ISI Mark vs CRS vs FMCS: Which BIS Certification Do You Need? (2026)

India has three BIS certification schemes, and choosing the wrong one can cost you months of delay and lakhs of rupees. This guide explains the differences and helps you identify which one applies to your product.

CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

For electronics and IT products. No factory inspection required. Based on product testing at BIS-recognized labs. 80+ product categories. Example products: LED lights, power banks, mobile phones, laptops, printers.

ISI Mark

For Indian manufacturers across all categories. Requires factory inspection by BIS officers. Covers 650+ product categories. Example products: steel bars, cement, pressure cookers, helmets, electrical switches.

FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)

For overseas manufacturers exporting to India. Requires BIS officer to travel to the foreign factory for inspection. Longer timeline (6-18 months) and higher cost (₹5-15L). Needs an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India.

Quick Decision Guide

• Are you importing electronics from China? → CRS
• Are you an Indian manufacturer making steel/cement/helmets? → ISI Mark
• Are you a foreign manufacturer with no India office? → FMCS
• Are you an Indian manufacturer of electronics? → CRS (not ISI)