BIS Certification for Importers: Product List, Documents and Approval Process
Importing products into India involves more than finding an overseas supplier, negotiating prices and arranging shipping. For many regulated products, the importer must also check whether the goods require BIS certification before they can legally enter and be sold in the Indian market.
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's national standards body. While BIS certification is voluntary for many products, the Central Government makes compliance compulsory for numerous products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other notifications. Bureau of Indian Standards
This makes BIS compliance an important pre-import check.
A common mistake is to place a purchase order, manufacture the goods overseas and only then ask whether BIS certification is required. If the product falls under compulsory certification and the overseas factory does not have the required approval, the shipment can face serious commercial problems.
This guide explains the BIS certification process for importers in India, including product applicability, certification routes, documents, foreign-manufacturer requirements and common compliance issues.
Submit the Application
Domestic Scheme-I applications are accepted online through the BIS Manakonline portal. Bureau of Indian Standards
For foreign manufacturers under FMCS, BIS has also moved the application process online. From 1 June 2026, FMCS applications are accepted through the online portal rather than the earlier hard-copy route. Bureau of Indian Standards
The application should be checked carefully before submission.
Incomplete files, inconsistent factory details and missing technical documents can create additional BIS queries.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Importers in India should be treated as a pre-import compliance check, not something to review after goods have already been manufactured or shipped.
The process begins with identifying the exact product and Indian Standard. The importer must then determine whether certification is compulsory, select the correct BIS scheme and ensure that the overseas manufacturer is properly certified.
Because the list of compulsory products and applicable QCOs can change, businesses should verify the latest requirements for every new product.
Green Permits assists importers, foreign manufacturers and Indian businesses with BIS applicability checks, ISI certification, CRS registration, FMCS certification, AIR support, testing coordination and complete BIS compliance assistance.
Website: https://www.greenpermits.in
Phone: +91 78350 06182
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
