Frequently Asked Questions

GST registration is mandatory if:
•    The annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for services), or
•    The company engages in interstate trade, or
•    Sells through e-commerce platforms.
 

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are Government notifications issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, making compliance with specific standards mandatory. Any violation of a QCO is punishable under the BIS Act, 2016, and can result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the banning/recall of products from the market. Quality Control Order (QCO) is the regulatory trigger that makes BIS Registration (or ISI Certification) a necessary precondition for doing business in India for the specified product. QCOs make BIS certification mandatory for specific products to ensure quality, safety, and consumer protection.
 

The primary purpose of issuing a Quality Control Order (QCO) for BIS registration is to enforce compliance with the relevant Indian Standard(s) mandatory for specific products. These apply equally to domestic and foreign manufacturers, blocking non-compliant products from the market after the enforcement data. Some products (steel, electronics, and chemicals) are critical for infrastructure and safety. Manufacturers or importers must obtain a BIS license or Certificate of Conformity before market access, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment. Foreign entities use the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, involving testing, audits, and labeling requirements.
 

The benefits of BIS Registration (or certification) are substantial, impacting consumers, manufacturers, the national economy, and even international trade.

Benefits of BIS Registration

• Reduces risk of electric shock, fire, radiation, overheating, and chemical hazards.
• Certified products gain better access to domestic and international markets as BIS standards align with global norms.
• BIS-certified product stands out from non-certified competitors. It provides a distinct competitive edge, often leading to higher market acceptability and increased sales.
• BIS registration supports “Make in India” and eliminates low-quality imports by promoting standardization.
   

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates several types of schemes for product certification, catering to different product categories, manufacturer locations, and the level of mandatory compliance.

The main types of BIS registration/certification schemes:

1.  CRS – Compulsory Registration Scheme

Under the Electronics & IT Goods Order, certain products must be registered with BIS and marked with CRS.
Applicable to electronics like:
•    Mobile phones
•    Laptops
•    Power adapters
•    LED lights
•    Smart watches

2.  Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

•    This scheme enables foreign manufacturers to obtain and use the ISI Mark on products exported to India.
•    Compliance: Mandatory if the product is covered by an Indian QCO.

3.  Hallmarking Scheme

This is a certification scheme specifically for precious metals to certify their purity.
•    Applicability: Mandatory for Gold Jewellery and Silver Jewellery/Artifacts to certify the purity/fineness of the metal.
•    Procedure: Involves testing of articles at a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC).
 

Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners introducing vehicles into the market must obtain EPR registration and fulfil ELV recycling targets. The vehicle recyclers / RVSFs are also required to register under CPCB EPR Registration. 

Yes. Only registered RVSFs are authorized to legally dismantle End-of-Life Vehicles and issue scrappage certificates. The Authorized vehicle scrap recyclers / RVSF can also issue credits to the importers, manufacturers & brand owners of the new vehicles.

Producers, importers & brand owners of new vehicles are required to channelize ELVs through authorized RVSFs to meet their recycling obligations and obtain compliance certificates from the RVSFs.

Authorities may impose penalties, suspend registrations, or initiate enforcement action under applicable environmental laws.

The Non-Ferrous Metals EPR Framework is a statutory compliance regime introduced under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025. It extends Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations to aluminium, copper, zinc, and their alloys, requiring regulated entities to ensure environmentally sound collection, recycling, and end-of-life management of these metals.

The Rules come into force on 1 April 2026. The period prior to the implementation functions as a transition phase, enabling regulated entities to establish registration, compliance systems, and recycling arrangements.

Mandatory compliance applies to:

• Producers and brand owners
• Importers of non-ferrous metals, alloys, scrap, and used products
• Manufacturers using covered metals
• Collection agents
• Refurbishers
• Recyclers

All such entities must register on the CPCB online portal.
 

Yes. Registration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mandatory. The Rules expressly prohibit:

• Operating without a valid registration
• Engaging in commercial transactions with unregistered entities

Non-registration may lead to suspension of operations and enforcement action.

This phased approach allows gradual capacity building while ensuring long-term circularity.
 

BRSR is a SEBI-mandated ESG disclosure framework, requiring Listed companies to report on sustainability performance in a standardized format.

The top 1000 listed companies in India are mandatorily required to file BRSR as part of their Annual Report

Yes, under BRSR Core, selected ESG parameters require third-party assurance in a phased manner.

Non-compliance  lead to regulatory scrutiny, penalties, and reputational risks.

CBAM is an EU mechanism that imposes carbon-related reporting and cost obligations on imported goods based on their emissions.

EU importers are primarily responsible for the CBAM, however, exporters must provide accurate emissions data.