The procedure of achieving BIS Certification is crucial for manufacturers and importers who seek to sell their products in India particularly if their products belong to mandatory certification. The product must comply with BIS standards to achieve product safety, quality, and reliability goals.
Here is the full explanation of how to get BIS certification.
Why manufacturers need BIS Certification:
It is important first to understand if your product falls under the category that needs BIS certification. Products requiring certification fall under two main categories:
Mandatory Certification: This assemblage comprises electrical appliances, packaged drinking water, cement, electronic equipment, and foods and beverages. All these need to conform to BIS standards to be sold legally in India.
Voluntary Certification: Manufacturers can go ahead and certify other products that would enhance their credibility and that of their consumers.
Also, any foreign manufacturer intending to sell products in India is required to get the BIS certification under the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme [FMCS].
Guidelines must be checked by the manufacturers and their products need to be fitted within the requirements. The standard applicable to the BIS website may be determined with the help of a professional consultant.
Test and Compliance
When the product is being applied for certification, it is important to first ensure that it has met the qualification for the standards. BIS has given its recognition to laboratories situated all over India for testing purposes. For foreign applicants, the test is conducted in the BIS-recognized laboratories in India.
Manufacturers should ensure that:
All the requirements for a safety and quality-oriented product design have been considered while designing the product. A Quality Control (QC) system is put in place to ensure steady product quality throughout the production process.
For choosing the most appropriate certification scheme, the following have to be taken into consideration.
BIS provides distinct certification programs –
ISI Mark Certification Scheme: The ISI mark is the symbol to show the Indian Standard Compliance that comes under BIS Certification India.
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Applicable only for electronic and IT goods. BIS-certified products, however, require only the BIS mark along with the establishment’s registration number.
Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS): Applicable for BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers for business purposes.
Submit the Application
To obtain a BIS certificate, an online application through the BIS portal is mandatory by the manufacturers.
The process involves-
Filling out the application form: The information to be provided is an identification of the facility, product description, and certification to conformity standards.
Uploading Documents:
Required documents include:
- Factory’s registration documents such as company registration certificate etc.
- Particulars of the Quality Control system include (e.g., QC personnel, testing equipment).
- Reports arising from tests conducted in laboratories approved by BIS.
- Location of factory and process map.
For applicants who are foreigners, letters of nomination for an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
Payment of Fees: An application fee and a test fee are paid while submitting an application form.
Assessment of the Manufacturing Unit
After receiving the application, BIS inspects the manufacturing facility. The inspection verifies that:
- The production process aligns with BIS standards.
- Adequate Quality Control measures are in place.
- Necessary testing equipment is available.
The BIS officer also collects product samples for independent testing. For foreign manufacturers, BIS officials may conduct on-site inspections or arrange testing in India.
The product samples taken during the entire inspection process are taken for testing in BIS recognized laboratory. Normally, it is the results of the test that will tell whether the product passed the set standards or not. There are no deviations herein unless all the aspects have been carefully reviewed to eliminate the deviation.
Grant of License
In case the product conforms to the standard specifications, the BIS awards the manufacturer a license. The license enables the manufacturer to attach the correct BIS certification mark (for instance, the ISI mark, the CRS mark, and others). It normally has a lifespan of one to two years but has to be renewed after the stipulated time.
Once the BIS certificate is obtained, manufacturers must comply with ongoing requirements to maintain the license. These include:
- Regular internal testing and quality checks.
- Submission of periodic compliance reports to BIS.
- Allowing BIS to conduct surprise inspections and random product testing.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the suspension or cancellation of the BIS license.
Renewal of Certification
The BIS certificate can expire and therefore, an update of it is necessary. Renewal involves:
- Renewal application
- Offering current test reports.
- Paying the renewal fee.
Renewal on time makes it possible to continuously use the BIS certification mark in the products.
Time and Cost Involved
The period in undertaking the BIS certificate depends on the type of the product, the time it takes to conduct the test, and the process of inspection. The average turnaround times for such matters may probably take around 30 to 90 days. This ranges from the application fees, testing fees inspection charges, and annual license fees.
For foreign applicants, there can be other charges like travel charges for BIS officials and engagement of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
Challenges and Tips
- The certification process of BIS is complicated which makes it complicated for firms. Typical difficulties are associated with excessive documentation, slow testing, and compliance with technical requirements. To simplify the process:
- Consult with an expert or a professional consultant specialized in BIS certification.
- It will be of great advantage to prepare all documents and testing reports beforehand.
- Make sure to conduct a pre-testing of the tool for compliance problems in order to avoid them in need of application.
BIS certification is a step-by-step procedure through which products are checked for their safety, quality, and conformity to the legal requirements of the Indian market. Manufacturing companies who have researched greatly on the requirements, practiced all the necessary requirements, and complied with BIS guidelines can effectively gain certification and tap into the Indian market. Not only does it safeguard the consumers, but also it serves as a great way of boosting the credibility of the product thus increasing the competitiveness of the product in the market.