ISI Mark Certification: BIS Licence under the Product Certification Scheme
End-to-end support to obtain a BIS licence for the ISI mark, from standard mapping and testing to factory inspection.
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ISI mark certification is a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under its Product Certification Scheme, that lets a manufacturer put the ISI mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard. It is compulsory for products covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order, and voluntary for many others where buyers or tenders ask for it. The process involves an application, factory inspection, sampling and testing in a BIS-recognised laboratory. Our team identifies the applicable standard, prepares the application and factory readiness, and coordinates testing and inspection until the licence is granted.
Who provides this service: our team of Company Secretaries and compliance specialists.
Who Needs ISI Mark Certification?
- Manufacturers of products covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order
- Manufacturers who want the ISI mark to satisfy tender or buyer requirements
- New factories that plan to sell certified goods from their first production batch
- Existing licence holders adding a product, brand or production line
- Contract manufacturers producing certified goods under another brand
Key Benefits
- Early check on whether your product falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order or is a voluntary certification
- Mapping of your product to the correct Indian Standard and the BIS operating guidelines for it
- Factory readiness review covering in-house testing facility, process control and record keeping before the BIS visit
- Coordination with BIS-recognised laboratories for sampling and test reports, saving repeated sample submissions
- Application prepared with consistent manufacturer, brand and unit details to avoid avoidable queries
- Ongoing guidance on marking, periodic surveillance and licence renewal obligations after grant
How It Works
Standard and scheme mapping
We identify the Indian Standard that governs your product, confirm whether a Quality Control Order makes certification compulsory, and check that the scheme for Indian manufacturers is the right route.
Factory readiness review
BIS expects defined production controls and testing capability. We review your process flow, equipment, calibration records and in-house test facility against the standard before you apply.
Application on the BIS portal
We prepare the application with unit details, product and brand information, process documents and the authorised signatory details, and submit it on the BIS online system with the prescribed fee.
Factory inspection and sampling
A BIS officer visits the unit, examines production and testing arrangements and draws samples. We prepare your team, accompany the visit and keep records ready for review.
Testing and evaluation
Samples are tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory against the standard. If any parameter fails, we help analyse the cause, correct the process and arrange retesting as BIS procedure allows.
Grant, marking and surveillance
After a satisfactory evaluation, BIS grants the licence. We explain correct use of the mark, surveillance sampling, record keeping and renewal so the licence is not put at risk.
Documents Required
- Constitution documents of the manufacturer: incorporation certificate, partnership deed or proprietorship proof
- PAN and GST registration of the manufacturing unit
- Proof of ownership or lease of the factory premises
- Factory licence or equivalent local registration, where applicable
- Manufacturing process flow chart and plant layout
- List of plant, machinery and testing equipment with calibration status
- Details of the in-house test facility and qualified testing personnel
- Brand name or trademark details of the products to be marked
- Authorisation letter for the person signing and handling BIS communication
- Test reports of the product, where earlier tests exist
Timeline and Fees
Indicative timeline: Typically a few months from a complete application, depending on BIS branch office scheduling, factory inspection and laboratory testing time.
Professional fee: BIS application, testing, marking and annual fees are set by BIS and the laboratories, and are not included in our fee. Our professional fee depends on the product, the number of standards and units involved and the readiness of your factory. Contact us for a quote.
What Can Go Wrong if This Is Missed or Done Incorrectly
- Selling a product covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order without the required BIS certification can lead to seizure of goods and legal action
- Using the ISI mark without a valid licence, or beyond the licensed scope, is misuse of a certification mark
- Failed surveillance samples or poor factory records can result in suspension or cancellation of the licence
- Inconsistent unit or brand details in the application often lead to repeated queries and long delays
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISI mark and who grants it?
The ISI mark is the standard mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS grants a licence to use it on products that conform to the applicable Indian Standard, after assessing the factory and testing samples. The mark signals conformity to that standard and is applied by the manufacturer under the licence conditions.
Is ISI certification compulsory for my product?
It is compulsory only for products covered by a Quality Control Order issued by the government. For other products, the certification is voluntary. Because these orders are updated from time to time, the current list must be checked against your product category and its standard before you decide.
What is the difference between ISI mark and BIS registration?
The ISI mark comes from the product certification scheme, which involves factory inspection and sample testing under the licence. BIS registration usually refers to the Compulsory Registration Scheme for notified electronic and IT products, which relies on tests at a recognised laboratory. The two schemes cover different product groups and follow different procedures.
Can I use an in-house lab for testing?
BIS looks closely at the testing arrangements of the factory. Many products require a suitable in-house test facility for routine checks, while type testing for the licence is done on samples in a BIS-recognised laboratory. What is expected differs by standard, so confirm the requirement from the relevant operating guidelines early.
Do foreign manufacturers need a different route?
Yes. Overseas manufacturers selling in India apply through a separate BIS scheme for foreign manufacturers, which has its own requirements such as an Indian authorised representative. The domestic product certification route described here applies to units located in India. Our related BIS pages explain the foreign manufacturer path.
What happens after the licence is granted?
The licensee must follow the marking conditions, maintain production and test records, accept periodic BIS surveillance and sample checks, and renew the licence on time. Marking and annual obligations exist under the scheme. A failed surveillance sample or misuse of the mark can lead to action against the licence.
Official Sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Check the current position on the official portal:
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Last reviewed: . Laws, fees and procedures change; check the official portal before you act.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements vary by situation. Please consult a qualified CA or CS for advice specific to your needs. Government fees and timelines are subject to change; verify with the relevant authority before proceeding.