BIS Certification
CDSCO
CPCB
LMPC
WPC Approval
Global Approvals
TEC
ARAI
BEE
ISO Certification
Drone Registration
NOC For Steel
Business Registration
Legal Services
Trademark Registration
Copyright Registration
Patent Registration
- BIS registration for importers is required for certain product categories to enter the Indian market.
- Importers are required to get BIS registration or got a BIS certificate; they may face customs clearance problems, penalties, or rejection of the product.
- For BIS certification, the importer needs to apply with the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) and after that, once the application is submitted, the product needs to pass all essential tests, and the product will be registered.
- With the relevant expert consultancy like Diligence Certifications, becoming BIS compliant is much faster and smoother, it will be hassle-free for Importers.
Introduction
“Why did my goods get stuck at customs, even though I have all documents?”
That’s exactly what happened to a client from Pune, who had imported LED TVs from China worth over ₹30 lakhs. Despite having IEC, shipping bills, and a clean transaction trail, the consignment was flagged. Reason? No BIS certification. The TVs were under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), making BIS registration for importers a non-negotiable requirement. That small oversight cost him over ₹4 lakhs in demurrage and weeks of delay.
If you’re an importer dealing with electronics, household appliances, or even footwear — this is your wake-up call.
Let’s break down exactly what BIS registration for importers involves, who needs a BIS certificate, how to get it, and how to stay compliant — without delays or disasters.
What is BIS Registration for Importers ?
Every country has different rules for the manufacture and sale of products. Additionally, India’s locally produced and imported products must conform to Indian standards established by the BIS.
The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for imports is a critical quality and safety compliance system established by the Indian Government that ensures products imported in India from other countries comply with the Indian regulatory and standard rules. Products such as electronics and electrical goods, chemical, machinery, steel, and others will need BIS certification in order to be sold in India.
The BIS certification process consists of extensive testing and verification process to ensure product compliance with the appropriate standards at BIS approved laboratories.
For importers it is vital to insure their products comply with the BIS certification procedures for their products to be classified as safe, reliable and have acceptable quality in the Indian market to foster consumer confidence and register compliant entry into the Indian market.
A BIS Certificate for Import in India is required for the verification of goods’ quality and for being allowed to display the BIS standard mark on the goods. Importers risk being denied customs clearance with respect to product being denied entry to the Indian market which would delay the import and increase monetary loss.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS means Bureau of Indian Standards. It is India’s national standards-setting authority operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. A mandate of the Bureau of Indian Standards is to work through standardization, quality assurance, and certification of goods for sale in India.
The Bureau of Indian Standards operates a number of certification schemes and awards BIS licenses to Indian and foreign manufacturers. BIS licenses give the manufacturers the authority to use the BIS standard mark, representing a mark of assurance and a symbol of quality.
It is through its certification schemes that BIS ensures high quality, trustworthy, safe, and risk-free products for the public. The BIS certification schemes are:
• ISI Mark Scheme (Product Certification Scheme for Indian manufacturers)
• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronics & IT products
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for overseas manufacturers
BIS has a critical role to play in protecting Indian consumers from products of low-quality and low safety from imported goods through certification requirements for these above schemes.
BIS Certificate for Import – Essential Compliance
Bis Certificate for Import means approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards to import goods regulated under Indian standards. It applies to electrical items, IT products, steel, toys and more.
- ISI mark applies to metal, cement, rubber goods
- CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) applies to electronics—smartphones, LEDs, chargers
- FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) covers manufacturers outside India
This mandatory clearance aims to protect Indian consumers and align foreign-made products with national safety rules.
What is the Importance of BIS Certificate for Importers?
Any product being imported into India must have a BIS certificate for the following reasons:
- To ensure that the product is safe, reliable, and of good quality
- Ensure that the product complies with applicable Indian standards
- To gain a competitive edge over uncertified competitors
- To assure consumers of safety and product quality
- To legally sell the product in the Indian market
- To provide evidence that the product has been tested and certified by BIS
- To ensure permission to use the BIS standard mark
- To avoid customs rejections, legal trouble, or financial losses
BIS certification is mandatory for importers when the product falls under BIS’s notified list.
Now, let’s explore the step-by-step procedure to obtain BIS certification for importers.
How to Apply for BIS Registration as an Importer
Step 1: Identify the Relevant BIS Certification Scheme
First, identify if the product is under:
There are different BIS schemes and application do vary; it is important to start with the right classification.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
- ISI Mark Certification
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
Step 2: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
For foreign manufacturers, it is required to appoint a representative in India known as an AIR. The AIR will coordinate all BIS compliance activities for the overseas entity.
Step 3: Product Testing in a BIS Approved Laboratory
Importers must ship their product to a BIS approved laboratory for testing to the related Indian Standard (IS code). Test reports is an important part of the approval process.
Step 4: Preparation of Application Submission
BIS application must include:
- Factory and importers details
- A valid test reports for the product
- AIR declaration of product compliance
- Licenses Manufacturing
- Factory location and layout
- Applications must be submitted through the Government of India’s BIS Online Portal.
