Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Certification in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) allows international businesses to get their products certified for the Indian market. This is done through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), depending on the type of product.

In this blog, we at Corpbiz explain in simple terms how foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Certification, the types of products covered, the process of BIS registration online, and why it is important for compliance and market access.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is the national standards body of India. It ensures that products sold in the Indian market meet quality, safety, and performance standards. Products covered under mandatory BIS schemes must be certified before being sold in India.

There are two primary types of BIS certification:

• ISI Mark Certification (for domestic and foreign manufacturers)
  
  

• BIS CRS Registration Online (for electronics and IT goods)
  
  

Foreign manufacturers can obtain certification under both schemes, depending on their product type.

Why Do Foreign Manufacturers Need BIS Certification?

If a product is listed under the compulsory BIS certification scheme, it cannot be imported or sold in India without the required BIS certificate. Here’s why BIS certification is necessary:

• Ensures product quality and safety
  
  

• Helps in gaining consumer trust
  
  

• Mandatory for import clearance in India
  
  

• Helps avoid legal penalties or seizure of goods
  
  

• Required for BIS registration for toys in India, electronics, steel, household items, and more
  
  

Can Foreign Manufacturers Apply for BIS Certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply, but they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). This representative acts as a liaison between the foreign manufacturer and the BIS office in India.

The AIR must be an Indian citizen or company and will be responsible for ensuring compliance, documentation, and communication with BIS.

Types of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

1. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

This is applicable for ISI Mark registration online. It covers products like:

• Cement
  
  

• Steel
  
  

• Pressure cookers
  
  

• Electrical appliances
  
  

• Industrial valves
  
  

Key Features:

• Physical inspection by BIS officials at the manufacturing plant
  
  

• Grant of ISI mark after successful inspection and testing
  
  

• Marking of products with ISI symbol is mandatory
  
  

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

This is applicable for electronics, IT, and solar products like:

• LED lights
  
  

• Laptops
  
  

• Mobile phones
  
  

• Power adapters
  
  

• LCD/LED TVs
  
  

• BIS registration for toys in India (for electronic toys)
  
  

Key Features:

• No on-site inspection
  
  

• Products must be tested at BIS-recognized labs
  
  

• After successful test reports, BIS CRS registration online is granted
  
  

• Products must carry the BIS CRS logo
  
  

BIS Registration Online Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS certification:

Step 1: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

• This is mandatory for foreign applicants
  
  

• AIR is responsible for coordinating with BIS
  
  

Step 2: Choose the Right Scheme

• FMCS for ISI mark
  
  

• CRS for electronics and IT goods
  
  

Step 3: Apply for BIS Registration Online

• Submit the application on the BIS portal
  
  

• Upload product specifications, manufacturing details, and test reports
  
  

Step 4: Product Testing

• For ISI: Testing and on-site audit of factory by BIS officials
  
  

• For CRS: Submit product samples to BIS-recognized labs in India
  
  

Step 5: Grant of License

• If the product passes all testing and inspection, BIS issues a Certificate of Conformity
  
  

Step 6: Use of BIS Mark

• All certified products must carry the ISI mark or CRS logo
  
  

Important Documents Required

• Details of manufacturer and factory
  
  

• Product specifications
  
  

• Lab test reports from BIS-recognized labs
  
  

• Nomination letter of the Authorized Indian Representative
  
  

• Undertaking and compliance documents
  
  

BIS Registration for Toys in India

If you're a foreign manufacturer of toys, both mechanical and electronic, BIS certification for toys is mandatory.

• BIS mandates that toys must meet IS 9873 (for non-electronic toys) and IS 15644 (for electronic toys)
  
  

• Testing must be done in India
  
  

• All toys must carry the ISI Mark
  
  

ISI Mark Registration Online for Foreign Manufacturers

The ISI mark is one of the most trusted symbols of quality in India. Foreign manufacturers dealing in steel, cement, household items, etc., must apply for ISI mark registration online through the FMCS route.

It requires:

• On-site audit by BIS
  
  

• Indian test lab reports (if applicable)
  
  

• Appointment of an AIR
  
  

FAQs

Q1. Can foreign companies apply for BIS registration online?
Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply through the online BIS portal, provided they appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Q2. Is on-site inspection mandatory for all products?
Not for all. It is required under FMCS (ISI mark). CRS does not require on-site factory inspection.

Q3. How long does BIS certification take?
FMCS: 6-8 weeks (includes inspection)
CRS: 3-4 weeks (test reports + application)

Q4. Is BIS certification mandatory for all products?
No. Only for those notified by the Government of India under mandatory certification.

Q5. What happens if I import goods without BIS certification?
Goods can be seized at customs, penalties imposed, and you may face legal action.

Final Thoughts

Foreign manufacturers planning to enter the Indian market must comply with Indian standards. BIS Certification is mandatory for many products, and failing to obtain it can lead to customs issues and bans on product sales.

At Corpbiz, we help international businesses and manufacturers with BIS registration online, ISI mark registration, and BIS CRS registration online with end-to-end support. Whether it’s toys, electronics, or industrial goods, our experts handle the entire process—from documentation to certification.

Author Bio: Atul Shukla

Atul Shukla is a compliance expert at Corpbiz with vast experience in Indian regulatory processes, including BIS certification, CDSCO, and company formation. He specializes in guiding foreign businesses to seamlessly enter and operate in the Indian market with full legal support.