International trade gives Indian businesses access to products, manufacturers, and markets across the world. But importing a product into India is not only about finding a foreign supplier and completing customs formalities. For certain products, meeting Indian quality and safety standards is also compulsory.
This is where BIS registration and certification become important.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body. While BIS certification is generally voluntary, the Central Government has made compliance compulsory for several products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Such products may be imported into India only when the applicable BIS requirements are fulfilled.
For importers, understanding the correct BIS scheme before placing an international order can help avoid customs delays, compliance problems, additional costs, and difficulty selling the product in India.
What Is BIS Registration for Importers?
BIS registration or certification confirms that a product meets the applicable Indian Standard.
However, the exact requirement depends on the product category.
For example:
Certain electronic and IT products come under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
Many products covered by Quality Control Orders require a BIS licence under Scheme I.
Foreign manufacturers supplying products to India may need certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
Some products may not require BIS certification at all.
Therefore, an importer should first identify the applicable Indian Standard and regulatory scheme rather than assuming that every imported product needs the same type of BIS approval.
BIS maintains separate lists for products covered under compulsory certification and the Compulsory Registration Scheme.
Why Is BIS Important for Importers?
Importers often depend on overseas manufacturers for product quality. BIS requirements provide an additional layer of conformity with Indian standards.
For products covered by mandatory requirements, BIS compliance can help importers:
1. Meet Indian Regulatory Requirements
If a product is covered by a mandatory QCO, compliance with the applicable BIS requirements is necessary before it can be legally marketed or imported as required under the applicable order.
2. Reduce Compliance Problems
Checking BIS requirements before shipment can prevent situations where goods arrive in India but cannot be easily cleared, sold, or distributed because the required certification or registration is missing.
3. Build Customer Confidence
Products meeting applicable Indian standards can give distributors and customers greater confidence in product quality and safety.
4. Support Long-Term Imports
Importers who build BIS compliance into their procurement process can make international sourcing more predictable.
5. Improve Market Readiness
BIS compliance should ideally be checked before finalising the product, supplier, packaging, and shipment. This reduces the risk of making changes after the goods have already been manufactured.
BIS Certification vs BIS CRS Registration
One common mistake among importers is treating all BIS approvals as the same.
They are not.
BIS Certification Under Scheme I
Scheme I is generally associated with the BIS licence and Standard Mark for products covered by the applicable certification requirements.
The BIS process can involve assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capabilities, along with product conformity assessment.
BIS CRS Registration
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is mainly applicable to notified electronics and IT products. Under Scheme II, registration is based on self-declaration of conformity against the applicable requirements.
Therefore, businesses searching for BIS CRS registration Online should first confirm whether their product is included in the CRS product list.
What Is BIS FMCS for Foreign Manufacturers?
Importers frequently work with manufacturers located outside India. In such cases, the foreign manufacturer's role is important.
BIS operates the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for foreign manufacturers of products covered by the scheme, except the Electronics & IT Goods notified under the relevant CRS framework. Under FMCS, a licence is granted to the foreign manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark on products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.
This means an Indian importer may need to coordinate with the overseas manufacturer to ensure that the required BIS approval is in place.
How Can Importers Simplify BIS Compliance?
A planned approach can make the process much easier.
Step 1: Identify the Product
Start with the exact product description, model, technical specifications, intended use, and manufacturing details.
Small differences between products can sometimes change the applicable standard or regulatory requirement.
Step 2: Find the Applicable Indian Standard
The next step is to identify the relevant Indian Standard.
BIS advises applicants to identify the applicable Indian Standard before beginning the licensing process.
Step 3: Check the Applicable Scheme
Determine whether the product falls under:
Scheme I
Scheme II / CRS
FMCS
Another BIS conformity assessment scheme
No compulsory BIS requirement
Step 4: Check the Foreign Manufacturer's Compliance
For products requiring certification, the importer should confirm whether the foreign manufacturer already holds the required BIS licence or registration.
Do not rely only on a certificate shared by a supplier. Verify whether it is applicable to the exact manufacturer, product, model, standard, and regulatory requirement.
Step 5: Arrange Product Testing
Where testing is required, samples may need to be tested according to the applicable Indian Standard.
The testing requirements depend on the product and applicable certification scheme.
Step 6: Submit the Application
BIS applications for product certification are accepted through online processes. BIS states that applications under Scheme I are accepted online, including payments, through its application portal.
Step 7: Maintain Compliance
Getting approval is not the end of the process.
Importers and manufacturers should continue to monitor:
Changes in Indian Standards
New Quality Control Orders
Amendments to existing orders
Product or model changes
Labelling requirements
Validity and renewal requirements
BIS licence or registration conditions
BIS Certification for Imported Toys
Toys are an important example of a product category where importers need to pay close attention to BIS requirements.
Safety of toys has been brought under compulsory BIS certification. BIS identifies two broad categories for certification purposes:
Non-electric toys
Electric toys
Non-electric toys are primarily covered under IS 9873, while electric toys are covered under IS 15644:2006. Additional applicable parts of the toy safety standards may also apply depending on the product.
Therefore, businesses searching for BIS Certification for Toys should not treat toy certification as a simple product registration. The exact toy type, applicable standards, testing requirements, and manufacturer details need to be assessed.
For imported toys, the foreign manufacturer may need to obtain the relevant BIS licence under the applicable BIS process. Importers should confirm compliance before ordering commercial quantities.
