how it works

catalogue
resume
circular
India’s fast-growing economy offers enormous opportunities for global manufacturers looking to expand into a high-potential market. However, access to the Indian market requires strict compliance with national quality, safety and performance standards. For manufacturing units located outside India, obtaining Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Indian Standards Institute (ISI) Certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is essential for lawful and successful market entry.
Connect with our experts
  • +91
  • +1
  • +42
  • +86
Verify Edit
or

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Aditi Sharma (+91 7834822004).

Overview: 

The FMCS was introduced by the BIS in the year 2000. This scheme is specifically designed for manufacturing facilities located outside India and is governed under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

The core objective of BIS FMCS is to allow eligible foreign manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on their products. While BIS certification is voluntary for certain products, it is mandatory for items listed under India’s Compulsory Certification Scheme including steel products, chemicals, electrical goods, electronics, toys and other regulated items. 

The ISI Mark serves as official confirmation that imported products conform to Indian Standards (IS) for safety, quality and performance, making FMCS certification a critical compliance requirement for foreign manufacturers. 

Benefits: 

Securing a BIS ISI Certification under FMCS provides significant commercial and regulatory advantages: 

  • Legal Market Access:

BIS certification is the mandatory legal requirement for exporting regulated products to India, helping manufacturers avoid customs delays, seizures and import bans. 

  • Brand Credibility & Consumer Trust: 

The ISI Mark is widely recognized and trusted by Indian consumers. Products bearing this mark instantly signal quality, safety and compliance. 

  • Competitive Advantage: 

FMCS certification enables foreign manufacturers to compete directly with Indian producers including eligibility for government tenders and large infrastructure or industrial projects. 

  • Removal of Trade Barriers: 

Compliance with BIS standards eliminates non-tariff trade barriers, ensuring smoother customs clearance and uninterrupted supply chains. 

Documents Required: 

A successful BIS FMCS application depends on accurate and complete documentation to demonstrate technical competence and quality assurance systems. 

Corporate and Legal Documents: 

  • Factory or company registration certificates. 

  • Valid business license. 

  • ISO certification (if available). 

Manufacturing and Technical Details: 

  • Detailed manufacturing process flowchart. 

  • Complete technical specifications of the product. 

Testing and Quality Control Information:

  • List of in-house testing equipment. 

  • Qualification and experience certificates of quality control personnel. 

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Documentation: 

  • Official appointment letter for the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). 

  • AIR’s KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN). 

  • Proof of registered Indian address. 

Manufacturer’s Declarations: 

  • Signed undertakings and declarations in BIS-prescribed formats. 

Fees and Timelines: 

The cost of BIS ISI Certification under FMCS varies depending on product type, testing requirements, factory infrastructure and audit complexity. 

Timelines: 

  • Total Certification Process: 3–6 months. 

  • Factory Inspection Scheduling: 4–8 weeks. 

  • Product Sample Testing: 4–6 weeks. 

  • License Grant: 7–15 working days after approval. 

Fees: 

For a detailed fee structure including government charges, marking fees and inspection costs, contact: 

  • Rekha Atri: +91 98118 03136 

  • Aditi Sharma: +91 7834822004 

Process to Apply:

The BIS FMCS certification process includes online submission, factory inspection and product testing. 

Step 1: Preparation 

Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for your product and ensure your manufacturing facility has a fully operational in-house testing laboratory. 

Step 2: Appoint an AIR 

Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who is a resident of India and acts as the official liaison between BIS and the foreign manufacturer. 

Step 3: Application Submission 

Submit Form-VI along with required documents and fees to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS Headquarters, New Delhi. 

Step 4: Factory Audit 

A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection of the overseas manufacturing facility to assess production controls and testing capability. 

Step 5: Sample Testing 

Product samples are sealed during inspection and sent to BIS-approved laboratories in India for compliance testing. 

Step 6: Grant of License 

After successful audit and testing, the manufacturer submits the marking fee and a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG). BIS then issues the FMCS license, authorizing use of the ISI Mark. 

 

Related Reads: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Only the actual manufacturer is eligible to apply. Importers or traders may act as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) but cannot hold the license.

No. Each product category based on a different Indian Standard and each manufacturing location requires a separate FMCS application.

The AIR serves as the official point of contact in India, responsible for coordination with BIS, inspection support, compliance submissions and legal correspondence.

The license is initially issued for 1 or 2 years and can be renewed for up to 5 years at a time, subject to continued compliance with BIS standards.
Connect with our experts
  • +91
  • +1
  • +42
  • +86
Verify Edit
or