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BIS ISI Certification

What is BIS ISI certification about?

BIS ISI Certification refers to the official assurance that a product complies with the quality, safety, and performance standards defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).


The ISI mark (Indian Standards Institution Mark) is India's most recognized product quality certification symbol and has been in existence for over six decades.

The ISI mark indicates that the product:

  • Has been manufactured in a BIS-certified facility,

  • Conforms to the specifications outlined in the relevant Indian Standards,

  • Undergoes regular factory inspections and testing to maintain quality.

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For certain product categories such as electrical appliances, cement, steel products, LPG cylinders, toys, and automotive tyres, ISI certification is mandatory before products can be sold in the Indian market.


For others, it remains voluntary — used as a symbol of superior product quality and consumer trust. The BIS Product Certification Scheme under which the ISI Mark is granted operates under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

At EMPL, we guide businesses through the complete ISI certification process — helping them achieve compliance without complications, manage audits efficiently, and unlock new opportunities in the Indian market.

Installation Work

Which products come under ISI mark certification?

The ISI mark is mandatory or available for a wide range of products across industries, including:

Electrical appliances

Portland cement and blended cement types

Steel products

Automotive tyres and inner tubes

LPG cylinders, regulators, and valves

Toys (both mechanical and electrical)

Helmets for two-wheeler riders

Packaged drinking water and mineral water

  • The following entities can apply for BIS ISI certification:

    • Domestic Manufacturers: Indian manufacturers with production facilities in India.

    • Foreign Manufacturers: Through the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS), foreign companies can obtain ISI certification for selling products in India.

    Important:
    Only the actual manufacturers (not traders, agents, or distributors) can apply for and hold BIS ISI licenses.

    EMPL assists both Indian and foreign manufacturers by handling the complex regulatory steps, coordinating product testing, factory audits, documentation, and post-certification compliance — ensuring a smooth, transparent, and timely certification process.

  • Typically, obtaining BIS ISI certification takes between 4 to 6 months, depending on:

    • The readiness of the factory and testing infrastructure,

    • The complexity of the product standard,

    • Time taken for product sample testing at BIS-recognized laboratories,

    • Scheduling and completion of factory inspections by BIS officers.

    For foreign manufacturers under FMCS, the process may extend slightly longer due to additional documentation and inspection logistics.

    With EMPL’s expertise in preparing compliant documentation and managing audits, businesses can achieve faster approvals and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with the authorities.

  • Before applying for BIS ISI certification, manufacturers must ensure:

    • In-house laboratory setup: Capable of conducting routine product tests according to the relevant Indian Standard (IS).

    • Availability of qualified technical personnel to manage testing and production.

    • Product samples are ready for testing at a BIS-approved laboratory.

    • Factory infrastructure meets the quality and safety norms defined under the applicable Indian Standards.

    • Complete technical documentation like quality control plans, manufacturing process flowcharts, calibration certificates, etc.

    EMPL supports businesses in conducting pre-audit readiness assessments so that the factory and documentation are fully prepared before the official BIS inspection — saving precious time and reducing risk of rejection.

  • No. ISI certification is mandatory only for specific products notified by the Indian government under Quality Control Orders (QCOs). For others, it remains voluntary but beneficial for brand value.

  • No. Only manufacturers (who actually produce the goods) are eligible to apply for BIS ISI certification.

  • The BIS ISI license is initially granted for one or two years and is renewable thereafter, subject to continued compliance.

  • EMPL offers end-to-end BIS ISI certification services — from initial consulting, sample testing coordination, factory audit readiness, documentation support, to ongoing compliance management after certification.

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