Introduction
India is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world. With its large population, growing middle class, infrastructure development, and emphasis on quality standards, India offers significant opportunities for foreign manufacturers—especially those focused on electronics, appliances, chemicals, construction materials, automotive, and industrial goods.
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification is a mandatory approval for foreign manufacturers looking to sell their products in the Indian market. This certification ensures that all products comply with Indian safety, quality, and performance standards. The certification is granted under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which was launched in the year 2000 by BIS.
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Huge Consumer Base | Over 1.4 billion people with increasing purchasing power. |
| Growing Sectors | Electronics, renewable energy, automotive, consumer goods, and industrial equipment. |
| Make in India & Import Needs | While “Make in India” promotes domestic manufacturing, many products are still imported for quality, technology, or cost reasons. |
| Regulatory Clarity | BIS, FSSAI, CDSCO, WPC, etc., define clear standards, which—once understood—can ease long-term market access. |
FMCS is a scheme under which BIS licence is granted to a foreign manufacturer in accordance with the BIS Act, 2016 and Bureau on Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The licence is granted for the products which conform to relevant Indian Standards. The Scheme is applicable for grant of licence for all products except Electronics & IT Goods notified by MeitY.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows overseas manufacturers to obtain a BIS license and use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products—even without having a factory in India. It ensures that foreign-made products meet Indian standards before being imported and sold in India.
Key Highlights of FMCS :
• Implemented By : Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• Eligibility : Foreign manufacturers exporting to India
• Purpose : Compliance with Indian Standards
• Output : BIS License with ISI Marking
• Legal Basis : Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016
About BIS
1. BIS is the National Standards Body of India, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
2. Established under the BIS Act, 1986, effective from 23rd December 1986.
3. Previously known as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), it was founded in 1946.
Importance of ISI Mark
1. ISI Marking is mandatory for selected products from the perspective of safety, health, and consumer protection.
2. Over 20,000 Indian Standards have been developed by BIS.
3. Apart from mandatory products, ISI marking can be obtained voluntarily on other items.
• Prepare the BIS application form
• Review and assistance by Thinktrek experts
• Submit the filled application to BIS
• BIS reviews and raises queries
• Resolve all queries raised by BIS
• BIS officer visits the foreign manufacturing unit
• Sampling and pickup of product for lab testing
• Samples are tested in a BIS-approved lab
• Submit test results to BIS for review
• BIS issues the certification license to the manufacturer
• An agreement is signed between BIS and the applicant, covering:
o Nomination
o Licensing responsibilities
o Performance Bank Guarantee
What is Indemnity Bond ?
An Indemnity Bond is a legal agreement in which one party (called the indemnifier) promises to compensate another party (called the indemnitee) for any loss, damage, or liability incurred due to specific acts or events.
Key Features:
1. Compensation for Losses: The indemnifier agrees to make good any loss suffered by the indemnitee.
2. Legal Protection: It protects the indemnitee from certain risks, damages, or legal liabilities.
3. Used When Risk Is Involved: Common in cases where there's a potential financial or legal risk involved.
Performance Bank Guarantee:-
In the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification process—especially under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)—a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) 10000 USD is a mandatory financial assurance provided by the foreign manufacturer to BIS.
What is a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)?
A Performance Bank Guarantee is a legal financial instrument issued by a bank on behalf of the manufacturer (applicant) in favor of BIS. It serves as a security deposit ensuring that the manufacturer:
Timeline to get BIS - ISI certification of Foreign Manufacturer
• Estimated Processing Time for certification: Approx. 6 months
• Timeline may vary depending on product category, lab testing, documentation, and inspection coordination.
BIS Surveillance Process (FMCS)
Once certified, the BIS authority conducts regular surveillance and audits to ensure that foreign manufacturers continue to comply with Indian standards throughout the license validity period.
