How to Get BIS Certification in India: Complete Step-by-Step Process (2026)

Getting BIS certification in India is a multi-step process that can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 months depending on your product type, certification scheme, and whether you are an Indian manufacturer or foreign exporter. Many first-time applicants make costly mistakes that add weeks or months to their timeline. This guide walks you through the exact process for each BIS certification type: CRS, ISI Mark, and FMCS: with document checklists, fee structures, timeline estimates, and practical tips from industry experts who handle hundreds of certifications every year.

Before You Start: Which Certification Do You Need?

The first and most important step is identifying which BIS certification scheme applies to your product. This is where many businesses make their first mistake: applying under the wrong scheme and having their application rejected after months of waiting. Use our free BIS Checker tool to enter your product name or HSN code and get an instant answer. In general: Electronics and IT products (LED lights, power banks, mobile phones, laptops, printers, CCTV cameras) need CRS registration. Products manufactured in India across categories (steel bars, cement, pressure cookers, helmets, electrical switches, cables) need ISI Mark certification. Foreign manufacturers outside India exporting to the Indian market need FMCS certification with an Authorized Indian Representative.

Process A: CRS Registration (for Electronics & IT Products)

CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is the fastest and simplest BIS certification route. It applies to 80+ electronics product categories and does not require factory inspection. The entire process can be completed in 6-12 weeks.

Step A1: Identify Applicable IS Standard

Every electronics product category has a specific Indian Standard (IS number). LED bulbs and tube lights fall under IS 16102, power banks under IS 13252 (Part 1), mobile phones under IS 13252 (Part 1), laptop/notebook computers under IS 13252 (Part 1), adapters and chargers under IS 13252 (Part 1), CCTV cameras under IS 13252 (Part 1), and Bluetooth speakers/headphones under IS 616. If you are unsure which standard applies, our BIS Checker tool maps your product to the correct IS standard instantly.

Step A2: Select BIS-Recognized Lab

Choose from 420+ BIS-recognized labs across India. Key factors to consider: Is the lab specifically recognized for your product's IS standard? (Not all labs test all standards.) What is the current queue? (Labs in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai often have 2-4 week wait times.) Government labs (ERTL, STQC) are 30-50% cheaper but have longer queues. Private labs (TUV, Intertek, UL, Bureau Veritas) cost more but are faster. Does the lab have experience with your specific product type? A lab that has tested 500+ LED products will process yours faster than one testing LEDs for the first time.

Step A3: Prepare and Submit Samples

Send 3-5 sample units per model to the lab. Include all variants (different wattages, colors, or configurations). Prepare: product technical specifications document, circuit diagram (for electronic products), user manual, and Bill of Materials (BOM). Properly label each sample with model number and serial number. Testing takes 3-6 weeks and the samples will be destroyed during testing: do not expect to get them back.

Step A4: Receive Test Report

The lab issues a test report in 3-6 weeks. Review it carefully before submission: any non-compliance noted in the report must be addressed before applying to BIS. If the product fails testing, you will need to fix the issue and resubmit, adding 3-4 weeks to the timeline. Most labs provide a preliminary report so you can address issues before the final report is issued: ask your lab contact about this.

Step A5: Submit Online Application on BIS Portal

Register on the BIS Manakonline portal at manakonline.bis.gov.in. Documents to upload: test report from BIS-recognized lab, company registration/proof of business, factory/manufacturing unit address proof, trademark registration certificate (if applicable), authorization letter (signed by authorized signatory), and product label artwork showing the CRS Standard Mark placement. Pay BIS fees: ₹1,000 application fee per application (not per model: multiple models under the same IS standard can be on one application). Annual marking fee based on production/import volume (₹1,000-₹10,000).

Step A6: BIS Review and Grant

BIS reviews the application within 2-4 weeks. If everything is in order, they issue the CRS registration number (starts with R-). You must affix the CRS Standard Mark on all products and packaging. The registration is valid indefinitely but the marking fee must be paid annually. You can now legally sell your product in India.

