FMCS Mark Certification- Your Gateway to India

Diligence Certifications are committed to being responsive, competent, and excellent at all levels in providing Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) services. We value our clients and are dedicated to their complete satisfaction and the lasting partnership we build with them. Contact our experts for immediate assistance with FMCS BIS certification.

Years Of Experience

0 +

Expert Employees

0 +

Trusted Brands

0 +

Projects done

0 +

overview

What is FMCS?

Importance of FMCS BIS Certification

List of Products comes under FMCS BIS Certification

Requirements for FMCS BIS Certification

Documents

Process

BIS License Information

Guidelines

why choose us?

FAQ

An overview of FMCS BIS Certification

Rapidly emerging is India’s economy endowed with enormous potential to be a contender in the world’s largest economies. Due to globalization, international trade is being enhanced with manufacturing services and product sales by the border, including import-export activities.

Globalization in recent decades has attracted many foreign companies in the establishment of manufacturing industries in India. This industry has a potential opportunity to expand its market beyond domestic boundaries, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, and create growth in the national economy making it the so-called “engine of growth.”

India has now emerged as an attractive place to import and invest in manufacture.

The Indian government has also provided special incentives for manufacturing towards further increase in the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, India has also become an important place for all international manufacturers looking toward exporting their finished products.

The BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is given to foreign entities for utilizing standard marks subject to Indian standards.

What is FMCS ( Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a program run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) since 2000, authorized under Scheme-I of Schedule-II, BIS Act, 2016 and (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It allows foreign manufacturers to use the ISI Mark (standard mark) to market their products in India.

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) is the sole entity authorized to grant BIS certification to foreign manufacturers for imports. BIS aims to ensure that the public receives high-quality, safe, reliable, and risk-free products through this certification process.

A BIS FMCS certificate from the FMCD is required for manufacturing units located outside of India. The certification process involves a factory audit to verify compliance with BIS requirements. Foreign applicants are also required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Therefore, foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS certification under the FMCS to ensure the uninterrupted export and sale of their products in the Indian market.

Importance of FMCS BIS Certification in India

Thus, FMCS certification is of utmost significance for importing mandatory products to India. Without this certification, no person can market his products in India. This opens the gateway to the Indian market and legal redress. FMCS-specific BIS certifications could be a little tedious to obtain.

List of Products comes under FMCS BIS Certification

Products	Products	Products	Products
Household Electrical Goods	Chemicals, Fertilizers, Textiles, and Polymers	Toys, non-electric	Two-wheeler rider helmets
Batteries	Kitchen Appliances	Toys, electric	Centrifugally cast (spun) iron pipes
Food Products and Their Related Products	Domestic Water Heaters for LPG fuel use	Sheet glass	Flux-cored (tubular) electrodes
Oil Pressure Stoves	Air-conditioning	Safety glass	Sewing machinery
Automotive Accessories	Woven sacks	Butterfly valves	Water treatment systems
Valves, Cylinders and Regulators	Plugs and socket-outlets and alternating current direct connected static prepayment meters for active energy	Bicycle reflectors	Jute bags
Medical Equipment	Transparent float glass	Paper	Cement (any variety manufactured or sold in India)
Products in Steel and Iron	Domestic pressure cookers	Cattle feeds	flat transparent
Electrical Transformers	Cables	Components of automobile wheel rims	Capacitors
Electrical Motors	Rubber hoses for LPG	Footwear	Aluminum Foil

Requirements for FMCS BIS Certification

An applicant for the BIS license will have to choose the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) if the applicant satisfies the following requirements:

Product Conformity: The product is to be in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard Specification (ISS).
Manufacturing Facilities: The factory premises are well equipped with the required manufacturing machinery and facilities.
Testing Arrangements: There are adequate testing arrangements and equipment to test the product as per the applicable ISS within the factory premises.
Competent Testing Personnel: Competent personnel shall be employed by the factory for testing of products under the relevant ISS.
Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT): The acceptance of the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT) and the willingness to make payment of the respective Marking Fee is required.
Terms & Conditions: Acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of the license is mandatory.

Note: Applications shall be made separately for each product/Indian Standard and for each location of the factory/manufacturing premises.

