In a competitive global marketplace, product quality and safety are more important than ever—especially in a country like India, which has established strict regulatory frameworks to protect consumers. Among these, the ISI Mark and BIS Certification stand out as two of the most recognized quality assurance systems in the country.

This blog will help you understand what ISI and BIS Certification are, how they differ, the types of products that require them, and the process to obtain these certifications—especially useful for Indian manufacturers, importers, and foreign companies wanting to enter the Indian market.

What is BIS?

BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body of India, functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS is responsible for:

  • Setting Indian Standards (IS)

  • Testing and certifying product quality

  • Issuing licenses for the ISI Mark, CRS registration, and FMCS

  • Ensuring consumer safety and product reliability through periodic audits and surveillance

Established under the BIS Act, 1986 (and updated in 2016), BIS plays a key role in regulating product quality across a wide range of sectors including electronics, chemicals, steel, cement, automotive components, and more.

What is ISI Certification?

The ISI Mark is the official certification mark from BIS for products conforming to Indian Standards (IS) under Scheme I of BIS certification. “ISI” stands for Indian Standards Institute, the former name of BIS.

When you see the ISI logo on a product, it means that the product:

  • Has been tested in a BIS-recognized lab

  • Meets Indian quality and safety standards

  • Is manufactured in a certified facility with regular inspections

  • Is approved to be sold in the Indian market legally

Examples of ISI-Certified Products:

  • Electrical appliances (electric irons, fans, cables)

  • Steel bars and structural materials

  • Cement, LPG cylinders

  • Automotive tires and parts

  • Water purifiers and plumbing accessories

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a broader compliance framework provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It includes different types of certification schemes:

1. ISI Mark Certification (Scheme-I)

This is the most common form of BIS Certification for products manufactured in India. It is mandatory for over 380 products such as steel, cement, electrical goods, and household items.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Introduced by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), this scheme requires manufacturers of electronic and IT goods to get BIS CRS registration. Products must be tested in a BIS-approved lab and marked with the BIS CRS logo and R-number.

Example:

  • LED lights, laptops, mobile phones, SMPS, etc.

3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

FMCS is designed for foreign manufacturers wanting to sell regulated products in India under the ISI mark. It includes a physical factory audit by BIS officials and sample testing.

Key Differences Between ISI and BIS Certification

Feature ISI Certification BIS Certification (General)
Governing Body Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Mark ISI Mark BIS CRS Mark / ISI Mark / FMCS
Type Scheme I – Conformity to Indian Standards Includes CRS, ISI, and FMCS Schemes
Product Categories Steel, Cement, Electrical Goods, etc. Electronics, Chemicals, Toys, Foreign Products
Testing Requirement Mandatory product testing Mandatory, scheme-specific testing
License Validity 1-2 years (renewable) Depends on the scheme and product

Who Needs BIS or ISI Certification?

BIS or ISI certification is mandatory for:

  • Manufacturers producing items listed under BIS Compulsory Certification Orders (CCOs)

  • Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to India

  • Importers and Indian brand owners selling under their label

  • E-commerce sellers (Amazon, Flipkart) who must comply with BIS norms

Benefits of ISI and BIS Certification

  1. ✅ Legal Market Entry
    Certification is mandatory for many products. Without it, goods may be confiscated or banned.

  2. ✅ Consumer Confidence
    The ISI or BIS logo assures buyers that the product meets national safety and quality norms.

  3. ✅ Competitive Advantage
    Certified products often outperform uncertified ones in terms of trust and brand reputation.

  4. ✅ Customs Clearance
    BIS-certified goods clear customs faster, avoiding unnecessary delays or penalties.

  5. ✅ Reduced Product Failures
    Testing and certification reduce the chances of recalls or product malfunction.

How to Get ISI or BIS Certification?

The process depends on the specific scheme:

✅ ISI Certification Process (for Indian Manufacturers):

  1. Product Identification – Check if your product is covered under mandatory certification.

  2. Lab Testing – Send samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory.

  3. Application Filing – Submit application with test report and documents.

  4. Factory Inspection – BIS officials inspect your facility for process control.

  5. Grant of License – BIS issues an ISI license with a unique CM/L number.

  6. Marking – Begin using the ISI mark on product packaging and manual.

✅ BIS CRS Certification Process (for Electronics & IT):

  1. Identify Indian Standard for your product (e.g., IS 13252 for SMPS)

  2. Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (for foreign manufacturers)

  3. Submit product sample to BIS-approved lab

  4. Upload documents to BIS online portal

  5. BIS reviews application and grants R-number

  6. Use CRS mark on product with R-number

Documentation Required

  • Business license and company profile

  • ISO 9001 certificate (if applicable)

  • Test reports from BIS-approved lab

  • Product specifications and images

  • Factory layout and equipment list

  • Authorization letter (for AIR or brand owners)

Role of Consultants like ERCS Pvt Ltd

Navigating the BIS or ISI certification process can be complex, especially for foreign manufacturers. This is where a consultant like ERCS Pvt Ltd helps:

  • Identifying applicable Indian Standards

  • Coordinating with BIS-approved labs

  • Preparing complete documentation

  • Liaising with BIS officials for inspection

  • Ensuring compliance during post-certification surveillance

  • Acting as Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for overseas clients

ERCS Pvt Ltd ensures fast, smooth, and 100% compliant BIS certification so that you can focus on your business growth.

Conclusion

Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an international exporter, understanding the nuances of ISI and BIS Certification is essential. These certifications not only ensure compliance with Indian regulations but also elevate your brand’s value in the market. While the process may seem lengthy and technical, with proper planning and expert assistance, it can be completed efficiently.

With India being one of the largest consumer markets globally, ensuring your products are BIS-certified is a smart move for long-term growth and credibility.