For Indian businesses planning to import products from abroad, especially from China, the excitement of finding quality goods at competitive prices is met with a harsh reality: Indian regulatory compliance.
One such important requirement is the BIS certificate, a government-issued approval that validates the product meets India's safety and quality standards.
So, is a BIS certificate always required to import into India?
Not for all products, but for many, it is mandatory. In this detailed guide, we’ll help you understand when and why BIS certification is required, how to check for BIS-registered manufacturers, and how your business can avoid delays, penalties, or even product seizures during customs clearance.
Let’s dive in.
What is BIS and Why Does It Matter in Import?
BIS, short for Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national standards body of India functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It is responsible for standardization, certification, and quality assurance of goods and services across multiple sectors.
For imports, BIS ensures that foreign-manufactured goods entering Indian markets comply with the same safety, environmental, and performance standards as locally manufactured products. This keeps inferior or unsafe products out of Indian hands and ensures a level playing field for all sellers.
For importers, the presence (or absence) of a BIS certification can affect your shipment at the port. Non-compliant products may be seized, destroyed, or returned, costing your business valuable time and money.
Key terms to know:
- BIS in import refers to the BIS certification requirements for importing goods into India from China, for example.
- BIS for import helps determine whether your product is on the regulated list and needs certification.
Is a BIS Certificate Mandatory for All Imports into India?
The short answer: No, not for all products.
But if you're importing goods that fall under specific notified categories (especially electronics, appliances, metals, and safety equipment), BIS certification is mandatory.
Products That Require BIS Certification Before Import:
Under schemes like the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and ISI Certification Scheme, the Indian government has made BIS certification mandatory for over 450 product categories, including:
- Electronics and IT equipment: Mobile phones, laptops, LED TVs, adapters, power banks, printers
- Kitchen appliances: Microwave ovens, induction cooktops, water heaters, mixers
- Steel products: Bars, rods, structural steel
- Toys and child safety products
- Medical devices: Pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors
- Lighting products: LED bulbs, control gears, luminaires
If your product falls within these categories, you cannot legally import or sell it in India without valid BIS approval.
You can always check the latest BIS mandatory product list on the official BIS website.
BIS Certification Schemes Explained for Importers
Understanding which certification scheme applies to your product is important for seamless import operations.
Here are the major BIS certification pathways that apply to imports:
1. ISI Mark Scheme
- Covers products that require safety assurance, like steel, cement, and electrical appliances.
- Certification is granted after physical inspection and testing.
- Typically used for domestically manufactured goods, but also required for imports in some cases.
2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
- Applies primarily to electronics and IT goods.
- Requires self-declaration by the manufacturer, followed by third-party lab testing.
- Certification is based on conformity to Indian standards (IS).
3. Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)
- For foreign manufacturers exporting to India.
- Involves factory inspection, product testing, and a license from BIS.
- Essential if you're sourcing from outside India and the product falls under mandatory BIS compliance.
For importers, working only with BIS-certified foreign manufacturers validates compliance and reduces the risk of customs delays or penalties.
Who Can Apply for a BIS Certificate?
One important fact many Indian importers overlook: BIS certification can only be obtained by the manufacturer, not by the importer or trader.
This means that if you're importing a product that requires BIS certification, the manufacturer (e.g., in China) must already hold a valid BIS license for that product. If not, you'll need to either:
- Request them to apply for BIS certification (which can take weeks or even months), or
- Switch to another manufacturer already listed in the BIS registered manufacturer list.
How to Check the BIS Registered Manufacturer List:
You can check this directly through the BIS Certified Products portal. Use filters like product type, brand, or location (e.g., China) to search.
Also, double-check the following documents:
- License validity
- Product model or type approval
- Labelling and packaging compliance
This step is useful to avoid working with suppliers offering fake BIS certificates, which can lead to shipment rejection and legal issues in India.
How to Import BIS-Compliant Products to India: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified 5-step process that every Indian importer should follow when sourcing BIS-regulated goods:
Step 1: Check if Your Product Falls Under BIS Regulation.
Refer to the latest BIS product notification list or consult with a compliance expert to determine if your product needs BIS certification. If you do not follow, there can be issues further in getting clearance from customs in India.
Step 2: Verify if the Manufacturer is BIS Certified.
Before finalizing your supplier, request their valid BIS certificate. Cross-check the license number and product category on the BIS portal. It is a very important step for sourcing goods to India.
