bis fmcs

BIS Certification For Foreigner Manufacturers

INTRODUCTION

Regarding imports, BIS FMCS Registration (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) permits foreign or international organisations to use standard marks as long as they adhere to Indian standards. India is one of the major hubs for international manufacturers who can export their products to India.

For imports, BIS FMCS Registration (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) allows foreign manufacturers to use the standard mark if they adhere to the Indian standards.

Although many foreign manufacturers operate in India, each nation has its own manufacturing regulations and requirements. Without product conformance compliance, testing, and marking, you cannot immediately release your goods onto the market. The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is where product certification under the scheme I takes place. You have to follow the BIS guidelines according to the BIS Scheme I category.

WHAT IS FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS CERTIFICATION SCHEME(FMCS)?

The Bureau of Indian Standards has been running the international Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for international manufacturers since 2000 under Scheme-I of Schedule-II, BIS Act, 2016 and (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Through this program, foreign applicants and manufacturers can sell their goods in India using the standard mark, also known as the ISI Mark. The only authorised body that can provide foreign manufacturers with a BIS Certificate for import is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD). The public's access to high-quality, risk-free, dependable, and safe products is BIS's primary motivation for awarding manufacturing certificates to foreign manufacturers.

The BIS FMCS Certification in India, offered by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme department, is designed for manufacturing facilities overseas that will undergo a factory audit to determine whether the manufacturer is meeting all of the BIS requirements.

Additionally, candidates from abroad need to select an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).EVTL India as your consultant will help you in selecting the AIR. To better understand each of these processes, let's take a closer look at the parameters. Therefore, foreign companies must obtain a BIS Certificate for Import in India under the FMCS Scheme in order to continue exporting and selling their goods in the Indian market.

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department has been issuing the ISI Mark for FMCD since 2000. FMCD BIS certification is the responsibility of BIS. The Indian standard number is at the top of the above ISI mark, and the license number, CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX, is at the bottom of the BIS Standard Mark, also known as the ISI Mark. The Bureau of Indian Standards will provide this mark upon the BIS Certificate's successful issuance.

Sample of a Grant Certificate for FMCS

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Step-by-Step Process to BIS Certification

Foreign manufacturers who want to export products to India must first obtain a certificate from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ensure their products meet Indian standards.

EVTL India Group helps businesses with expert guidance and support, especially with the BIS FMCS Registration process, making it easier for manufacturers to comply with regulations and enter the Indian market.

Step 1: Application Submission

  • Collect and prepare all the required documents for the BIS certification process.
  • Submit the application with the documents online to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and also submit a hard copy to the FMCD department. (New Delhi - ITO)
  • After submission, the BIS FMCS authorities will check and scrutinize the application and documents.

Step 2: Query Raised (if any)

  • If any documents like KYC and technical documents (test equipment, calibration, raw material or other requirement) is missing or incomplete, the applicant will be informed by email.
  • If the application is found satisfactory, AIR will be nominated and the applicant will be informed via email.

Step 3: Audit/Inspection

  • A Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officer will schedule a factory visit on a date that is convenient for both sides.
  • The required inspection or audit fee must be paid by the applicant.
  • During the visit, the BIS officer will check the manufacturing process, testing facilities, and may also test the product in the in-house laboratory.
  • The officer will then offer the product samples, seal them, and send them to a BIS Recognised laboratory for testing.

Step 4: Sample Testing

  • The collected product sample is sent to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (FMCS) department receives the confidential test report from the laboratory.
  • The applicant company is responsible for paying the testing charges.

Step 5: Grant of Licence

  • If inspection and test reports meet the standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approves the application.
  • The applicant pays the licence and marking fees.
  • BIS then issues the Licence Grant Letter.
fmcs-certification-process

Indemnity Bond

An agreement and indemnity bond is signed between the applicant and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It includes details about:

  • Fees
  • Nomination
  • Rights and responsibilities of the licensee
  • Termination conditions
  • Performance Bank Guarantee
  • Cancellation of licence
  • Non-renewal terms
  • SIT (Scheme testing and inspection)

Important Note

Performance Bank Guarantee: A Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000 from a bank approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) must be submitted. (Financial Intermediaries Private - Indian Banks approved by RBI)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BIS FMCS CERTIFICATION

To get a BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) licence, foreign manufacturers must submit several important documents which help prove the products meet the Indian standards.

Here’s a list that consists of the documents needed for BIS FMCS Certification:

1

Covering Letter

2

Application Form – Prescribed BIS Format

3

Payment Remittance Proof

4

Business License / Manufacturing License

5

List of Raw Materials with Supplier Details (as per product)

6

Test Certificates of Raw Materials with Invoices

7

List of All Plant & Machinery Used for Manufacturing

8

Factory Layout Showing Manufacturing & Testing Locations

9

Process Flow Chart of Manufacturing Process

10

List of Testing Equipment Available in Factory as per IS Standards

11

Quality control engineer (QCI) documents

12

Calibration Certificates for All Testing Instruments

13

Scope of license as per the product manual format

14

AIR documents (Aadhar card, PAN card, degree)

15

Trademark Registration Certificate (if available)

16

Undertaking from the Manufacturer

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BIS FMCS CERTIFICATION FEES AND TIMELINE

The fee structure for BIS FMCS certification may vary depending on the product and BIS policies. It is recommended to verify the latest fees on the official BIS website or consult authorized experts for accurate details.