Document Required for FMCS BIS Certification

Business License & ISO certificate. if other specific Languages English translation should be mandatory.
Nomination. (Provided by us)
Process flow chart ( showing the complete manufacturing process)
Quality assurance system being followed in the factory copy of quality manual, quality plan, Test Formats, Etc.
Details of other certificates if any for the product and /or systems in the factory.
Raw Material List
List of Manufacturing Machinery
List of test equipment.
Note- If the testing facilities are not available in-house, provide justification & details of alternate arrangements made with copies of agreements.
Drawing of the Product or components ( where applicable)
Quality Person Details (appointment letter, qualification certificate, and experience details of lab in-charge
Plant layout ( clearly showing the location of major manufacturing machinery, Laboratory
Route map from the nearest airport/ railway station for guidance as to how to reach from India)
Undertaking ( Provided by us )
Manufacturer & AIR agreement ( Provided by us )

Process of Applying for FMCS Mark Certification

BIS License Application Process:

Application Submission:

Collect the necessary documents firstly.
Then proceed to submit the application and its support documents online on BIS portal and physically to the FMCD department.

Application Verification: The BIS authorities sort through the application.

Query Resolution (if necessary): If there are missing or incomplete documents, a piece of equipment, or requirements, the same will be communicated to the applicant by e-mail.

Acknowledgement: Accepted applications will be acknowledged and assigned an acknowledgment number for future reference if complete in all respects.

Factory Audit/Inspection:

The BIS officer will fix a date for the factory visit with the applicant.
The applicant pays the inspection/audit fee.
The BIS officer assesses the manufacturing process, testing facilities, and in-house product testing during the visit.
The officer seals one sample of the product for testing in an independent laboratory.

Sample Testing:

Sample collected is sent to a laboratory approved by BIS.
Test report received by BIS (FMCS).
The applicant will bear the sample test fee.

License Granting:

The license is issued against a successful inspection report and test report in compliance with Indian Standards.
The applicant has to pay the licensing fee, advance for the minimum marking fee, and any other dues.
A letter will be issued granting the license after the payment.

BIS License Information

Typical Duration for Processing of Licenses: The usual time for BIS license processing requires about 6 months from the date of receipt and registration of the completed application. This time may vary on other factors like how quickly the applicant responds to queries, the scheduling of inspections and testing of samples, and the timely payment of fees. Delay in one of these aspects would further extend the processing time.
Surveillance Inspections: BIS carries out general surveillance inspections, which also include collection of market samples to monitor the performance of foreign BIS licensees on a continuous basis.
Complaint handling: Any complaint registered with the licensee relating to its product will be investigated as per IS/ISO 10002. This includes an immediate resolution of the complaint by replacement or repair of the product at no cost. The licensee is solely liable for damages or losses due to the product while BIS does not assume any responsibility.
License Renewal: BIS licenses for the manufacture will be valid for a year. They may be renewed every year by submitting a renewal application along with necessary fees approved by a chartered accountant.

Guidelines to Appoint an Authorized Indo Representative for a Foreign Manufacturer (AIR)

Apart from obtaining a branch office in India, any manufacturer outside the country wishing to get BIS certification should have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for purposes of compliance with obligations under the BIS Act, 1986 and regulations made there-under.

In fact, appointing the AIR becomes necessary for getting BIS licenses and ISI Mark certifications in cases where the foreign manufacturer does not have a branch office in India. The AIR acts like a local representative who submits and manages the certification application and addresses any inquiry.

The foreign manufacturers appointing an AIR should follow the guidelines given below:

Residency: AIR should be resident in India.
Compliance Responsibility: AIR shall agree to take responsibility regarding compliance with the Indian BIS Act and with Rules, Regulations, and Terms & Conditions mentioned in whichever BIS licence, agreement, undertaking or other document executed on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
Exclusivity: AIR can be engaged by one foreign manufacturer at a time. He cannot act as AIR for other foreign applicants at the same time.
Conflict of Interest: AIRs shall avoid any sample testing related conflicts of interest with third-party laboratories.
Minimum Qualification: Minimum bachelor degree holder, and knows BIS acts, 2016 and rules and regulations.
Inclusion in License: Name of the AIR will be covered in the license documents.

Diligence Certifications the premier FMCS agency in India having over 25+ years of experience, and now there is expert consulting services which will benefit foreign manufacturers by streamlining the FMCS certification. We also work with businesses to meet Indian regulatory requirements that ease entry into the Indian market. Consult with Diligence Certifications for expert FMCS registration assistance.

Why Choose Diligence Certifications for FMCS BIS Certification

Diligence Certifications and their legal dedicated team will help you to obtain FMCS BIS Certification. With our years of experience, in depth knowledge of Hallmarking Standards, and commitment to excellence.

