BIS Certification in India: A Practical Importer’s Guide (2026)

BIS certification is one of the most critical compliances for importers, this decides whether your goods go smoothly through customs or end up stuck in a warehouse for weeks. If your product falls under BIS control and you don’t comply, customs will simply not clear it. BIS certification is mandatory for 450+ product categories in India. Hence, Importing products without it will result in confiscation and penalties.

What Does BIS Certification Mean?

BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, Its India's national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It sets quality, safety, and performance benchmarks for products sold in India. It sets Indian Standards (IS) for products and runs certification schemes to ensure only safe, compliant products reach Indian consumers.

In simple terms, BIS certification means

• The product was tested in a BIS-recognized lab.
• The manufacturing process is controlled and audited.
• The product bears a BIS mark (ISI or CRS “R-number”) with licence/registration details.

Typical Product Groups Under Mandatory BIS/QCO

• Electronics & IT products – laptops, power supplies, LED lamps, TVs, set-top boxes, power banks.
• Toys & baby products – toy scooters, toy cars, educational toys.
• Steel and cables – specific steel grades, electrical cables, conduits.
• Appliances & safety items – certain pumps, switches, helmets, pressure cookers, LPG stoves.

Important Steps for Importers

Step 1: Identify exact product & HS code.

Step 2: Check BIS “Compulsory Certification” / “Compulsory Registration Scheme” lists (or ask your customs broker/compliance consultant).

Step 3: If listed, confirm which BIS scheme applies (ISI vs CRS vs FMCS).

Step 4: Verify your manufacturer already has a valid BIS licence/registration for your exact model/specification.

Key BIS schemes for importers

Importer Workflow:

It is very important to check your product's compliance before shipping to avoid BIS-related customs problems.

Step 1: Confirm BIS Applicability + Scheme

Before placing a purchase order, check whether your product is on the mandatory BIS list. Don't rely on your supplier's word alone, verify independently.

Step 2: Choose Supplier Correctly

Your manufacturer must hold a valid BIS registration/certification for the exact product model, brand, and factory location you're importing from. A BIS certificate for "Model A" from "Factory X" does not cover "Model B" from "Factory Y."

Step 3: Verify Labeling and Marking

Products must carry the BIS Standard Mark with R-number (for CRS) or ISI Mark with license number (for Scheme I) on the product and/or packaging. Missing marks = customs rejection.

Step 4: Collect Documentation

Prepare your clearance file:

• BIS registration certificate / FMCS license copy
• Test report references (lab name, report number)
• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Product photos showing BIS marking

Step 5: Pre-Shipment Verification

Before goods leave the origin country, re-check certificate status and validity dates on the BIS portal. Certificates can expire, get suspended, or be revoked between the time you place an order and when goods arrive.

Manak Online: How to Use BIS Portal for Verification

Manakonline (manakonline.in) is BIS’s online portal. Manufacturers use it heavily to apply for new licences, upload test reports, pay fees, etc. As an importer, you mostly need it for verification and basic tracking.

What you can do on Manakonline

1. Search / verify licences

• Check if a BIS licence/registration number shared by a supplier is genuine and active.
• Confirm product category, IS number, brand, model, and plant address.

2. Track applications (if you or your Indian entity are co-applicant/authorized representative)

• See status: submitted, under scrutiny, query raised, granted, suspended, etc.

3. Download documents

• Licences, approval letters, sometimes scope documents for your internal compliance files.

BIS + WPC + LMPC: Do You Need More Than One?

Here's where many importers get confused. BIS is not the only compliance requirement for imports into India. Depending on your product, you may need additional certifications.

If your product has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Zigbee, RFID, or any wireless/RF functionality, you need WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) from the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing under DoT. This is separate from BIS and must be obtained before import.

A Bluetooth speaker, for example, needs both BIS CRS registration AND WPC ETA certification.

If your product is pre-packaged for retail sale (displays MRP, net quantity, manufacturer/importer details), you need LMPC registration under the Legal Metrology Act. This applies to nearly all consumer goods, from electronics to food to cosmetics. Without LMPC, customs can restrict clearance of pre-packaged goods.

BIS vs WPC vs LMPC

Common Importer Mistakes

Mistake #1: Assuming BIS is "optional" or can be arranged after goods arrive in India. It cannot. Goods without valid BIS certification will not clear customs.

Mistake #2: Checking the wrong product category. Your supplier's BIS registration for "Model ABC" does not cover "Model XYZ." Model-level matching is mandatory.

Mistake #3: Not verifying certificate validity before shipping. BIS certificates expire, get suspended, or get revoked. Always check status on manakonline.in before dispatch.

Mistake #4: Using outdated product lists. BIS adds new QCOs every quarter. Furniture became mandatory in February 2026. Household appliances standards updated in March 2026. Stay current.

Mistake #5: Missing labeling requirements. Product must physically carry the BIS mark (ISI or R-number). A valid certificate with no mark on the product is non-compliant.

Mistake #6: Ignoring WPC and LMPC when applicable. BIS alone is not enough for wireless or pre-packaged products.

FAQs: BIS Certification for Importers