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- Note sorting machines have become essential in Indian banking, retail, and cash logistics.
- They speed up cash handling, reduce counterfeit risk, and ensure RBI compliance.
- To avoid fake notes and RBI penalties, machines must follow RBI guidelines and meet BIS standard IS 18663:2024 for safety.
- RBI has extended the deadline to November 2025 for all banks and cash-handling businesses to use only certified note sorting machines.
Introduction
With India’s banking infrastructure in a rapid phase of modernization, opportunities for the authentic verification and counting of currency have become critically high. A big milestone in this sector is made out of the mandatory requirement for BIS certification for note sorting machines. These machines constitute the major backbone of banks, ATMs, and currency chests, and it is in the scope of regulation that they are ensured to comply with Indian standards today.
Under its Scheme-I (ISI Mark Certification), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formulated the IS 18663:2024 for note sorting machines. Moreover, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to extend the time limit for its mandatory certification until 1st November 2025, giving the stakeholders a longer period for compliance.
In this blog by Diligence Certification, a well-known BIS Consultant, we will clarify on the certification process, the relevance of the ISI mark, effect of the new RBI guidelines, and how to channel smooth compliance under the new mandate.
What Are Note Sorting Machines?
These Machines are modern gadgets used by banks and financial institutions for the sorting of currency notes on different parameters-denominations, fitness, and authenticity, among others. They lighten the workload on the staff, improve efficiency, and also integrity of currency in circulation.
These machines can identify dummy currency, sort unfit notes, and organize acceptable notes systematically. A vast majority of businesses have a cash element to their business; thus, standardization and reliability hold supreme importance. This is where BIS certification for note sorting machines comes into consideration, made mandatory.
BIS Certification – Why It Matters
BIS certificate implies that the note sorting machines complied with Indian safety and quality standards. It is a mandatory certification under Scheme-I by BIS, popularly known as the ISI mark certification scheme. This certification indicates that your note sorting machines meet the performance and durability standards as per IS 18663:2024.
These standards include:
- Denomination accuracy
- Fitness sorting
- Counterfeit note detection
- Operational safety
- Electrical performance
- Noise control and usability
In India, once your note-sorting machines are affixed with an ISI mark, they become eligible for trading and usage in the regulated financial system.
ISI Mark on Note Sorting Machines – A Symbol of Trust
The ISI mark on note sorting machines is not just a logo – it’s a symbol of reliability, safety, and national standards compliance. It assists the banks, government departments, and cash logistics providers in selecting machines they can rely upon.
Upon getting the ISI mark, it indicates that your product has been:
- Tested in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Produced in certified workshops
- Assessed for consistent performance
- Verified through regular BIS surveillance
Without the ISI mark on note sorting machines, your products can be disqualified for use by banks and financial institutions past the RBI’s November 2025 deadline. Keep in mind that seeking the services of an expert BIS consultant early on is essential.
BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machines under IS 18663:2024
The BIS has published a dedicated Indian Standard for note sorting machines—IS 18663:2024. It contains technical and functional parameters to guarantee safe, precise, and efficient performance. Manufacturers have to adhere to this standard prior to getting BIS certification for note sorting machines.
Features of the standard are:
- Note recognition speed and accuracy of sorting
- Identification of forged notes and soiled ones
- User interface specifications
- Safety in case of electrical faults
- Resistance to continuous usage
- Minimum failure rate and downtime
Complying with these benchmarks ensures your machines are fit for India’s financial ecosystem and ready for certification.
RBI’s Updated Deadline – Now Extended to 1st November 2025
On May 14, 2025, the RBI extended the deadline for compliance with BIS standards for note sorting machines. Initially set to be implemented earlier, the revised deadline is now 1st November 2025.
This extension allows manufacturers, importers, and financial institutions to upgrade or replace their current machines with BIS-certified models. RBI’s move is strategic—it aims to phase out substandard machines and standardize currency handling across India.
After 1st November 2025:
- Only those machines with legitimate BIS certification of note sorting machines will be allowed
- Machines lacking the ISI mark on note sorting machines must be decommissioned
- Procurement from banks should only be done from certified machinery
Hence, action has to be taken. With the help of an experienced BIS consultant like Diligence Certification, your transition is done smoothly and legally compliant.
The BIS Certification Process
Getting the BIS certification for note sorting machines involves a structured approach to ensure compliance with IS 18663:2024. Here’s a simplified 5-step process that manufacturers and importers should follow, especially with the RBI’s November 2025 deadline approaching.
1. Documentation Preparation
The first step is to gather all the necessary technical and legal documents. This includes product specifications, quality assurance manuals, factory layout, compliance declarations, and ownership details. A professional consultant can help prepare documentation aligned with IS 18663:2024, minimizing the risk of errors or rejection.
