In today’s globalised world, where consumers rely on countless products and services every
day to conduct their day-to-day life, certifications play an essential role to ensure that what
reaches us are safe, reliable and meets the specific standards. There are various regulations in
India, which ensures such processes take place.
Certifications like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Food safety and Standards authority
of India (FSSAI) are not just stamps; they are critical quality benchmarks that protect
consumer interests, promote fair trade and ensure public safety.
This article explores why such certifications matter, what they signify and how do they
Contribute to ensure consumer safety and economic prosperity.

What Is Bureau Of Indian Standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards was established under the BIS Act, 1986 (updated 2016) for
The harmonious development of the activities of standardisation, marking and quality
certification of goods.
The bureau grants BIS licenses to manufacturers and importers for products that meet quality
standards under the various product certification schemes. Through its Certification Scheme,
BIS grants licences to manufacturers who demonstrate conformity of their products with
Indian Standards. For manufacturers, obtaining a BIS licence is not just a regulatory
obligation but also a mark of credibility and market acceptance.

Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards

What Is ISI MARK

The ISI mark is a standards-compliance mark for industrial products in India. It certifies that
a product conforms to an Indian Standard (IS) developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS).
For certain products, having the ISI mark is mandatory for sale in the Indian market. This
ensures regulatory compliance and allows manufacturers to operate legally.
There are a total of 692 products that require mandatory certification upon them. All such
products initially lie in the voluntary certification section. Depending on the product, various
ministries generate a QCO where they mandate certification on products, laying down its
procedure and deadlines.

Read More: ISI Mark Certification

What Is (FMCS) The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is operated by the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS). It allows foreign manufacturers to certify their products with the ISI
Mark, enabling them to sell those products in the Indian market as per Indian safety and
quality standards.

The additional steps that foreign manufacturers must take are :-

Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who must be an Indian entity ( company
or resident) responsible for ensuring that proper application, correspondence, compliance,
and legal obligations are ensured.

Read More: FMCS BIS Registration In India

What Is Compulsory Registration Scheme

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced to ensure the safety and quality of electronic and IT products sold in India. Below are the key highlights of the scheme:

• COMPULSORY REGISTRATION SCHEME 2012 is a scheme that lays down
  mandatory registration of electrical and IT products under BIS regulations.
• Without this registration, manufacturers cannot legally manufacture, store or sale,
  import or distribute any products in India.
• The BIS standard mark with a unique registration number (R- number) on a product
  assures the customers of its conformity to Indian standards. .
• There are total 64 PRODUCTS laid down as of now.

What Is FSSAI (Food safety and standards authority of India)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare responsible for ensuring food safety and regulation in India. Certification from FSSAI is mandatory for all food-related businesses operating in the country, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and food service providers.

Why Do Certifications Matter?

Protecting public health and safety:

One of the most important roles of certifications like BIS certificate, FSSAI, and ISI is to protect the
health and safety of the public. Poorly manufactured electrical equipment can cause fires,
low-quality helmets may fail to protect riders, and contaminated food can lead to serious
illness or even death. These certifications ensure that:

• Food items are free from contaminants
• Electrical products are insulated and safe to use
• Infrastructure materials like cement and steel meet strength standards

Benefits of Product Certification

In a market flooded with choices, certification acts as a trust signal. When consumers see an
ISI mark or a valid FSSAI license, they feel assured that the product has been inspected,
tested, and verified by a recognised authority.
This credibility encourages purchases, builds brand loyalty, and enhances consumer
satisfaction, even for small businesses

Ensuring Legal Compliance and Avoiding Penalties

Many of these certifications are not just optional—they are mandatory. For example:

• Selling packaged drinking water without FSSAI registration is illegal.
• Helmets sold without the ISI mark can lead to penalties.
• Electrical appliances listed under CRS must be BIS-certified.
  Businesses operating without required certifications risk legal action, fines, seizure of goods,
  and permanent bans. Thus, certification is crucial for legal compliance and business
  continuity.

Standardisation and Quality Assurance

Certifications are based on uniform technical standards, which are defined after research,
expert consultation, and feedback from industry and consumers. These standards help in:

• Reducing defects in manufacturing
• Improving consistency in product performance
• Making Indian products globally competitive

Facilitating Trade and Exports

In global markets, certified products are trusted more. Countries may refuse imports that do
not conform to basic safety or hygiene standards. Indian exporters often require:

• CE certification for European markets
• ISO certifications for global quality assurance
• FSSAI clearance for food exports
  Thus, certifications help businesses tap into global supply chains and expand exports,
  boosting economic growth.

Enabling Consumer Grievance Redressal

When a certified product fails or causes harm, consumers have a legal basis to seek redressal.
For instance, if a BIS-certified appliance causes an accident, the consumer can file a
complaint, and the manufacturer must take responsibility.
This accountability system promotes ethical manufacturing and empowers consumers.

Challenges And Criticism

Despite their benefits, certification systems in India do face challenges:
Delays and bureaucracy: Long processing times can discourage small businesses.
Corruption or bribery: In some cases, businesses claim there is scope for manipulation.
Limited awareness: Many consumers still don’t check for certification marks before
purchasing.
Fake certifications: Counterfeit marks and licenses can mislead consumers

Conclusion

In summary, certifications like BIS, ISI, FSSAI are far more than formalities—they are
instruments of public welfare, business credibility, and global competitiveness. They protect
our health, enhance product safety, and ensure that businesses uphold quality benchmarks.
While challenges exist, the certification ecosystem in India is evolving, becoming more
transparent and efficient.
Whether you’re a consumer, manufacturer, policymaker, or student of law or public policy,
Understanding the significance of these certifications is essential for shaping a safer, more
trustworthy market. In a world where standards define the line between good and great,
Certification is the bridge that connects compliance with confidence.