Introduction
In today’s competitive marketplace, quality assurance has become one of the most critical factors for consumer trust, business credibility, and regulatory compliance. In India, the authority responsible for maintaining and certifying product quality standards is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
BIS certification ensures that products meet the required safety, quality, and performance standards, while protecting consumers against hazardous or substandard goods. Two of the most important certifications issued by BIS are:
- BIS Registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme – CRS)
- ISI Certification (Standard Mark License)
ISI certification is typically required for domestic manufacturers for products like cement, steel, or packaged drinking water, whereas BIS registration under CRS is mandatory for electronics and IT products notified by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY).
This article provides a complete guide to BIS Registration and ISI Certification in India — covering legal framework, applicability, product categories, process, benefits, compliance, penalties, and how RegistrationMART helps businesses navigate the process smoothly.
1. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – An Overview
The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 established BIS as the National Standards Body of India. BIS is responsible for:
- Laying down quality standards for products, services, and systems.
- Certifying and licensing products to ensure conformity with standards.
- Ensuring consumer protection against unsafe and substandard products.
- Supporting the “Make in India” initiative by enhancing product competitiveness.
BIS certification can be mandatory (for regulated products) or voluntary (for credibility and trust).
2. ISI Certification vs BIS Registration
A. ISI Certification (Standard Mark License)
- ISI mark certifies product conformity to Indian Standards (IS).
- Applicable to health, safety, and environment-related products like cement, steel, water, LPG cylinders, and electrical appliances.
- License issued to manufacturers (Indian & foreign) after inspection and product testing.
- Mandatory for products notified by the government.
B. BIS Registration (Compulsory Registration Scheme – CRS)
- Introduced by MeitY in 2012 for electronics & IT products.
- Covers products such as mobile phones, LED TVs, laptops, batteries, and more.
- Manufacturers must test products in BIS-recognized labs before registration.
- BIS grants a unique Registration Number (R-number) for compliant products.
Key Difference: ISI = All industries (product standards). BIS CRS = Electronics/IT products (safety compliance).
3. Legal Framework for BIS/ISI Certification
- Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016
- Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018
- Electronics & IT Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012
Note: Violation can lead to fines, imprisonment, or product seizure.
4. Products Covered under BIS & ISI Certification
A. ISI Certification (Mandatory List – 300+ Products)
- Cement (Portland, Pozzolana, White cement)
- Structural steel & bars
- Packaged drinking water & mineral water
- LPG cylinders, regulators, valves
- Household electrical goods (switches, cables, motors, heaters, irons)
- Automotive tyres & tubes
- Kitchen appliances (pressure cookers, stoves)
- Helmets
B. BIS CRS (Electronics & IT Products – 80+ Categories)
- Mobile phones, tablets, laptops
- LED lamps, LED TVs
- Power adapters, chargers
- Batteries for laptops & mobiles
- Microwave ovens, induction stoves
- Smart watches, smart speakers, wireless earphones
- CCTV cameras
Note: All manufacturers/importers must obtain BIS registration before sale in India.
5. Importance of BIS Registration & ISI Certification
- Legal Compliance – Mandatory for notified products.
- Consumer Safety – Prevents hazardous or substandard goods.
- Market Access – Required for retail & e-commerce.
- Brand Reputation – Builds customer trust.
- Export Benefits – Recognized globally.
- Business Growth – Essential for government tenders.
6. Process of ISI Certification (Domestic Manufacturers)
- Identify Applicable IS Code for the product.
- Submit application with product & manufacturer details.
- Send samples to BIS-approved lab for testing.
- Factory inspection by BIS officials.
- Grant of ISI License if product passes standards.
- Ongoing surveillance & periodic audits by BIS.
7. Process of BIS CRS Registration (Electronics/IT Products)
- Check if product falls under CRS list & IS Standard.
- Test product at BIS-recognized lab in India.
- Apply online on BIS portal with test reports.
- BIS issues Registration Certificate with unique R-number.
- Registration valid for 2 years, renewable thereafter.
8. Documents Required
- PAN & GST registration of the company
- Certificate of incorporation/partnership deed
- Factory license
- Product test reports from BIS-approved labs
- Quality management system documents
- For importers: Authorization letter from foreign manufacturer
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Selling products without ISI/BIS: Fine up to ₹2,00,000 (first offence).
- Repeat offences: Fine up to ₹5,00,000 + imprisonment up to 2 years.
- Seizure of goods & cancellation of licenses.
- Ban on imports & blacklisting of companies.
10. Challenges Faced by Businesses
- Identifying correct IS code & standards.
- Delays in product testing & inspections.
- Documentation errors leading to rejection.
- Managing renewals & audits.
- Navigating compliance for foreign manufacturers.
11. How RegistrationMART Helps
RegistrationMART provides end-to-end support for BIS Registration & ISI Certification:
- Advisory: Identify applicable IS codes & requirements.
- Documentation: Prepare and verify applications.
- Testing Coordination: Liaise with BIS-approved labs.
- Application Filing: Submit & track applications with BIS.
- Inspection Support: Manage factory inspections & queries.
- Renewals: Handle renewals & surveillance requirements.
Conclusion
In India, BIS Registration and ISI Certification are not just legal obligations but vital for consumer trust and business growth. They act as gateways to market access, exports, and government contracts.
While the process involves multiple steps such as testing, inspections, and compliance, businesses can simplify it with expert support.
At RegistrationMART, we specialize in providing seamless solutions for BIS and ISI Certification — from advisory and documentation to filing and renewals — ensuring your business remains compliant and competitive.
