The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India issues BIS certification. BIS certification denotes third-party assurance of a product's quality, dependability, and safety to customers. The BIS is involved in a variety of activities such as product certification, standard formulation, testing, hallmarking, calibration schemes, and so on.

BIS product certification is entirely voluntary. However, the Indian government has made it mandatory for certain products in the interest of public health. According to the government notification, 380 products must obtain BIS certification. The BIS certification allows licensees to use the ISI mark (the "standard mark") on their products. Quality products bear the ISI (Indian Standards Institution) mark.

The government encourages BIS certification for products, despite the fact that it is voluntary, for the following reasons:

·         It protects public health by providing quality assurance.

·         It safeguards the consumer against potentially hazardous products.

·         It increases consumer trust.

BIS Registration Schemes Types

·         Registration under the ISI Mark Scheme for Domestic Manufacturers

·         Registration under the Simplified Procedure for Domestic Manufacturers

·         Registration under the ECO Mark Scheme

·         Registration under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

·         Compulsory Registration Scheme of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) (CRS)

Procedure for registering with the BIS

The licencing and monitoring processes are both part of the BIS registration process. The licencing procedure includes the following steps:

·         The manufacturers fill out the BIS registration form.

·         A preliminary inspection by a BIS inspector will be conducted at the factory.

·         The product samples will be evaluated after the inspection.

·         The final outcome will be determined by the BIS officer after the evaluation is completed.

Following the inspection, the inspecting officer will conduct a surveillance process in order to conduct a thorough factory survey. The surveillance procedure includes the following steps:

·         The inspecting authority will come to the factory to testify about the outcomes of the tests.

·         The samples will be sent to independent labs by the examining officer.

·         The test report will provide comments or a summary of the investigation to the complainant.

·         A report on the performance review will be prepared.

·         The BIS licence is awarded after the report has been examined.

BIS Certification Validity

The validity of the BIS certification provided by the BIS is two years. When there is no change in the related items or mandated requirements, the makers can renew the BIS certification. The BIS certificate will be valid for at least one year and up to five years after it is renewed.

A minimum annual advance marking charge and licencing cost are required for the renewal of the BIS certificate. However, if the BIS certification renewal application is submitted after the certificate's expiration date, the applicant must pay a late charge of Rs.5000.