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- The BIS Act, 2016 sets out BIS as the apex standards body for India.
- It requires certification for important goods and for services, systems, and processes.
- The BIS Act is applied in multiple schemes for example ISI, CRS, FMCS, and Hallmarking etc.
- The BIS Act empowers the Government to make registration mandatory for the protection of consumers and public.
- The BIS Act includes penalties, recalls or consumer protection provisions for offenders.
How a Missed Labeling Clause Cost ₹8 Lakhs in Penalties
In late 2018, a manufacturer of ceiling fans based in Delhi was unable to clear customs for shipment destined for the Gulf market. The manufacturer is ISO 9001:2015 certified; however, the customs officer stated that they also required BIS certification under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The shipping delay had a purpose that extended beyond the usual process; there were costs associated with storage costs of ₹6.5 lakhs as well as a loss of a buyer still looming.
This is where our BIS compliance group assisted the team. With our aid, the manufacturer was able to complete the testing at the laboratory, we submitted everything using the BIS portal, and received the registration approval within 27 working days. The fans were sent, and now the client has incorporated BIS compliance as a regular SOP standard.
What is BIS?
BIS refers to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body for India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. BIS was set up to make a unified quality framework, and develops Indian Standards and various certification schemes in order to establish assurance of safety, dependability, performance, etc of goods and services. BIS administers key marks like ISI mark for industrial goods and Hallmark for jewellery, so it is an important agency for consumer protection and trade facilitation.
What is the BIS Act 2016
In India, the BIS Act refers to the Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 2016, a statute which provided for the establishment of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the national body for standards. The BIS (2016) Act repealed the previous BIS Act of 1986 to enlarge the jurisdictional regime, so that BIS could set quality standards for goods, services, processes and systems as well as the previous statutory instruments. The Dream bis act developed new rules that ensured and set consistent and average safety and quality of products which could be obtained in the Indian market, and recognized other international standards.
It repealed the previous BIS Act 1986, and provided the Bureau with clearer flexibility and authority to:
- Set Indian standards for goods and services
- Administer numerous certification schemes
- Enforce penalties
- Monitor the compliance ‘in the public interest’
The Act recognized the BIS as the National Standards Body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Why Was the BIS Act 2016 Introduced?
Prior to 2016, India’s standardisation system was inconsistent and antiquated. The advent of global trade, new technologies, and digital industries had made the old system obsolete.
Thus, the BIS Act 2016 was brought into force to:
- Modernise the conformity assessment process
- Empower government to mandate certification for critical sectors
- Support “Make in India” and consumer protection
- Align Indian standards with those in the global field
Key Features of the BIS Act 2016
- Status as a National Standards Body: The Act establishes BIS as the National Standards Body authorized to develop and enforce Indian Standards, providing regulatory power and authority to the Body.
- Expanded Scope Beyond Goods: The 2016 Act extends BIS’s responsibilities beyond goods to include services, systems and processes, allowing for greater enforcement of quality across diverse sectors of the economy.
- Discussion of Mandatory versus Voluntary Standards: BIS can now notify goods or services for mandatory certification but is still encouraged to voluntarily certify goods or services when feasible.
- Multiple Certification Schemes: The Act recognizes and extends schemes already existing in India, including ISI Mark, CRS and FMCS, SDOC and Hallmarking – allowing for varied legal schemes, depending on the good, model and manufacturer.
- Penalties and Consumer Protections: The Act involves lengthy penalties, including fines of up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment, if the mandatory requirement is not complied with, while providing some advocacy on behalf of the consumer, such as compensation, recalling goods or forcing repairs.
- Opportunity to Align Globally: The Act facilitates BIS’s active participation in standards-setting bodies on the global level, such as ISO and IEC, providing alignment and harmonization for India’s standards with those at the international levels.
“This Act is not a barrier; it is an opportunity for competitive advantage for brands existing in India and abroad.”
What are the major activities of the Bureau of Indian Standard Act?
- Standard Formulation: Formulation of Indian Standards in various sectors.
- Product Certification: Issuing licenses to represent the ISI Mark and other standard marks.
- Hallmarking: Certifying gold and silver jewellery through assaying centres.
- Laboratory Testing: Accrediting laboratories to conduct product testing to BIS schemes.
- Market Surveillance: Factory inspections, sampling and enforcement.
- International Coordination: Representing India in ISO, IEC and other global organisations
Requirement of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (BIS) 2016
With the rapid expansion of industrial sectors and international trade, there was a pressing need to modernise India’s quality framework. The BIS Act 2016 was introduced to:
- Enhance consumer safety and trust
- Make certification processes efficient and inclusive
- Widen the coverage of regulated products
- Enable India to compete in global quality standards
This Act provides legal backing for mandatory certifications in key sectors like electronics, gold jewellery, and medical devices.
What Are the Major Activities Under the BIS Act?
The Bureau performs a wide range of quality-related activities:
- Formulation of Indian Standards (IS) – For 15+ sectors
- Product Certification – Through ISI and other marks
- Hallmarking of Precious Metals – Under BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018
- Laboratory Recognition – Ensuring accurate, standardised testing
- Surveillance and Enforcement – Random sampling, audits, market checks
- International Standard Coordination – With ISO, IEC, and WTO-TBT
BIS Registration & License Granting Explained
BIS registration becomes mandatory when the government notifies a product or sector. Manufacturers must comply before they can legally sell or import such products in India.