BIS Certification Online: What Importers Should Know
Many businesses search for BIS Certification Online because they want to complete the process digitally.
The application process can be initiated online, but online filing does not mean that certification is granted automatically.
Depending on the scheme and product, BIS compliance may involve:
Identifying the applicable standard.
Reviewing product requirements.
Testing the product.
Reviewing manufacturing and quality-control arrangements.
Submitting documents.
Filing the online application.
Addressing BIS queries.
Completing inspection or assessment where applicable.
Obtaining the licence or registration.
Maintaining ongoing compliance.
The exact process varies according to the product and certification scheme.
Documents Commonly Required
The document list depends on the product and BIS scheme. Common information may include:
Importer's business details
Foreign manufacturer's details
Product specifications
Technical information
Product drawings or photographs
Manufacturing process information
Quality-control details
Test reports
Details of testing facilities
Authorisation documents
Applicable declarations
Product labels and marking details
Other documents prescribed under the relevant BIS scheme
It is better to prepare documents according to the specific product requirements instead of using a generic checklist.
Common Mistakes Importers Should Avoid
Ordering Products Before Checking BIS Requirements
This is one of the biggest mistakes. Always check the regulatory requirement before placing a large purchase order.
Assuming Every Imported Product Needs BIS
BIS certification is not automatically mandatory for every product. Mandatory requirements apply to products notified by the Government.
Choosing the Wrong BIS Scheme
CRS, Scheme I, FMCS and other conformity assessment routes are different. Selecting the wrong route can waste time and money.
Using an Old Test Report
Standards and regulatory requirements can change. Make sure test reports remain acceptable for the applicable product and process.
Ignoring Product Changes
Changing the model, components, manufacturer, factory, or specifications may affect compliance.
Checking Compliance Only at Customs Stage
BIS compliance should be checked during procurement planning—not after the shipment reaches India.
Benefits of BIS Compliance for Importers
A well-planned BIS compliance strategy can offer several practical benefits:
Easier regulatory planning
Lower risk of shipment-related compliance issues
Better product quality control
Greater customer confidence
Stronger relationships with distributors
More predictable product launches
Better control over international sourcing
Reduced risk of costly rework
For businesses regularly importing regulated products, BIS compliance should be treated as part of the supply-chain process rather than a last-minute certification activity.
How Corpbiz Can Help With BIS Compliance
Corpbiz helps businesses understand and manage regulatory requirements for products entering the Indian market.
Our support can include:
Product-specific BIS requirement assessment
BIS certification guidance
BIS Certification Online assistance
BIS CRS registration Online support
ISI Certification Online guidance
BIS Certification for Toys assistance
Documentation support
Testing and compliance guidance
Foreign manufacturer compliance support
Application assistance
Post-certification compliance guidance
The exact requirements depend on the product, applicable Indian Standard, manufacturer, and relevant Government notification.
Conclusion
International sourcing can create excellent business opportunities, but importers must understand India's product compliance requirements before bringing goods into the country.
BIS plays an important role in ensuring that products covered by mandatory requirements meet applicable Indian standards. For importers, the most important step is to identify the product-specific requirement early and choose the correct BIS certification or registration route.
Whether you need BIS Certification Online, BIS CRS registration Online, ISI Certification Online, or BIS Certification for Toys, proper planning can make the import process smoother and reduce unnecessary delays.
Before importing a regulated product, verify the latest BIS requirements and applicable Quality Control Order for your exact product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is BIS registration mandatory for all imported products?
No. BIS certification is generally voluntary, but the Government has made compliance compulsory for certain products through Quality Control Orders and other notifications.
2. Can an importer apply for BIS certification?
The answer depends on the applicable scheme. Under FMCS, the licence is granted to the foreign manufacturer, while CRS and other schemes have their own eligibility and application requirements. The importer should identify the applicable route before starting the process.
3. What is BIS CRS registration?
BIS CRS registration refers to the Compulsory Registration Scheme under Scheme II, which covers notified electronics and IT products and certain other notified categories.
4. Is BIS certification required for imported toys?
Toys are subject to compulsory BIS certification requirements. BIS distinguishes between non-electric and electric toys, with applicable standards including IS 9873 and IS 15644:2006.
5. What is the difference between ISI certification and CRS registration?
ISI certification generally refers to the BIS certification/Standard Mark route under Scheme I for applicable products. CRS is a separate Scheme II registration framework for notified products, particularly electronics and IT goods.
6. Can BIS certification be applied for online?
Yes. BIS provides online application facilities for applicable certification processes. However, online filing is only one part of the overall compliance process; testing, assessment and other requirements may also apply.
7. How can I check whether my imported product needs BIS certification?
First identify the exact product and applicable Indian Standard, then check the current BIS list of products under compulsory certification and relevant Government notifications.
8. Why should BIS compliance be checked before importing?
Checking compliance before placing an order helps identify certification, testing, labelling, and manufacturer-related requirements in advance and can reduce the risk of problems later in the import process.
About the Author
Atul Shukla
Legal & Compliance Content Specialist
Atul Shukla writes about Indian regulatory compliance, business laws, certifications, and government registrations. His work focuses on explaining complex compliance topics in simple language so that entrepreneurs, importers, manufacturers, and growing businesses can make better compliance decisions.
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