In February 2025, the Indian Government issued new rules under which goods exported from other countries to India must comply with a range of strict requirements, and among them BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is mandatory for many types of product. To help manufacturers better understand the process and benefits of obtaining BIS certification, this article provides detailed and comprehensive information.
What Is a BIS Certificate?
The BIS certificate is a standards certificate issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to confirm that a product meets quality and safety standards before it is allowed to circulate on the Indian market. It is one of the largest certification systems in the world, with more than 26,500 licences covering over 900 different products.
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Why You Need a BIS Certificate
Holding a BIS certificate brings a business many benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: it is a mandatory requirement under the BIS Act 2016 for a product to be sold in India.
- Quality assurance: BIS certification confirms that the product meets India's national quality standards, giving consumers safety and confidence.
- Enhanced competitiveness: a BIS-certified product has a competitive edge on the Indian market over products without one.
The BIS Certification Programmes
1. The BIS CRS Programme (Compulsory Registration System)
The certification programme under the Compulsory Registration System (CRS) applies to products related to electronics, information technology and related equipment. It includes:
- Group 1: Electronics and IT goods (laptops, smartphones, tablets, TVs and most household appliances)
- Group 2: Solar photovoltaic systems and components
- Group 3: Low-voltage switching and control equipment
- Group 4: Chemicals
- Group 5: Cotton
2. The BIS ISI Programme (Indian Standards Institute)
The BIS ISI certification programme applies to many product categories, including:
Agricultural and food products group:
- Agricultural and food products
- Tobacco and related products
- Bottled drinking water and mineral water
- Water treatment systems and bottled-water machines
- Sealed drinking-water coolers
- Household LPG water heaters
Construction materials group:
- Cement, concrete, construction materials, plywood
- Safety glass, clear float glass, clear flat glass sheets
- Steel wire or cable, nylon rope, steel mesh
Metal products group:
- Metals, metal products and alloys
- Aluminium and aluminium alloys, copper and copper products, cast iron, tin, nickel
- Bolts, nuts and screws
Electrical equipment and technology products group:
- Household electrical appliances (ceiling fans, irons, lifting tables, water heaters)
- Batteries, capacitors, electric motors, transformers
- Bicycle lighting, electrical wire, LED lamps
3. The BIS SCHEME-X Programme
The BIS SCHEME-X programme applies specifically to certain lines of integrated industrial products, large equipment, machinery and specialised equipment, including:
- Industrial equipment: large production machinery, industrial lines, substation systems, etc.
- Medical equipment: diagnostic devices, surgical instruments, etc.
- Industrial chemicals: fertilisers, manufacturing chemicals, etc.
Complying with the BIS certification programmes helps a business increase the credibility of its products and more easily access and expand into the Indian market.
The Process for Applying for BIS Certification
The process for applying for BIS certification comprises the following basic steps:
Identify the type of certification: the business determines the BIS certification type appropriate for its product.
Submit the application: the business completes and submits the certification application to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Prepare the dossier: the business must prepare all the documents required by BIS, including:
- The application and fees.
- Proof of the factory's address.
- A list of production machinery.
- A list of test equipment meeting ISS standards, with calibration certificates.
- A list of raw materials with certificates of analysis.
- The factory layout plan.
- The production process flowchart and quality-control points.
- In-house test reports according to Indian standards.
- Product-manual acceptance and marking fees.
- Approval letters and related technical specifications (if any).
Factory inspection: BIS will inspect the factory to ensure that the production process and product meet the set standards.
Grant of certification: if all requirements are met, BIS will grant the certificate to the business.
Points to Note for Vietnamese Businesses
Vietnamese businesses should note that obtaining BIS certification can be complex and requires thorough preparation. It is therefore very important to work with professional consultancies experienced in this field. Such consultancies will support the business in preparing the dossier, guiding the process and ensuring compliance with BIS rules, helping to save time and cost.
Embassy Freight Service – A Reliable BIS Certification Service Provider in Vietnam
Obtaining BIS certification is an important and mandatory step for manufacturers that want to export goods to India. To ensure the process goes smoothly, a business needs to understand the procedure, prepare a complete dossier and work with a reputable consultancy. This not only helps the product meet India's quality and safety standards but also opens the door to a potential market of more than 1.3 billion people.
Contact Embassy now via Hotline: 0936911656 for prompt advice and a quotation!
Contact Information
EMBASSY FREIGHT SERVICES (VIETNAM)
Address: Room 4.25, 4th Floor, No. 8 Hoang Minh Giam, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Email: info@embassyfreight.com.vn
Contact for Consultation:
- 0936911656 (HCM) – Embassy Freight Services (VN) Southern Region
- 0937361637 (Hanoi) - Embassy Freight Services (VN) Northern Region
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