BIS Compliance for Products Sold on Amazon, Flipkart & Meesho

India’s e-commerce industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho enabling millions of sellers to reach customers across the country. However, this digital revolution comes with strict regulatory requirements, especially concerning product safety and quality.

To protect consumers and standardize product quality, the Government of India mandates BIS Certification for certain categories of goods, even when they are sold online. Sellers who fail to comply with these requirements risk product delisting, penalties, or even legal action.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain the importance of BIS Compliance for Products Sold on Amazon, Flipkart & Meesho, who it applies to, how to get certified, and what online sellers need to know to avoid enforcement issues.

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standard-setting body, functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS is responsible for:

• Setting quality and safety standards for products
• Issuing certification marks such as ISI and CRS
• Ensuring public health and consumer safety

BIS operates under the BIS Act, 2016, and makes certain certifications mandatory through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by various ministries (such as DPIIT, MeitY, MoHFW).

Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory on E-commerce Platforms?

BIS certification ensures that products meet minimum safety and quality requirements before reaching consumers. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho are now obligated to:

• Verify sellers’ regulatory compliance
• Remove non-compliant listings
• Report violations to enforcement authorities

Key Reasons:

Applicable Legal Framework

Several legal instruments govern the need for BIS certification on e-commerce platforms:

1. BIS Act, 2016
2. Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020
3. Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021
4. Various Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by respective ministries

Common Product Categories Requiring BIS Certification

  Electronics (Under CRS Scheme)

Household Products (Under ISI Scheme)

Toys & Baby Products

Who Needs BIS Certification on E-commerce Platforms?

Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart hold sellers accountable. You cannot list a BIS-covered product unless you or the original manufacturer holds a valid BIS license.

 Types of BIS Certification Schemes

BIS Certification Process for E-commerce Sellers

A. ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme I) – For Domestic Manufacturers

1. Identify Applicable IS Standard
2. Submit Application on Manakonline Portal
3. Product Testing in BIS-Approved Lab
4. Inspection of Manufacturing Unit by BIS Officials
5. Compliance Audit & Evaluation
6. ISI Mark: 2 TO 3 MONTH (domestic)

B. CRS Scheme (Compulsory Registration Scheme) – Mostly for Electronics

1. Get Product Tested from BIS-Recognized Lab
2. Create Account on CRS Portal (https://www.crsbis.in)
3. Submit Online Application with Documents
4. Upload Label Sample with BIS Logo
   Grant of Registration Number (e.g., R-41003078)

C. FMCS Scheme – For Foreign Manufacturers

1. Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
2. Test Product in India
3. Factory Audit by BIS
4. Submit Form VI & Sign Agreement
5. Grant of ISI Mark License

Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification

 BIS Marking and Labeling Requirements for E-commerce

All BIS-certified products must include:

Platforms often require you to upload an image showing BIS details on product packaging during listing approval.

 Key Documents Required

Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration

Compliance Checklist for Online Listing

Product falls under mandatory BIS certification
Tested in BIS-approved lab
BIS certificate/license obtained
Product packaging displays BIS mark and license no.
Listing on Amazon/Flipkart includes compliance info
All supporting docs uploaded to seller dashboard

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling non-certified products on e-commerce platforms (despite mandatory BIS requirements) can lead to:

Real Examples of Enforcement

• Amazon delisted mobile chargers and power banks without CRS registration in 2022.
• Meesho issued warnings to toy sellers for non-compliance with IS 9873.
• Flipkart blocked listings for electric pressure cookers lacking ISI mark under IS 2347.

 Best Practices for E-commerce Sellers

• Do product classification checks before listing.
• Ensure every supplier or manufacturer is BIS certified.
• Display BIS logo and number clearly on listings.
• Maintain updated compliance documentation.
• Avoid sourcing from non-compliant manufacturers or importers.

Conclusion

As the Indian e-commerce market becomes more structured and compliance-driven, BIS certification is a critical part of selling regulated products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho. Sellers must remain proactive, stay updated with new QCO notifications, and ensure every product listing is backed by valid BIS approval.

Failing to do so not only risks legal consequences but also damages consumer trust and business credibility.