This article is all about how to get BIS certificate for import as it is important and mandatory for various products before importing to India. Obtaining a BIS certification for import ensures that imported goods have met the safety standards and quality set by the government. 

As of 2023, over 40,000 companies worldwide have obtained BIS certification to access the Indian market and expand global trade. Therefore continue reading this guide to learn the step-by-step process of how to get BIS certification for import in India, the documents required, fees, and many more. So, let’s get started!

What Is BIS Certification And License?

The BIS certification is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It shows that a product is safe, good-quality, reliable to consumers, and complies with Indian Standards.

BIS certificate provides licenses to manufacturers who have met the requirements to protect consumers’ health, and safety, and prevent unfair trade practices.

Why Is BIS Certification Important For Importers?

Getting BIS certificate for importers is important for multiple reasons, listed below:

• Ensures Product Safety, Reliability, and Quality: BIS certification for importers guarantees that products meet high standards of safety, reliability, and quality, ensuring consumer trust.
• Compliance with Indian Standards: It ensures that products comply with applicable Indian standards, which is essential for legal acceptance in the market.
• Market Access: Certified products can be legally sold in the Indian market, providing easier access and acceptance.
• Consumer Safety: The certification acts as evidence that the product has been thoroughly tested and meets the required standards.
• Standard Mark on Products: It allows the use of the BIS standard mark, signifying quality and compliance.
• Assurance of Consumer Safety: One of the primary reasons for obtaining a BIS certificate is to ensure the product’s safety for the final consumer, marking it as safe and conforming to standards.
• Competitive Edge: Whether importing toys, batteries, cattle feed, kitchen equipment, or other items, BIS certification provides a competitive edge.
• Mark of Quality: A BIS certificate indicates that a product has been tested and complies with required standards, acting as a mark of quality and high standards.

Above mentioned are the reasons why getting BIS certification for importers is important. Now, let’s look at the type of certification an importer might require.

What Are The Types Of BIS Certificates For Importers?

There are 2 types of BIS registration and certification for importers under the BIS scheme:

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is required for IT and electronic products. Under CRS, the products must be tested in BIS-recognized labs to confirm they meet Indian standards. Once the products pass the tests, they will be registered under BIS CRS, through which you will be able to import and sell across the market.

However, If a product does not meet BIS requirements, importers are prohibited from selling or distributing goods in the Indian market. This scheme primarily covers products in the electronics and IT sectors.

Listed below are the products covered under CRS:

• Microwave ovens
• Set-top boxes
• Mobile phones
• Keyboards
• Smartwatches
• LED lights
• Digital cameras
• Passport readers
• Laptops
• Notebooks
• Tablets
• Smart card readers

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme is for foreign manufacturer who wants to export their products to India. FMCS applies to all products except IT goods and electronics. Therefore, as a foreign manufacturer, you must ensure that your product meets Indian Standards to export to India, instead of your country’s rule. Once certified, the products can be imported and sold in the Indian market.

Listed below are the products covered under FMCS:

• Batteries
• Food and food-related products
• Aluminium foil
• Medical equipment
• Cattle feed
• Kitchen Appliances
• Electric transformers
• Oil pressure stoves
• Electric motors
• Cables
• Chemicals and fertilizers

How To Get BIS Certificate For Import In India?

The process to get BIS certification for importers in India is mentioned below:

• Application Filling
• Inspection By Authorities
• Product Testing
• Grant Of BIS Certificate

Application Filling

The first step is to prepare all the documents required and submit the application to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The list of documents includes product details, manufacturer information, and compliance documents.

Inspection By Authorities

Once the application form is submitted the BIS authorities will conduct a thorough inspection and verify all the documents provided. Therefore, make sure that the documents submitted are complete and correct.

Product Testing

The next step is the product testing of the sample sent to a BIS-authorized lab. The lab conducts tests to ensure the product meets Indian standards, and a test report is generated.

Issuance of BIS Certificate

After completing the product testing, if the products meet the Indian Standards then the authority will issue BIS certification to the importer. Keep in mind that the whole process would take up to 20-30 working days. For your general information, the BIS certificate is valid for only 1 year after issuance and can be renewed upon expiry.

What Are The Documents Required For BIS Certificate For Importers?

The following documents are required for BIS Registration under the CRS scheme for importers:

1. Nomination Letter for the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
2. Test Report for the Product
3. Product Undertaking
4. ISO Certificate of the Manufacturer
5. Product Manual for the Applied Devices
6. Trademark Certificate (if available or required)
7. Testing Documents including filled CCL and CDF
8. Authorized Indian Representative Affidavit (for foreign manufacturers)
9. Trademark Authorization Letter (if the brand is not owned by the manufacturer)
10. Authorization Letter (if the signatory is not the head of the manufacturing facility)

What Is The Cost Of A BIS Certificate For Import?

The fee for BIS certification for importers depends on the product type and according to the application fee, testing fee, inspection fee, and marking fee. These fees are exclusive of GST and can differ based on various factors.

For more detailed information and to get accurate pricing, please contact our team via call at +917669172198 or email at info@bisregistrationcertificate.com.

Can I Import Goods Without A BIS Certificate?

Yes, you can import goods without BIS certification. However, there are certain products such as electronics, machinery, and chemicals need BIS certification before importation.

Apart from this, only sample products can be imported without BIS certification strictly for testing purposes. You have to explain the scenario to customs officers that the product will be used only for testing and research. Once they agree, you may import a sample of your product by following the customs clearance process.

However, if you are facing any issues in getting BIS approval or need help in importing goods into India contact us for detailed information and assistance.