The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates a comprehensive Product Certification Scheme that ensures products conform to relevant Indian Standards for quality, safety, and reliability. Manufacturers awarded certification are permitted to use the ISI Standard Mark on their products.

Key aspects of the BIS Product Certification Scheme:

  • Basis: The scheme is primarily aligned with ISO/IEC 17067 Type 4, involving third-party certification through testing, inspection of manufacturing and testing processes, and ongoing surveillance.
  • Mandatory and Voluntary Certification:
    • BIS certification is voluntary for many products.
    • For certain categories (currently about 380 items), certification is compulsory by government notification to safeguard public health, safety, and national security.
  • Types of Schemes:
    • Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme): Involves factory inspection, product testing, and allows use of ISI Mark for goods meeting applicable Indian Standards.
    • Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS/Scheme-II): Applies to specific electronics and IT products; requires registration based on self-declaration and submission of test reports from BIS-approved labs.
    • Scheme-X (Certificate of Conformity): Used for select product categories and offers certification without factory inspection. Instead, risk assessment and document review are conducted in its place.
    • Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): Allows overseas manufacturers to have their products certified for Indian standards.
    • ECO Mark Scheme: Certification for environmentally friendly products.
  • Process:
    • Application with requisite documents and fees.
    • BIS officers conduct a factory evaluation and collect samples.
    • Samples are tested in qualified laboratories.
    • On compliance, a license to use the ISI mark or corresponding BIS logo is granted.
    • Ongoing surveillance includes further inspections and market sampling to ensure continued compliance.
  • Validity: BIS certifications typically last for 1–2 years (up to 5 years with renewals) and must be renewed before expiry.
  • Benefits:
    • Promotes consumer trust and safety.
    • Ensures quality and consistency of products in the Indian market.

For some products, especially in electronics and IT, the Compulsory Registration Scheme administers a separate set of compliance and marking requirements.

In summary, the BIS Product Certification Scheme is India’s primary system for ensuring the standardization and quality of products through third-party assessment, mandatory and voluntary certification, and ongoing vigilance through inspections and testing.

If detailed product lists, the latest fee structures, or stepwise applications are needed, the official BIS website and notifications provide authoritative updates