In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and standardisation of products across various sectors. Whether it is domestic manufacturing or foreign importation, obtaining BIS certification is often a mandatory regulatory requirement for various goods, especially under the ISI Mark, Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), or Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
While the certification process is well-structured, many applicants face delays, rejections, or non-compliance penalties due to avoidable mistakes during the application and compliance stages. In this article, we explore the common mistakes manufacturers and importers make during BIS certification and how to avoid them to ensure a smooth, successful certification process.

Failing To Identify The Correct Product Category And Standard

One of the most fundamental errors is incorrectly identifying the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for the product. BIS certification applies differently to a wide range of goods—electrical items, electronics, building materials, chemicals, and more. Each product type has a unique standard code and testing criteria.

How To Avoid

This mistake can be avoided by checking the updated list of mandatory products on the BIS or MeitY website and consulting with compliance experts or BIS representatives before applying.

Incomplete Or Inaccurate Documentation

Documentation forms the backbone of the BIS certification process. Whether it is for ISI, CRS, or FMCS, the application must be accompanied by accurate, complete, and verifiable documents.
Applicants often tend to submit incomplete application forms Failing to provide updated business licenses, test reports, layout plans, or quality control documents. They might also make the mistake of mismatching details between documents and application forms.

How to Avoid

This can be avoided by preparing a document checklist specific to the type of certification (ISI/CRS/FMCS), double-checking all fields and matching supporting documents and keeping scanned copies ready in prescribed formats (PDF/JPEG under file size limits)

Using Expired Or Invalid Test Reports

For CRS and FMCS schemes, product testing in a BIS-recognised lab is a compulsory step. However, test reports have a limited validity, typically 90 days from the date of issue.
Applicants/ manufacturers often tend to use test reports that have expired, submit reports from non-BIS recognised laboratories and ignore report formats that do not conform to BIS submission guidelines

How To Avoid

These mistakes can be avoided by scheduling lab testing strategically so the report is valid during application, verifying that the lab is BIS-approved for your product category and
ensuring that the test report matches the correct product variant and specification

Overlooking the Need for Factory Readiness and Quality Control

Especially in ISI and FMCS certifications, the factory is inspected by BIS officers to assess manufacturing process compliance, test equipment availability, and quality control systems. Manufacturers often tend to apply for certification before the factory is fully operational or ready leading to Inadequate internal quality checks given out by the BIS officials. This may also be caused by lack of trained staff or unclear production process documentation

How To Avoid

Ensuring that the production line is active and stable while maintaining documented quality manuals, SOPs, and test logs along with training your team to answer inspection queries and show conformity.

Miscommunication With BIS Or Delay In Response

Communication plays a critical role, especially when BIS raises a query or requests clarification during the scrutiny stage. Delayed responses can lead to rejections or unnecessary delays.
The mistakes often include:-

• Ignoring emails or portal messages from BIS
• Delay in replying to queries or uploading revised documents
• Providing vague or incomplete clarifications

How To Avoid

Such mistakes can be avoided by assigning a dedicated person/team to monitor the BIS portal and email ensuring that all the queries are reverted back within 3-5 working days while being transparent and specific in all communication

Errors In Product Labelling And Marking

After obtaining BIS certification, one of the most crucial steps is to ensure proper labeling and marking of the product. Many manufacturers make the mistake of using the ISI mark or CRS logo before the official license is granted, which is a clear violation of BIS norms. Additionally, errors in the format, placement, or omission of the unique registration number (CML number for ISI or R-number for CRS) can lead to enforcement actions, including product seizure or cancellation of certification.

How To Avoid

These mistakes can be avoided by :-

• Referring to the BIS guidelines on product marking
• Printing the mark only after license issuance
• Conducting internal quality checks before shipping the product

Not Appointing An Authorized Indian Representative (Air)

For foreign manufacturers applying under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or CRS, it is mandatory to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). A common mistake is either failing to appoint one or choosing an unqualified or unreliable representative. The AIR is legally responsible for liaising with BIS, submitting documentation, ensuring compliance, and handling all post-certification obligations on behalf of the foreign applicant. An inexperienced or non-responsive AIR can delay the entire process or even jeopardize certification.

How To Avoid:-

• Ensuring your AIR is a registered Indian business entity or resident
• Verifying that they understand BIS procedures and are available for follow-up

Ignoring Renewal And Surveillance Requirements

Once BIS certification is granted, many businesses mistakenly assume that their compliance obligations end there. In reality, BIS certification comes with ongoing responsibilities, such as annual renewals, factory surveillance visits (in the case of ISI or FMCS), and maintaining proper quality control records. Failure to renew on time or non-cooperation during audits can lead to license suspension or cancellation. Manufacturers must stay proactive by setting internal reminders for renewal deadlines, keeping documentation updated, and preparing for periodic audits to ensure uninterrupted certification status.

Underestimating The Time Required

Many applicants underestimate the time it takes to complete the BIS certification process, which can lead to missed market opportunities or regulatory violations. The entire procedure—from application and product testing to document scrutiny and factory inspections—can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days or more, depending on the complexity of the product and the responsiveness of the applicant. Businesses that plan launches or imports without factoring in certification timelines often face costly delays.

How To Avoid:-

Proper scheduling and early initiation of the BIS application are necessary to avoid last-minute hurdles.

Relying On Unverified Consultants

One of the increasingly common mistakes made during BIS certification is relying heavily on unverified or unqualified consultants. Due to the technical nature and procedural complexity of BIS schemes like ISI, CRS, and FMCS, many manufacturers—especially small businesses and foreign applicants—seek external assistance to navigate the process. While hiring a consultant can be helpful, choosing one without proper due diligence can lead to serious consequences.

Some consultants falsely claim to have connections within BIS or offer unrealistic timelines and “guaranteed” approvals. They may submit incomplete applications, use outdated formats, or misrepresent product details—leading to outright rejection, prolonged delays, or legal scrutiny. In some cases, they may disappear midway through the process, leaving manufacturers to deal with unresolved issues.
Furthermore, over-dependence on third parties often results in the applicant themselves having little or no understanding of their own obligations under the BIS certification, such as post-licensing compliance, labeling norms, or renewal timelines. This lack of internal knowledge can cause compliance failures even after certification is granted
Manufacturers must remember that BIS certification is a legal responsibility, and the applicant is ultimately accountable for all compliance, not the consultant

How To Avoid:-

It is essential to verify a consultant’s credentials, check references, ensure they have experience with similar product categories, and ideally work with BIS-recognized or reputed compliance agencies. Additionally, businesses should remain actively involved in every step of the certification process to ensure transparency, correctness, and long-term compliance success.

Conclusion

BIS certification is not just a legal formality, it is a critical indicator of your product’s safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. By understanding the most Common Mistakes to Avoid During BIS Registration, from incorrect documentation and product misclassification to factory unreadiness and test report issues, you can streamline the certification journey and avoid costly delays or penalties, preparation, accuracy, and proactive communication are key. Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or an international exporter, getting BIS certification right the first time can give you a significant edge in building consumer trust and securing market access in India.