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Foreign manufacturers planning to sell products in India may need approval under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). FMCS enables eligible manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS licence for products that conform to the applicable Indian Standard.
For overseas businesses, understanding how to get FMCS certification in India is important because the process involves more than submitting an application. The manufacturer must identify the correct Indian Standard, maintain suitable manufacturing and testing facilities, nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), complete product testing, cooperate with BIS inspection and satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.
BIS states that FMCS is available to foreign manufacturers whose products conform to relevant Indian Standards. The scheme generally covers products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under the separate CRS framework.
This guide explains the FMCS Certification India process in a practical, step-by-step manner.
What Is FMCS Certification in India?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a BIS certification scheme for manufacturers whose production facilities are located outside India.
Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to an eligible foreign manufacturer to use the applicable BIS Standard Mark on products manufactured at the approved manufacturing premises. The product must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and satisfy the applicable conformity assessment requirements.
The scheme is particularly relevant to overseas manufacturers supplying products to the Indian market where BIS certification is required.
A key point is that the foreign manufacturer itself applies for the FMCS licence. An Indian importer cannot simply apply for the licence on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
Who Can Apply for FMCS Certification?
A foreign manufacturer can apply when its factory is located outside India and it is capable of demonstrating conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.
BIS specifies that applicants should have:
Appropriate manufacturing machinery and facilities
Required testing arrangements at the factory
Competent testing personnel
Manufacturing and quality-control arrangements
Capability to meet the applicable Indian Standard
Acceptance of the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
Acceptance of BIS licence terms and conditions
A separate application is required for each applicable product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.
Why Is FMCS Certification Important for Foreign Manufacturers?
Obtaining BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers can help an overseas manufacturer meet Indian regulatory requirements before supplying products covered by mandatory BIS certification.
Major advantages include:
Regulatory compliance for applicable products
Permission to use the relevant BIS Standard Mark after licensing
Greater confidence among Indian buyers
Better control over product quality
Easier preparation for Indian market entry
Improved credibility with distributors and business partners
Reduced risk of compliance-related disruption
However, FMCS should not be treated as a general import permission. The requirement depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard and the relevant Indian regulatory notification.
Products Covered Under FMCS
FMCS can apply to a wide range of products covered by relevant Indian Standards. Depending on applicable notifications, product categories may include areas such as:
Steel products
Cement and construction materials
Electrical products
Household products
Chemicals
Mechanical products
Industrial products
Automotive-related products
Other products subject to BIS certification requirements
The exact applicability should always be checked against the current BIS requirements rather than assuming that every imported product requires FMCS.
BIS explains that FMCS is generally applicable to products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under MeitY's CRS framework.
How to Get FMCS Certification in India – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
The first and most important step in the FMCS Certification Process is identifying the correct Indian Standard (IS) for the product.
The manufacturer should determine:
Product name and category
Applicable IS number
Product specifications
Required testing parameters
Manufacturing requirements
Quality-control requirements
Testing facilities required at the factory
BIS recommends identifying the applicable Indian Standard and analysing the required manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities before applying.
Step 2: Check Whether FMCS Is Actually Required
Not every foreign product automatically requires FMCS.
Before investing in testing and inspection, verify:
Whether the product is covered by mandatory BIS certification.
Which Indian Standard applies.
Whether the product falls under FMCS or another BIS conformity assessment scheme.
Whether a separate regulatory requirement applies.
This eligibility assessment can prevent a manufacturer from applying under the wrong certification route.
Step 3: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative
An important requirement for BIS FMCS Registration is the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
The AIR must be an Indian resident and has responsibilities related to compliance with BIS requirements and the operation of the licence.
If the foreign manufacturer has an eligible branch or office in India, an appropriate person from that organization may be nominated. Where there is no such office, the manufacturer can nominate an appropriately appointed person in accordance with BIS requirements.
The AIR should understand the responsibilities associated with the BIS licence because the role involves more than simply submitting documents.
Step 4: Prepare FMCS Documents Required
Proper documentation is essential for a smooth FMCS Approval Process India.
Depending on the product and applicable requirements, documentation may include:
Company registration documents
Manufacturer's legal details
Factory address and contact information
Manufacturing process details
Factory layout
Machinery details
Testing equipment details
Calibration records
Quality-control information
Product specifications
Raw-material details
Manufacturing process flow
Test reports, where applicable
Brand/trademark information
Authorized Indian Representative documents
Undertakings and declarations
Applicable quality manuals and records
The exact document list should be prepared according to the applicable Indian Standard, product manual and BIS application requirements.
Step 5: Register on the BIS Online Portal
The FMCS application process has moved to the online system.
BIS currently states that FMCS applications can be submitted through the Manakonline portal, and that from June 1, 2026, only online applications are accepted for FMCS; offline/hard-copy applications are no longer accepted.
Applicants should therefore use the current BIS online process rather than relying on older guides that describe physical submission.
