BIS Certification ISI Mark & CRS
Selling a product covered by a Quality Control Order? It needs BIS certification before it can be made, imported or sold in India. We identify the right scheme and Indian Standard, arrange testing at a recognised lab, prepare your application and factory documents, and follow through to licence or registration.
- Right scheme and Indian Standard
- Lab testing coordinated for you
- Factory audit preparation
- MSME and startup fee concessions applied
What is BIS certification?
BIS certification confirms that a product meets the relevant Indian Standard. It's granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's national standards body, under the BIS Act, 2016. Depending on the product, you get a licence to use the Standard Mark (the ISI mark), a registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, or hallmarking registration.
For hundreds of products, from electronics, toys and appliances to steel, cement, footwear and furniture, the government has made certification compulsory through Quality Control Orders. These products can't be made, imported, stored or sold in India without it.
The work is technical: picking the correct Indian Standard, testing every model at a recognised lab, preparing factory and quality documents, and getting through the BIS audit. We manage it end to end, for Indian and overseas manufacturers.
ISI mark vs CRS registration vs hallmarking
Which one applies depends entirely on your product. The Quality Control Order or BIS notification for it says which scheme and standard to follow.
| Point | ISI mark (product certification) | CRS registration | Hallmarking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical products | Appliances, steel, cement, toys, footwear, cables, pipes, furniture | Electronics and IT goods, LED lights, adapters, batteries, solar products | Gold and silver jewellery and artefacts |
| Testing | Factory testing facility plus sample testing | Each model tested at a BIS-recognised lab | At BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centres |
| Factory audit | Yes, by a BIS officer | Not usually; documents and test reports | Registration of the jeweller |
| Mark on product | Standard Mark with licence number | Standard Mark with registration number | BIS hallmark with a unique ID |
| Foreign makers | Foreign manufacturers scheme, with factory audit | Registration through an Authorised Indian Representative | Not applicable |
Which BIS scheme applies to your product?
Pick your product type and business details for the likely scheme, timeline and fee concessions.
Likely scheme
—
General guide only. The exact scheme, Indian Standard and fees depend on your product's QCO and BIS notifications, which we confirm before you start.
Quality Control Orders: when BIS becomes compulsory
BIS certification is voluntary for most products, but compulsory for those notified by a ministry through a Quality Control Order or BIS notification.
- CoveredNo certificate, no saleOnce a QCO is in force, the product can't be manufactured, imported, stored, sold or distributed without the BIS licence or registration and the Standard Mark.
- ImportsCustoms checks at the borderImports of covered products are held at customs unless the foreign manufacturer has a valid BIS licence or registration for that model.
- PenaltySerious consequencesViolations under the BIS Act can mean fines starting at ₹2 lakh, seizure of goods and imprisonment.
- MSMEsFee concessionsMicro enterprises and startups get large concessions on BIS's minimum marking fee, and small enterprises a smaller one, with an extra concession for women entrepreneurs.
- ChangingNew orders, new datesQCOs are added, amended and sometimes deferred. We check the current status and dates for your product before you invest.
BIS certification plans
A fixed professional fee. BIS fees, lab testing and factory audit charges are paid at actuals.
Hallmarking Registration
For jewellers selling gold and silver jewellery.
₹4,999₹7,499+ GST + BIS fee · per jeweller
- BIS registration application
- Outlet and document checks
- Guidance on hallmark and unique ID rules
- Registration certificate
- Renewal reminder
- WhatsApp support
- Product testing
- Factory audit
CRS Registration
For electronics, IT, LED, battery and solar products.
₹19,999₹29,999+ GST + BIS & lab fees · first model
- Indian Standard and series identified
- Lab booking and sample coordination
- Technical file and critical components list
- Application filed on the BIS portal
- Query handling until registration
- Labelling and marking guidance
ISI Mark Licence
For domestic manufacturers under product certification.
₹49,999₹74,999+ GST + BIS, lab & audit fees · per product
- Indian Standard and QCO assessment
- Factory, lab and quality system readiness check
- Sample testing coordination
- Application and technical documents
- Factory audit preparation and support
- MSME and startup concessions applied
GST at 18% applies to our fee. BIS application, licence and marking fees, lab testing and auditor travel are extra and depend on your product. Foreign manufacturers (including Authorised Indian Representative support): quoted per product. Renewal: ₹9,999. Adding a model to an existing registration or licence: ₹7,999 plus testing. Certification decisions are made by BIS.
Documents required for BIS certification
We give you a product-specific checklist and prepare most technical documents with you.
Business
- Company registration and GST certificate
- Udyam certificate, to claim MSME concessions
- Trademark or brand authorisation
- Authorised signatory details
Factory & product
- Factory address proof, layout and machinery list
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- In-house testing equipment and calibration (ISI)
- Product specifications, drawings and labels
Testing & quality
- Test report from a BIS-recognised lab
- Quality control and test records
- List of critical components (CRS)
- Indian representative's documents (foreign makers)
How we get your BIS certification
Timelines depend on the scheme, product and lab queues; we give you a plan on day one.
