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- The BIS renewal process is critical to maintain continued compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Manufacturers and importers must renew their BIS certificate before expiry to avoid product disruption.
- The BIS renewal procedure involves document audits, sample testing, and fee payments.
- Failure to renew the BIS licence may invite legal penalties and market restrictions in India.
- Learn the complete, step-wise guide to the BIS renewal process and expert tips in this article.
Introduction
When my client Raghav, an electrical goods manufacturer based in Pune, called me in a panic last year, I knew something was terribly wrong. He had a few fewer weeks than he anticipated to get his BIS certification renewed, and, unfortunately, no one had planned for his team and his organization to get it renewed. Raghav was getting ready to release a new product line worth crores of rupees, and if there was a gap in the time of his BIS license, he could have completely shut down the rollout.
Similar stories are not an anomaly — especially when it comes to India — the BIS renewal process is often forgotten until the last minute, and the result is almost always panic at some point. I am creating this in-depth explainer so that you, or your team, will never have to experience Raghav’s situation. I want to dissect the BIS renewal procedure in everyday words so that you can renew your BIS certificate without panic, fines, or interruption in the market.
What is BIS Certification ?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in assuring the safety, quality, and reliability of products for customers through its various BIS certification schemes. BIS certification not only protects consumers but is also vital for regulating imported items. While BIS certification is voluntary for many products, the government has made it mandatory for several items to ensure public safety and quality compliance.
Since 1991, BIS has operated an Operating Management System Certification Scheme, initially limited to Quality Management Systems Certification (IS/ISO/1991). Over time, it has expanded to cover various other management systems as well. Any organization engaged in manufacturing, assembly, or services—whether located in India or abroad—is eligible to apply for a BIS license with valid documents proving the name and address of the business entity.
Whether it is under ISI, FMCS, or CRS schemes, all forms of BIS certification require periodic renewal. The BIS license renewal process is critical to maintaining the authorization to use the BIS mark. BIS officials usually will impose a penalty for renewal of a license if the renewal has not been applied for a minimum of three months prior to the expiry date. If the license expires, the certificate is void, and the applicant may lose its authority to use the BIS mark.
What is the BIS renewal process?
The BIS renewal process is the process of ensuring that your Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licence continues to be valid beyond the original certificate’s time frame, typically one or two years. In more straightforward terms, it is the process of keeping your BIS certificate alive so that you can legally continue to manufacture or sell your products in the Indian marketplace.
As a consultant who advises clients regarding BIS certification, I explain this concept to clients in this manner: “Think of your BIS certificate like a passport for your product. When your passport expires, your product cannot travel into Indian stores.”
Why is BIS renewal mandatory?
In India, the BIS certificate is the recognised mark of compliance with quality, safety, and performance standards as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act. If you do not renew your BIS license before expiry, you risk:
- product bans
- market recall
- legal penalties
- reputational damage
It is quite literally illegal to sell products requiring BIS approval without a valid license. That is why the BIS renewal procedure is mandatory for businesses wanting to stay in the market.
BIS License Renewal Procedure
The initial registration number under a BIS certification scheme is typically granted for one or two years. To continue using the BIS mark, manufacturers must follow the BIS license renewal process as outlined below:
- Online Renewal Request
- Log in to the BIS portal and click on the ‘Request Renewal’ option.
- Log in to the BIS portal and click on the ‘Request Renewal’ option.
- Production Report Submission
- Fill in the production details for the previous period as required.
- Fill in the production details for the previous period as required.
- Self-Declaration
- Submit a self-declaration confirming compliance with the relevant ISI / Standard mark requirements.
- Submit a self-declaration confirming compliance with the relevant ISI / Standard mark requirements.
- Distributor Information
- Upload a PDF document listing the names and addresses of major distributors.
- Upload a PDF document listing the names and addresses of major distributors.
- Form IX Upload
- Complete and upload Form IX as part of the renewal procedure.
- Complete and upload Form IX as part of the renewal procedure.