Step 6: Complete the FMCS Application
The applicant needs to provide information concerning the organization, manufacturing premises, product, applicable Indian Standard, manufacturing process, testing arrangements and other required details.
The application should be reviewed carefully before submission because incomplete information or delayed responses to BIS queries can affect processing time. BIS specifically advises applicants to check commonly observed application deficiencies before submission.
Step 7: Pay Applicable Fees
The BIS FMCS Registration Cost is not necessarily one fixed amount.
The overall cost can include:
Application fee
Testing charges
Factory inspection/special visit expenses
Travel-related expenses
Licence fee
Marking fee
Renewal-related charges
Other applicable BIS charges
BIS's published fee information lists an application fee and separate charges such as testing and special-visit expenses, while product-specific marking fees may also apply.
Therefore, manufacturers should calculate the expected certification cost based on the actual product and applicable Indian Standard rather than relying on a generic “FMCS certification price.”
Step 8: BIS Scrutiny and Queries
After submission, BIS examines the application and supporting information.
If BIS identifies deficiencies or requires clarification, queries may be communicated to the applicant.
The manufacturer should respond accurately and within the required timeframe. Delayed or incomplete responses can extend the overall FMCS Certification India timeline.
Step 9: Factory Inspection
Factory inspection is one of the major differences between FMCS and many product-registration schemes.
During the assessment, BIS evaluates areas such as:
Manufacturing infrastructure
Production processes
Quality-control systems
Testing facilities
Testing personnel
Product conformity
Availability of required equipment
Records and controls
BIS explains that the licence is granted after successful assessment of manufacturing and testing infrastructure and conformity of the product with the applicable standard.
Step 10: Product Testing
Product samples are tested according to the applicable Indian Standard.
Testing may involve the manufacturer's facilities, a third-party laboratory or a combination of testing arrangements depending on the applicable conformity assessment requirements.
The applicant is responsible for safe deposition of samples and payment of applicable testing charges.
Step 11: BIS Evaluation and Grant of Licence
Once the required inspection and testing results are satisfactory, BIS processes the case for grant of licence.
Before the licence is granted, the manufacturer may need to complete applicable financial and contractual requirements, including licence-related payments and other prescribed requirements.
BIS also states that FMCS licensees are required to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000 from a bank having an RBI-approved branch in India after grant of the licence.
Step 12: Use the BIS Standard Mark as Permitted
Once the BIS licence is granted, the manufacturer can use the applicable Standard Mark subject to the conditions of the licence.
The manufacturer must continue complying with the relevant Indian Standard, Scheme of Testing and Inspection, marking requirements and other licence conditions.
FMCS Documents Required – Quick Checklist
Before beginning the application, a foreign manufacturer should prepare a structured documentation file covering:
Document/Information
Purpose
Company registration documents
Establish legal identity
Factory details
Identify manufacturing premises
Factory layout
Understand production arrangement
Manufacturing process
Evaluate production controls
Machinery details
Verify production capability
Testing equipment list
Verify testing capability
Calibration records
Demonstrate testing reliability
Product specifications
Establish product characteristics
Quality-control records
Demonstrate process control
Test reports
Support product conformity
Brand/trademark documents
Support product marking
AIR documents
Establish Indian representation
Undertakings/declarations
Meet BIS requirements
The final checklist should always be matched with the specific product standard and BIS requirements.
BIS FMCS Registration Cost in India
There is no universal single price for FMCS Certification Cost in India.
BIS's published fee structure includes an application fee, special visit charges, testing charges and licence-related fees. Product-specific marking fees and other applicable expenses can also affect the final amount.
The practical cost can therefore vary based on:
Product type
Applicable Indian Standard
Number of product varieties
Testing requirements
Number of manufacturing locations
Factory inspection requirements
Travel expenses
Testing laboratory charges
Marking fee
Renewal requirements
For an accurate estimate, the product and applicable IS number should be evaluated first.
How Long Does FMCS Certification Take?
The FMCS Certification timeline depends on several factors, including application completeness, BIS queries, factory inspection scheduling, sample testing and payment of applicable charges.
BIS's published FMCS information has stated that the average time for grant of licence is generally around six months from recording of a complete application, although the actual period can vary.
Therefore, manufacturers should avoid relying on a fixed number of days and instead plan around the complete certification cycle.
FMCS Compliance After Getting the BIS Licence
Obtaining the licence is not the end of the process.
A foreign manufacturer must continue maintaining compliance with applicable BIS requirements, including:
Maintaining product quality
Following the approved manufacturing process
Maintaining testing facilities
Conducting required testing
Following the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
Maintaining records
Meeting marking requirements
Providing required production/dispatch information
Cooperating with surveillance or inspection requirements
Completing renewal and other applicable formalities
BIS states that licensees are required to disclose production and dispatch details of standard-marked goods to BIS on the prescribed basis.
FMCS vs CRS Registration: What Is the Difference?
Foreign manufacturers sometimes confuse BIS FMCS Certification with BIS CRS registration.
They are not interchangeable.