Renewal of BIS License (FMCS)
The BIS license is initially valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually. For renewal:
• Submit a renewal application form
• Provide payment confirmation verified by a Chartered Accountant
Foreign manufacturers are required to submit the following documents:
1. Valid Business License of the manufacturer
2. Filled Application Form V
3. Factory Layout / Plant Layout
4. Production Process Flow Chart
5. Equipment List (as per Indian Standards)
6. Calibration Reports of Testing Instruments
7. Internal Test Reports (per IS standards)
8. Raw Material Specifications
9. Trademark Registration Certificate
10. Self-declaration / Undertaking
11. Authorized Signatory Letter
12. AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) Nomination
Nomination of Authorised Indian Representative ( AIR) by foreign manufacturers ( Applicant and licensee)
The applicant/licensee shall nominate AIR in the Form – VI of Scheme – I for operation of their BIS licence. AIR shall be the person, located in India, nominated and legally appointed by the manufacturer for the purpose of compliance with terms and conditions and provisions of BIS Act, 2016, rules and regulations framed thereunder. For nominating an AIR, the applicant/licensee shall ensure the following:
a) AIR shall be an Indian resident.
b) In case the foreign manufacturer has a branch/office in India, the employee of that branch/ office may preferably be nominated as the AIR.
In case the foreign manufacturer does not have a branch/office in India, they can nominate any person legally appointed by them as AIR subject to fulfilment of these guidelines.
c) AIR shall not have any conflict of interest with respect to their role as AIR with testing of sample(s) in third party laboratories.
d) AIR shall be at least graduate by qualification and shall understand the provisions of BIS Act, 2016 and rules, regulations framed thereunder and the implications thereof.
e) AIR shall declare his/her consent to be responsible for compliance of the BIS Act, Rules, Regulations and Terms & Conditions as laid down in BIS Licence, Agreement, Undertaking etc. executed by or on behalf of the foreign manufacturer in connection with grant and operation of licence.
f) The name of AIR is endorsed in the licence document.
g) The manufacturer shall ensure that his authorised representative does not remain unrepresented at any time during the operation of licence.
h) In case of change of the AIR and/or his address, the manufacturer shall be required to inform BIS well in advance.
i) Responsibilities of AIR:
1) AIR shall ensure compliance of terms and conditions of the agreement signed by them, provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016, and rules and regulations framed there under and applicable Indian laws.
2) The Bureau may ask its authorised representative to appear before it for personal representation as and when required.
3) He shall not engage in any unethical practices such as communicating with lab with regard to testing of BIS samples(except for deposition of sample and payment of testing charges), tampering of documents, misrepresentation of facts, etc.
4) He shall maintain the confidentiality of all the information.
5) He shall facilitate and ensure drawl of Market Sample from the consignments
being imported to India bearing standard mark.
j) In case of non-cooperation of AIR, action will be taken as per BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 which may include suspension/cancellation of licence.
ThinkTrek is a trusted and top BIS FMCS Consultant in India, offering specialized guidance to foreign manufacturers aiming to obtain the BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme). This mandatory certification ensures that products manufactured outside India comply with Indian safety and quality standards before entering the Indian market.
At ThinkTrek, we streamline the BIS FMCS certification process through complete consultancy services – including document preparation, product testing coordination in BIS-approved labs, liaison with Indian authorities, and timely submission of applications. We keep track of all BIS updates to ensure a smooth and compliant certification journey.
Thinktrek has more than 10 years of professional experience working with foreign companies as one of the leading FMCS agencies in India. We help foreign manufacturers obtain the BIS ISI certificate to establish a quality mark on their products for the Indian market.
For products falling under FMCS, you cannot sell in the Indian market without approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards for your manufacturing unit.
The process to obtain the FMCS BIS Certificate for grant of licence is lengthy and complex.
We at THINKTREK, one of the best BIS FMCS consultants in India and a trusted ISI certificate provider, help manufacturers reduce time in documentation, auditing, and processing.
Our qualified and experienced technical team will assist you in obtaining FMCS certification within a committed timeline.
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