ISI mark registration is a certification process in India that ensures that the products must follow the quality and safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification is necessary for specific categories of products, especially those that directly affect consumer safety.

The ISI mark acts as proof that a product has been tested and complies with the standards. It gives consumers confidence about how safe the product is, how it works, and how durable it is. Manufacturers applying for the ISI mark must follow the entire process carefully to avoid any issues. Once the product is approved, it gets the ISI mark, and one can check whether it is visible on the ISI mark registration portal or not. This certification not only increases the credibility of the brand but also ensures that government rules are followed, which is essential for operating any business.

What is the Indian Standards Institution (ISI)?

The Indian Standards Institution (ISI) was established in 1971 to set quality standards and monitor them across industries in India. Its main objective was to ensure the quality & safety of all products manufactured and sold in the country. 

As time passed, the ISI mark became a symbol of trust among consumers, indicating that if it is visible on a product, it means the product is safe and secure to use, as it has been thoroughly tested and complies with regulations. 

In 1986, it was rebuilt and renamed the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which then took over all regulatory responsibilities. Even though the regulatory body has changed, the ISI mark continues to represent the product quality in India.

Role of ISI Registration:

ISI simply means Indian standards institute which has been set up to lay standards to maintain the integrity and know about the genuine nature of industrial items. It is a certified mark that ensures that the industrial and consumer good is of good quality and is safe to use. It is a well-known and recognized certification mark that verifies the quality of an industrial good in India. ISI comes with two schemes of registration that is mandatory and voluntary registration

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These are the scopes of ISI Certification:

• Consumer Safety Assurance: ISI mark certification guarantees that the product that has the ISI mark is safe, secure, and reduces risk, which directly protects customers.
• Broad Product Coverage: It covers diverse goods such as electrical appliances, cement, steel, food items, and household products.
• Mandatory for Specific Products: Certain categories notified by the government require compulsory ISI mark registration before sale in India.
• Voluntary for Brand Credibility: Manufacturers often seek ISI certification voluntarily to build brand trust and customer confidence.
• Market Acceptance and Compliance: ISI certification makes it easier for products to meet Indian standards and regulatory requirements.
• Global Value Recognition: ISI mark registration also helps products gain acceptance in international markets, boosting export potential.

What is the Difference Between BIS and ISI Mark?

BIS and ISI marks are closely connected but serve different purposes. BIS, or the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national body that sets quality standards, manages testing, and issues certification. On the other hand, the ISI mark is the actual symbol displayed on a product to show that it complies with BIS standards. In short, BIS acts as the certifying authority, while ISI mark certification is the proof stamped on the product. Obtaining a BIS certificate is the first and most important step for manufacturers, while the ISI mark is awarded only after fulfilling all the requirements. This difference highlights the regulatory framework, with the BIS serving as a governing body that issues certificates and licenses, while the ISI mark indicates that products comply with government norms and only allow safe products to enter the market.

The ISI mark certification process in India follows either a normal or simplified procedure, depending on the product type and testing requirements. Both ensure that only compliant and safe products receive ISI mark registration. Underneath is the explanation:

Normal Procedure

• Preparation for BIS certification requirements
• Inspection by BIS officials
• Product testing at BIS-approved laboratories
• Approval and issuance of the BIS certificate

Simplified Procedure

• Submission of pre-tested sample reports
• Filing of online application and payment of fees
• Inspection by BIS officials
• Product testing at BIS-approved laboratories
• Issuance of the BIS registration certificate

• KYC Documents of applicant: Identity proof along with the address proof of the applicant manufacturer is required. (Aadhaar card)
• COI/MSME/GST of the applicant firm: All mentioned three documents are required as proof of address of the manufacturing facility.
• List of Machinery: The entire list of machines that are used in the manufacturing facility must be provided along with the make and model and production capacity.
• List of testing equipment: All the in-house testing equipment/chemicals must be provided along with the calibration data and test clause against which the equipment/chemical is used.
• Layout plan: A complete layout plan must be provided, specifying the manufacturing area, entrance, exit, testing room, etc.
• Brand documents: In case the manufacturer is manufacturing the product for a specific brand. In the said scenario the applicant needs to submit the trademark certificate of all the brands if registered.
• Test reports of raw materials and final product: Test certificates or test reports for the raw materials that are used to manufacture the end product must be provided along with all the documents during the registration process.

