BIS ISI Mark Certification FAQs

1. What is BIS ISI Mark Certification?

BIS ISI Mark Certification is a product certification scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It indicates that a product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard (IS) and meets the prescribed quality and safety requirements.

2. Is BIS ISI Mark Certification mandatory in India?

BIS certification is mandatory for products covered under government-issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs). For products not covered by compulsory certification requirements, obtaining an ISI Mark licence is generally voluntary.

3. Who can apply for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Domestic manufacturers having the required manufacturing infrastructure, quality control systems, testing facilities, and competent technical personnel can apply for BIS ISI Mark Certification. Foreign manufacturers can apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), where applicable.

4. How can I apply for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Manufacturers can apply online through the official Manakonline portal. The process includes identifying the applicable Indian Standard, preparing documents, submitting the application, completing factory inspection and product testing, and fulfilling the prescribed certification requirements.

5. What documents are required for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Commonly required documents include:

• Factory registration certificate.

• Company registration documents.

• Factory address proof.

• Manufacturing machinery details.

• Manufacturing process flowchart.

• Testing equipment list.

• Calibration certificates.

• Quality control personnel details.

• Raw material specifications.

• Product drawings and technical specifications.

• Brand name or trademark authorization, where applicable.

6. How much does BIS ISI Mark Certification cost?

The BIS certification cost depends on the product category, testing requirements, inspection duration, and applicable marking fee. The standard application fee is ₹1,000, inspection charges are ₹7,000 per man-day, and the annual licence fee is ₹1,000. Product testing and marking fees are additional.

7. How long does it take to get BIS ISI Mark Certification?

The average BIS licence processing time is approximately:

• Normal Procedure (Option 1): 4 months.

• Simplified Procedure (Option 2): 1 month.

The timeline is calculated from receipt and recording of a complete application and may vary depending on inspection, testing, and document-related requirements.

8. What is the difference between the Normal and Simplified Procedures under BIS Scheme-I?

Under the Normal Procedure, BIS generally conducts factory inspection and collects product samples for testing. Under the Simplified Procedure, the manufacturer submits a valid test report from a BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratory, and the application is processed according to the prescribed simplified procedure.

9. What is the validity of a BIS ISI Mark licence?

A BIS ISI Mark licence under Scheme-I is initially granted for up to two years. It can subsequently be renewed for a period of up to five years, subject to fulfilment of applicable BIS requirements.

10. How can I renew my BIS ISI Mark licence?

Manufacturers can apply for licence renewal through the Manakonline portal. The renewal application must include the applicable fees, production details, marking fee payments, and other required documents.

11. Can I apply for BIS certification without a factory?

No. BIS ISI Mark Certification is granted to manufacturers who have the necessary manufacturing facilities and quality control capabilities. Traders, importers, and distributors cannot obtain a manufacturer's ISI licence in place of the actual manufacturer.

12. Can one BIS licence cover multiple products?

Generally, a separate BIS licence application is required for each product and applicable Indian Standard. However, one licence may cover multiple varieties, grades, or sizes if they are permitted under the relevant standard and grouping guidelines.

13. Can I use one BIS licence for multiple factory locations?

No. A separate application and licence are generally required for each manufacturing location, even when the same product is manufactured at multiple factories.

14. How can I check whether my product requires BIS certification?

You can check the official BIS list of products under compulsory certification and applicable government Quality Control Orders. If your product is included in the compulsory certification list, you must obtain the applicable BIS certification before selling it in India.

15. What is an Indian Standard (IS) number in BIS certification?

An Indian Standard (IS) number is a unique reference assigned to a standard published by BIS. It specifies the technical, quality, safety, and performance requirements that a particular product must meet.

16. Is product testing mandatory for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Yes. Product conformity must be established through the applicable testing procedure. Depending on the application route and product requirements, testing may be conducted in a BIS-recognised laboratory, at the manufacturing facility, or through a combination of both.

17. Can I obtain BIS certification using an existing laboratory test report?

Yes, under the Simplified Procedure, a test report issued by an acceptable BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratory can be submitted. The report should generally not be more than 90 days old, subject to applicable BIS guidelines and product-specific requirements.