- Fee Payment
- Pay the applicable renewal fees as specified on the BIS website.
- Pay the applicable renewal fees as specified on the BIS website.
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- If the registered user is a foreign manufacturer without a liaison office or branch in India, they must appoint an AIR using the BIS-prescribed nomination form.
- The AIR must submit an affidavit-cum-undertaking as per Format A or Format B from the BIS guidelines.
- If the registered user is a foreign manufacturer without a liaison office or branch in India, they must appoint an AIR using the BIS-prescribed nomination form.
- Affidavit for Indian Manufacturers
- Indian-registered users must submit an affidavit-cum-undertaking in Format C as per BIS guidelines.
- Indian-registered users must submit an affidavit-cum-undertaking in Format C as per BIS guidelines.
- Submission of Hard Copies
- A hard copy of the application along with all relevant documents must be submitted to BIS within 15 days of the online submission to complete the BIS license renewal process.
- A hard copy of the application along with all relevant documents must be submitted to BIS within 15 days of the online submission to complete the BIS license renewal process.
- Following these steps ensures your BIS license remains active, allowing you to continue manufacturing, selling, and distributing BIS-marked products without any legal hurdles.
Documents required for BIS renewal
Over the years, my firm has seen businesses missing tiny but critical documents, so let’s list them carefully. You generally need:
- Copy of the previous BIS license
- Renewal application form
- Payment receipt
- Quality system records (ISO certificate if available)
- Product test results (within validity period)
- Raw material test reports
- Production summary of the past year
- Packaging labels and artwork samples
Benefits of BIS License Renewal
Before exploring the BIS license renewal process, let’s look at its key benefits:
- Legal Benefits – Renewing your BIS license enables you to continue to manufacture, sell, and distribute your product without interruptions. BIS certification is required for many products, as such, renewing ensures you remain compliant and will help in obtaining government tenders with regard to quality assurance and safety.
- Credibility – A valid BIS license enhances the credibility and reliability of your product. Products with a BIS certification must comply with strict quality and safety standards allowing customers to trust, and have confidence in your product.
- Continued Quality Assurance – Renewal provides assurance that products are still tested to the required level of safety parameters defined in the relevant BIS certification schemes.
- Entry to Market – Customer needs and preferences are shifting toward certified products, and renewed BIS license is required to enter the market for further competition, allowing you to grow your business and ultimately higher profit.
Common mistakes in BIS license renewal (and how to avoid them)
If I had to count, nine out of ten BIS renewal delays happen due to human errors, like these:
- Forgetting to start 90 days before expiry
- Missing mandatory documents
- Ignoring factory process updates
- Not paying the correct fee
- Assuming no fresh testing is needed
For instance, one client in Gurgaon missed renewing their fire safety product’s license because they changed a packaging vendor without informing BIS. That triggered a rejection and fresh application. The lesson? Always keep BIS updated on even small factory changes.
Consequences of not renewing your BIS license
Non-renewal is not a small issue. BIS may:
- suspend your license
- seize your stock
- initiate prosecution
- permanently blacklist your brand
This is not theory. We had a client in Mumbai whose entire shipment of LED bulbs was held up at customs because the BIS renewal was two weeks late. Clearing that mess cost them 3 lakh in legal fees, and a month’s revenue loss..
How to Ensure Smooth BIS Certification Renewal
Over the years, I have built a playbook that never fails:
- Build a renewal tracker spreadsheet
- Nominate a single compliance officer
- Use licensed BIS consultants for tricky products
- Schedule factory self-inspections every six months
- Maintain sample testing results proactively
It is a small investment compared to the cost of a license suspension.
How an Electronics Firm Managed BIS Renewal Under a Tight Deadline
In 2023, we worked with a Bengaluru-based electronics firm manufacturing Bluetooth speakers. They had missed their 90-day window due to a leadership transition. When they came to us, they had only 25 days left. We mobilised our audit team, worked through weekends, and arranged sample testing overnight. Finally, their renewed license was approved with just 48 hours left before expiry. This case underlines the need for constant vigilance and a reliable BIS advisor.
