In today’s global market, product safety and quality are not just customer expectations – they are legal requirements. For manufacturers, especially those aiming to sell products in India, one such key requirement is BIS Certification.
Whether you are a local manufacturer or a company located outside India, you can apply for BIS certification and sell your products in the Indian market. However, the process for foreign manufacturers is slightly different and involves specific steps to ensure compliance with Indian standards.
In this blog, we will explain everything about BIS certification for foreign manufacturers, the registration process, and how services like Online BIS Registration, BIS CRS Certification Online, ISI Mark Registration Online, and BIS Certification for Toys Online can be obtained with the help of experts like Corpbiz.
Understanding BIS Certification
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India. It ensures that products sold in the Indian market meet defined safety, quality, and performance benchmarks.
BIS certification can be of different types:
ISI Mark Certification – This applies to products like cement, steel, household appliances, etc., showing they meet Indian Standards.
BIS CRS Certification – This is for electronics and IT products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
BIS Certification for Toys – Mandatory for toy manufacturers and importers to ensure child safety.
Can Foreign Manufacturers Apply?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS certification through a scheme called the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). It allows overseas companies to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products before selling them in India.
However, foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) who will be responsible for coordinating with BIS on their behalf. This is where consulting services like Corpbiz come in — helping you with application paperwork, testing, liaison with BIS officials, and ensuring your registration is done correctly.
Why BIS Certification is Important for Foreign Manufacturers
For foreign companies, BIS certification is not just a legal formality — it’s a gateway to entering the Indian market.
Legal Compliance – Selling without BIS certification in India can lead to penalties, seizure of goods, or even a complete sales ban.
Consumer Trust – The BIS mark assures Indian buyers about product quality and safety.
Market Access – Many distributors and retailers in India only deal with BIS-certified products.
Watch the BIS registration Video
Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Manufacturers to Get BIS Certification
While the process can seem complex, here’s a simplified version of the steps for Online BIS Registration for foreign companies:
1. Identify the Applicable Standard
Check the Indian Standard (IS) that applies to your product. Each product has a specific code and requirements.
2. Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
BIS requires a foreign manufacturer to have an Indian contact person or company to handle compliance.
3. Application Submission
Submit the BIS certification application online, including all necessary documents like manufacturing details, quality control plans, and product test reports.
4. Product Testing in BIS-Recognised Labs
Products must be tested in BIS-recognised laboratories in India. For electronics and IT products, BIS CRS Certification Online applies.
5. Factory Audit
For ISI mark products, BIS may send officials to inspect the manufacturing facility abroad.
6. Grant of Licence
Once all checks are complete, BIS issues the certification, allowing the manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark.
Types of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
ISI Mark Registration Online – For industrial, engineering, and household products.
BIS CRS Certification Online – For electronics like mobile phones, LED lights, laptops, etc.
BIS Certification for Toys Online – For manufacturers of children’s toys, ensuring they are safe and non-toxic.
How Corpbiz Helps Foreign Manufacturers
At Corpbiz, we specialise in making BIS certification simple for foreign businesses. Our team helps you with:
Understanding the right BIS standard for your product
Appointing and managing your Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
Preparing documents for Online BIS Registration
Coordinating with BIS-recognised labs for product testing
Ensuring a smooth factory audit process
Fast-tracking approval for ISI Mark Registration Online and BIS CRS Certification Online
Our experience with foreign clients means we understand international manufacturing practices and can bridge the gap with Indian compliance requirements.
FAQs on BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all imported products in India?
No. Only products listed under the BIS mandatory certification scheme require it. You must check the latest list from BIS before applying.
Q2. Can I apply for BIS certification without visiting India?
Yes, but you must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to handle your application.
Q3. How long does BIS certification take for foreign manufacturers?
It can take 4–6 months, depending on product testing and factory inspection schedules.
Q4. What is BIS CRS Certification Online?
It is a certification process under the Compulsory Registration Scheme for electronics and IT products, which can be applied for online.
Q5. Do I need separate certification for each product?
Yes. Each product type and standard requires its own BIS licence.
Final Words
For foreign manufacturers, BIS certification is your official entry ticket to the Indian market. Whether it’s ISI Mark Registration Online, BIS CRS Certification Online, or BIS Certification for Toys Online, the process requires careful documentation, product testing, and compliance with Indian standards.
At Corpbiz, we help you navigate this process from start to finish, making sure your products meet every BIS requirement so you can focus on growing your business in India.
Author: Atul Shukla
Atul Shukla is a business compliance expert at Corpbiz, specialising in product certification, licensing, and regulatory approvals. With years of experience helping domestic and foreign companies meet Indian compliance standards, Atul simplifies complex processes into easy, step-by-step solutions.
