In India, product safety and quality are taken very seriously. When you buy an electrical appliance, a toy, a cement bag, or even a pressure cooker, you trust that the product is safe to use. This trust is protected by BIS Certification.

The Indian government has made BIS Certification mandatory for certain products to ensure public safety, product quality, and consumer confidence. Many businesses often ask: Why is BIS certification compulsory? Who needs it? And what happens if we ignore it?

In this blog, we will explain everything in simple words, so even a first-time entrepreneur can understand it easily.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a quality certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS is the national body responsible for setting quality, safety, and performance standards for products sold in India.

When a product meets Indian standards, BIS allows the manufacturer to sell it legally in the Indian market.

Some products cannot be sold at all without BIS approval. That is why BIS Certification is mandatory for many categories.

Why Did the Government Make BIS Certification Mandatory?

The main reason is public safety. Over the years, unsafe products caused accidents, health problems, and financial loss to consumers.

The government introduced mandatory BIS certification to:

• Protect consumers from unsafe products

• Ensure standard quality across India

• Stop substandard and fake imports

• Promote fair competition

• Improve trust in Indian and foreign brands
  
  

Mandatory BIS certification helps the government control the quality of products that directly affect human life, health, and safety.

Products That Require Mandatory BIS Certification

Not all products need BIS certification, but many do. These products are divided into different schemes.

1. Products Under ISI Mark Scheme

Products that affect daily life and safety require the ISI Mark.

Common examples include:

• Cement

• Electrical wires and cables

• Pressure cookers

• LPG cylinders

• Helmets

• Steel products
  
  

Without ISI Mark Certification Online, selling these products is illegal.

2. Electronics Under CRS Scheme

Many electronic and IT products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Products include:

• Mobile phones

• LED lights

• Power adapters

• Laptops

• Smart TVs

• Bluetooth speakers
  
  

Manufacturers must apply for BIS CRS Registration Online before selling these items in India.

3. Foreign Manufacturers Under FMCS Scheme

Foreign companies exporting products to India must follow the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

This includes:

• Overseas electronics manufacturers

• Foreign steel and cement brands

• Imported industrial products
  
  

They must apply for FMCS BIS Certification Online to legally enter the Indian market.

Why BIS Certification Is So Important for Businesses

Many businesses see BIS certification as a burden, but in reality, it is a business advantage.

1. Legal Requirement

If BIS certification is mandatory for your product and you don’t have it:

• Your goods can be seized

• Heavy penalties may be imposed

• Your business may be banned

• Imports can be rejected
  
  

So, compliance is not optional.

2. Consumer Trust and Brand Value

Customers trust BIS-certified products more. When they see the ISI or BIS mark, they feel confident that:

• The product is safe

• Quality is tested

• Standards are followed
  
  

This trust directly improves sales and brand reputation.

3. Protection From Cheap Substandard Products

Mandatory BIS certification helps genuine manufacturers compete fairly by stopping low-quality products from flooding the market.

4. Smooth Market Entry

With BIS Certification Online, your product:

• Enters the Indian market smoothly

• Faces fewer inspections

• Gets faster approvals from distributors and retailers
  
  

What Happens If You Sell Without BIS Certification?

Selling mandatory products without BIS certification is a serious offense.

Possible consequences include:

• Fine up to ₹5 lakh

• Imprisonment in severe cases

• Product recall

• Business closure

• Import-export license cancellation

So, ignoring BIS rules can be very costly.

BIS Certification Online: How the Process Works

The Indian government has made the application process digital to help businesses.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Product Identification
   Check whether your product needs BIS certification.

2. Document Preparation

• Company documents

• Factory details

• Product specifications
  
  

Product Testing
Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories.

Online Application Submission
Apply through BIS Certification Online portal.

Factory Inspection (if required)
BIS officials may inspect manufacturing units.

Grant of License
Once approved, you can use the BIS or ISI mark.

Common Challenges in BIS Certification

Many businesses face problems like:

• Wrong product classification

• Test failures

• Incomplete documents

• Delays in approvals

• Confusion between CRS, ISI, and FMCS

This is why professional guidance becomes important.

How Corpbiz Helps With BIS Certification

Corpbiz is a trusted compliance partner for businesses across India and overseas.

Corpbiz Services Include:

• BIS Certification Online assistance

• BIS CRS Registration Online

• ISI Mark Certification Online

• FMCS BIS Certification Online

• Documentation and testing support

• Liaison with BIS authorities
  
  

With Corpbiz, businesses can avoid delays, rejections, and costly mistakes.

BIS Certification for Indian vs Foreign Manufacturers

Future of BIS Certification in India

The Indian government is adding more products under mandatory BIS certification every year. With rising safety concerns and imports, compliance will become even stricter.

Businesses that prepare early will:

• Avoid legal trouble

• Build strong brands

• Gain customer confidence

• Expand faster

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all products in India?

No. BIS certification is mandatory only for products notified by the government.

2. Can I apply for BIS Certification Online?

Yes, applications can be submitted through BIS Certification Online portals with proper documentation.

3. What is BIS CRS Registration Online?

It is compulsory registration for electronics and IT products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

4. Is ISI Mark Certification Online required for all products?

Only products under the ISI scheme require ISI Mark Certification Online.

5. Who needs FMCS BIS Certification Online?

Foreign manufacturers exporting notified products to India must apply under FMCS.

6. How long does BIS certification take?

It usually takes 30 to 90 days, depending on product type and testing.

7. Can Corpbiz help foreign manufacturers?

Yes, Corpbiz provides complete FMCS support including Indian Authorized Representative services.

Conclusion

BIS Certification is not just a legal requirement—it is a quality promise to Indian consumers. The government has made it mandatory to protect lives, ensure safety, and promote fair business practices.

If your product falls under mandatory BIS norms, getting certified is the smartest move for long-term success. With expert support from Corpbiz, the process becomes simple, fast, and stress-free.

Author Profile

Atul Shukla
Atul Shukla is a legal and regulatory compliance expert with years of experience in BIS, CDSCO, NBFC, and corporate registrations. He simplifies complex laws into easy-to-understand guidance for businesses and startups across India.

Source - https://atulbusinessconsultant.substack.com/p/why-bis-certification-is-mandatory