The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a national standards organization in India responsible for granting authenticity to the quality, safety, and reliability of products and services. Basically, it grants authorization to various products and services. BIS certification is a mark of trust that assures consumers of the compliance of products with specific standards. It is mandated for certain products by the Indian government to ensure public health, safety, and environmental protection, otherwise there would be lot of activities of piracy and adulteration would take place in the products and services. BIS certification is offered through various schemes tailored to the specific requirements of manufacturers, importers, and service providers. In this article, we will discuss about the types of BIS certification schemes available in India, their significance, the processes involved and various other factors which are essential to know about the products and services authentication.
Types of BIS Certification
1. ISI Certification Scheme
The ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark is one of the most recognized certification marks in India. It assures consumers that the product complies with the Indian Standard (IS) prescribed for it and provides the stamp of authorization to the specific product to be eligible to be sold and purchased in the market. This certification is mandatory for several products, including electrical appliances, building materials, food products and various other products that come under the list of the Indian government.
Applicable Products
The ISI mark certification is mandatory for around 380 products, including:
- Cement
- Packaged drinking water
- Electrical appliances (e.g., electric iron, switches)
- Gas cylinders
- Automobile tyres and tubes
Certification Process
- Application Submission: The first step will take the place of submission of the application form along with the required documents, including a quality control manual and product specifications.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officers inspect the manufacturing facility to verify production processes, quality control measures, and testing capabilities.
- Sample Testing: Product samples are collected and tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Grant of License: If the product meets the prescribed standards, the ISI license is granted.
Validity
The ISI certification is valid for one year and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance.
2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
The CRS is aimed at ensuring that electronic and IT products sold in India meet specific safety and quality standards. This certification is mandatory for certain electronic products under the “Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012.”
Applicable Products
Some products under the CRS include:
- LED lighting products
- Mobile phones
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartwatches
- Power banks
Certification Process
- Application Submission: The manufacturer submits an application online, specifying the product category and details.
- Sample Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Grant of Registration: If the product complies with standards, a certificate of registration is issued.
Unique Features
- The CRS certification is granted to manufacturers, not importers or traders.
- Every model and variant requires a separate registration.
Validity
The CRS certification is valid for two years and can be renewed.
3. Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)
The FMCS is designed for foreign manufacturers who wish to export their products to India. This scheme grants the authentication that the imported products meet Indian standards, safeguarding consumers from substandard goods.
Applicable Products
The FMCS covers all products that require ISI or CRS certification, including:
- Electrical appliances
- Food products
- Building materials
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Foreign manufacturers apply through the BIS portal.
- Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): An AIR is appointed to act as a liaison between BIS and the manufacturer.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officers inspect the overseas manufacturing facility.
- Sample Testing: Product samples are tested in India’s BIS-approved laboratories.
- Grant of License: Upon compliance, the certification is granted.
Validity
The FMCS license is valid for up to 1 year and can be renewed on a yearly basis by complying with the process for renewal.
4. ECO Mark Scheme
The ECO Mark Scheme promotes environmental sustainability by certifying eco-friendly products. It assures consumers that the product has minimal impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle.
Applicable Products
Some examples of products which are eligible for the ECO mark are as follows:
- Soaps and detergents
- Food products
- Textiles
- Packaging materials
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the application specifying the product’s eco-friendly attributes.
- Assessment: BIS evaluates the product’s compliance with environmental criteria.
- Grant of License: The license is issued if the product meets both environmental and quality standards.
Unique Features
- Dual certification: Products must also meet ISI standards to qualify for the ECO mark.
- Focus on eco-friendliness: The certification evaluates environmental aspects such as biodegradability and pollution reduction.
5. Hallmarking Scheme for Precious Metals
The hallmarking scheme ensures the purity and authenticity of metals like gold, silver, platinum, and diamond. The certification protects consumers from adulteration, provides transparency in the jewellery industry, and prevents the maker from doing such acts.
Applicable Products
- Gold jewellery and artefacts
- Silver jewellery and artefacts
- Platinum jewellery
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Jewellers must apply for a BIS license.
- Testing and Marking: Articles are tested in BIS-recognized hallmarking centres.
- Hallmarking: Each piece is stamped with a unique identification number indicating purity.
Unique Features
- Mandatory for jewellers with annual turnover above a specified threshold.
- Hallmarked product has a specific symbol indicating BIS certification, purity, and hallmarking centre identification, which indicate the authenticity of it.
Validity
The hallmarking license is valid for five years.
6. Scheme for Indian Importers
This scheme facilitates Indian importers who deal in products that require BIS certification. The scheme ensures that imported goods comply with Indian standards before being sold in the domestic market, and other essential requirements.
Applicable Products
This scheme covers all products that require ISI or CRS certification, such as:
- Consumer electronics
- Building materials
- Food products
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Importers submit the application to BIS.
- Nomination of AIR: An Indian Authorized Representative is appointed.
- Sample Testing: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories.
- Grant of Certificate: Certification is granted upon compliance.
Unique Features
- Importers are responsible for ensuring compliance with foreign-manufactured products.
- Separate certifications are required for different product categories.
7. Tatkal Scheme
The Tatkal Scheme is designed to accelerate the BIS certification process for manufacturers and importers who require urgent certification, which is the reason for its high cost.
Key Features
- Reduced processing time compared to regular certification schemes.
- Higher application fees for expedited services.
Certification Process
The process remains the same as the standard schemes but is given priority at every stage, including application review, factory inspection, and sample testing.
Validity
The certification under the Tatkal Scheme follows the validity rules of the respective scheme to which it applies.
Conclusion
BIS certification plays a vital role in ensuring product quality, consumer safety, and environmental protection in India because it protects the customer from adulteration or any kind of mixing in the product, which may harm the consumer in any way. Each certification scheme caters to specific needs, purpose and objective such as mandatory compliance for domestic and imported products, environmental sustainability or hallmarking of precious metals, which is provided by the government, otherwise that will not get the authentication mark. Understanding the different types of BIS certifications and their processes helps manufacturers and importers streamline their operations, gain consumer trust, and expand the market of demand and supply, which boosts economic growth as well. With the growing emphasis on quality standards, BIS certification continues to uphold its reputation as a mark of excellence in India.
