If you’re buying products like electrical appliances, toys, kitchenware, or even LED lights, you may have heard of BIS certification. But do you know what it means and why it’s important for your safety and quality assurance?

These days, with so many products in the market, it’s hard to tell which products are truly good in quality. That’s where BIS certification comes in, it makes sure that the products we use every day are tested, safe, reliable, and made to meet safety standards.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to choose BIS-certified products, why it is important, and how to easily identify them before you make a purchase.

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards is India’s national standards body. Responsible for setting quality standards for products and services across multiple sectors. BIS certification is important for businesses that want to ensure that their products meet the quality, safety, and performance standards required by Indian law.

The certification process involves testing and inspection. Certifying products to ensure they comply with the India Standards set by the BIS. This certification boosts consumer trust and helps business expand their market reach by proving their commitment to quality.

Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards

Why Should You Choose BIS Certified Products?

BIS certification is a key indicator of quality, safety, and compliance in the Indian market. Here’s why it’s crucial to select BIS certify products for daily use:

• Quality Assurance: A BIS certification proves that the products meet national quality standards, ensuring the consumer’s safety and well-being.
• Legal Compliance: Many products in India are required by law to have BIS certification. Non-compliance could result in penalties for product recalls.
• Market Reputation: BIS certification increases a brand’s reputation, signalling to consumers that the products are reliable and high-quality.
• Export Facilitation: For businesses looking to export products. BIS certification is often a prerequisite for entering foreign markets.
• Consumer Trust: BIS certification products are recognised and trusted by consumers, offering a significant competitive edge in the market.

Products That Must Have BIS Certification (Compulsory)

BIS certification is mandatory for certain product categories in India. Here are some everyday items that often carry BIS marks:

• Construction Materials
• Cement
• Steel bars and rods
• Electrical Appliances
• Electric irons
• Electric immersion water heaters
• Domestic food mixers
• Switches
• Consumer Electronics
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Televisions
• Power adapters
• Power banks
• Digital cameras
• Domestic pressure cookers
• LPG stoves
• LPG cylinders
• Automotive Components
• Automotive tyres
• Tubes
• Helmets
• Packaged Goods
• Packaged drinking water
• Toys and Childcare Products
• X-ray machines
• Glucometers
• Thermometers
• Surgical gloves
• Aluminum foil
• Cables
• Batteries

6 Simple Steps to Choose BIS Certified Products for Everyday Use

Here are 6 simple steps to choose BIS certified products for your everyday use:

• Check for the ISI Mark or CRS Logo: Always look for the ISI mark or Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) logo on the product. This mark shows that the product complies with Indian safety standards.
• Look for the 10-Digit License Number: Every BIS-certified product comes with a unique 10-digit license number printed below the ISI mark. You can use this number to verify the product on the official BIS website. For example, the format will be like this CM/L-xxxxxxx.
• Verify on the BIS Website or BIS Care App: Visit www.bis.gov.in or use the BIS Care Mobile App to verify if the product or brand is certified. Go to the “Product Certification” section, enter the license number or manufacturer’s name, Get instant verification results
• Buy from Trusted Retailers or E-Commerce Platforms: Buy from authorized dealers, company outlets, or trusted platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or TataCliq, which highlight BIS-certified products in the description.
• Avoid Unbranded or Local Items Without BIS Mark: Many local or imported products may look cheap but lack BIS approval, which means no quality assurance or safety guarantee.

Read Product Descriptions and Packaging Carefully: Before purchasing, read the packaging to ensure the product mentions the ISI mark, license number, and manufacturing details.

Benefits of BIS Certification 

The BIS registration provides the following benefits:

• Ensure quality standards, as BIS registration products are bound to follow a certain standard while manufacturing the goods 
• Gives authenticity to BIS-certified products as they deliver high-quality performance and reliability.
• BIS-certified products minimise environmental risks as BIS has prohibited the usage of certain chemicals and materials under its prescribed norms.
• BIS registration is granted after testing the samples of the products in BIS Set-up laboratories, ensuring quality inspection and high-quality of products.

What Happens If You Buy Product Without BIS Certification?

Buying products without mandatory BIS certification can put you at real risk:

• Safety Hazards: Non-certified products have not undergone independent third-party safety and quality testing. This means they may be unsafe, increasing the risk of electric shocks, fire, mechanical failures, or other hazards.
• No Quality Assurance: Without BIS certification, there’s no guarantee that the products meet minimum safety or performance standards.
• Legal Issues: Possession or use of non-certified products is not punishable for consumers, but selling or distributing them is illegal. However, if you purchase such products, they may be seized by authorities during market raids, leaving you without resources or warranty support.
• Lack of Consumer Protection: You may find it difficult to get after-sales service, warranty claims, or compensation if something goes wrong with a non-certified products.

How to Report Fake BIS Certification?

If you come across a product with a fake or suspicious BIS certification, you can report it directly to the Bureau of India Standerds using the following methods:

1. Use the BIS Care App

• Download the BIS Care App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Register your mobile number 
• Use the Complaints feature in the app to report misuse of BIS marks, fake certifications, or misleading claims.
• Fill in the complaint details and attach evidence (such as photos of the products or packaging) if possible.
• Submit the complaint, and you will receive an acknowledgement with a complaint number for tracking.

2. Reports via the BIS Officials website or Regional Offices

• You can also report fake BIS certification through the official BIS website or by contacting regional BIS offices.

3. What Happens Next?

• BIS will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action as per the latest guidelines. You can track your complaint status the reference number provided.