Starting a new business and launching your first product can be both exciting and challenging. Startups work hard to bring new ideas to life and enter the market. But before a product reaches customers, there are important rules and standards that must be followed. One of the most important certifications in India is the BIS Certification.
In this blog, we will explain what BIS Certification is, why it matters for startups, and whether your new product needs this certification before launching.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. It is a government body that sets quality standards for products in India. When a product meets these standards, it gets a BIS Certification. This ensures the product is safe, reliable, and of good quality.
There are three main types of BIS certifications:
ISI Mark Certification – For Indian manufacturers
BIS CRS Certification – For electronics and IT products
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) – For foreign manufacturers
Getting a BIS certificate helps build trust with customers and ensures that your product follows Indian laws and safety rules.
Why is BIS Certification Important for Startups?
Startups often focus on innovation and speed. But no matter how new or creative your idea is, your product must be safe and follow the rules.
Here are a few reasons why BIS Certification is important for startups:
1. Legal Requirement
For many products, BIS Certification is mandatory before you can sell them in India. If your product falls under the compulsory certification list, you cannot launch or sell it without BIS approval.
For example, products like electrical appliances, LED lights, mobile phones, toys, and pressure cookers require BIS Certification.
2. Builds Customer Trust
People prefer products that have been tested and approved. When your product has a BIS logo (like ISI Mark), it gives customers confidence that your product is safe and high-quality.
3. Opens Business Opportunities
Many large retailers, government buyers, and exporters only accept BIS-certified products. Getting certified can help your startup access bigger markets.
4. Avoids Penalties and Product Seizure
Selling products without mandatory BIS Certification can lead to legal trouble, heavy fines, and your product being banned or taken off the shelves.
Do All Startups Need BIS Certification?
The answer depends on the type of product your startup is launching.
Let’s look at some examples:
1. Toys
If your startup is launching a toy brand, yes, you need to Apply BIS Certification for Toys. As per the Government of India, BIS Certification is compulsory for all toys sold in the country, whether locally made or imported.
The toy must pass safety tests under IS 9873 and IS 15644 standards. Once approved, it gets the ISI Mark, which you must print on the toy’s packaging.
2. Electronics and IT Products
Planning to launch gadgets, smartphones, USB chargers, or LED lights?
These products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Startups must Apply for BIS CRS Certification Online before selling such items.
This ensures that electronic products meet safety standards and don’t harm users.
3. General Household Products
Pressure cookers, gas stoves, electric irons, and water heaters need ISI Mark Registration Online under the mandatory BIS list. Startups in the home appliances sector must ensure their products are BIS-certified before launch.
4. Food, Packaging, or Clothing
Some products in these sectors may not require BIS Certification. However, if your product uses materials or components from a regulated list, certification might be needed. Always check the BIS website or consult a certification expert.
How to Apply for BIS Certification?
The process to Apply BIS Registration in India depends on the type of product and certification needed. But in general, the steps are:
Step 1: Choose the Right Certification Scheme
ISI Mark Certification – For domestic manufacturers
CRS Certification – For electronics/IT products
FMCS – For foreign manufacturers
Step 2: Product Testing in a BIS-Approved Lab
You must send product samples to a BIS-recognized testing lab. The product will be tested as per Indian standards.
Step 3: Submit Application Online
You need to fill out an application form on the BIS portal. Upload test reports, product details, business documents, and other required information.
Step 4: Inspection and Review
In some cases, BIS officers may inspect your factory or verify your documents.
Step 5: Certification Issued
If all goes well, BIS will issue the certificate. You can then print the ISI mark or BIS CRS mark on your product.
Documents Required
Here are some common documents needed when you apply for BIS certification:
Business registration certificate
Manufacturing license (if applicable)
Product test report from BIS lab
Technical details of the product
Authorized representative ID proof
Factory layout (for ISI certification)
How Long Does It Take?
BIS Certification can take 30 to 90 days depending on the product and certification type. For startups, it’s smart to plan early and include BIS approval in your product launch timeline.
Cost of BIS Certification
The cost can vary depending on:
Type of product
Testing fees
Application and inspection charges
Consultancy charges (if you hire an expert)
Startups should consider this as part of their product development cost.
Can Startups Apply for BIS CRS Certification Online?
Yes, startups can apply for BIS CRS Certification Online through the official BIS portal. You can track your application and upload all documents digitally. But it’s still a good idea to get help from a BIS consultant, especially if it’s your first time.
Conclusion
So, do startups need BIS certification to launch a product?
Yes – if your product is in the list of items that require mandatory certification.
Even if it's not required, having BIS certification builds trust, shows quality, and gives your startup a strong foundation in the market.
Startups should not ignore this important step. With proper planning and expert help, getting ISI Mark Registration Online or BIS CRS Certification Online is not difficult. It’s a small investment for long-term success and brand reputation.
If your startup is planning to launch toys, gadgets, electronics, or household items, it’s time to apply BIS Certification for Toys or apply BIS Registration in India today!
