Launching a new product in India involves much more than developing a product, setting a price, designing packaging, and planning marketing. For many manufacturers, importers, and businesses, BIS Certification can be an important regulatory requirement before a product can legally enter the Indian market.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body and operates different conformity assessment schemes for products. While BIS certification is generally voluntary, the Central Government can make compliance mandatory for specific products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other regulatory mechanisms.
This means that a business planning to launch a new product should not wait until production or marketing is already underway to check whether BIS requirements apply.
A product may require a BIS licence, registration, or another applicable conformity assessment route depending on its product category, applicable Indian Standard, manufacturing arrangement, and the regulatory order covering it.
What Is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a conformity assessment mechanism through which products can demonstrate conformity with applicable Indian Standards under the relevant BIS scheme.
For products covered by compulsory certification requirements, the applicable regulatory framework may require the manufacturer or other responsible entity to obtain the necessary BIS approval and use the prescribed Standard Mark.
BIS states that its certification scheme is basically voluntary, but certification becomes mandatory for certain products when the Central Government introduces requirements through Quality Control Orders or other statutory mechanisms.
Therefore, businesses should not assume that every product automatically needs BIS Certification—or that every product can be sold without it.
The first question should always be:
“Is my product covered by a mandatory BIS requirement?”
If the answer is yes, compliance needs to be addressed before commercial sale in the Indian market.
Why Should Businesses Check BIS Requirements Before Product Launch?
BIS compliance can affect several stages of a product launch, including product design, manufacturing, testing, documentation, packaging, labelling, sourcing, and commercialization.
If a business discovers a mandatory certification requirement after manufacturing large quantities of stock, it may face delays and additional compliance costs.
Early evaluation can help businesses:
- Identify applicable Indian Standards
- Determine whether BIS Certification is mandatory
- Understand applicable Quality Control Orders
- Assess manufacturing and testing requirements
- Prepare required documentation
- Plan product testing
- Identify applicable BIS certification schemes
- Avoid unnecessary production delays
- Reduce the risk of non-compliance
- Plan product packaging and marking correctly
BIS itself requires manufacturers applying for certification to have appropriate manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control, and testing capabilities corresponding to the applicable Indian Standard.
For this reason, BIS compliance should ideally be considered during the product development and launch planning stage, rather than after the product is ready for sale.
BIS Requirements to Check Before Launching a Product in India
1. Check Whether Your Product Requires BIS Certification
The first and most important step is determining whether the product falls under mandatory BIS certification requirements.
BIS maintains a list of products covered under compulsory certification. Products can become subject to mandatory requirements based on government notifications and Quality Control Orders.
The requirement may depend on the exact:
- Product category
- Product specifications
- Intended use
- Indian Standard
- Manufacturing process
- Regulatory notification
- Product variants
Therefore, businesses should not rely only on a generic statement such as “BIS is not required for my industry.”
The compliance requirement needs to be evaluated against the specific product.
2. Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
Once you determine that BIS requirements may apply, the next step is identifying the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
BIS provides mechanisms for manufacturers to identify the applicable Indian Standard for their product. The standard defines technical requirements against which the product may need to demonstrate conformity.
Depending on the product, the applicable standard may address areas such as:
- Product performance
- Safety
- Materials
- Dimensions
- Testing parameters
- Construction
- Manufacturing requirements
- Labelling
- Packaging
- Quality control
Identifying the correct standard early is important because it can influence product design and manufacturing specifications.
For example, if a product is designed without considering the applicable Indian Standard, modifications may become necessary later to achieve conformity.
3. Check the Applicable Quality Control Order
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is particularly important when determining whether compliance with a specific Indian Standard is mandatory.
The Central Government can issue QCOs requiring products within their scope to comply with specified Indian Standards and carry the applicable Standard Mark under the relevant BIS conformity assessment mechanism.
After the applicable QCO comes into effect, products covered by it may not be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, stored, or exhibited for sale without the required Standard Mark and applicable BIS authorization, subject to the provisions and exemptions of the relevant order.
This makes QCO monitoring an important part of product launch planning.
A business should check:
- Whether a QCO applies to the product
- The relevant Indian Standard
- Effective date of the QCO
- Product scope
- Applicable exemptions
- Certification or conformity assessment requirements
- Marking requirements
4. Determine the Correct BIS Certification Scheme
Not every product follows exactly the same BIS compliance route.
BIS operates different conformity assessment schemes depending on the product and regulatory framework. Scheme I, for example, is associated with the product certification scheme for use of the Standard Mark, while other schemes cover specific categories and conformity assessment approaches.