Product Testing: The product for which the ISI license is required, needs to be tested in any BIS recognized Lab as per the designated Indian Standard. The test request must be generated from the manak online portal to any BIS recognized lab for the designated standard. 

The lab performs all the tests as per the testing parameters mentioned under the Indian standard and generated the test report. The same reports are uploaded by the LAB on the Manak online portal, using which the applicant files the application.

Application filling: Once the test reports are uploaded by the Lab on the Manak online portal, the applicant can fill out the application form with respect to the test report generated. It is mandatory to upload all the mandatory documents as prescribed by the department in the respective fields along with all the details asked in the online application. Once all the details and documents are uploaded online, the applicant is required to pay the respective fees to the department to finally submit the file.

Department Scrutiny and Inspection: Post submission of online application to the department. The BIS officials will check and verify all the documents and details submitted by the applicant. Also, the authenticity of the uploaded test report is checked along with the test results. 

In case the department required any clarification or additional documents, the same needs to be furnished before the allotted inspection dates. Once all the submitted documents and details satisfy the scrutiny officer, an onsite factory inspection is conducted by the inspecting officer where all the documents are verified in hardcopy and the manufacturing and testing procedure is verified.

Grant of License: Post satisfactory onsite inspection, the inspecting officer submits the inspection report to the certification officer with all the observations. 

The certification officer validates the online submitted details with the one checked during the inspection. On the basis of the same, the final license is granted to the applicant in the form of a CM/L (Certification of Manufacturing License) number.

Post-grant of certificate the manufacturer can use the ISI logo as a marking of quality assurance on its product for which the applicant pays the marking fees to the department. For the first year, the marking fees are paid in advance to the department. For consecutive years, the fees are paid according to the production figures done by the manufacturer in that particular year. Also, the license is valid for 1 year only, post which the applicant has to apply for renewal of the license.

Our operations and liasioning team make sure to squeeze down the above-stated timeline of the certification process by taking regular follow-ups with the department and doing timely replies in case of any concerns are raised by the department. Also, our team provides onsite assistance at the time of factory inspection and ensures every aspect is in compliance with the BIS ISI norms and regulations to avoid any query or re-inspection.

The ISI mark registration fees are determined on the basis of several factors, including the type of product, testing charges, factory inspection costs, and application processing. The fee also varies depending on whether the procedure follows the normal or simplified route. For some products, recurring fees apply during the renewal process. The ISI mark registration fees do not follow a fixed amount but depend primarily on the industry category, sample testing needs, and the level of assessment required by BIS

An ISI mark registration certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After the initial period, the certificate can be issued for up to 5 years, keeping all the rules and norms in mind. Documents have to be submitted at the time of renewal, but for updated ones, test reports are sent, and ISI mark renewal fees are also applicable. It is important to get this certificate renewed on time so that the product can be legally sold in the market and the trust of consumers is not broken. Regular renewal safeguards the credibility of the product in both domestic and international markets.

Timeline of ISI Certificate

The timeline for ISI mark registration generally ranges from 60 to 90 working days. However, this duration may vary based on product complexity, document verification, factory inspection, and testing competence. In some cases, owing to procedural delays, the process can extend to 90 to 180 days. The BIS closely monitors everything and ensures that all the applications received are properly evaluated before the ISI mark certificate is granted.

Corpseed is one of the top consulting firms, offering comprehensive assistance in safety and regulatory compliance, guiding businesses through the necessary processes. The team makes the journey of ISI mark registration simple, smooth, and hassle-free by providing complete end-to-end support.

How Corpseed Can Help in ISI Mark Registration

• Expert Guidance: Clear explanation of ISI mark certification requirements and step-by-step process.
• Document Preparation: Help in arranging and verifying all necessary papers for ISI mark registration.
• Product Testing Assistance: Coordination with BIS-approved labs to ensure proper and timely testing.
• Application Filing: Professional support in filling online forms and managing ISI mark registration fees.
• Factory Inspection Support: Assistance during BIS official visits to ensure compliance with standards.
• Post-Certification Services: Ongoing help with ISI mark registration check, renewal, and compliance maintenance.