For foreign manufacturers that are willing to export their goods to India, obtaining BIS certification is essential for Indian regulations compliance. Since 2000, BIS launched the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) which makes international manufacturers able to obtain BIS certification and lawfully market their products within the Indian marketplace.
It is mandatory for several products, like electronics, chemicals, building materials, and home appliances, in order to adhere to the required quality and safety standards specified by BIS. Without this certificate, foreign manufacturers may face restrictions on imports, prohibition of imports, or judicial fines.
This blog discusses why FMCS certification is important, the eligibility process, the process of application, compliance, and major advantages for foreign manufacturers. Knowing the BIS FMCS certification will ensure that companies have a smooth entry and operation into the Indian market while adhering to the required compliances.
Introduction
India is a fast-developing market with rising demand for high-quality foreign products. But to safeguard consumers from low-quality products, the Indian government has established stringent regulatory norms for imported products. The BIS FMCS certification guarantees that foreign-made products are in accordance with Indian safety and quality requirements before they can be permitted for sale.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is under BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, aimed at
- Control the quality of imported goods in India.
- Provide protection for consumers and product safety.
- Ease the process of foreign manufacturers availing the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark).
Any foreign manufacturer desiring to export goods to India as a part of the mandatory certification list has to first obtain the approval of BIS FMCS. Without this, importation, sale, and distribution of such goods in India are prohibited.
Applicability of FMCS BIS Certification
Who needs FMCS certification?
The FMCS BIS certification is a requirement for foreign manufacturers who export goods that belong to the obligatory list of certifications of BIS. These encompass-
- Electronics and IT Goods (e.g., mobile devices, LED, batteries).
- Packaged Food and Beverages (e.g., packaged drinking water, milk powder).
- Chemical and Industrial Commodities (e.g., fertilizers, cement, pressure cooker).
- Medical Devices (e.g., surgical kits, syringes).
- Automotive Parts (e.g., tyres, safety glass, engine lubricant).
Who is Exempted?
- Foreign producers whose products are not included in the obligatory certification list.
- Companies exporting raw materials (unless specified by BIS).
- Companies trading in handcrafted or artisan products which lack industrial quality standards.
Even though a product is not required for certification, manufacturers voluntarily go for BIS certification for increased credibility and marketability in India.
Process to Apply for FMCS BIS Certification
The certification process of FMCS includes various steps, right from submitting the application to facing factory inspections. Here is an elaborated guide so that foreign manufacturers can comprehend the process.
- Submission of Application: An online application is to be submitted by the manufacturer on the BIS portal accompanied by details of the company (name, address, business registration documents), Product details (technical specifications, test reports) and Evidence of in-house testing facility.
- Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): As the manufacturer is outside India, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) has to be appointed to deal with BIS authorities on behalf of the company.
- BIS Factory Inspection: BIS officials will inspect the manufacturing facility on site to ensure the production process conforms to BIS standards, the company maintains quality control measures and the products conform to the specifications provided in the application.
- BIS-Approved Laboratory Testing: Product samples are taken and tested at BIS-approved laboratories in India. If the product is found to be of acceptable quality, the process proceeds to the next step. In case of a failure, the manufacturer has to correct and reapply.
- BIS License and Standard Mark (ISI Mark) Issuance: After the product has undergone all inspections and tests, BIS awards an FMCS certification license. The manufacturer is now allowed to utilize the ISI Mark on the certified item and to Export and market the product legally in India.
- Compliance and Renewal: The certification lasts for a year and should be renewed every year. BIS carries out periodic audits to confirm ongoing compliance.
Key Benefits of FMCS BIS Certification for Foreign Businesses
The FMCS certification has some benefits for foreign companies willing to enter the Indian market.
- Legal Market Entry – Foreign businesses are not statutorily permitted to market certain items in India without BIS certification. The FMCS license removes barriers to trade and provides easy access to the Indian market.
- Improved Consumer Confidence – Certified products have a competitive advantage over their non-certified counterparts and thus are a preferable option for Indian consumers to purchase.
- Competitive Edge Over Uncertified Products – Certified products have a competitive advantage over their non-certified counterparts, so they are a superior option for Indian consumers to purchase.
- Protection from Regulatory Fines and Bans – Companies that export non-certified goods in India are penalized, their product is confiscated, and importing is banned. FMCS certification guarantees against government control, which keeps manufacturers safe from legal complications.
- Market Expansion Across Different Industries – With a BIS certification, overseas manufacturers can grow their businesses in different industries such as retail, healthcare, electronics, and industrial products.
Challenges of Getting FMCS Certification
Although it has its benefits, foreign producers might encounter difficulties throughout the certification process-
- Long Approval Process– The process of certification may take 3-6 months, resulting in delays in market entry.
- High Costs of Compliance– Testing, factory audits, and hiring an AIR can be expensive.
- Stringent Quality Control Standards– Product testing failure can result in application rejection and cost of retesting.
Conclusion
FMCS BIS certification is obligatory for the majority of foreign producers that intend to export their products to India. The certification helps achieve legal access, consumer confidence, and broader market access through compliance with Indian quality and safety standards.
Even though the process of application is cumbersome documentation and rigorous testing, the long-term benefits such as compliance with the law, higher sales, and credibility for the brand make it a worthwhile investment for foreign producers.
For businesses to successfully enter India, obtaining an FMCS BIS certification needs to be an absolute priority for efficient business dealings in line with the regulatory needs of the region and consumer preferences.
References
The Bureau of Indian Standards Regulations, 2018