Businesses therefore need to determine the correct route rather than simply searching for a generic “BIS certificate.”
Depending on the product, the applicable route could involve:
- BIS licence under the relevant certification scheme
- Registration under an applicable scheme
- Certificate of Conformity
- Product-specific certification requirements
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
- Other applicable regulatory requirements
For electronics and IT products, for example, BIS also operates a Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for categories notified by the relevant government authority.
Therefore, identifying the correct certification mechanism is just as important as identifying the product standard.
5. Review Your Manufacturing Infrastructure
BIS compliance is not simply about submitting an application.
For product certification, BIS assesses whether the manufacturer has the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to consistently produce goods conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.
This can include:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Production equipment
- Process controls
- Quality control systems
- Testing facilities
- Competent technical personnel
- Inspection procedures
- Product testing capabilities
BIS specifically states that manufacturers applying for a licence should have the requisite manufacturing infrastructure, appropriate process controls, quality control, and testing capabilities.
Businesses launching a new product should therefore conduct an internal readiness assessment before applying.
6. Understand Product Testing Requirements
Testing is another major part of the BIS compliance process.
Depending on the applicable scheme and product requirements, conformity may be established through testing at the manufacturing premises, third-party laboratory testing, or a combination of testing approaches.
The exact testing requirements depend on the applicable Indian Standard and product-specific requirements.
Before launching the product, businesses should determine:
- Which parameters need to be tested
- Which laboratory can conduct the required tests
- Whether factory testing is required
- Whether external laboratory testing is required
- Sample requirements
- Testing frequency
- Documentation requirements
Incorrect or incomplete testing can result in delays during the certification process.
7. Prepare the Required Documentation
Documentation is an essential part of regulatory compliance.
Depending on the product and certification route, businesses may need documents relating to:
- Company details
- Manufacturing premises
- Product specifications
- Manufacturing process
- Quality control
- Testing facilities
- Raw materials
- Machinery
- Test reports
- Product drawings
- Technical documentation
- Labelling and marking
- Authorized representatives, where applicable
The exact documentation varies by certification scheme and product.
Businesses should therefore prepare a product-specific document checklist instead of relying on a generic BIS document list.
8. Check BIS Marking and Labelling Requirements
Obtaining certification is not necessarily the final compliance step.
Businesses also need to understand how the applicable Standard Mark or other required markings should appear on the product, packaging, or related documentation.
The marking requirements can vary according to the applicable certification scheme and product.
Incorrect use of the BIS Standard Mark can create compliance problems.
Businesses should therefore verify:
- Where the mark needs to appear
- Required identification details
- Applicable licence number
- Product labelling requirements
- Packaging information
- Marking format
- Restrictions on use of the mark
The Standard Mark is associated with products conforming to the applicable requirements under the relevant BIS certification framework.
9. Check Whether Imported Products Need BIS Compliance
BIS requirements are not limited to products manufactured in India.
Importers and foreign manufacturers also need to evaluate whether their products fall under mandatory Indian regulatory requirements.
BIS states that products covered by compulsory requirements may need the applicable certification even when they are imported into India.
Foreign manufacturers may, depending on the product and applicable scheme, need to obtain certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
Under FMCS, BIS grants licences to foreign manufacturers for products conforming to applicable Indian Standards, subject to the relevant requirements.
Therefore, an overseas supplier should not assume that an international certification automatically substitutes for Indian BIS requirements.
10. Consider BIS Compliance Before Finalizing Product Design
One of the biggest mistakes businesses can make is treating regulatory compliance as an afterthought.
Suppose a company develops a product, purchases raw materials, completes manufacturing, prints packaging, and creates marketing material—only to discover that the product does not meet an applicable Indian Standard.
The business may then need to:
- Modify the product
- Repeat testing
- Change materials
- Modify manufacturing processes
- Redesign packaging
- Rework inventory
- Delay launch
This is why regulatory assessment should ideally happen during the product development stage.
A BIS compliance assessment before production can potentially identify regulatory requirements before they become expensive operational problems.
What Happens If a Business Ignores Mandatory BIS Requirements?
Where a product is covered by a mandatory QCO, businesses cannot simply treat BIS certification as an optional marketing advantage.
BIS guidance states that after the commencement of a QCO, products covered by the order cannot be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, stored, or exhibited for sale without the applicable Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence or Certificate of Conformity, subject to the terms and exemptions of the applicable order.
Non-compliance can therefore result in serious business consequences, including:
- Product launch delays
- Regulatory action
- Inventory problems
- Commercial losses
- Reputational damage
- Additional testing and compliance costs
- Disruption of imports or sales
Businesses should therefore determine compliance requirements before commercializing a regulated product.