BIS Certification Schemes
The BIS certification scheme is one of the largest product certification systems in the world. Providing a BIS license allows manufacturers to use the recognized ISI mark on their products, allowing customers to be assured of consistent quality and safety. In addition, the BIS certification system also includes the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), this allows overseas manufacturers to secure a license to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products.
BIS has three main certifications:
ISI Certification – Good for 1 year
FMCS Certification – Good for 2 years
CRS Certification – Good for 1 or 2 years (authorities decision)
In relation to the renewal of the BIS license, an application for renewal must be submitted at the very least of three months before the license expiration. Once a renewed license is granted, they must be renewed for at least 1 year to the maximum of 5 years, considering if they have paid the annual license fee and pre-payment of marking fees.
If the Licensee applies for renewal after expiration, this can be achieved after expiration but will incur an additional late fee of ₹5,000. Although it afterwards will incur further penalties, it is considered very important that the BIS license renewal could be timely and completed to prevent further penalties incurring and to effectively maintain the proper authorisation to permanently use the BIS mark.
Conclusion
Treating the BIS renewal process casually would be a mistake. The implications of not addressing your BIS expire can be significant, from suspension of your license to outright prohibitions on your product from entering the Indian market. As an Indian manufacturer or importer, you should be developing the discipline of following up on and renewing your BIS licenses. If you wish to gorrier yourself, the product’s market approval, you need to take the time to do the BIS renewal process properly in consultation with an experienced BIS advisor if you have any doubts. A BIS certificate is your passport to doing business in India.
In short, always see your BIS renewal as a proactive measure to maintain your brand’s legitimate standing and reputation in the market, not a simple or bureaucratic routine. When you renew your BIS certificate on time, it protects your right to sell your product within India and avoid, sometimes very costly, penalties while removing doubt about your standing with customers. If you have any doubts at all, sourcing the help of a qualified compliance consultant to physically handle the BIS license renewal process will help everybody ensure the process is stress-free and dependable. Stay proactive, stay compliant, and keep your business flowing.
If you want help, my team at diligence certification whatever needs you have that relate to a BIS renewal or any of the world of compliance, please contact us and we will be happy to have a coffee chat with you and provide a free pre-renewal health check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not renew my BIS licence on time?
If you miss the deadline for the BIS renewal process, you cannot legally continue to sell your product with the ISI mark, and this may result in penalties, confiscation of product and substantial damage to your reputation in the market, as part of the BIS licence renewal process;
How long does average BIS renewal take?
If everything is correct, the average BIS renewal process takes 30–60 days. If there are delays, fees are not paid or there are missing or incorrect particulars, it could take 90 days or more;
Do foreign manufacturers need to renew?
Yes, foreign manufacturers in FMCS scheme must renew their BIS licence through their Authorized Indian Representative, following the BIS renewal process, and hence must comply with Bureau of Indian Standards regulations.
Can I appeal a rejection of renewal?
Yes, if your BIS license renewal is rejected, you can appeal through BIS’s grievance mechanism, but that takes time and effort, so proactive submission is better.
Does BIS renewal involve factory inspections every time?
BIS can choose random inspections as part of the BIS license renewal process to verify that manufacturing facilities maintain ISI mark quality standards and compliance requirements.
What documents are critical for BIS renewal?
You must include production reports, self-declaration of conformity to ISI standards, distributor details, Form IX, and payment proof for the BIS renewal procedure.
How do I track my BIS renewal status?
Use the BIS online portal to track your BIS license renewal procedure status and check if any additional documents are pending.
Can BIS renewal be done completely online?
The application part is online, but a hard copy must still be submitted to BIS within 15 days, as per BIS license renewal rules.
What happens if I fail to submit the hard copy?
Your renewal application can be rejected or delayed under the BIS license renewal procedure if the physical documents are not received.
Is the BIS license renewal process the same for all products?
Broadly yes, but some technical standards may vary depending on product type; check Bureau of Indian Standards notifications regularly.
