The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is essential for all products sold in India, as it is a certification mark issued by the BIS, a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution of the Government of India. The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that products comply with the technical standards and regulations established by the Indian government, focusing on aspects such as safety and quality.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification serves as a third-party assurance of the quality, reliability, and safety of products, mandated by the Indian government to enhance consumer protection and ensure legal compliance.
Types of BIS Certification Schemes
- ISI Mark Scheme Registration for Domestic Manufacturers:
- Compulsory for manufacturers, involving a detailed registration process. Requires submission of an application (Form V) with relevant documents and fees. The process includes evaluations and testing, leading to certification typically within 4-6 months.
- Simplified Procedure for Domestic Manufacturers:
- Designed for efficiency, allowing for quicker certification within 30 days, with manufacturers submitting self-evaluation reports and product samples for testing.
- ECO Mark Scheme Registration:
- Certifies environmentally friendly products, granting an ‘ECO’ logo alongside the ‘ISI Mark.’ Existing BIS-certified manufacturers can request inclusion under this scheme.
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS):
- Allows foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS Certification by setting up an Indian office and undergoing inspections and testing.
- BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):
- Enforced for listed electronic products, requiring manufacturers to submit a self-declaration of conformity and testing reports.
Products Requiring BIS Certification
BIS certification is mainly voluntary; however, certain products require mandatory certification. The following is a list of product categories that necessitate BIS registration:
| IS No. | Title | Product Category |
|---|---|---|
| IS 616 | Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements | Electronic Games (Video) |
| IS 13252 (Part 1) | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements | Laptop/Notebook/Tablets |
| IS 616 | Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements | Plasma/LCD/LED Televisions (32″ & above) |
| … | … | … |
| IS 13252 (Part 1) | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements | Power Banks for portable applications |
| IS 13252 (Part 1) | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements | Smart Speakers (with and without Display) |
Criteria for BIS Certification
BIS certification is based on three fundamental elements:
- Manufacturer: Each production facility is evaluated individually.
- Brand Name: Products are assessed under specific brand names.
- Product Type: Products are categorized, enforcing distinct quality standards.
Stepwise Process for BIS Certification
- Step 1: Guidance on product testing at a BIS-approved laboratory under defined IS standards.
- Step 2: Assistance in filing the application with lab test reports, factory documents, and undertakings.
- Step 3: Support during scrutiny by BIS officials, addressing any non-conformities.
- Step 4: Issuance of the BIS Registration Certificate upon confirmation of conformity.
Validity of BIS Certificate in India
The BIS certification is valid for two years. Manufacturers can extend the certification, provided there are no changes to the products or the specified standards.
