BIS certification stands for Bureau of Indian Standards Certification, which is an extremely essential scheme for conformity assessment managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Government of India. This certification program confirms that the products meet demanding standards of quality, safety, reliability, and other requirements envisioned for products to be offered in India. Any product must pass this certification before it hits the Indian market or is imported to India. This includes testing at accredited laboratories of this government body based on prescribed Indian standards. The scope of certification applies to a significant number of products, covering all sectors like electronics, appliances, chemicals, food items, and industry equipment, among others.

Certification by BIS is considered the licensee's entry ticket to the Indian market. It will indicate that a business will meet the highest standards developed or that can be expected by Indian consumers and regulatory authorities. Once a product passes all the requirements, a license shall be issued to confirm the same that the product has complied with the applicable Indian standards or regulations. Essentially, BIS certification is developing into that one factor that is instrumental in availing products of high quality and safety standards to the Indian marketplace, improving consumer confidence, and facilitating trade in the vast Indian marketplace.

What is BIS Certificate?

BIS certificate is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It serves as the mark of quality and safety. The main objective of BIS certification in India is to ensure that products meets the particular safety, quality and performance standards and continues to function as per quantified requirements. Businesses planning to sell their products in India must obtain BIS certificate for Import. Without a legal authorization it is illegal to sell any goods in the Indian marketplace. Item that require BIS certificate includes electronics, jewellery, appliances, chemicals, fertilizers, textiles etc. To avoid any fines or product seizure obtaining a BIS product certification is mandatory. 

What is the Purpose of BIS Certification?

Bureau of Indian Standards is a national body that makes check on the quality, safety and reliability of products marketed in India. A total of 497 laboratories (October 14th 2019) are associated with BIS for testing purposes. BIS Certification is thus promoted by the government of India for the following purposes:

• To safeguard public health
• To provide quality assurance
• To protect the consumer from hazardous/unhealthy products
• For promoting consumer confidence.

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BIS certification has numerous advantages for the business as well as for consumers. These include:

Legal Compliance: Most of the products in the Indian Market demand BIS certification by law. Certification ensures that the business venture complies at basic levels, which would otherwise be unlawful for the business venture to sell its products in India.

Quality Assurance: It means that the certification of the government body would guarantee that the product is in conformance with the quality prescriptions stipulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This is again an assurance to gain consumers' confidence—showing them that a given entity is committed to delivering its products with a certain level of recognized benchmarks in quality products.

Consumer Safety: Products bearing a certification mark have to undergo rigorous testing and evaluation so that they are safe for consumption by consumers. This aspect is especially true for products related to health, safety, and the environment.

Market Access: Its certification opens access to the vast market of India. Since most Indian consumers tend to go by the confidence that a BIS certification comes with, in terms of quality and safety, this enhances market acceptance and sales potential.

Competitive Advantage: Soon, companies with this certification will differentiate themselves from others where products may not also be certified. It is a quality endorsement that the company could attract to its products, as it appeals to customers sensitive to safety and reliability.

Global Recognition: Such products, having this certification may gain entry into other countries where standards made in India are recognized or respected, thereby providing entry brokers into international trade.

Reduced Risk: By making certain that products adhere to stipulated standards, businesses reduce the risks associated with product failure, recall, or litigation due to non-compliance, which can be very expensive and will harm the reputation.

ISI Mark Certification:

• Description: ISI mark certification has perhaps been the most recognized of all the certification schemes under BIS. It would view specifically that a product meets and conforms to the specified Indian Standards on parameters to ensure quality, safety, and reliability.
• Applicability: It will apply to all diversified products, from electrical appliances, cement, and steel products to food items and agricultural machinery, among others.
• Process: The manufacturer is required to send samples of his products for testing in some of the Laboratories recognized by BIS. On satisfaction that the product meets the requirement, it issues a license to use the ISI mark on the product.
• Benefits: Instils confidence in consumers' minds, helps in easy access to the market, and ensures compliance with Indian laws and regulations.

Hallmarking Certification:

• Description: BIS hallmarking certifies the purity of precious metals like gold and silver. It enables consumers to get the genuine product with proper purity levels.
• Process: Testing of articles of precious metal at BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking centers for purity against specified standards.
• Benefits: Ensures authenticity, and fair trade practices besides safeguarding the interest of consumers against spurious products.

Product Certification Scheme

• Description: It has specific Product Certification Schemes in respect of certain categories of products.
• Applicability: This ranges from a wide array of sectors including electronics and IT goods, chemicals, and textiles to automotive components, household goods, etc.
• Process: The manufacturer applies for certification after submitting samples for testing in BIS-approved laboratories. Certification is given when relevant Indian Standards are met.
• Benefits: It proves the product has complied with quality and safety standards, and opens up the consumer market to acceptance. Consumer protection is assured.

System Certification (ISO 9001 etc.):

• Description: BIS grants system certification based on international standards such as ISO 9001 – Quality Management System.
• Applicability: Applies to firms and organizations that aim to show effective management of different processes through a working management system.
• Process: Organizations get audited by accredited certification bodies under the BIS to evaluate conformance to the requirements of standards.
• Benefits: Improves operational efficiency, customer satisfaction index, and Commitment towards quality management practices.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):

• Description: This scheme provides for compulsory registration with the government body before the start of the sale of specified products as identified by the government.
• Applicability: It includes, amongst others, electronics and IT goods, machinery, chemicals, etc. based upon the impact that these could have on safety and health.
• Process: The manufacturers shall obtain registration for it through testing and verification of compliance against Indian Standards.
• Benefits: Provide assurance about the safety of products, protection of consumers from sub-standard Products, and facilitate regulatory compliance.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme:

• Description: Foreign manufacturers' certification by BIS through their Authorized representatives in India.
• Process: The overseas manufacturer shall appoint an authorized Indian Representative who will facilitate the certification process to meet Indian Standards.
• Benefits: This would facilitate access of foreign products to the Indian market, smoothen certification procedures, and align with the Indian regulatory environment.

