BIS FMCS Registration in India

Are you planning to sell your products in the Indian market? If yes, then you must obtain the BIS-FMCS certification to comply with the mandatory regulations. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) regulates the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) for foreign manufacturers. It ensures that the products meet the Indian Standards and provide safe, good quality, and reliable products to the public. Without the BIS-FMCS certification, foreign manufacturers cannot sell their products in the Indian Market. Let’s dive deeper into the BIS-FMCS registration process in India and its importance for foreign manufacturers.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of FMCS BIS Certification

BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) Certification is a scheme launched by the Bureau of Indian Standards that enables foreign manufacturers to use the standard mark, commonly known as the ISI Mark, to sell their products in India. This certification ensures that the public gets good quality and reliable products that are safe to use. The FMCS BIS certification is issued by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD). It requires foreign manufacturers to undergo a factory audit to determine their compliance with all the necessary requirements stated by BIS. To obtain this certification, manufacturers must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and agree to the terms and conditions of the license. The certificate is mandatory for foreign manufacturers to export and sell their products uninterrupted in the Indian market. The BIS standard mark or ISI mark is awarded once the FMCD successfully grants the BIS certificate. It consists of the license number and the Indian standard number. The certification process includes filling in the application documents, obtaining the BIS certificate, marking and labeling of the product with the assigned number, and ensuring product testing and conformity to applicable Indian Standards Specification (ISS).

B. Importance of FMCS BIS Certification in India

FMCS BIS Certification holds a significant importance in India’s manufacturing sector. A product without BIS certification is prohibited from selling in the Indian market. It ensures that the products are safe, reliable, and conform to the Indian Standards Specification (ISS) to protect public health and safety. Not only does it assure the quality of the product, but it also provides competitive advantages, legal benefits, and easy market access. FMCS BIS certification is mandatory for 346+ products, ranging from water heaters to cement, with the scope continuously expanding. It is essential for foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS certificate to export their product to India. The certification process includes filling out an application, documentation, testing, inspection, and coordination with BIS officers and laboratories. JR Compliance, a BIS FMCS consultant, can help the foreign applicants navigate the complex process and ensure product success in the Indian market.

II. Requirements for FMCS BIS Certification

A. Location of manufacturing units

Foreign manufacturers setting up manufacturing units in India must comply with product conformity compliances testing and marking to launch their products in the Indian market. The manufacturing unit should be located outside India and the product should conform to applicable Indian Standards Specification (ISS). Availability of manufacturing machinery and testing facilities is required at the factory premises. The presence of in-house laboratory and product testing equipment with quality control personnel is mandatory before the manufacturing process begins. The manufacturer should accept the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) and the annual marking fee. It is essential for foreign applicants to nominate Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The Bureau of Indian Standards grants the BIS Certificate for Import to the foreign manufacturers who successfully comply with the country’s requirements. The BIS Standard Mark or ISI Mark is rewarded to the manufacturers by the Bureau of Indian Standards after granting the BIS Certificate. The FMCS BIS Certification from the FMCD department is mandatory for uninterrupted exporting and selling of products in the Indian Market.

B. Acceptance of License terms and conditions

Acceptance of License terms and conditions is one of the key requirements for obtaining FMCS BIS Certification in India. The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards enables foreign manufacturers to use the standard mark also known as ISI Mark to sell their products in India. Under this scheme, overseas manufacturers are required to comply with all necessary requirements illustrated by BIS to ensure that they provide good quality, safe, reliable, and risk-free products to the public. As part of the BIS FMCS Certification process, foreign manufacturers are required to accept the terms and conditions of the License. This includes accepting the Scheme of Inspection and Testing and the annual marking fee. It is also mandatory to accept the License terms and conditions of each product and factory location separately and submit separate applications for each. The BIS Online application system has simplified the documentation process, and applicants must ensure that they have all the mandatory documents, including flow chart of manufacturing process, manufacturing capabilities, quality control parameters and their records, and laboratory procedures ready before initiating the project.

