BIS Certification Guide for Manufacturers & Importers in India (2026)

1. Why BIS Certification is Non-Negotiable in 2026

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering over 600 product categories. Whether you manufacture locally or import from China, Vietnam, or Europe, your products must carry the designated BIS mark before being listed on e-commerce platforms or cleared at Indian sea/air ports.

Indian Customs systems at JNPT, Chennai, Mundra, and Delhi IAD are directly integrated with the BIS Manakonline database. Any consignment arriving without a verified Registration Number (R-Number) or ISI License Number is automatically flagged for seizure.

2. Overview of BIS Certification Schemes

Depending on your product classification, you must apply under one of three main schemes:

3. Step-by-Step Application Workflow for BIS CRS (Electronics)

Step 1: Product Identification & IS Standard Selection

Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS Code). For example, Power Adapters fall under IS 13252 (Part 1), while Lithium-ion Cells fall under IS 16046.

Step 2: Sample Testing at NABL Accredited BIS Lab

Send required sample units (typically 3 to 6 pieces) along with technical circuit diagrams and component lists to a BIS-recognized NABL testing laboratory in India. Test turnaround time ranges from 15 to 30 days.

Step 3: Online Portal Application (Manakonline)

Upon receiving a successful Test Report (valid for 90 days), create a user profile on `manakonline.in`. Upload the Test Report, factory registration proof, trademark certificate, and brand authorization letter.

Step 4: Grant of Registration (R-Number Generation)

Upon scrutiny of documents and payment of government registration fees, BIS issues the unique R-Number (e.g., R-41000000). You can now print the official BIS CRS logo along with your R-Number on product labels and packaging.

4. Procedure for ISI Mark Certification (Scheme-I)

Unlike CRS which is pure lab testing, the ISI Mark scheme involves a mandatory physical factory audit by a BIS officer:

• In-House Testing Lab Setup: The factory must establish an internal quality control testing laboratory equipped with calibrated instruments specified in the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
• Factory Audit: A BIS officer inspects manufacturing machinery, raw material quality, testing procedures, and collects verification samples on-site.
• Independent Sample Testing: Samples sealed during the audit are dispatched to an independent government lab for confirmatory testing.
• Grant of License: Upon passing both factory audit and lab tests, the CM/L (Certificate of Manufacturer License) number is granted.

5. Requirement for Overseas Brands: Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers operating factories outside India must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) residing in India. The AIR acts as the legally responsible entity for BIS compliance, handling customs queries, and addressing consumer complaints in India.

6. Government Fees & Total Cost Breakdown

• Lab Testing Fees: ₹25,000 to ₹1,500,000 depending on product complexity and test parameters.
• BIS Government Application & Processing Fee: ₹1,000 to ₹50,000 per application.
• Annual Marking / License Fee: ₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000 based on annual turnover or production volume.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)