If you want to sell or import products into India, understanding BIS Certification is extremely important. For many product categories, BIS approval is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Importers, manufacturers, and sellers must ensure that their products meet Indian quality and safety standards before entering the market.
For imported goods, the BIS Import Certificate plays a crucial role during customs clearance. Without it, shipments may face delays, penalties, or even rejection. This guide explains BIS Certification and the BIS Import Certificate in a clear, simple, and SEO-friendly way.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a product quality certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national standards authority of India. BIS works under the Government of India and ensures that products sold in the country meet required safety, quality, and performance standards.
In simple terms:
BIS Certification proves that a product meets Indian standards
It ensures consumer safety and product reliability
It is mandatory for many products sold or imported into India
Certified products are allowed to carry the ISI Mark or BIS Standard Mark, which is a trusted symbol of quality among Indian consumers and authorities.
What is a BIS Import Certificate?
A BIS Import Certificate is the official approval that allows an importer to bring BIS-regulated products into India. If a product falls under mandatory BIS standards, Indian customs will ask for this certificate before clearing the shipment.
In short:
The BIS Import Certificate is required at customs
It confirms that imported products comply with Indian standards
Without it, goods may be stopped, returned, or penalized
This certificate ensures that imported products are as safe and reliable as domestically manufactured products.
Why BIS Certification and BIS Import Certificate Are Important
1. Legal Compliance
The Indian government has made BIS Certification compulsory for many products through Quality Control Orders. Importing or selling such products without certification is illegal.
2. Consumer Safety
BIS Certification ensures that products meet safety, quality, and performance requirements, protecting consumers from defective or unsafe goods.
3. Smooth Customs Clearance
The BIS Import Certificate is one of the most important documents checked by customs authorities. Having it avoids shipment delays and legal issues.
4. Market Trust
Products with BIS marks are trusted by Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors, which helps increase sales and brand credibility.
5. Competitive Advantage
Certified products have a clear advantage over uncertified goods, especially in regulated industries and government procurement.
Who Needs BIS Certification and BIS Import Certificate?
You need BIS Certification and a BIS Import Certificate if:
You are importing products into India that fall under mandatory BIS standards
You are selling, distributing, or storing BIS-regulated products in India
Your products are meant for consumer, industrial, or commercial use
Even if certification is not mandatory for a product, many companies choose voluntary BIS Certification to build trust and improve market acceptance.
Types of BIS Certification for Imports
Depending on the product category, BIS offers different certification schemes:
1. ISI Certification
This scheme allows products to carry the ISI mark and applies to many industrial, mechanical, and consumer goods.
2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
This scheme mainly applies to electronic and IT products. Registration is mandatory before importing or selling such products in India.
3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
This scheme is designed for manufacturers located outside India, allowing them to obtain BIS Certification for products imported into the Indian market.
Each scheme has its own requirements, but all aim to ensure product quality and safety.
How to Get BIS Certification and BIS Import Certificate
The general process includes the following steps:
Step 1: Identify Applicable Standards
Check whether your product falls under mandatory BIS standards and determine the applicable certification scheme.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Prepare product details, technical specifications, manufacturing information, and quality control documents.
Step 3: Product Testing
Product samples must be tested in approved laboratories to confirm compliance with Indian standards.
Step 4: Application Submission
Submit the application to BIS along with test reports, documents, and applicable fees.
Step 5: Inspection or Review
BIS may conduct factory inspections or request additional information depending on the scheme.
Step 6: Grant of Certificate
Once all requirements are fulfilled, BIS issues the certificate, allowing legal import and sale of the product.
Step 7: Customs Clearance
Present the BIS Import Certificate at customs to clear your shipment into India.
Validity and Renewal
BIS Certification is valid for a specific period, usually between one to five years, depending on the product and scheme. Renewal must be done before expiry to continue importing or selling products legally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for all imports?
No, BIS Certification is mandatory only for products covered under Indian Quality Control Orders.
Q2. Can goods be cleared without a BIS Import Certificate?
No. If the product requires BIS Certification, customs will not clear it without a valid BIS Import Certificate.
Q3. Who issues the BIS Certificate?
BIS Certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India.
Q4. What does a BIS Import Certificate confirm?
It confirms that imported products meet Indian quality and safety standards.
Q5. Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS Certification?
Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under specific BIS schemes designed for overseas companies.
Q6. What happens if products are imported without BIS Certification?
Such products may be detained, penalized, returned, or banned from sale in India.
Conclusion
BIS Certification and the BIS Import Certificate are essential for legally importing and selling regulated products in India. They ensure product quality, protect consumers, and help businesses avoid legal and customs issues. By obtaining the correct certification, importers and manufacturers can smoothly enter the Indian market and build long-term trust with customers.