Product assessmentDays 1–3
We identify the QCO, Indian Standard, scheme and models to cover, and confirm the fees and concessions.
Lab testing2–6 weeks
Samples sent to a BIS-recognised lab. We coordinate testing and fix any non-conformities with you.
Documents & application1–2 weeks
Technical file, factory documents and application prepared and filed on the BIS portal.
Factory auditISI & foreign
For ISI and foreign manufacturers, a BIS officer audits the factory and may draw samples. We prepare your team.
Grant & markingDone
Licence or registration granted. We help with correct marking and labels, and set renewal reminders.
Staying compliant after you're certified
BIS keeps checking. These keep your licence safe.
- 1Correct markingUse the Standard Mark exactly as allowed, with your licence or registration number, only on covered models.
- 2Ongoing testing and recordsFollow the scheme of testing and inspection, keep test records, and pay marking fees on time for ISI licences.
- 3SurveillanceBIS can audit factories and pick samples from the market or factory at any time.
- 4Changes and new modelsA new model, critical component change or factory move needs BIS approval before you ship.
- 5Renewal on timeLicences and registrations are valid for a fixed period. Renew before expiry so sales don't stop.
Start, Build and Grow with one team
Certification, then the brand and marketing to sell more.
All your approvals
BIS, ISO, Udyam, IEC and trademark, managed together with one calendar.
ISO certificationSell online
An online store and product pages that show your certification clearly.
E-commerce storeBIS certification: frequently asked questions
What is BIS certification?+
Certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards that a product meets the relevant Indian Standard. It is granted as an ISI mark licence, a CRS registration or a hallmarking registration, depending on the product.
Is BIS certification mandatory?+
It is compulsory for products covered by Quality Control Orders or BIS notifications, such as many electronics, appliances, toys, steel, cement, footwear and furniture items. For other products it is voluntary.
What is the difference between ISI and CRS?+
The ISI mark is product certification with lab testing and a factory audit, used for appliances, steel, cement, toys and similar goods. CRS is a registration scheme mainly for electronics and IT goods, based on lab test reports for each model.
How much does BIS certification cost?+
Our professional fee is ₹4,999 for hallmarking registration, from ₹19,999 for CRS and from ₹49,999 for an ISI licence, + GST. BIS fees, lab testing and audit costs are extra and depend on the product.
How long does BIS certification take?+
CRS registration typically takes 4 to 8 weeks including testing. A domestic ISI licence usually takes 1 to 3 months, and foreign manufacturer licences 3 to 6 months, depending on testing and audit dates.
Can foreign manufacturers get BIS certification?+
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can get ISI licences under a separate scheme with an audit of the overseas factory, and CRS registrations through an Authorised Indian Representative.
Can an importer apply instead of the manufacturer?+
No. BIS certifies the actual manufacturer and factory. An importer or brand owner can coordinate the process, but the licence or registration is in the manufacturer's name.
Do I need a separate registration for each model?+
Under CRS, each model or series must be covered and tested. Under ISI, the licence covers the product and varieties listed in it; new varieties need to be added.
What fee concessions are available for MSMEs?+
BIS gives concessions on the minimum marking fee: about 80% for micro enterprises and startups and 50% for small enterprises, with an additional concession for women entrepreneurs, under the current notification. We apply them using your Udyam certificate.
What happens if I sell a covered product without BIS?+
It is an offence under the BIS Act, 2016, with fines starting at ₹2 lakh, seizure of goods and possible imprisonment. Imports without certification are held at customs.
What is a Quality Control Order?+
A government order, issued by the ministry responsible for a product, that makes BIS certification compulsory for that product from a specified date.
Is in-house testing needed for an ISI licence?+
Usually yes. Most ISI standards require the manufacturer to have specified testing equipment and to follow a scheme of testing and inspection for every batch.
Which labs can test my product?+
Testing must be done at BIS's own labs or BIS-recognised labs for that standard. We book the lab and coordinate samples for you.
How long is a BIS licence or registration valid?+
Each is granted for a fixed period and must be renewed before it expires, along with any fees due. We send renewal reminders well in advance.
Do I need BIS for products I export?+
Generally no. QCOs apply to products made or sold in India; goods made only for export are usually excluded. Check the specific QCO for your product.
Is hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery?+
Yes, in notified districts. Jewellers must register with BIS and sell only hallmarked gold jewellery with a unique identification number.
Can I use the ISI mark for marketing before getting the licence?+
No. Using the Standard Mark without a valid licence or registration is an offence. You can use it only on covered models after grant.
Is IBACT part of BIS?+
No. We are a private consultancy. BIS alone grants licences and registrations, and you can apply directly; we handle the technical and paperwork side for you.
Get your product certified and on the market
Tell us your product. We'll confirm the scheme, standard, timeline and total cost before you start.
IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body, and is not affiliated with the Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS licences and registrations are granted only by BIS after testing and assessment, and you can apply directly; our fee is for professional assistance. BIS fees, lab testing and audit costs are extra. The scheme finder is a general guide.