We Ensure Your Product is FMCS Compliant.

All Support: Just Relax- Everything Is Done from Beginning to End. Our Good Efforts Certificates will help you to gather information and documents for the certification process.
Customized Service: Solutions designed specifically for you.
Industry Connections: Experience immediate transformation of approvals into reality considering the negligible amount of delay.
Guaranteed Quality: Enhanced customer trust through certified genuineness.
Low-cost: Transparency and openness about pricing-with no hidden cost.

Let’s Get Started With Your FMCS Certification Process! Call us today.

Fast-Track Your Compliance with Diligence! Chat with us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FMCS BIS Certification?

FMCS(Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is a BIS scheme whereby foreign manufacturers can get the BIS certification for their products which are intended to be marketed in India. The scheme targets the facilitation of meeting the quality standards of products imported into India from other countries by India's domestic products.

What does having a BIS Certification do in marketing products in India?

BIS Certification is either Compulsory or Voluntary under certain products under Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for instance, to prove safety and quality and to prove it is in alignment with Indian Standards. It can bring to penalties, materials seizure, and sometimes potential legal actions selling any product without sufficient BIS certification. Thus, it ensures trust among Indian people.

Who will be eligible for FMCS BIS certification?

Any foreign manufacturer who wishes to export its items to India and whose items fall under the mandatory BIS certification scheme could apply for FMCS.

How to apply for FMCS BIS Certification? What is the procedure?

The steps typically involved in the FMCS BIS certification procedure are:

Identify Applicable Standards: Identify the appropriate Indian Standard (IS) for the product(s).
Application Preparation: Prepare necessary documents, including technical specifications, test reports, manufacturing process details, and quality control procedures.
Application Submission: Submit your application to BIS together with the needed fee.
Factory Inspection: Factory inspection can be undertaken by BIS for manufacturing and quality control systems in the factory.
Sample Testing: Submission of product sample for testing at BIS recognized laboratory in India.
Grant of License: If the application, factory inspection, and test reports are satisfactory, BIS will grant the FMCS license.

Continuous Surveillance: Regular Occasional surveillance and sampling testing activities are undertaken by BIS.

What are the documents required for FMCS BIS Certification?

Actual documentation required will vary according to the product but would often contain:

Application Form
Factory registration documents
Manufacturing process details
Quality control plan
Technical specifications of the product
Test reports from a BIS recognized lab (may be required either before application or afterwards)
Nomination of Indian Representative (Authorized Indian Representative)

What are the time required for an FMCS BIS Certification?

The time required for FMCS BIS Certification usually varies tremendously, generally falling under 3-6 months or even beyond that duration, depending on the complexity of the product, completeness of application, availability of testing facilities provided, and waiting for factory inspection.

What is the job of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) concerning FMCS?

The Authorized Representative must reside in India for Appointment by the foreign manufacturer as an AIR. AIR acts as a persona between the manufacturer and BIS. Responsibilities of the AIR will include:

Submitting the application to BIS.

Responding to queries from BIS.
Facilitating factory inspections.
Ensuring compliance with BIS regulations.
Responsible for the product placed in the market.

What does it cost to get an FMCS BIS certification?

The price for FMCS certification could vary largely due to several factors such as:

Product
Testing fees
Factory-inspection costs
Application Fees
Consultancy fees if you hire a consultant
Traveling expenses of BIS officers, if any

So, it's better to get a detailed estimate from BIS or BIS consultants.

How do I renew my FMCS BIS Certification?

You need to submit a renewal application to BIS before the expiry of your present license for the FMCS BIS renewal. The renewal process typically requires submission of updated documents, renewal fees, and surveillance testing or inspection.

What is surveillance testing/inspection under FMCS?

This license is granted by BIS for surveillance of the products from time to time and testing. This could consist of random sampling of products in the market or factory for testing and inspection of the manufacturing facility.

Can I use the BIS standard mark on my product once I get certified?

Yes, after getting BIS Certification, one is allowed to apply the Standard Mark (ISI mark) affixed to the product according to BIS guidelines. The Standard Mark indicates the product conforms to the requisite Indian Standard.

What if I have multiple products requiring BIS certification? Do I need separate applications for all of them?

Each product or product family, which is covered under a different Indian Standard, requires separate applications; however, under certain special circumstances, pared-down products can be allowed by BIS group.