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FMCS CERTIFICATION FOR THE BIS ISI MARK PRODUCTS

BIS Certification

BIS ISI MARK FOR FOREIGN MANUFACTURER CERTIFICATION SCHMES (FMCS)

FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is a certification scheme regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and the BIS Act, 2016. This scheme allows manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS license for the use of the ISI Mark on products that conform to applicable Indian Standards. Through FMCS, foreign manufacturers are able to legally supply their products in the Indian market while meeting the same quality and safety requirements applicable to domestic manufacturers.

FMCS is often considered the international equivalent of the ISI certification system, as it ensures uniform compliance across both foreign and Indian-made products. For many products notified under Quality Control Orders (QCOs), FMCS certification is mandatory for import clearance in India. Under this scheme, foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who acts as a local point of contact for BIS and is responsible for regulatory coordination and legal compliance. AN Global Services provides end-to-end assistance in FMCS certification, including AIR support and liaison with BIS authorities.

For products such as PVC soles and heels, compliance with Indian Standards involves strict adherence to prescribed material and physical requirements. The resins must be compounded using suitable plasticizers and stabilizers, and the finished surface should be free from defects or blemishes. The size and thickness of soles and heels must be mutually agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier, while the hardness of the material is required to be maintained between 65 and 75 IRHD. Meeting these specifications ensures durability, safety, and consistent product quality in line with BIS standards.

How to Get BIS FMCS Certification on Products

BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification is a structured and audit-driven process designed to ensure that foreign-made products comply with applicable Indian Standards (IS). As of 2026, the scheme continues to mandate on-site factory inspections outside India, independent sample testing in BIS-recognized laboratories, and strict regulatory scrutiny before granting the ISI Mark license.

StepStageDescription
1Pre-Requisites & PlanningIdentify the applicable Indian Standard (IS), appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), and ensure availability of in-house testing facilities as required under the standard.
2DocumentationPreparation of factory layout, manufacturing flow chart, machinery list, test equipment details, calibration records, quality control plan, and AIR nomination documents.
3Application SubmissionSubmission of Form VI online along with a hard copy application to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), New Delhi, along with the applicable application fee.
4Application ScrutinyBIS reviews the submitted documents and raises queries, if any. Observations must be resolved before proceeding to the factory audit stage.
5Factory AuditA BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection of the overseas manufacturing facility, verifies the production process, and witnesses product testing in the in-house laboratory.
6Sample Sealing & TestingSamples are sealed by the BIS officer and sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory in India for independent conformity testing.
7Grant of LicenseUpon successful audit and test results, the manufacturer submits the license fee, marking fee, and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG), after which the ISI Mark license is granted.

Compliance Note: BIS FMCS licenses are subject to ongoing surveillance, periodic inspections, and sample testing. Manufacturers must maintain consistent product quality, valid test records, and active coordination through their Authorized Indian Representative to retain certification.

Requirements for BIS FMCS Certification

Foreign manufacturers intending to export products to India under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) must comply with the following mandatory requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):

  1. The manufacturing facility must be physically located outside the territory of India.
  2. The foreign manufacturer must formally accept all terms, conditions, and obligations associated with the BIS FMCS license.
  3. Adequate in-house laboratory facilities along with qualified quality control personnel must be available to conduct routine testing as per applicable Indian Standards (IS).
  4. All products covered under the application must strictly conform to the relevant Indian Standard specifications.
  5. The manufacturer must agree to the BIS-prescribed Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and pay the applicable annual marking fee.
  6. All essential manufacturing machinery, testing equipment, and quality assurance infrastructure must be installed and operational at the factory premises.

Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification

To support the FMCS application, foreign manufacturers are required to submit comprehensive technical and legal documentation for evaluation by BIS authorities:

  1. Factory registration, business license, and company incorporation documents.
  2. Detailed manufacturing process flow chart from raw material intake to finished product dispatch.
  3. Information on in-house manufacturing capabilities, including details of outsourced processes, if any.
  4. List and specifications of product testing equipment available at the factory.
  5. Quality control procedures, inspection records, and internal test reports demonstrating consistent product conformity.
  6. Formal acceptance of the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT), payment of applicable marking fees, laboratory test reports, and any additional documents as specified by BIS during application scrutiny.

