BIS Certification for Import: A Complete Guide for Importers

Introduction

India’s import landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, with the government placing strong emphasis on product quality, consumer safety, and compliance. As a result, obtaining a BIS Certification for Import has become essential for several categories of goods entering the Indian market. Whether you are a manufacturer exporting to India or an importer sourcing international products, a BIS Import License ensures that the products meet the required Indian Standards (IS) set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

What Is BIS Certification for Import?

The BIS Certification for Import (BIS) implements conformity assessment schemes to ensure that products entering India meet the quality, safety, and performance standards mandated by the Government of India. For certain mandatory products listed under the QCOs (Quality Control Orders), obtaining a BIS Certification for Import is compulsory before the goods can be sold, distributed, or used within India.

This certification prevents the entry of substandard or unsafe products into the Indian market and ensures compliance with Indian Standards (IS codes).

Why BIS Import Certificate Is Important

Importing products without the required BIS Import License can lead to:

• Seizure of goods at customs
  
  
• Heavy penalties
  
  
• Rejection of shipments
  
  
• Delays and financial losses
  
  
• Permanent prohibition on selling non-compliant items
  
  

With a valid BIS certificate, importers can:

• Smoothly clear customs
  
  
• Avoid delays and legal liabilities
  
  
• Gain trust of Indian buyers and government bodies
  
  
• Increase product marketability and acceptance
  
  
• Comply with QCO and statutory obligations
  
  

When Is BIS Certification for Import Mandatory?

A BIS Import Certificate is mandatory for all products covered under:

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
  
  
• ISI Certification Scheme
  
  
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
  
  
• Products notified under various QCOs
  
  

Common product categories include:

• Electrical and electronic items
  
  
• Machinery and industrial equipment
  
  
• Steel products
  
  
• Chemicals
  
  
• Cement
  
  
• Toys
  
  
• Batteries
  
  
• Pressure cookers
  
  
• Footwear
  
  
• Household appliances
  
  

Importers must ensure their overseas manufacturer holds a valid BIS License before importing.

Types of BIS Schemes for Importers

1. ISI Certification (Scheme I)

Required for products that need factory inspections, sample testing, and marking with the ISI mark.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Applies primarily to electronics and IT products. Manufacturers must register and affix the CRS label.

3. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)

Required for foreign manufacturers supplying products under mandatory standards. BIS officials inspect overseas factories.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain BIS Import License

Here is the complete process for obtaining a BIS Import Certificate through sunconsultants.co.in:

Step 1: Identify Applicable IS Standard

Every product category is associated with a specific Indian Standard (IS Code).
The first step is determining whether your product falls under mandatory certification.

Step 2: Documentation & Application Submission

The importer or foreign manufacturer must prepare and submit:

• Technical product details
  
  
• Factory documents
  
  
• Quality control processes
  
  
• Manufacturing license
  
  
• Test reports (if applicable)
  
  
• Brand authorization letters
  
  

Experts at sunconsultants.co.in audit the documents for accuracy to avoid rejection.

Step 3: Product Testing

Samples are sent to a BIS-approved laboratory in India. Testing is performed based on Indian Standards.

Step 4: Factory Inspection (If applicable)

For ISI and FMCS schemes, BIS officials inspect the manufacturing location to verify:

• Production capability
  
  
• Quality control systems
  
  
• Testing facilities
  
  
• Material sourcing
  
  

Step 5: Grant of BIS Import License

Once compliance is verified, BIS grants the certification:

• ISI Mark License for Scheme I
  
  
• CRS Certificate for electronics
  
  
• FMCS License for foreign manufacturers
  
  

After certification, importers can legally bring the product to India.

Step 6: Labeling & Marking

Every certified product must bear:

• ISI Mark or CRS Mark
  
  
• License number
  
  
• Manufacturer details
  
  
• Standard number
  
  

Without proper labeling, customs may reject the goods.

Documents Required for BIS Import Certificate

Importers generally need the following documents:

• Business license of manufacturer
  
  
• Technical specification sheet
  
  
• Product drawings
  
  
• Quality control documents
  
  
• Packaging details
  
  
• Authorization letter from brand owner
  
  
• Test report (if applicable)
  
  
• ISO certificates
  
  
• Airway bill / bill of entry (for re-testing cases)
  
  

Documentation accuracy is extremely crucial, as BIS rejects incomplete submissions.

Role of sunconsultants.co.in in BIS Import Certification

Navigating the BIS compliance process independently can be difficult due to:

• Frequent regulatory changes
  
  
• Complex documentation
  
  
• Strict testing requirements
  
  
• International coordination challenges
  
  

sunconsultants.co.in simplifies certification by offering:

✔ End-to-End Support

From product evaluation to obtaining the BIS Import License.

✔ Accurate Documentation

Minimizing rejections and ensuring timely approval.

✔ Testing & Inspection Coordination

Ensuring all BIS requirements are met efficiently.

✔ Compliance Management

Helping importers avoid penalties, delays, or seizure of goods.

✔ Affordable & Transparent Pricing

Making compliance hassle-free for both small and large businesses.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Importers

• Smooth customs clearance
  
  
• Zero risk of shipment rejection
  
  
• Higher product credibility
  
  
• Compliance with Indian safety norms
  
  
• Competitive edge in the Indian market
  
  
• Increased trust among distributors and retailers
  
  

Common Challenges Importers Face

Without professional guidance, importers often struggle with:

• Identifying the correct Indian Standard
  
  
• Misinterpreting BIS documentation
  
  
• Incorrect sample selection
  
  
• Failure during lab testing
  
  
• Factory compliance issues
  
  
• Time-consuming follow-ups with BIS officials
  
  

This is where sunconsultants.co.in ensures a seamless certification experience.

Conclusion

A BIS Certification for Import is not just a legal requirement—it is a strong indicator of product safety, quality, and reliability. Importers must ensure that their products and their manufacturer comply with Indian Standards to avoid penalties and delays at customs. With the guidance of experts like sunconsultants.co.in, the process becomes smooth, fast, and fully compliant with BIS regulations.