India is considered one of the fastest-growing markets globally. A booming economy with a rise in demand for quality products brings large-scale attempts to introduce foreign-made goods into the Indian market. Foreign manufacturers who seek to market their products in this country must accompany their goods with a safety and quality certification. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has a crucial role to play. The BIS certificate is essential in that it can never become a mere formality. In other words, without a BIS certificate, foreign manufacturers cannot import, distribute, and sell their products throughout India.
The blog shall explain in simple words the means through which foreign manufacturers get BIS certification in India, the challenges involved, and how partners such as Induce India can make life easy and hassle-free.
What is BIS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards is India’s national body of standards concerned with assuring that products produced and sold in the country meet safety, quality, and performance specifications. The BIS certificate is one token assuring the customer that the product is safe according to Indian laws.
In general, two types of BIS certification schemes are relevant for manufacturers:
- The ISI Mark: It is mandatory for steel, cement, household appliances, and automobile parts. It is a mark showing conformity to Indian Standards.
- The Compulsory Registration Scheme: This is mandatory in case of mobile phones, laptops, LED lights, batteries, and other electronic and IT products.
Both schemes are equally important for a foreign manufacturer, depending on what kind of product he wants to sell in India.
Why Foreign Manufacturers Need BIS Certification?
Certification by BIS cannot be dispensed with for foreign manufacturers if their product is under the compulsory list. Hence, it becomes very important:
- Legal Requirement: Indian law does not permit selling uncertified products.
- Consumer Trust: Certification assures buyers in India that the product is safe and can be relied upon.
- Market Access: A product without BIS certification would not be cleared by Customs into the Indian market.
- Brand Reputation: Compliance provides goodwill to the brand and promotes credibility over time.
The Meaning of an Authorized Indian Representative
This is a particular requirement that must be fulfilled by those foreign manufacturers.
Since the Bureau of Indian Standards cannot deal directly with companies outside India, the Authorized Indian Representative acts as the foreign manufacturer’s legal face in India. The AIR takes the primary responsibility for the certification process and compliance.
AIR responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Filing the BIS application on behalf of the manufacturer.
- Arranging testing of the products in laboratories recognised by the BIS.
- It is the communication channel between the BIS and the manufacturer.
- Being legally responsible for product safety in India.
- Safety complaints, renewals, and other compliance matters.
BIS certification cannot be granted to a foreign manufacturer without an AIR.
Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Manufacturers
The very simple schematic is the step-by-step manner in which foreign manufacturers in India may obtain BIS certification:
Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
The first step in the process for BIS certification is selecting the best-fitting Indian agent: a subsidiary, liaison office, or compliance partner such as Induce India.
Identify Applicable Indian Standards
Each product category has specific Indian Standards (IS codes) under BIS. The manufacturer, together with the AIR, is responsible for identifying the relevant standard for their product.
Prepare Documents
The manufacturer will need to provide documents consisting of the following:
- Company registration details.
- Manufacturing unit details.
- Product specifications and technical details.
- Authorization letter appointing the AIR.
With the AIR, all the documents would be properly formatted and complete.
Submit Application to BIS
AIR submits the official BIS Certification application, either online or offline, depending on the scheme (ISI or CRS).
Product Testing
Sample products must be sent to the BIS-approved laboratories in India. AIR arranges for shipment, coordinates with the laboratories, and tracks the test results.
Factory Inspection (for ISI Scheme)
Sometimes, the BIS officials may carry out inspections in the foreign factory. AIR assists in the organisation and coordination of such inspections.
Grant of License/Registration
After product testing and on satisfaction that the product complies with the stipulated standards, the certificate is granted, and the license chargeability is applied. The product is now entitled to bear the ISI mark or be registered under CRS, depending upon the scheme.
Renewals and Maintenance of Compliance
BIS certification is issued for a specific duration (usually 2 years). Thereafter, renewal shall be required. AIR ensures timely renewals and continued compliance of the manufacturer with BIS regulations.
Challenges for Foreign Manufacturers
Though this process looks straightforward, certain challenges are common for foreign manufacturers, such as:
- Complex Documentation: BIS has certain very specific documentation requirements to be submitted in the exact prescribed manner.
- Testing Delays: Synchronising international shipment of sample products and lab timelines is rather slow.
- Regulatory Updates: BIS Standards are updated from time to time, and it may be difficult to ensure compliance without local knowledge.
- Legal Accountability: Without a dependable AIR, manufacturers run the risk of rejection or penalisation.
How Induce India Makes It Easy
At Induce India, we specialise in serving as a trustworthy Authorized Indian Representative, providing turnkey solutions for foreign manufacturers meeting the BIS certification.
Here’s how we can make things easier for you:
- Expert Advice: We assess which BIS scheme and standards apply to your product.
- Documentation Processes: We go ahead and prepare perfect documentation to minimise rejection chances.
- Testing Coordination: We prepare for shipping samples, booking, and all coordination with the lab, including the follow-up.
- Legal Accountability: With us acting as your AIR, we bear the responsibility to see that you are 100% compliant.
- Renewals: Let us worry about the renewal. We monitor the lifetime of your certificates and get them renewed in time before expiry.
These services, to a certain degree, enable foreign manufacturers to concentrate on their chosen fields of operation while we sit back to take the monitor of all the nuances involved in securing BIS Certification in India.
Final Thoughts
India is a soaring star in the global marketplace, but entry into it is dependent on compliance with certain stringent standards. For manufacturers abroad, BIS certification is sought in many product categories; to get that, they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative. This entire process entails the identification of standards, the preparation of necessary documents, the submission of the application, testing, and continuous compliance. At times, it can hurt, but a good partner can ease all of that.
Induce India provides foreign manufacturers with complete support to obtain BIS certification. We take care of everything, from working as your AIR to overseeing the full process, to ensure your products are brought to Indian soil in a legal, swift, and confident manner. With the right depiction, BIS certification becomes a blessing rather than a barrier that stands for trust, safety, and success in India.