List of Products Covered under BIS FMCS Certification

As of 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has significantly expanded the scope of products requiring mandatory certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). More than 450+ products now require an ISI Mark for import into India. These products are regulated through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and non-compliance may result in rejection at Indian Customs.

1. Construction & Building Materials

One of the most tightly regulated categories, construction and building materials must strictly conform to Indian Standards due to their impact on public safety and infrastructure durability. Covered products include all varieties of cement, structural and stainless steel products, architectural and automotive safety glass, and water supply pipes such as PVC, cast iron, and polyethylene pipes.

2. Electrical & Power Equipment

Heavy electrical and power equipment manufactured outside India fall under FMCS, while consumer electronics are regulated separately under CRS. Mandatory FMCS products include power and distribution transformers, PVC insulated cables and wires, induction motors, sealed lead-acid batteries, and shunt capacitors used in power systems.

3. Household & Kitchen Appliances

Most plug-in household appliances imported into India require BIS FMCS certification. This category includes pressure cookers (mandatory), gas stoves, induction cooktops, immersion heaters, electric geysers, irons, food mixers, vacuum cleaners, and key cooling system components used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

4. Chemicals, Fertilizers & Polymers

The Government of India continues to expand mandatory certification for chemicals and polymers through new QCOs. Products such as caustic soda, acetic acid, boric acid, methanol, and polymer materials like PVC, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) used for moulding are now strictly regulated. Certain industrial textiles and yarns are also covered.

5. Consumer & Safety Goods

Consumer safety products are a high-priority focus area under FMCS. Mandatory certification applies to all toys (electric and non-electric), protective helmets for two-wheelers, safety footwear, rubber and polymeric footwear, and regulated food packaging products such as packaged drinking water, milk powder, and infant formula.

6. Additions in 2026

Recent regulatory updates have expanded the scope of mandatory BIS FMCS certification to include several new product categories. Furniture items such as beds, chairs, tables, and storage units require ISI marking from February 2026 onwards. Additionally, under the newly introduced Scheme-X, various types of industrial machinery including cranes, pumps, and compressors will mandatorily require BIS certification effective from September 1, 2026. Solar PV modules and solar inverters are also subject to revised and stricter compliance requirements.

CategoryExample ProductApplicable Indian Standard (IS)
MetalsStructural SteelIS 2062
ToysNon-Electric ToysIS 9873
FoodPackaged Drinking WaterIS 14543
FurnitureGeneral Purpose ChairsIS 17632
ChemicalsCaustic SodaIS 252

Timeline for Getting BIS FMCS Certification

The timeline for obtaining BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification in 2026 generally ranges between 6 to 9 months. Since the scheme involves mandatory overseas factory inspections by BIS officials and independent product testing in India, the process is significantly more time-intensive than domestic BIS certification. Proper planning and documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.

PhaseTypical TimelineKey Activities
Month 1 – Preparation2–4 WeeksAppointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), collection of factory layouts and documents, and verification that in-house laboratory facilities can perform all tests as per the applicable Indian Standard (IS).
Month 2 – Application Submission~2 WeeksSubmission of Form VI on the BIS Manak Online portal, payment of the application fee, and receipt of the official application number after initial scrutiny.
Month 3 – Audit Scheduling4–6 WeeksCoordination with BIS for scheduling the foreign factory audit, including visa arrangements, travel planning, and availability of BIS technical officers.
Month 4 – Factory Audit3–5 DaysOn-site inspection by BIS officials to review the manufacturing process, verify testing infrastructure, witness routine tests, and seal product samples for laboratory testing in India.
Month 5 – Sample Testing4–8 WeeksTesting of sealed samples at BIS-recognized laboratories in India. The duration varies depending on the product type and complexity, with chemicals generally tested faster than steel, tires, or heavy engineering products.
Month 6 – Grant of License2–3 WeeksUpon successful test results and audit clearance, payment of license fees and marking fees is completed. BIS then issues the CM/L number, authorizing the use of the ISI Mark.

Important Note: Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation, audit scheduling constraints, laboratory backlogs, or travel-related factors. Engaging an experienced BIS consultant such as AN Global Services can significantly streamline the process and reduce approval timelines.

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