BIS ISI Mark for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

The BIS ISI Mark under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a mandatory product certification that enables foreign manufacturers to legally sell their goods in India. Administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), FMCS ensures that imported products meet the same rigorous Indian Standards (IS) as domestically manufactured goods.

The scheme requires foreign manufacturers to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), undergo factory audits by BIS officials at the overseas manufacturing facility, and submit products for testing at BIS-recognized labs in India. Upon successful completion, a CM/L license number is issued, which must be displayed on the product alongside the ISI Mark.

Key aspects of the FMCS certification include:

1. Mandatory Compliance: Products listed under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) cannot be sold in India without this certification.

2. Factory Audit: BIS officials physically visit the overseas manufacturing unit.

3. AIR Requirement: A legally authorized Indian representative must be appointed.

4. Annual Renewal: The license requires ongoing compliance and annual marking fees.

Getting the BIS ISI Mark Certification as a foreign manufacturer can be hard, but Instacertify makes it easy with its variety of services. Instacertify is a leading company that helps with consulting, testing, and equipment needed for certification as per applicable standards. We offer end-to-end support for foreign manufacturers, covering everything from start to finish. We help with comprehensive guidance on documents and rules. We also help with coordinating product testing in BIS-approved labs in India. Instacertify works with over 200+ labs for quick and accurate testing. Our team of certification experts helps simplify the application process, making it easier to enter the Indian market.

Foreign Manufacturers who want to sell their products in Indian markets need to get their products BIS Certified under the BIS (ISI Mark) Certification Scheme.​ Brand Owners​ who are AIR or distributors of International Manufacturing Companies need to make sure that the products are BIS Certified before trading or selling directly in India.​ Importers & Traders Products need to be BIS Certified if a trader or importer wants to sell or trade in India.​ (Original Equipment Manufacturers)​

Under the BIS Act, 2016, products covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs) cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI Mark certification. For foreign manufacturers, this means obtaining a license under the FMCS scheme is a legal prerequisite for market access.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Customs Seizure: Goods without a valid BIS mark will be stopped and seized at Indian ports of entry.

• Financial Penalties: Heavy fines are imposed for selling non-certified products in the Indian market.

• Criminal Prosecution: Repeat offenders may face criminal charges under the BIS Act.

• Market Exclusion: Products are effectively barred from the Indian market without certification.

1. Application Form (Form V)

2. Manufacturing Unit Documents, like Location Map, Plant Layout, Factory Registration Certificate

3. Product Details, such as Technical Specifications, Product Manual/Process Flowchart

4. Test Reports, In-House and Outsourced Product Test Reports

5. Quality Management System (QMS) Documents like Quality Control Manual and List of Testing Equipment

6. Authorized Signatory Documents like Authorization Letter of AIR and ID Proofs..etc.

7. Trademark Registration Certificate

8. Manufacturing Facility Details (for Foreign Manufacturers) like Agreement Between Foreign Manufacturer and Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), AIR’s Address Proof

9. Raw Material and Component Details like Details of Raw Materials, test reports.

10. Undertaking or Affidavit such as Self-Declaration/Affidavit and necessary undertakings.

11. Safety Certification (if applicable) like Safety Certificates or Approvals from relevant regulatory bodies if the product involves special safety considerations (e.g., electrical appliances or toys

12. Fee Payment Proof such as Fee Payment Receipt for the application fees, inspection charges, and testing charges paid to the BIS

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Requirement Analysis​

Our team of experts gives an initial consultation to understand your product. They assess the regulatory requirements for your products and guide you on how to get BIS ISI Mark Certification. For foreign manufacturers, Instacertify helps find an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). This person acts as a link between the manufacturer and BIS.​

Step 2: Documentation Assistance and Application Preparation​

We help you prepare all needed documents, like application forms, manufacturing unit details, technical specifications, and quality control manuals. We make sure all documents meet BIS standards to avoid delays. We also help foreign manufacturers send product samples to India for testing. We ensure all logistics and documentation are ready. Instacertify reviews the test reports for compliance with Indian standards before submitting them to BIS, ensuring all requirements are met.

Step 3: Product Testing Coordination​

We help you set up product testing with top BIS-recognized labs. This ensures testing is done right and on schedule.​

Step 4: Factory Inspection Preparation & Coordination​

Instacertify organizes the factory inspection by BIS officials. This is key for certification. Our experts do a pre-inspection audit to check if your factory meets BIS standards.​

Step 5: Post-Inspection Documentation and Follow-Up​

Step 6: Grant of BIS ISI Certification License​

After your product meets all BIS standards and the inspection goes well, Instacertify helps get the BIS ISI Mark Certification. We guide on marking and labeling to make sure the ISI mark and CM/L number are shown correctly on your products.​

Step 7: Post-Certification Support​

After your product meets all BIS standards and the inspection goes well, Instacertify helps get the BIS ISI Mark Certification. We guide on marking and labeling to make sure the ISI mark and CM/L number are shown correctly on your products.​

The BIS ISI Mark Certification ensures products meet Indian quality and safety standards. For foreign makers, some products need BIS ISI Mark certification. Here’s a list of common product types that usually need this certification:

1. Electrical Appliances:

like refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and air conditioners. Also, Electrical Equipment such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and electrical motors.

2. Electronics:

like televisions, audio systems, and electronic toys. Also, Mobile phones, landline phones, and related accessories.

3. Building Materials:

like cement, rebars, structural steel, and other steel products. Ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, and other flooring materials.

4. Household Goods:

items like plastic containers, household utensils, and storage solutions. Also, all types of toys, especially for children under 14 years.

5. Industrial Products:

such as Pipes and Fittings (Including PVC, CPVC, and other types of pipes and fittings used in construction and plumbing). And Safety Equipment Products like helmets, goggles, and safety footwear.

6. Food and Beverage:

like Packaging materials and containers that come into contact with food.

7. Automotive Components:

like tires, batteries, and safety equipment for vehicles.

8. Adhesives and Sealants:

Construction and industrial adhesives and sealants. Paints and Varnishes: Various types of paints, coatings, and varnishes. The BIS has a detailed list of Indian Standards (IS) for these product categories. We help Foreign manufacturers make sure their products meet the right IS. The BIS ISI Mark certification is often mandatory for products in these categories before they can be imported, marketed, or sold in India. Certain products must follow guidelines and standards based on their use. This ensures they meet quality and safety requirements.

1. Application fees.

2. Testing fees for lab analysis.

3. Inspection charges for factory audits.

4. License fee payable annually.

Note: The total cost varies. It depends on testing complexity, product type, and model number.