As a startup founder entering the manufacturing sector, navigating regulations can be overwhelming. One of the essential certifications you’ll encounter in India is the Bureau of Indian Standards Certification. This certification works as a pathway to ensure quality, build consumer trust, and meet legal requirements.

So, let’s decode what BIS certification means, why it matters for your startup, and how to get it without losing your mind (or your budget).

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, India’s national standards body. Established under the BIS Act 2016, it formulates Indian standards and ensures their implementation through certification, testing, and inspection.

BIS certification ensures that products meet specific quality and safety standards before being sold in the Indian market. It is often mandatory for manufacturing, especially in sectors like electronics, automotive components, steel, and consumer goods.

Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards

Types of BIS Certification 

There are three main types of BIS certification relevant to manufacturers:

1. ISI Mark Certification: For domestic manufacturers, this applies to products under the mandatory list. The ISI mark is a symbol of quality assurance.
2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): For electrical and It products, this scheme mandates registration with BIS before sale. Products must be tested in BIS-recognised labs.
3. Foreign Manufactures Certification Scheme (FMCS): If you manufacture outside India but sell in the Indian market, this is your path to compliance.

Why BIS Certification Matters for Startups and Founders?

As a startup founder in the manufacturing space, here’s why BIS certification is important:

1. Legal Compliance: Over 500 products across categories like electronics, cement, pressure cookers, toys, and household appliances are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. Selling without certification? Risk of penalties and bans.
2. Market Trust: BIS certification signals to customers and partners that your products are tested, reliable and safe. It’s like a stamp of credibility-essential when building a brand from scratch.
3. Funding & Exports: Investors prefer startups that take compliance seriously. Plus, BIS-certified products are easier to export and meet global regulatory requirements. 
4. Avoid Recalls: Non-compliant products may be pulled off shelves, leading to financial loss and brand damage – a major hit for startups.

Advantages of Obtaining BIS Certification For Startup Founders?

The BIS Certification offers several advantages:

• Guaranteeing quality standards by mandating manufacturers to follow specific standards during the production process.
• BIS-certified products are recognised for their exceptional performance and dependability, providing added authenticity.
• The usage of certain hazardous chemicals and materials has been prohibited under BIS’s specified regulations, reducing environmental risks.
• BIS certification is only granted after rigorous testing of the product and thorough quality inspections.

Key Documents Required for BIS Certification

While the exact documents needed can vary depending on the product category, some essential documents include:

• Filled CDF/CCL form
• Duly filled BIS application form
• Business License of the manufacturing unit
• The scope of the business License
• ISO certification of the manufacturer
• Marking Label/Details of making on the products
• Authorisation letter (If a signatory person is other than the head of the manufacturing)
• Trade Mark certificate
• Trademark Authorisation Letter (If ™ IS owned by someone other than the manufacturer)
• Authorisation India Representative Company registration proof in India
• Photo ID of Authorized India Representative/Authorized Signatory
• Technical Specification Sheet of the products/User manual

Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration

Process To Obtain BIS Certification

Follow the steps mentioned below to get BIS certificate:

• Submission of application: An application for the license will not be accepted unless all compulsory fields are completed and the necessary documents and undertakings are uploaded. The application must also pay the application fee, factory inspection fee, and 50% of the minimum marking fee at the time of submission.
• Factory Inspection: On the day of the factory inspection, the manufacturer must have all required information, certification and documents ready. The completed technical verification of the papers will be conducted during this visit.
• Sample Collection and Testing: The Inspection Officers must make sure the product sample is packed, sealed and barcoded in their presence. A photograph of the barcode will be transferred to the laboratory information management system(LIMS), which will suggest the best laboratory for testing. The inspecting Officers can accept this suggestion or choose another laboratory.
• Grants of License: The applicant must pay the remaining 50% of the minimum marking fee within seven days of the license grant. The ELT Corporate experts will manage the entire BIS Certification processing during the grants phase.
• Renewal of Certification: BIS Registration is valid for 2 to 5 years. We help you in renewing it to ensure continued BIS compliance.

Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification 

Timeline To Obtain BIS License

The timeline varies based on factors such as product type, testing requirements, and documentation. On average, the process takes 4 to 8 weeks, but for certain complex products, it may take longer. Engaging a consultant can help minimise delays and ensure a smoother, faster process.

BIS certification helps manufacturers expand their market while ensuring compliance. At ELT Corporate, we guide you to best BIS Certification through the process, preventing costly mistakes and rejections. Our experts handle the technical details so you can focus on growing your business.

Conclusion 

BIS certification is a crucial process for manufacture and importers of certain products in India. It helps ensures that the products meet the necessary safety, quality, and reliability standards and protect the interest of India consumer. Failure to comply with the BIS certification requirements may result in penalties and legal consequences, which can be avoided by obtaining the necessary certification.