Step 5: Fee Payment and Review
BIS registration will require fees for various components, including application processing, laboratory testing and license issuance.
Step 6: Issue of BIS Certificate
Once verification has successfully taken place, BIS will issue the certificate assigned with a unique R-number (for CRS) or ISI mark license number.
BIS registration for importers is typically valid for two years, and will, therefore, need to be renewed prior to the expiration.
Cost Involved
The cost of BIS certification for importers is subject to wide variations based on several factors:
- Product category with an Indian Standard (IS) to be compliant
- What type of BIS scheme is it (CRS, ISI or FMCS)
- Where multiple models or factories are involved
- The complexity and range of product testing involved
BIS fee structures are variable and are also subject to change, so importers should always consult with an experienced BIS consultant.
Diligence Certifications is a reputable BIS consultancy that always provides you a legitimate, upfront and personalized quote. Diligence Certifications will be open and transparent about their services, products and quotations, making sure you are comfortable with their information and understand the complete fee structure with no hidden charges throughout the registration process.
Documents Required for BIS Registration
Importers must ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. The following are commonly required documents for BIS certificate application:
- Product Test Report from BIS recognized lab
- Business License of importer
- AIR Authorization Letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Factory License and Layout Plan
- Product Manual and Description
- Copy of Indian Standard (IS) applicable
- Brand Affidavit (if imported under a private label)
- Undertaking regarding marking and labeling
Any mismatch or incorrect documentation can lead to rejection or delay in BIS registration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in BIS Certification
Avoid these critical errors to ensure your BIS registration process is smooth:
- Using Non-Recognized Labs: BIS accepts reports only from certified labs.
- Incorrect AIR Nomination: Must be an Indian entity with proper authorization.
- Ignoring Renewal Deadlines: BIS certificates are valid for two years and must be renewed.
- Incomplete Product Information: Lack of clarity in product technicals leads to rejection.
- Assuming One Certificate Covers All Models: Each product model may require separate certification.
Consulting with Diligence Certifications helps you avoid these errors and get timely approvals.
Conclusion
Whether you’re importing electronics, steel, chemicals, or pressure cookers, BIS Registration for Importers is not just a compliance formality—it’s a statutory requirement that ensures product safety, confidence, and legal legitimacy for your entry into the Indian market.
Not having a valid BIS Certificate for Import could lead to major inconveniences, including customs seizure of your shipment, penalties, and long-lasting reputation damage. Meanwhile, products that are BIS compliant will benefit from more straightforward logistics, legal clarity, and more ready acceptance by retailers and distributors across India.
A BIS Certificate for Import is documented evidence that your product meets the mandatory Indian standards—tested, and approved by a BIS accredited lab. It is your official ticket to entry into India’s heavily regulated and rapidly expanding consumer market.
At this point, it is appropriate to introduce Diligence Certifications as a trustworthy name in BIS compliance consultancy. Diligence, a dependable BIS consultant in India, has been responsible for thousands of wellness cases across hundreds of importers—helping with documentation and applying, and coordinating testing with labs and verifying labels, so you knew your project was compliant—with zero delays and hassle.
If you want assistance with securing your BIS Certificate for Import, please get in touch with Diligence Certifications today. Their team offers end-to-end support, expedited options, and professional guidance in a way that will make BIS compliance simple, easy, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS registration for importers?
BIS registration is a mandatory process for importers when their goods fall under certain categories of goods regulated by BIS, including CRS, ISI, and FMCS, in accordance with the BIS Act, 1986.
Do I need BIS certification for imported products?
Yes, in accordance with various regimes, BIS certification is legally required for regulated imported goods to verify product safety and compliance with Indian standards.
How does an importer apply for BIS certification in India?
Importers will need to identify the appropriate BIS scheme, arrange the testing in a laboratory, and then complete the paperwork, and pay the fees using the online BIS portal for approval.
Do foreign manufacturers apply for BIS registration directly?
Yes, generally they can apply directly under the FMCS scheme by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for the purposes of coordinating with BIS.
What documents need to be supplied for BIS registration?
Required documents will typically include: test reports, factory license, AIR authorization, product manual, labeling information, and declaration of compliance.
What is the duration of BIS certification in India?
BIS certification has validity periods for a maximum of two years depending on the scheme and must be renewed prior to expiration to ensure compliance.
What happens if I import without BIS certification?
The customs authority may stop the non-compliance at the border and the consequences can include penalties, detainment, legal action, or possible blacklisting.
What is the timeline for BIS registration?
BIS registration typically takes 4-6 weeks for CRS, and longer for ISI or FMCS due to additional inspections and documentation.
Will all products need to go through testing for BIS certification?
Yes, products will be tested in a BIS recognized lab and will need to meet the relevant Indian Standards for the grant of certification.
Who can I connect with regarding BIS certification for importers in India?
Connect with Diligence Certifications, who is the largest BIS consultant in India and can support you from documentation preparation to coordinating lab testing and end-to-end registration.