C. Availability of equipment for product testing and quality control

When it comes to obtaining FMCS BIS certification in India, manufacturers must have access to the necessary equipment for product testing and quality control. This is a critical component of the certification process, as it ensures that the products being manufactured meet the relevant Indian standards. Here’s what you need to know about the availability of equipment in India for product testing and quality control:
– Manufacturers must have access to testing facilities that meet relevant Indian standards. This includes facilities for testing the mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties of products, as well as facilities for testing their durability, safety, and performance.
– Quality control equipment, such as scales, gauges, and measuring devices, must be accurate and calibrated regularly to ensure that the products being manufactured are of the highest quality.
– The availability of equipment for product testing and quality control varies depending on the location of the manufacturing unit. In some cases, manufacturers may need to invest in new equipment to meet these standards.
– BIS certification requires ongoing adherence to quality control and testing requirements, so manufacturers must have a long-term strategy in place to maintain their certification status.

Ultimately, obtaining FMCS BIS certification in India is a complex process that requires careful attention to a wide range of factors, including the availability of equipment for product testing and quality control. By working with a trusted BIS consultant like Aleph India, manufacturers can ensure that they are fully prepared to meet these requirements and successfully navigate the certification process. 

D. Conformity with Indian Standards Specification

Foreign manufacturers who want to export their products to India must ensure that their products conform to the Indian Standards Specification (ISS). This conformity is mandatory for market launch and requires compliance with certain procedures to attain the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Obtaining the FMCS certification entails undergoing a factory audit to determine whether the manufacturer is adhering to all the necessary requirements set forth by the BIS. Additionally, the manufacturer must accept the terms and conditions of the license, accept the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT), and pay the annual marking fee. Once all requirements are met, the manufacturing company can obtain the license to use the Standard Mark or ISI Mark to sell their products in India. By offering this certification to foreign manufacturers, BIS enables the public to gain access to good quality, safe, reliable, and risk-free products.

E. Acceptance of Scheme of Inspection and Testing and marking fee

To obtain the BIS certification in India, manufacturers must accept the Scheme of Inspection and Testing along with paying the marking fee. The scheme includes product testing, factory inspection, and follow-up testing procedures. The costs associated with the certification process depend on the product category, manufacturing location, and the type of certification required. The marking fee covers the cost of obtaining the ISI or BIS-CRS mark and the license number. It is important to note that the validity of the BIS certificate is two years, during which additional tests may be necessary. The intervals at which the tests are required depend on the testing standards for the specific type of product. Any change to the product or manufacturing process may require retesting to maintain the validity of the certificate. By accepting the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, manufacturers ensure compliance with Indian Standards Specification, which provides customers with high-quality and reliable products.

F. Availability of manufacturing machinery and testing facilities

Foreign manufacturers wishing to export their products to India need to obtain a BIS FMCS Certification. The certification requires that the manufacturing unit is located outside of India and adheres to specific Indian Standard Specifications (ISS). One of the essential requirements for obtaining the certification is that all manufacturing machinery and testing facilities should be available at the factory premises. Manufacturers should have in-house laboratories with product testing equipment and quality control personnel to ensure the product’s conformity compliances with applicable ISS. Additionally, the manufacturer must accept the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) and the annual marking fee. The availability of manufacturing machinery and testing facilities is essential to obtain BIS FMCS Certification. Manufacturers should also ensure that they have the necessary documentation, including flow charts of the manufacturing process, manufacturing capabilities, quality control parameters, and laboratory reports. By adhering to all the requirements, foreign manufacturers can export their products to India and contribute to its growth in the manufacturing sector.

III. List of Products Requiring FMCS BIS Certification

A. Domestic water heaters for use with LPG

Dom water heaters for use with LPG need to have the BIS certification before they can be sold in India. This type of product falls under the IS 15558 : 2005 standard and requires an ISI mark to confirm that the product meets Indian standards. GONIO Consultancy Services is a leading consultant firm for getting BIS certification, which is mandatory for those planning to sell water heaters for use with LPG. They offer certifications for a fee of Rs 100,000 per unit and have a team of dedicated quality professionals who have extensive experience in the field of quality management and control. In addition, testing equipment and quality control personnel need to be available in-house laboratories to ensure conformity to Indian standards. For foreign manufacturers, the Bureau of Indian Standards offers the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme that enables overseas applicants to use the ISI mark to sell their products in India.