Factor
FMCS
CRS
Full form
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
Compulsory Registration Scheme
Main application
Foreign manufacturers
Manufacturers of notified electronics/IT products
Certification outcome
BIS licence
BIS registration
Marking
Applicable BIS Standard Mark/ISI framework
BIS Standard Mark with registration number
Factory assessment
Applicable under FMCS
Generally different from FMCS
Product scope
Products covered under applicable FMCS/BIS certification requirements
Notified Electronics & IT products
Main focus
Product certification through BIS licensing
Registration of notified products
BIS specifically describes FMCS as the scheme for foreign manufacturers, while CRS is operated for notified Electronics & IT goods.
The correct scheme should therefore be identified from the product category and applicable notification.
Common Reasons for FMCS Certification Delays
Foreign manufacturers can face delays when they:
Select the wrong Indian Standard
Submit incomplete information
Provide inconsistent technical documents
Lack required testing equipment
Have inadequate calibration records
Are not prepared for factory inspection
Delay responses to BIS queries
Submit unsuitable test samples
Choose an AIR without understanding the responsibilities
Fail to maintain documentation
Underestimate testing and inspection requirements
A pre-application compliance review can help identify these issues before the application is submitted.
How UMSPCS Can Help With FMCS Certification
UMSPCS provides compliance support for businesses seeking FMCS Certification Services India.
Our support can include:
Product and Indian Standard assessment
FMCS eligibility review
Documentation guidance
AIR-related support
BIS application assistance
Testing coordination
Factory inspection preparation
Compliance gap identification
BIS query-response assistance
Licence and post-certification support
The objective is to help foreign manufacturers understand the requirements before submission and manage the certification process in a structured way.
Final Checklist Before Applying for FMCS
Before submitting your FMCS application, confirm:
Correct Indian Standard identified
Product applicability verified
Manufacturing facility ready
Required machinery available
Testing equipment available
Competent testing personnel available
Calibration records maintained
Product documents prepared
AIR appointed according to BIS requirements
Online BIS account/application prepared
Applicable testing requirements understood
Factory inspection readiness checked
Applicable fees planned
Post-licence compliance responsibilities understood
Conclusion
Understanding how to get FMCS certification in India is essential for foreign manufacturers entering the Indian market with products covered by BIS certification requirements.
The process begins with identifying the correct Indian Standard and confirming applicability. The manufacturer then needs to prepare the required technical and legal documents, nominate an Authorized Indian Representative, submit the application through the current BIS online system, complete factory assessment and product testing, and satisfy the conditions for grant of the BIS licence.
The process does not end with certification. Maintaining product conformity, testing capability, records, marking requirements and other licence conditions is equally important.
For overseas manufacturers, early preparation can make the difference between a smooth application and a prolonged certification process. A professional FMCS Consultant India can assist with product assessment, documentation, application preparation, testing coordination and inspection readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is FMCS Certification in India?
FMCS Certification is a BIS certification scheme under which eligible foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS licence for products conforming to applicable Indian Standards.
2. Who needs FMCS Certification?
Foreign manufacturers whose products are covered by applicable BIS certification requirements may need FMCS certification before supplying those products in India.
3. Can an Indian importer apply for FMCS?
The FMCS application is made by the foreign manufacturer. An importer cannot simply obtain the FMCS licence on behalf of the manufacturer.
4. Is an Authorized Indian Representative mandatory?
Foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS need an Authorized Indian Representative meeting the applicable BIS requirements. The AIR must be an Indian resident and has defined compliance responsibilities.
5. What are the FMCS documents required?
Documents can include company information, factory details, manufacturing-process information, testing facilities, quality-control records, product specifications, AIR documents and other product-specific documents.
6. Is FMCS registration available online?
Yes. BIS currently provides online FMCS application through Manakonline. BIS states that from June 1, 2026, FMCS applications are accepted only through the online portal.
7. Does FMCS require factory inspection?
Yes. Factory assessment is an important part of the FMCS licensing process, including evaluation of manufacturing and testing infrastructure.
8. What is the BIS FMCS registration cost?
The total cost depends on the product and applicable requirements. It can include application, testing, special visit, licence and marking-related charges.
9. How long does FMCS certification take?
The timeline varies according to application completeness, queries, inspection scheduling, testing and other factors. BIS has indicated an average of around six months from recording of a complete application, but actual timelines can vary.
10. What is the difference between FMCS and CRS?
FMCS is a BIS licensing scheme for foreign manufacturers, while CRS is a separate registration scheme primarily covering notified Electronics & IT products.
11. Can a consultant help with FMCS certification?
Yes. A consultant can assist with eligibility assessment, documentation, application preparation, testing coordination, factory inspection preparation and ongoing compliance support.
12. Is FMCS certification valid permanently?
No. BIS licences operate subject to their prescribed validity, renewal and continuing compliance conditions. BIS states that FMCS licences are initially granted for a defined period and may subsequently be renewed according to the applicable requirements.
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