BIS Certification Process: A Basic Overview
Although the exact process varies depending on the product and applicable scheme, businesses generally need to follow a structured compliance pathway.
Step 1: Identify the Product
Clearly define the product, its specifications, intended use, variants, and manufacturing location.
Step 2: Identify the Indian Standard
Determine which Indian Standard applies to the product.
Step 3: Check Mandatory Requirements
Review applicable QCOs and other government notifications to determine whether certification is mandatory.
Step 4: Assess Manufacturing Readiness
Check manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, process controls, and testing capabilities.
Step 5: Arrange Product Testing
Conduct testing according to the applicable standard and certification requirements.
Step 6: Prepare Documentation
Compile the required technical, manufacturing, testing, and organizational documents.
Step 7: Submit the Application
BIS accepts product certification applications through its online system.
Step 8: Assessment and Verification
BIS may assess the manufacturing premises and verify manufacturing and testing capabilities as part of the certification process.
Step 9: Obtain the Applicable Authorization
Once the applicable requirements are successfully fulfilled, the relevant BIS licence, registration, or conformity authorization may be granted.
Step 10: Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Certification is not necessarily a one-time activity. Businesses may need to maintain production quality, testing, marking, documentation, and renewal requirements.
How Can Businesses Prepare for BIS Certification?
Businesses planning a product launch can use the following checklist:
BIS Pre-Launch Checklist
- Identify the exact product category
- Search for the applicable Indian Standard
- Check the latest mandatory certification requirements
- Review applicable QCOs
- Identify the correct BIS scheme
- Evaluate manufacturing infrastructure
- Review quality control procedures
- Identify testing requirements
- Arrange required laboratory testing
- Prepare technical documents
- Review product labelling
- Check Standard Mark requirements
- Prepare the application
- Address BIS queries or observations
- Maintain ongoing compliance after certification
This approach can make the certification process more organized and reduce the possibility of discovering regulatory requirements after the product has already entered production.
How Metacorp Can Help With BIS Compliance
Understanding whether a product requires BIS Certification can be challenging, particularly when businesses are dealing with multiple product variants, Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders, testing requirements, and documentation.
Metacorp can assist businesses in navigating product-specific compliance requirements and understanding the applicable BIS certification pathway.
From identifying applicable requirements to supporting documentation, testing coordination, and certification-related processes, professional compliance assistance can help businesses approach the product launch with greater regulatory clarity.
For manufacturers, importers, startups, and businesses introducing new products into India, checking BIS requirements at an early stage can help avoid unnecessary compliance complications later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for every product in India?
No. BIS states that its certification scheme is generally voluntary. However, certification becomes mandatory for certain products when the Central Government brings them under compulsory certification requirements, including through Quality Control Orders.
2. How can I check whether my product requires BIS Certification?
You should identify the exact product category and applicable Indian Standard and then check the current BIS list of products under compulsory certification and relevant Quality Control Orders. Product-specific requirements should also be reviewed before applying.
3. Can imported products require BIS Certification?
Yes. Certain imported products covered by mandatory BIS requirements may need the applicable BIS authorization before they can be legally imported or sold in India. Foreign manufacturers may need to use the applicable BIS certification route, including FMCS for relevant product categories.
4. What is a Quality Control Order (QCO)?
A Quality Control Order is a government regulatory instrument that can make compliance with specified Indian Standards mandatory for particular products. For products covered by a QCO, the applicable BIS Standard Mark and certification requirements generally become mandatory from the order's effective date, subject to its specific provisions and exemptions.
5. Does BIS Certification need to be renewed?
Yes, where the applicable BIS licence is subject to renewal requirements. BIS states that Scheme-I product certification licences have defined validity and renewal procedures, with renewal applications submitted through the online system.
Conclusion
Launching a new product in India requires more than creating a product that customers want to buy. Businesses must also determine whether the product meets applicable regulatory and quality requirements before entering the market.
BIS Certification can be a critical requirement for products covered by mandatory certification rules. The first step is not simply applying for a certificate—it is determining whether certification applies, identifying the correct Indian Standard, checking applicable Quality Control Orders, selecting the appropriate conformity assessment route, and ensuring that manufacturing and testing capabilities meet the required criteria.
BIS certification requirements can also change as new Quality Control Orders and amendments are introduced. Therefore, businesses should verify the latest requirements applicable to their specific product before manufacturing, importing, or selling it.
If you are planning to launch a new product in India, check BIS requirements before you invest heavily in manufacturing, packaging, inventory, and marketing. Early compliance planning can help your business avoid costly delays and create a smoother path toward market entry.