Several documents are thus required to be obtained for BIS certification and compliance with Indian standards and regulatory requirements. Though the exact documents may differ from one type of certification and product category to another, here is a general list of documents commonly required:

• Application Form: This would be provided by BIS with details regarding the applicants and the product.
• Authorization Letter from Manufacturer: The letter will allow a non-manufacturer applicant to apply on behalf of the manufacturer for BIS certification.
• Product Technical Datasheet: Complete product technical details with specifications and features, which are to be stated; materials, dimensions, electrical ratings, and all other relevant details.
• Test Reports: Test reports, from BIS-recognized laboratories, showing that the product meets relevant Indian Standards. Normally, testing encompasses concerns like safety, performance, and reliability.
• Quality Management System Certificate (if Applicable): In respect of certain categories of products or schemes, 2009 9001-based certification, a copy of the Quality Management System (QMS) certificate issued by an accredited certification body.
• Trademark Registration Certificate: Copy of registration certificate for Trademarks, more particularly under schemes like ISI mark certification.
• Bill of Materials: Detailed list of all the materials and components used to make up the product.
• Technical Construction File: The detailed documents setting out the design and construction of the product and how it operates.
• Declaration of Conformity: A signed declaration that the product meets all relevant Indian Standards and regulatory requirements.
• Address Proof: Proof of address for the applicant's (manufacturer/ importer) registered office address could be a utility bill or the premise's lease agreement.
• Factory Inspection Report: The BIS or their authorized representative, in some product categories, may require a factory inspection report to verify the manufacturing process and assessment of quality control measurements.
• Authorization Letter for Authorized Indian Representative: In the case of an application filed through the FMCS route, the authorization letter for an authorized Indian representative will assist in processing BIS Certification.

Some critical steps that mean the products under consideration need to conform to the desired qualitative and safe standards prescribed by Indian regulations are involved in obtaining BIS Certification. The following is the overview of the typical process:

Application Form Filling and Submission: The process initiates with the manufacturer or importer applying for certification to BIS. It would entail filling up the forms, furnishing detailed product information with technical specifications, and intended uses of the product.

Review of Documents: BIS first checks the application form and other documents furnished by the manufacturer/importer regarding the completeness and accuracy of the documents. It will ensure that all basic informa­tion is available before undertaking the next process.

Sample Testing: After the acceptance of the application, the manufacturer is required to send the samples of products to an Independent and BIS-approved Laboratory for testing purposes. The samples are tested fully against the relevant Indian standards for quality, safety, and performance.

Factory Inspection (if Applicable): Depending upon the kind of product category and scheme of certification, the BIS may have a physical inspection of the manufacturing facility. This is regarding checking whether production processes and quality management are per the requirements of BIS.

Test Results Evaluation: The test results, upon testing and inspection if any, are then evaluated by experts at BIS. They check whether the product is up to all specified standards and criteria. In the case where the product passes all tests and inspections satisfactorily, it goes ahead to the next step.

Certification Grant: The Bureau of Indian Standards grants a certificate upon the successful completion of the evaluation process. It shall be issued to the manufacturer or importer, who may then utilize the BIS Standard Mark on all certified products.

Surveillance Audits: Periodic surveillance audits may be carried out by BIS after certification to ascertain that the products remain up to standards. The main goals of surveillance audits are the protection of the integrity of certification and continued assurance of quality and safety.

Renewal of Certification: Normally, BIS certifications are issued with a validity period. Manufacturers must apply for renewal before the expiry of the certification, which may include updating documentation and where necessary, retesting or reinsertion.

The BIS certification awarded by the Bureau of Indian Standards is valid for two years from the date indicated on the certificate. The major declaration of such certification would be that these certified products all fit in each of the defined Indian standards in every respect of quality, safety, and performance.

• Renewal Procedure: Manufacturers are allowed to renew the BIS certification only in a scenario where no changes, either in the concerned products or in the prescribed standards, are indicated. The renewal will update the certified products with the prevailing regulatory requirements and still be marketable in India.
• Validity of Renewed Certification: In case of successful renewal, the certificate of BIS registration would be issued for a renewed period of validity. The validity of the renewed certificate shall not be less than one year and more than five years, subject to the discretion of the Bureau and adherence to relevant standards.
• Renewal Fees: Renewal of BIS certification is subject to the payment of annual advance minimum marking fees and license fees instead of administrative costs for continued access to the Indian market for certified products.
• Late Renewal Fee: If the renewal application for the certification is received after the expiry period of the present certificate, it will attract an additional late fee of Rs. 5000. This will motivate periodic renewal and ensure continuous regulatory compliance without any break.

The BIS certificate cost depends on the category of good and manufacturing scale. It consist of testing charges (it is paid for performing lab tests), application fee (it is paid at the time of BIS application submission) and annual licensing fee (as BIS Certification is not permanent, it expires after a certain period of time, to maintain the validity of the certification, annual fee is paid). The cost may vary but it usually ranges Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakhs.

Corpseed has in-depth knowledge of dealing with all the complexities of BIS certification through deep understanding and well Streamlined processes. We deliver end-to-end services from its application to its approval and make sure that it is efficiently and time-to-time submitted. Corpseed delivers cost-efficient solutions for rising businesses of any size because of their past record of successful certifications across industries.

• Deep expertise in BIS standards and regulations
• End-to-end services from application to approval
• Streamlined and Efficient Procedures for Certification
• Effective communication, with customer support readily available
• Proven success in various industries

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