Licenses are issued based on the product’s certification route:
- ISI Mark (for domestic goods)
- FMCS (for foreign manufacturers)
- CRS (mostly for IT/electronics goods)
- Hallmarking (for jewellery)
- Voluntary Certifications (like ECO Mark)
Types of BIS Certification Schemes
Below are the key types of BIS certification schemes, each designed to meet specific compliance needs across industries.
1. ISI Mark Certification (Scheme I)
India’s oldest quality mark, mandatory for 350+ products. Applicable to domestic manufacturers. Involves factory inspection, product sampling, and regular surveillance.
A Madhya Pradesh-based cement brand saw increased government project eligibility post ISI certification.
2. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Applies to foreign companies exporting to India. Requires testing from BIS-recognised labs and factory audits abroad.
We helped a German kitchen appliance brand secure FMCS in 70 working days, unlocking their Amazon India sales.
3. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Covers electronics and IT products like laptops, LEDs, adapters, smartwatches, etc. Based on Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) and test reports from Indian labs.
CRS certification is faster—typically 30–35 working days.
4. Hallmarking Scheme
Mandatory for gold (14K, 18K, 22K) and silver jewellery. Certification done via BIS-recognised assaying centres.
Jewelers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Surat are now legally required to sell only BIS-hallmarked items.
5. Eco Mark Certification
Voluntary mark awarded to products meeting environmental criteria. Covers soaps, paper, packaging, lubricants, paints, etc.
Encouraged under India’s green manufacturing and sustainability goals.
For a comprehensive guide on all – BIS certification schemes
Step-by-Step BIS Registration Process in India
Step 1: Determine the applicable certification scheme
- Domestic = ISI
- Electronics = CRS
- Foreign = FMCS
- Jewellery = Hallmarking
Step 2: Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
Mandatory for foreign manufacturers under FMCS and CRS.
Step 3: Product Testing
From a BIS-recognised laboratory in India. The lab report must comply with Indian Standards (IS code).
Step 4: Prepare Submission of Documents
Legibly upload any forms, authorisations, and test reports as noted in the MSDS via the BIS online HACCP portal.
Step 5: Application Examination
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will examine the application and may ask further questions and/or arrange a factory audit if required.
Step 6: Approval of License (if approved)
BIS will issue either the ISI licence, R-number for conformity mark, or Hallmarking registration.
Step 7: Post-Approval Surveillance Procedures
Surveillance procedures include factory audits, sampling of products from the market, and recertifying products.
Maintaining regularly with just one local BIS liaison officer minimum once per year (to clarify/update renewals) will help ensure smooth public and private documentation.
BIS Act 1986 vs BIS Act 2016
| Feature | BIS Act 1986 | BIS Act 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Goods only | Goods, services, systems |
| Certification | ISI only | ISI, CRS, FMCS, SDOC |
| Hallmarking | Optional | Can be made mandatory |
| Penalty Structure | Basic | Up to ₹5 lakh + Jail |
| Consumer Protections | Limited | Recall, repair, refund |
| Governance & Flexibility | Minimal | Broader industry input |
Industry Impacts of the BIS Act 2016
- Faster product clearances for compliant goods
- Higher buyer trust, especially with government tenders and exports
- Level playing field for Indian manufacturers against cheap imports
- Global market access via conformity to ISO-aligned standards
Conclusion
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, enacted in 2016, is the building block of India’s quality infrastructure. It allows the Bureau of Indian Standards to regulate conformity, protect consumers, and support trade in India through a framework for certification schemes. BIS Registration is no formality for the regulatory authority, rather, it is a signal of trust to the manufacturer and a shield for consumers. Whether you are launching a product or entering Indian markets, awareness of BIS framework can help an organization comply with regulations and seize competitive advantages.
Need help navigating the BIS registration framework? Our experts in Diligence certifications will help with testing, documentation, and certifications. Get started today, so that you can be BIS compliant and not hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification compulsory in India?
Yes, BIS certification is compulsory for certain products and services that are notified by the Government of India. In particular, they are for the protection of public health and safety, the environment, and national interests.
What is the difference between ISI and BIS certification?
ISI means certification mark for industrial products carried out under the BIS by the respective schemes and BIS manages ISI, CRS, FMCS, and other schemes.
Are foreign manufacturers eligible for BIS certification?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply under FMCS or CRS schemes. A foreign manufacturer must nominate an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to deal with BIS on their behalf.
What are the consequences for misusing BIS standard marks?
The BIS Act, 2016 establishes penalties of up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment for using BIS marks when the use of the BIS marks were conducted without certification, or products that were falsely marked.
What is meant by SDOC in BIS registration?
SDOC is an abbreviation for, 'Self-declaration of conformity.' This registration process with BIS is more simplified than others and allows a manufacturer to declare conformity with standards without a full factory audit.
Is BIS certification necessary for e-commerce products?
Yes, if BIS certification is required for the product and the product is either produced or sold online, it is also required for e-commerce listings on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart.
Does BIS certification help in exports?
Absolutely. BIS certification provides brands with quality assurance and Indian or Foreign companies with BIS marks find that it is easy to gain trust from consumers in international markets.
Is hallmarking now compulsory under the BIS?
Yes. According to the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, hallmarking of gold jewellery is now compulsory in many districts of India.
Are startups or MSMEs eligible for BIS certification?
Yes. BIS allows additional support to MSMEs to make compliance easier. BIS provides lower fees than the standard, simplified processes, as well as technical support (if needed) to all companies, startups, and small businesses.