B. AC and its related parts

AC and its related parts are some of the products that require FMCS BIS Certification in India. This includes ACs, compressors, controllers, condensers, and evaporators. To obtain the certification, foreign manufacturers must conform to the Indian Standards Specification (ISS) and accept the Scheme of Inspection and Testing and marking fee. They must also have equipment for product testing and quality control personnel within the in-house lab. In addition, the availability of manufacturing machinery and testing facilities at the factory units is mandatory. The process of obtaining the FMCS BIS Certification for AC and its related parts can be complex, but Corpbiz offers expert assistance. Our technical team will prepare all the documents and file the application, help in the testing of the product, and issue the License. With the certification, manufacturers gain access to the Indian market, comply with legal requirements, and ensure the safety and quality of their products for Indian consumers.

C. Hermetic compressor and temperature sensing controls

C. Hermetic compressor and temperature sensing controls play a crucial role in the manufacturing of various products like air conditioners and refrigerators. The Quality Control Order 2019 has made it mandatory to obtain ISI/BIS certification for air conditioner hermetic compressors and their related parts. Obtaining BIS certification ensures that a product complies with the BIS standards, which ultimately guarantees the quality of the product. It also provides legal benefits and easy market access to the manufacturers.
If you are a foreign manufacturer, you must obtain a BIS FMCS certification to sell your products in the Indian market. The FMCS certification process involves various activities like sample collection, factory inspection, and independent testing to verify a product’s compliance with the BIS standards. 

JR Compliance can assist you with the entire process of obtaining an ISI or FMCS certificate, including filling out the application form, documentation, testing, and coordination with BIS officers or laboratories. With our comprehensive knowledge and experience, we can ensure that the certification process runs seamlessly, allowing you to sell your products in the Indian market without any hassle. 

D. Plugs and socket-outlets and alternating current direct connected static prepayment meters for active energy

Plugs and socket-outlets and alternating current direct connected static prepayment meters for active energy are essential products for the smooth functioning of the electricity sector. Recently, the Indian government has regulated these products and made ISI marking mandatory for manufacturers and importers in India. The Quality Control Order of 2021 ensures that the products meet the set quality standards. The order was issued by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The new notification came into effect on 7th June 2021. Besides, the circular issued on 27th March 2020 extended the implementation date for certain regulations to October 23rd, 2020. The last date for implementing the revised standard of IS 1293 was extended to 23rd October 2021. The products related to Plugs and socket-outlets and alternating current direct connected static prepayment meters for active energy in India include plugs and socket-outlets, AC DC connected static prepayment meters for active energy, and the Indian standard for the product is mentioned in the attachment. Manufacturers and importers should comply with the regulations and obtain the requisite certification for uninterrupted business operations.

E. Helmet for riders of two-wheeler motor vehicles

In, it is mandatory for two-wheeler riders to wear helmets while driving. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has created a safety standard for helmets, ensuring that they meet strict quality controls. All helmets must be certified by BIS before they can be sold in India. BIS certification aims to promote safety for riders of two-wheeler motor vehicles and reduce the number of fatalities resulting from road accidents. BIS license holders must comply with Indian standards for the manufacturing process, including the materials used, the workmanship, the construction, and performance requirements of helmets. The manufacturers must also ensure that helmets meet the specified size, weight, and construction requirements. The helmets must undergo a series of tests, including the impact absorption test, rigidity test, and finish test, to ensure that they meet the safety standards. Manufacturers must display the ISI mark on the helmet once it has been certified by BIS. Overall, BIS certification for helmets helps ensure that Indian roads are safer for all riders.