18. Does BIS conduct factory inspections before granting an ISI licence?

Yes. BIS assesses the manufacturing infrastructure, production process, quality control system, and testing capabilities of the factory. The inspection procedure depends on the selected application route and applicable guidelines.

19. What happens if my product fails BIS laboratory testing?

If a product fails the prescribed testing requirements, the manufacturer must investigate the non-conformity and take corrective action. Retesting may be permitted under applicable BIS guidelines. A licence cannot be granted until the required conformity conditions are fulfilled.

20. Can I manufacture or sell products without an ISI Mark?

If the product is covered under a mandatory QCO, the manufacturer must comply with the applicable BIS certification requirements before manufacturing or selling it in the regulated market. For products outside compulsory certification, voluntary certification may be obtained.

21. What is the difference between BIS certification and an ISI Mark?

BIS certification is the conformity assessment and licensing system operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The ISI Mark is the Standard Mark used on products covered under the applicable BIS product certification scheme to indicate conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.

22. Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), provided their products are covered under the applicable Indian Standard and they fulfil BIS requirements, including nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

23. What is the difference between BIS registration and BIS ISI Mark Certification?

BIS operates different product conformity assessment schemes. ISI Mark Certification under Scheme-I involves assessment of manufacturing facilities and product conformity, while the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) follows a separate registration procedure for notified product categories.

24. How can I verify whether an ISI Mark licence is genuine?

You can verify a BIS licence through the official BIS website or Manakonline portal. Check the licence number, manufacturer details, product description, applicable Indian Standard, and licence status.

25. Can I use the ISI Mark before receiving a BIS licence?

No. Manufacturers must not use or display the ISI Mark on products before receiving the applicable BIS licence and complying with its conditions.

26. What happens if a manufacturer uses a fake ISI Mark?

Using a fake ISI Mark or applying the mark without a valid BIS licence can lead to legal action, penalties, seizure of products, and other consequences under the BIS Act, 2016.

27. Does BIS conduct inspections after granting the licence?

Yes. BIS conducts factory surveillance inspections and may collect product samples from manufacturing facilities or the market for independent laboratory testing to ensure continued compliance.

28. Can I add new product varieties to an existing BIS licence?

Yes. A manufacturer can apply for a change in the scope of an existing licence to include additional varieties, grades, or sizes, subject to applicable BIS grouping guidelines, testing, and approval requirements.

29. What happens if my BIS ISI Mark licence expires?

After licence expiry, the manufacturer cannot continue using the ISI Mark under that expired licence. The manufacturer should apply for renewal within the prescribed period and follow BIS requirements for continuation of the licence.

30. Can I transfer my BIS ISI Mark licence to another manufacturer?

No. A BIS licence is granted to a specific manufacturing unit for the approved product and cannot simply be transferred to another manufacturer. The new manufacturer must apply separately and fulfil the applicable certification requirements.

31. What should I do if my manufacturing factory changes its address?

The licence holder must inform BIS about the proposed relocation and submit the required details for the new premises. The use of the Standard Mark must be suspended as required until BIS verifies the new manufacturing facility and permits resumption.

32. Can a manufacturer apply for BIS certification if product-specific guidelines are unavailable?

Yes. A manufacturer may still apply under Scheme-I. BIS can work with the applicant to establish the necessary product-specific guidelines and marking fee requirements under the All India First Licence procedure.

33. What is the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) in BIS certification?

The Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) specifies the quality control checks, testing frequency, sampling requirements, and inspection procedures that a manufacturer must follow to maintain product conformity under a BIS licence.

34. Is BIS certification required for products sold online?

If a product is covered under a mandatory QCO, the applicable BIS certification requirements must be fulfilled regardless of whether it is sold through a physical store or an online marketplace.

35. Where can I get professional assistance for BIS ISI Mark Certification?

Manufacturers can seek professional assistance from BIS certification consultants such as KMA Global for identifying applicable Indian Standards, preparing documentation, coordinating product testing, supporting factory inspection readiness, and managing the application process. The final certification decision is made by BIS.