Process B: ISI Mark Certification (for Indian Manufacturers)

ISI Mark certification is more involved than CRS because it requires factory inspection by BIS officers. The timeline is 3-8 months and costs are higher. However, ISI Mark is the oldest and most trusted quality mark in India, and over 650 product categories require it.

Step B1: Apply for ISI Registration

Submit application on BIS Manakonline portal with: factory registration documents, list of manufacturing machinery, quality control process documentation, in-house testing facility details, raw material supplier list, product technical specifications, and company PAN/GST registration. Pay registration fee: ₹1,000 for MSME units, ₹5,000 for large scale.

Step B2: Get Product Tested

Send product samples to a BIS-recognized lab for testing against the applicable IS standard. The testing is the same as CRS but ISI standards often have more comprehensive test requirements including material composition, dimensional accuracy, and performance testing. Testing takes 4-8 weeks depending on product complexity.

Step B3: BIS Factory Inspection

This is the key difference from CRS. A BIS officer visits your factory to verify: manufacturing capability (machines, processes, capacity), quality control systems (in-house testing lab, QC procedures, record-keeping), raw material traceability (supplier records and testing), product consistency (random sampling from production line), and compliance with Indian Standards requirements. The inspection takes 1-3 days. BIS officer travel costs (TA/DA) are borne by the applicant: budget ₹10,000-₹50,000 depending on factory location. If the factory fails inspection, you are given 30-90 days to rectify issues and request re-inspection (additional costs apply).

Step B4: Grant of ISI License

After successful factory inspection and test report review, BIS grants the ISI license (starts with CM/L-). The license is valid for 1 year, renewable annually. You must pay the annual marking fee (₹5,000-₹1,00,000 based on production volume). BIS conducts surprise audits (1-2 per year) to ensure continued compliance. You are now authorized to use the ISI Mark on your products.

Process C: FMCS (for Foreign Manufacturers)

FMCS is the most complex, expensive, and time-consuming BIS certification. It is mandatory for foreign manufacturers who want to export to India but do not have a manufacturing presence in India. Timeline: 6-18 months. Cost: ₹5 lakh-₹15 lakh. Key requirements: appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who acts as your legal representative in India for all BIS matters, BIS officer(s) travel to your overseas factory for inspection (travel costs, accommodation, and per-diem are borne by you: budget ₹2-5 lakh for this alone), factory must meet Indian quality standards, which may require facility upgrades, all documentation must be in English and comply with Indian regulatory format. Due to the complexity, nearly all FMCS applicants use a BIS consultant.

Documents Checklist for All BIS Applications

• Company registration certificate / Certificate of Incorporation
• GST registration certificate
• PAN card of company and authorized signatory
• Factory/manufacturing unit address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, or ownership deed)
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is different from company name)
• Product technical specifications and datasheet
• Product user manual / instruction booklet
• Authorization letter on company letterhead (signed by Director/Partner/Proprietor)
• Test report from BIS-recognized lab
• Product samples (as required by lab)
• Affidavit on stamp paper (format provided by BIS)
• Quality control process documentation (for ISI applications)
• List of manufacturing machinery (for ISI)
• In-house testing facility details (for ISI)
• AIR agreement on stamp paper (for FMCS)

Common Mistakes That Delay BIS Certification

• Applying under the wrong certification scheme: always verify using a checker tool first
• Submitting incomplete documentation: BIS is strict about document format and completeness
• Using a non-recognized lab: always verify lab recognition status on BIS website before testing
• Product failing testing due to poor sample preparation: send properly assembled, functional units
• Missing trademark registration: if your brand name differs from company name, trademark is mandatory
• Factory inspection failure: ensure QC processes are documented and operational before BIS visit
• Not budgeting for delays: add 30-50% buffer to expected timeline
• Not factoring in marking fees: annual fees must be budgeted for ongoing compliance

How bischeck.in Makes This Process Faster

Use our free BIS Checker to instantly identify if your product needs BIS certification and which scheme applies. Use the Cost Calculator to get an accurate estimate before you start. Browse 420+ BIS-recognized labs filtered by city and product category. Connect with verified BIS consultants who handle the entire process: most can save you 2-4 weeks and ensure first-time approval. Subscribe to QCO alerts to get notified the day a new product becomes mandatory.