifespan and operates effectively in different conditions.


Delhi, Noida, and Mumbai have several BIS-accredited laboratories where products can be tested. For foreign manufacturers (in places like China or the United States), BIS offers the option to send product samples to accredited labs in India or allow testing at international laboratories, provided they meet BIS standards.

Step 4: Factory Inspection


In many cases, BIS requires a factory inspection to ensure that the manufacturing process complies with the required standards. This is more common for domestic manufacturers in India and for larger production facilities. However, if you're importing products, factory inspections might still be necessary, especially for high-volume production or complex products.

  • Manufacturers in Delhi, Noida, and Mumbai: If you are a local manufacturer, BIS officials will visit your factory to assess:

    • Quality control systems

    • Manufacturing procedures

    • Raw material sources

    • Testing and quality assurance methods



  • Foreign Manufacturers (China and the United States): If your manufacturing facility is located in China or the United States, you must arrange for a BIS inspection either by coordinating with BIS officials or hiring a third-party consultant to facilitate this inspection. The costs of these inspections can vary depending on the location of the factory.


Step 5: Issuance of BIS License


Once your product passes all necessary tests and the factory inspection is completed, BIS will issue a certification license. This license allows you to affix the ISI mark on your product, signifying that it complies with Indian standards. The certificate will specify:

  • The product name and model

  • The manufacturing facility

  • The applicable IS code and standards

  • The certification validity period (usually 1-2 years)


At this point, your product is officially certified for the Indian market. However, it's important to remember that the certification will only remain valid as long as your product continues to meet the relevant standards.

Step 6: Surveillance and Renewal


Once your product is certified, BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Surveillance can include random product testing, factory inspections, and reviews of production processes. These audits ensure that the manufacturer continues to meet the same quality and safety standards throughout the certification period.

  • Manufacturers in Delhi, Noida, and Mumbai: Be prepared for periodic checks by BIS, which may include random inspections and sample testing of products in the market.

  • Foreign Manufacturers (China and the United States): Surveillance audits may involve remote monitoring or sending product samples to BIS-approved labs in India for periodic testing.


To maintain certification, you will also need to renew it every 1-2 years by undergoing another round of testing and inspections.

Step 7: Fees for BIS Certification


BIS Certification Cost a variety of fees throughout the certification process. These fees can vary depending on the product type, factory inspections, and testing requirements.

  • Application Fee: The initial application fee usually ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 25,000, depending on the complexity of the product.

  • Testing Charges: Testing fees vary by product type and laboratory but can range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000.

  • Factory Inspection Fees: Inspection fees generally range between INR 25,000 to INR 1,00,000, depending on the location of the factory and the complexity of the product.

  • Certification Fees: The license fee for issuing the certification is typically between INR 10,000 and INR 50,000.

  • Surveillance Fees: There may be additional fees for periodic surveillance audits, usually between INR 10,000 and INR 50,000 annually.


Foreign manufacturers need to budget for extra expenses like shipping product samples to India, consultant fees, and potential travel costs for factory inspections.

Conclusion


Obtaining BIS certification is a critical process for manufacturers and importers looking to sell products in India. Whether you are based in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, or abroad in China or the United States, the BIS certification process remains consistent, though there may be additional logistical considerations for international manufacturers.

By following this step-by-step guide, ensuring your product complies with Indian safety and quality standards, and being proactive in submitting the necessary documentation and undergoing inspections, you can obtain BIS certification and gain access to the lucrative Indian market.

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