NoType of Fees / ChargesAmount
1APPLICATION FEEINR 1,000 (approx. 15 USD)
2PERFORMANCE BANK GUARANTEE (PBG)10,000 USD (Refundable after licence withdrawal)
3PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR BIS OFFICERS300–400 USD (depending on manufacturer’s country)
4VISIT CHARGESApprox. INR 42,000 (may vary)
5CONTINGENCY FUNDINR 10,000
6AIRFARE & VISA CHARGESINR 200,000 – 500,000 (depending on country)
7SAMPLE TESTING FEEAs Applicable (depends on product & standard)
8MINIMUM MARKING FEEAs Applicable (depends on product & standard)
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Mandatory Products Under ISI Scheme

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List of mandatory products under the BIS ISI Mark Scheme with IS codes
Product Details

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOMINATION OF APPROPRIATE INDIAN REPRESENTATIVE (AIR) FOR FOREIGN MANUFACTURER

Every foreign applicant or manufacturer must have a branch office in India that will handle all their responsibilities under the BIS Act of 1986 as well as the rules and regulations required for registration. To promote their interests and comply with BIS requirements, foreign manufacturers must choose an Authorised Representative in India.

It is mandatory for foreign applicants to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India to get a BIS Licence or ISI Mark Certificate when they do not have a branch office in India. As a local representative, the AIR manages the certification application and responds to BIS enquiries. While nominating the AIR, the applicant should ensure the following points:

1

The foreign manufacturer's nominee for AIR must reside in India.

2

AIR agrees to comply with all terms and conditions in the BIS Licence, Agreement, Undertaking, and any other documents executed for licence grant and operation, including BIS Act rules and regulations.

3

Only one foreign manufacturer may be represented by the AIR at a time; they cannot represent multiple applicants.

4

The AIR must not have any conflict of interest when handling or testing samples in external laboratories.

5

A bachelor's degree and knowledge of BIS Act, 2016 rules and regulations are mandatory for becoming an AIR.

6

The AIR’s name must be included in all BIS licence documentation.

There is more to the BIS Certification For Foreign Manufacturers process than meets the eye. Therefore, it is advisable to collaborate with a consultant who can ensure a smooth and seamless certification experience. EVTL INDIA Group, a leading FMCS agency in India, provides expert advisors to help international manufacturers expedite FMCS certification. With over 16 years of experience, EVTL INDIA ensures effective compliance with Indian regulatory requirements and supports easy market entry.

VALIDITY OF BIS FMCS CERTIFICATION

The BIS licence under FMCS is initially valid for 1 or 2 years, based on the manufacturer's choice. It must be renewed on regular intervals by submitting required documents and paying the licence and marking fees. If renewed late, a penalty fee applies. Renewal periods can extend up to 5 years. Timely renewal is important to avoid suspension. BIS conducts regular checks to ensure ongoing compliance with Indian standards.

Timeframe for BIS Licence

The average time required to obtain a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is around 4 to 6 months from the date a complete application is submitted and officially recorded. However, the actual timeline may vary depending on different factors, such as delays in responding to queries raised by BIS, scheduling of factory inspections, testing of product samples, or the payment of required fees and dues.

BIS Scheme testing and Inspection (SIT) Process

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducts SIT inspections from time to time to check the performance and compliance of foreign BIS license holders. During these inspections, BIS officials may also collect product samples from the market to ensure that the products continue to meet the required Indian Standards.

BIS Complaint Handling and Redressal

If any complaint is received about a licensee’s product, BIS will investigate the issue according to IS/ISO 10002 guidelines. The licensee must take immediate corrective action, such as providing free repair or replacement of the product. In case of any damage or loss, the full responsibility lies with the licensee, and BIS will not be liable.

BIS Licence Renewal Process

A BIS manufacturer licence is valid for one year. Manufacturers can renew the licence annually by submitting a renewal application along with the required fees. The application must also be certified by a Chartered Accountant to complete the BIS licence renewal process

Conclusion

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides a simplified and trusted route for foreign manufacturers to enter the Indian market. By securing BIS FMCS certification and using the ISI Mark, foreign manufacturers assure consumers of product safety, quality, and compliance with Indian standards. This certification builds customer trust, enhances brand value, and opens up significant trade opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. EVTL India specializes in guiding foreign manufacturers through the entire BIS certification journey. We have completed 1000+ successful licenses for foreign manufacturers offering expert support from document preparation to factory inspections, ensuring a smooth, timely, and hassle-free licensing process. Partnering with EVTL India helps foreign manufacturers navigate regulatory complexities efficiently and successfully establish their presence in the Indian market.

KNOW ABOUT EVTL INDIA

As a reputable FMCS agency in India with over 16 years of professional experience working with international businesses, we can assist you in building a reputation for your product. Without your manufacturing unit's permission from the Bureau of Indian Standards, selling your goods in India is difficult. It takes a long time to get the FMCS BIS Certificate in order to be granted a licence.

We at EVTL INDIA, the best BIS FMCS Consultant agent in India and ISI Certificate provider for ten years, can handle the situation with our pre-designed matrix system to reduce the time in documentation, auditing, and processing. However, this time period is not fixed and may increase to seven or eight months. Our technical staff will help you earn FMCS certification and guarantee your company's high-quality operations.

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