The application process towards BIS certification is often mistakenly thought of as a simple paperwork process, until an application is returned with minimal explanation. This happens more often than most manufacturers realise, and even worse, most rejections are due to avoidable errors and not real product flaws. It’s better to be aware of these common mistakes before they happen and avoid the weeks of delays and wasted re-application costs.
1. Selecting the wrong IS standard
Each product category has a specific Indian Standard (IS) or IS code, and it is one of the most common reasons for rejection. This is frequently the case for products that may seem to belong to more than one category, e.g. LED panels being classified as LED bulbs, a totally different classification. Before application, determine the exact functionality of your product and exact construction of your product to the specific standard, not the general category of the product.
2. Incomplete/Acceptable Documentation
A significant proportion of rejections of BIS are due to missing tests or technical specifications or to incorrectly completed forms. Several supporting documents must be included in the application process; even one missing supporting document can slow down the application process. Having one person review all documents before submission and using a master list based on the official BIS document requirements greatly decreases this risk.
3. Product Details and Test Reports do not match
Sometimes, the data provided in your application is not the same as that listed in your test report; it may be a model number, a technical specification or a material detail. BIS reviewers closely examine for this consistency, and any disparity is a huge red flag. Ensuring that all aspects of your application, technical documents and test reports are in perfect alignment will avoid this altogether unnecessary problem.
4. Testing at an Unauthorised Laboratory
Product testing should be done in a laboratory recognised by BIS or accredited by NABL. Applicants must use a lab from an approved list; if they use a lab from outside that approved list, it will be rejected even if the lab testing was accurate. Before sending your samples to a laboratory, always make sure that it is accredited.
5. Incorrect or old test reports
BIS test reports have a limited validity period, and many of the applicants receive test reports that have expired by the time they apply for it. This is particularly true when the testing period takes a while to get to the point of submitting the application. Checking the validity dates of reports and promptly applying for new results prevents this avoidable negative effect.
6. Incorrect Product Classification
If you mis-claim your product when you make your initial application, there are a series of problems that follow. This frequently occurs when manufacturers believe that products that appear to be similar are classified in the same category when this is not actually the case, as the specific scope for each product is given in the BIS classification. Spending time in the details – and definitions – of the standards you are evaluating, not assuming, will help to ensure that your product is categorised the first time appropriately.
7. Funding from Other Sources
The standards are subject to periodic revision, and applications based on an old version of a standard are rejected, regardless of the product’s apparent conformity with an old version of the standards. This is a very common mistake made by manufacturers that have previously used documentation from a successful application but do not review it for any updates. You can avoid this by making sure you are regularly updated with the latest notifications on the official BIS/MeitY website before the new application.
8. Doing the Application in a rush and not being properly prepared
Firstly, the BIS process is looked upon as a formal procedure by many businesses, particularly for the first time applicant and they tend to rush the submission for BIS without proper preparation. It is often the case that a mix of the above errors will be found in the same application. It is important to plan for sufficient time to prepare documentation, test samples, and conduct an internal review before submission to ensure seamless approvals.
9. Problems with the computer or network
Foreign manufacturers are asked to have an Authorised Indian Representative registered with BIS in case of applications under schemes like FMCS or CRS. When the application is not completed with one, or the person is not familiar with the process, the process is often delayed and complicated. An experienced, reliable representative will begin the process and facilitate better communication and follow-up with BIS.
10. Serving as a helpful resource for complex applications
Some manufacturers may try to take the entire BIS process on their own, especially if the product has multiple functions or specifications that are out of the ordinary for products from that manufacturer that are selected. If you don’t know what you are doing, you may find yourself having to submit your work again and again, and wasting a lot of time in the process. When applying, talking with established BIS experts early in the process, particularly when applying for complex or borderline products, assists in determining the right path to take from the beginning.
The Real Cost of Rejection
Not only is the application not considered, but there are actual business costs for rejected applications. With delayed launches, you miss out on market opportunities, particularly in competitive product categories. The costs of repeated testing are high, and if it’s goods that have been imported, then the delay time in customs can incur storage fees and bad customer relations with suppliers. That’s why it’s important to get the application right the first time.
Preparation Prevents Rejection
Almost all of the reasons for rejection on this list are due to insufficient preparation and not a true defect in the product. However, a lot of these problems can be solved in good time if approached perfectly: the standard is chosen properly, documented in full, tested by an accredited test and submitted.
Choose a bundle from Induce India and let the knowledgeable team assist you in applying it.
At Induce India, we guide the manufacturers and importers towards the BIS certification process from the initial stage to the proper identification of the relevant standard, preparation of the necessary documents and testing at the approved testing centre. We want your application to get through this process as smoothly as possible and as efficiently as possible – that is, without the unnecessary back-and-forth due to avoidable errors.
Conclusion
Frustrating and restricting freedom of choice, BIS rejections are largely preventable with the right preparation and guidance. Contact Induce India to receive specialist assistance at all stages of your BIS Certification journey; you don’t want to experience any delays from common avoidable mistakes.