F. Centrifugally cast (spun) iron pipes

When it comes to the manufacturing of centrifugally cast (spun) iron pipes for water, gas, and sewage, it is essential to ensure that the product meets the specified Indian standard, IS 8329:2000. This standard specifies the material requirements, dimensions, tolerances, mechanical properties, and coatings and linings for ductile iron pipes. The certification process for obtaining the ISI mark from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) involves a comprehensive evaluation of the manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, facility, and testing capabilities. The BIS license is issued only after successful evaluation, which confirms the compliance of the product with the applicable standard and safety requirements. The pipe manufacturing units must have the production capacity to produce high-quality pipes with raw materials such as ductile iron or spheroidal graphite iron. Flanging units should procure only ISI-marked pipes from the manufacturing unit(s) holding valid BIS licenses as per IS 8329. With BIS ISI certification, the centrifugally cast (spun) iron pipes are reliable, safe, and of high-quality, which are critical for their use in the industrial, commercial, and domestic sectors.

G. Cement (any variety of cement manufactured or sold in India)

C is a vital building block in the construction industry. It is necessary to ensure that the quality of cement used is consistent and reliable. ISI Certification is required for any variety of cement manufactured or sold in India. This certification ensures that the manufacturer complies with Indian standards before launching or importing the product into the Indian market. The manufacturer must obtain a BIS license from the Bureau of Indian Standards to use the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark). The BIS grants a license based on a successful assessment of the manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, testing capabilities, and production process.

The mandatory product list for ISI Certification includes all models and brands of cement, including Ordinary Portland Cement, Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement, Low Heat Portland Cement, Masonry Cement, and Super Sulphated Cement. ISI Certification will be provided to the product manufacturers only and not to traders, dealers, or distributors of the product. Labeling and marking shall be done in accordance with the standard. The BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) shall be printed on each package to which the mark is thus applied provided that the material in each package meets the specification. Obtaining ISI Certification for cement ensures the reliability and quality of the product supplied to the consumers. 

IV. Documents required for BIS FMCS Registration in India:

1. Certificate of incorporation of the company
2. Memorandum of association and Articles of association
3. Trade license issued by the local municipal corporation or licensing authority
4. Proof of ownership or lease of the manufacturing facility
5. List of machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing process
6. Test reports from recognized laboratories for each model of product
7. Undertaking from the manufacturer to maintain the quality of products as per BIS standards and mandatory labeling requirements
8. Authorization letter if the application is submitted on behalf of the manufacturer
9. Copy of the trademark registration certificate

IV. Advantages of BIS FMCS Registration in India

1. Enhanced credibility and reputation of the manufacturer or brand
2. Assurance of quality and safety to consumers
3. Compliance with legal requirements and avoidance of penalties
4. Access to government tenders and contracts
5. Protection of intellectual property rights
6. Increased sales and business opportunities

V. Disadvantages of BIS FMCS Registration in India

1. Extensive paperwork and documentation requirements
2. High fees for application, testing, and certification
3. Time-consuming and complex registration process
4. Stringent regulatory requirements and periodic compliance inspections
5. Limited validity of certification, requiring renewal after a fixed period

VI. Process of BIS FMCS Registration in India

1. Submission of online application and necessary documents to BIS
2. Sampling of product models for testing by designated laboratories
3. Review and approval of test reports by BIS
4. Physical inspections of manufacturing facility and laboratory testing facilities by BIS officials
5. Issuance of certification upon satisfactory compliance with standards and requirements

VII. Types of BIS FMCS Registration in India

1. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Mandatory for 136 product categories, including electronic and IT goods, toys, household appliances, and food products.
2. Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS): Optional for manufacturers to opt for certification to demonstrate compliance with BIS standards for other product categories.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions about BIS FMCS Registration in India

1. What is the validity of BIS FMCS certification?

Ans: The validity of BIS FMCS certification varies depending upon the product category and ranges from 1-5 years.

2. Is BIS FMCS registration mandatory for all products?

Ans: No, BIS FMCS registration is mandatory only for certain product categories under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

3. What is the fee for BIS FMCS registration?

Ans: The fee for BIS FMCS registration varies depending upon the product category and ranges from INR 4,000 to INR 1,50,000.

4. Can I apply for BIS FMCS registration online?

Ans: Yes, the application for BIS FMCS registration can be submitted online through the BIS website.

5. What is the timeline for BIS FMCS registration?

Ans: The timeline for BIS FMCS registration varies depending upon the product category and ranges from 15-90 working days.