Certify your product for India’s mandatory quality standard
The ISI Mark is India’s product certification mark, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act, 2016. It confirms that a product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard (IS) for that product category, covering quality, safety, and performance. For a growing list of products, this isn’t optional — BIS certification is mandatory under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) before the product can be manufactured, sold, or imported into India.
We manage the certification process end-to-end — standard identification, application, factory audit coordination, testing, and license issuance.
Which scheme applies to you?
| Scheme I (ISI Mark) | Self-Declaration / CRS | Foreign Manufacturer Certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Domestic manufacturers, most product categories | Select electronics/IT products under Compulsory Registration Scheme | Manufacturers based outside India |
| Certifying route | Full BIS licence with factory audit | Registration via BIS portal, self-testing at BIS-recognised labs | BIS licence via Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) |
| Marking used | ISI Mark | Standard Mark / registration number | ISI Mark |
| Renewal | Annual/periodic, with surveillance audits | Periodic re-registration | Periodic, with factory inspection |
Common product categories requiring mandatory BIS certification: cement, steel, electrical appliances, LPG cylinders and valves, toys, packaged drinking water, helmets, cables, switches, and a growing list under sector-specific QCOs (electronics, chemicals, textiles).
Typical timeline: 3–6 months from application to licence grant, depending on product category, factory audit scheduling, and test report turnaround. Toy and electronics categories can take longer due to higher testing volume.
Step 1 — Standard identification
We identify the exact Indian Standard (IS number) applicable to your product and confirm whether it falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order.
Step 2 — Application filing
Application is filed online through the BIS Manak Online portal (Form V for the ISI Mark scheme), along with product details, manufacturing process, and applicable IS number.
Step 3 — Documentation submission
Factory details, machinery list, raw material sources, in-house testing facility details, and quality control process documents are submitted alongside the application.
Step 4 — Factory audit
A BIS officer inspects the manufacturing unit to verify production capability, in-house testing equipment, and quality control systems against the requirements of the IS standard.
Step 5 — Sample testing
Product samples are drawn during the factory audit (or submitted separately) and tested at a BIS-recognised or in-house lab against the parameters specified in the Indian Standard.
Step 6 — Grant of licence
On satisfactory audit and test results, BIS grants the licence to use the ISI Mark for the specific product and IS number, typically valid for one to two years.
Step 7 — Marking and ongoing surveillance
The ISI Mark, along with the licence number and IS number, is applied to the product. BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits and market sample testing to ensure continued compliance.
About the applicant/company
About the manufacturing unit
About the product
For foreign manufacturers (FMCS applications)
Notes
Legal market access
For products under a Quality Control Order, the ISI Mark isn’t a bonus — it’s the difference between being allowed to sell in India and not. Manufacturing, importing, or selling non-certified products in these categories is a punishable offence.
Consumer trust and recognition
The ISI Mark is one of India’s most widely recognised quality symbols. Decades of consumer awareness mean it visibly signals safety and reliability at the point of sale.
Reduced product liability risk
Certification against a defined Indian Standard means your product has been independently tested and audited, lowering exposure to safety-related disputes and recalls.
Access to government and institutional buyers
Government tenders, public sector procurement, and large institutional buyers frequently mandate ISI-certified products, opening a buyer segment that’s otherwise closed.
Smoother customs and import clearance
For QCO-covered categories, a valid BIS licence (via FMCS for foreign manufacturers) is required for customs clearance — avoiding this leads to consignments being held or rejected at port.
Competitive differentiation
In categories where certification isn’t yet mandatory, voluntarily carrying the ISI Mark differentiates your product from uncertified competitors and can support premium positioning.
Structured quality control
The audit and documentation process typically improves internal QC discipline — consistent raw material sourcing, calibrated testing, and documented processes — benefits that outlast the certification exercise itself.