2. Application Submission to BIS
When documentation is prepared, the importer or manufacturer has to apply through the BIS portal under Scheme I for the ISI mark on note sorting machines. This involves uploading test requests, product information, and factory details. Handling the application in the proper manner by a BIS helps in faster processing and in terms of BIS portal format.
3. BIS Factory Audit
Once the application is received, BIS officers physically inspect the manufacturing unit (or an Indian representative authorized by the foreign manufacturers). The audit checks production ability, quality control measures, and compliance with IS 18663:2024.
4. Sample Testing at BIS-Recognized Lab
Samples of the note sorting machine are picked during the audit and shipped to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing. The lab tests various parameters such as counterfeit detection accuracy, sorting speed, operating safety, and other technical parameters. Only such machines pass this stage and are eligible for BIS approval and the ISI mark on note sorting machines.
5. Grant of BIS License
If your application, audit, and test results are up to all standards, BIS issues the license to use the ISI mark on note sorting machines. This license is required for market access in India and has a fixed validity with provisions for renewal and surveillance.
Common Challenges Faced by Manufacturers
Achieving BIS certification for note sorting machines is not always straightforward. Here are some common obstacles:
1. Lack of Awareness About IS 18663:2024
Many manufacturers are still unaware of the technical requirements of this new standard.
2. Limited BIS Testing Labs
There is a scarcity of BIS-recognized labs for specialized equipment like note sorting machines.
3. Documentation Errors
Incorrect or incomplete paperwork can delay or reject your application.
4. Importer Confusion
Foreign manufacturers must apply under the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Without the guidance of a consultant, this process can become overwhelming.
Why Diligence Certification – Your BIS Consultant
At Diligence Certification, we provide end-to-end assistance to help your company comply with BIS certification for note sorting machines. Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an international brand seeking to enter India, we make it easier for you.
Our services are:
- Product pre-assessment as per IS 18663:2024
- Document preparation and submission
- Coordination with BIS-recognized labs
- Factory audit readiness
- Liaison with BIS officers
- Assistance for AIR appointment (for foreign applicants)
- Support in acquiring the ISI mark on note sorting machines
We’re not just a compliance agency—we’re your long-term BIS consultant, committed to delivering smooth, stress-free certification services with guaranteed accuracy.
Conclusion
With the RBI deadline for compliance to 1st November 2025 and mandatory BIS certification for note sorting machines, now is the time to take action. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, procurement restrictions, and disruption to operations among financial institutions.
Machines that bear the ISI mark on note sorting machines will be the sole legally accepted devices in the Indian financial system. With the help of a proficient BIS consultant like Diligence Certification, you can save time, minimize errors, and expedite your certification process.
Therefore, do not wait until the last minute. Start your BIS compliance process today and make your machine future-proof.
Get in touch with Diligence Certification today and get your note sorting machines BIS-compliant before the deadline.
This Note Sorting Machine Is Built for Speed, Accuracy & BIS Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machine?
BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machine assures that these machines fall in with with the quality and safety requirements mentioned under IS 18663:2024. This is a requirement to be complied with by manufacturers or importers who plan to market note sorting machines in India.
Why ISI Mark is necessary for Note Sorting Machines?
An ISI Mark on Note Sorting Machine indicates that the product conforms to Indian Standard IS 18663:2024, which ensures its performance, reliability, and safety for customers.
Is it mandatory to get BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machine in India?
Yes, in accordance with the Quality Control Order (QCO) notified by the Government of India, BIS Certification of Note Sorting Machines is mandatory prior to manufacturing, sale, or import of such machines in India.
What is IS 18663:2024 in BIS Certification?
IS 18663:2024 is the Indian Standard that defines the specifications and requirements for Note Sorting Machine. Products bearing the mark of this standard are issued the ISI Mark by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Who needs to apply for BIS Registration for Note Sorting Machine?
Manufacturers (both domestic and foreign) looking to market Note Sorting Machine in India must obtain BIS Registration under IS 18663:2024.
How can Diligence Certification assist in BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machines?
Diligence Certification is a reliable BIS Consultant and providing end-to-end services, from submission of applications to factory audit and license issuance, making the BIS Registration process smooth and hassle-free.
Do foreign manufacturers have the facility to obtain BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machines?
Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). They have to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and meet all the requirements of IS 18663:2024.
What are the advantages of obtaining BIS Certification for Note Sorting Machines?
Legal access to India’s market
Increased brand confidence and consumer trust
Authorization to apply the ISI Mark for Note Sorting Machines
Adherence to Indian Quality Standards (IS 18663:2024)
What happens if I sell note sorting machines without BIS Certification in India?
Sales of non-certified machines are illegal and can lead to fines, penalties, and product seizure under the BIS Act.