Step 3: Ensure Product Labeling Matches BIS Standards.
The BIS license number, IS standard code, and manufacturer details must be printed on the product packaging, labels, and user manual as per BIS norms.
Step 4: Arrange Documentation for Customs Clearance.
Keep all import-related documents ready:
- BIS certificate copy
- Invoice & packing list
- Product testing reports (if required)
- DGFT license (if applicable)
These documents are useful in smooth sourcing process.
Step 5: Work with an Import Consultant or BIS Specialist.
Hiring a service like iLife Import can simplify this entire process, from product verification to BIS compliance documentation. This can be very helpful if you want goods in a safe condition without getting involved in time-consuming customs clearance or need assurance regarding the quality.
What are the Challenges Faced by Indian Importers with BIS Certification?
Despite the best efforts, many importers struggle with the following challenges:
- Lack of clarity on whether BIS applies to their product. Some new startups guess their products don’t need any certification. They proceed further, but once the container reaches India and customs clearance, the goods have been seized due to not having BIS certification.
- Unresponsive foreign manufacturers are unwilling to apply for BIS. Apart from the top wholesale suppliers in China, some local exporters do not want to own a certificate. They only do business without a BIS certificate.
- Counterfeit BIS licenses are issued by unethical suppliers. This is a scam related to international trade, and it must be avoided. Skip to work with these exporters.
- Customs delays are due to labeling or documentation issues. If the container doesn’t have a legal labeling and shipping document, the customs department will hold the entire container for inspection.
- High certification costs and testing delays for unique or low-volume products. If you import goods like kitchen items and plastic products, the certification expenses lead to additional weightage to the exporter’s pocket.
These roadblocks can cost time, money, and market opportunity, especially if you’re importing seasonal products or trending electronics.
How iLife Import Helps You with BIS-Compliant Import?
iLife Import is an Indian import consultancy dedicated to helping businesses import goods from China to India efficiently and legally.
Here’s how iLife Import helps with BIS-compliant importing:
- Product Screening: We help you identify if your product needs BIS certification.
- Manufacturer Verification: We verify your supplier against the BIS registered manufacturer list and confirm licensing details.
- Sourcing from BIS-Approved Factories: We connect you with trusted manufacturers in China already holding valid BIS licenses.
- End-to-End Documentation: From BIS compliance checks to customs paperwork, we handle it all.
- Customs & Port Clearance: We ensure smooth clearance by managing labeling, invoicing, and import codes as per DGFT and BIS norms.
With iLife Import, Indian businesses can focus on growing while we handle the compliance.
Contact us today for hassle-free, BIS-certified importing.
Conclusion
Importing into India has never been more promising or more regulated. If you're dealing in electronics, appliances, metals, or safety-related goods, BIS certification is non-negotiable. Knowing whether your product needs BIS approval and how to check your supplier's status is essential to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
Don’t let poor planning delay your imports or affect your bottom line. Work with BIS-compliant suppliers and lean on experienced partners like iLife Import for end-to-end support.
Ready to import legally and smoothly? Reach out to iLife Import and make BIS compliance the least of your worries.
FAQs
- What is the role of BIS in importing goods to India?
BIS ensures that imported products meet Indian quality and safety standards. It plays a key role in regulating product quality and protecting consumer safety in India.
- Can I import products without a BIS certificate?
Only if your product is not under the mandatory BIS list. If it's regulated under CRS or ISI, BIS certification is compulsory.
- How do I check if a manufacturer is BIS certified?
Visit the official BIS Certified Products portal, search by product type or license number, and verify authenticity before importing.
- How long does it take to get BIS certification for imports?
It depends on the scheme. CRS typically takes 4–6 weeks, while FMCS (for foreign manufacturers) may take 2–3 months due to factory inspections and testing.
- Can Indian importers apply for BIS certification directly?
No, only the manufacturer of the product can apply for BIS certification. Importers must know their supplier is already certified.
- What are the penalties for importing non-BIS-certified goods?
Penalties include customs detention, product seizure, fines, and even prosecution under the BIS Act. Your goods may also be returned or destroyed.
- Which products require BIS registration before import?
Common products include mobile phones, LED lights, adapters, steel bars, microwave ovens, toys, and medical devices. Always check the official list.
- How can iLife Import help with BIS-certified product sourcing from China?
iLife Import verifies BIS-certified suppliers, connects you with trusted manufacturers, and handles all compliance paperwork and customs processes. This saves you time and reduces risk.
