The quality of the products plays an important role, especially in the case of food and health products. The government has placed standards for the quality of goods that are regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Manufacturers and importers are required to obtain BIS registration to ensure that their goods conform with the Indian standards set by the government.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS certification is the certification granted by the Bureau of Indian Standard indicating that the products of the applicant conform with the Indian standards. It involves a detailed process whereby after filing of the application, preliminary inspection is done and product samples are tested to ensure whether the products meet the quality standards or not. Based on this, the authorities decide on the approval or rejection of the BIS certification.
Benefits of BIS Registration
Here are some of the key benefits of BIS registration that also acts as a motivator for the businesses to obtain the registration:
- Encourages Quality: BIS lays down the foundation of quality and standards for the applicable products. These act as the minimum standard that any product shall comply with. Therefore, BIS registration ensures that businesses focus on the quality of goods and encourages them for continuous improvement. BIS certification aims to protect consumer interest, especially in the case of food and health products.
- Enhances Reputation: BIS registration is critical to win consumer trust and enhance the overall reputation of the business. Consumers perceive such businesses as legally compliant and concerned about the well-being of their customers.
- Facilitates International Expansion: BIS certification also facilitates international expansion for the businesses as the goods being manufactured in India and BIS registered are required to comply with the Indian quality standards. This also helps such businesses meet international quality standards.
- Reduces Overhead Costs: As the business becomes more quality-oriented, it channelizes into reduced wasteful expenditure and unnecessary overhead costs.
- Statutory Compliance: It is mandatory to apply for BIS registration for certain businesses. Therefore, obtaining BIS registration can help such businesses ensure statutory compliance and avoid any legal hassles or penal costs in the future.
Also, Check: KEY REGISTRATIONS TO START AN IMPORT EXPORT BUSINESS IN INDIA
Different Types of BIS Certification
Based on the nature of your business and the products you are dealing in; the following are the different types of BIS certification in India:
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): The Compulsory Registration Scheme under BIS was notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and it covered electronics and information technology products. It was later extended to other products as well. As per the CRS, no person can manufacture, distribute or sell goods listed under the CRS if they do not conform to the Indian standard and without obtaining BIS registration.
- ISI Mark: The ISI stands for Indian Standards Institute. The ISI mark is usually granted to industrial products that comply with the Indian standards that are laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It has been regarded as a symbol of safety, quality and trust since 1985.
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Schemes: It is a dedicated scheme for foreign manufacturers whereby the foreign manufacturers and overseas applicants can obtain the ISI mark within 6 months. The foreign manufacturers need to set up a branch office in India and nominate an agent here. Following this, they can submit an application in the prescribed format. Preliminary inspection of the product is being done at the manufacturing and testing unit of the applicant and samples are collected for independent testing.
- Hallmark: Hallmarking is usually applicable in cases of precious metals like gold etc. It acts as a determinant of the proportionate content of the precious metals and their purity and plays an important role in ornaments and jewellery. Hallmark has been actively protecting the consumer interest against adulteration as it acts as a certificate of fitness and purity of the precious metals. This also places the responsibility on those dealing with precious metals to maintain the highest standards of purity and quality.
- ECO Mark Certification: Eco mark scheme is basically a certification for environmentally friendly products. All the environmental products that conform to the basic requirements as per the Indian standards are categorised under the ECO Mark scheme. A single mark is granted in this case that acts as a combination of the ISI mark and the ECO mark.
Procedure for BIS Registration
If you are willing to apply for BIS certification, then you need to adhere to the following procedure for BIS registration:
- You need to file an application with the Bureau of Indian Standards in the prescribed format
- Upload all the relevant documents after furnishing the complete information
- An authorized BIS officer shall conduct the preliminary inspection of the premises after receiving the application for BIS registration.
- Product samples shall be submitted for testing by the BIS. The samples shall be tested by an authorized BIS laboratory. The test report shall be furnished to the BIS authorities.
- After completion of the evaluation, the BIS officer shall submit the final test report.
- Once the inspection process is completed, the BIS officer shall carry out the surveillance process. He will visit your factory in order to testify about the test reports.
- A performance review report shall be prepared. Once all the reports are examined, a BIS certificate shall be issued.
Once the BIS certificate is issued, it shall be valid for a period of 2 years following which it shall be renewed. The renewed certificate shall be valid for a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Documents Required for BIS Registration
The following are the documents required to get BIS Certificate:
- Identity proof of the applicant
- Address proof of the applicant
- Registration certificate of the brand
- Product sample
- Certificate of registration or incorporation of the applicant entity
- Any other document as may be required
How Exim Advisors Can Help?
In order to obtain timely BIS registration without much hassle, you need professional partners by your side. Here’s how the Exim Advisory can help you obtain BIS certification in India:
- Determining the type of BIS registration applicable to you based on the goods you deal with and the nature of your business
- Gathering of all the necessary documents for filing of BIS registration application
- Preparation and filing of the application for BIS certification
- Necessary support and guidance for submission of product samples and testing
- Necessary support and assistance for preliminary inspection conducted by the BIS officials
- Liaising with the BIS authorities for resolution of any queries or submission of additional information
- Renewal of BIS registration after the expiry of validity of BIS license
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is BIS license required?
A: BIS license shows that the product conforms to the Indian standards of safety, performance, quality and reliability. The government has made BIS certification mandatory for certain categories of products.
Q: What are the benefits of BIS certificate?
A: BIS certification acts as a symbol of quality and reliability. Therefore, if your products are BIS certified, then they are more likely to be preferred by the customers and they will perceive your business as more compliant and concerned for customer’s safety.
Q: What is the validity of BIS registration?
A: BIS registration is valid for a period of 2 years. Following the expiry, the BIS license renewal can be done for a period of 2 years to 5 years.
Q: Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS registration in India?
A: Foreign manufacturers can also apply for BIS registration in India under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Schemes. This scheme allows overseas applicants and foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification in India by setting up a branch office and nominating an agent in India.