Whether you’re advising a manufacturer, an importer, or a government supplier, BIS certification is no longer just a quality mark—it’s a regulatory necessity. In India, an increasing number of industrial and consumer products are coming under the ambit of mandatory compliance, and the ISI mark issued under BIS Scheme I is central to that shift.
BIS Scheme I is India’s formal mechanism to ensure that specific products meet safety, reliability, and performance standards defined by Indian Standards (IS). The ISI mark is not merely symbolic—it reflects conformity verified through factory inspections, lab testing, and continuous surveillance. From cement to cooking gas cylinders and electric cables to children’s toys, over 90 categories of products must now carry the ISI mark to be legally sold in India.
This article is structured to guide professionals—CAs, CSs, lawyers, and compliance consultants—through the end-to-end process of BIS Scheme I. You’ll learn who needs certification, what product categories are included, the full application and inspection process, applicable fees, renewal mechanisms, and the responsibilities that follow the license grant. Each section is designed to help you support clients in achieving and maintaining BIS compliance effectively.
1. What is BIS Scheme I?
BIS Scheme I refers to the Product Certification Scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the BIS Act, 2016. The Scheme-I certification enables manufacturers to affix the ISI (Indian Standards Institution) mark on their products, indicating conformity with relevant Indian Standards (IS).
Although primarily a voluntary certification, Scheme I becomes mandatory for specific product categories through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) notified by various ministries. The ISI mark under Scheme I assures consumers and regulators that a product meets the required safety, quality, and performance benchmarks laid down by BIS.
The scheme is compliance-intensive, involving factory audits, third-party testing, and strict surveillance protocols. It is plant-specific, meaning a separate license is required for each manufacturing location.
2. Products Covered Under Scheme I
Over 90 product categories are currently under mandatory ISI mark certification, with more being added via periodic notifications. These categories cover a wide range of industrial, consumer, and safety-critical products.
Below is an illustrative table showing product categories and corresponding examples:
| Product Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Construction Materials | Cement, Steel Bars, Structural Steel |
| Pressure Vessels & Gas | LPG Cylinders, Pressure Cookers |
| Electrical Appliances | Electric Motors, Cables, Switches |
| Consumer Goods | Toys, Footwear, Helmets |
| Automotive Components | Automotive Tyres, Safety Glass |
Professionals should regularly check the BIS website or the Gazette of India for the latest QCO notifications and the comprehensive product list, as non-compliance can lead to penal action and seizure of goods.
3. Who Needs ISI Mark Certification?
The obligation to obtain ISI certification applies to a broad set of stakeholders involved in the manufacture or distribution of regulated products.
Below is a table summarizing who needs ISI Mark Certification:
| Entity Type | Certification Requirement |
|---|---|
| Indian Manufacturers | Must obtain ISI certification for each factory and product category under the mandatory list. |
| Importers | Must ensure foreign manufacturers have a BIS license; may act as Authorized Indian Rep. |
| OEMs & Contract Mfg. | Responsible for certification, even if production is outsourced. |
| Government Suppliers | Must obtain ISI certification for each factory and product category under the mandatory list. |
Certification is location- and product-specific. A separate license must be obtained for each manufacturing facility and for each type of product.
4. Application Process for BIS Scheme I
Below is a step-by-step overview of the BIS Scheme I certification process arranged in a tabular format for easier reference. For detailed information, go through the information given in the official circular.
| Step | Objective | Key Actions | Documents Required | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preliminary Preparation | Identify relevant IS code, check product under QCO, and assess factory readiness. | Indian Standard reference, Plant layout, Internal Quality Manual | Readiness to proceed with certification |
| 2 | Application Filing (Form V) | Register on manakonline.in, fill Form V, select Option 1 or 2. | Form V, Product specs, Factory license, Self-evaluation-cum-verification report | BIS acknowledges the application with ID |
| 3 | Fee Payment | Pay the application fee, the inspection fee, 50% of the marking fee. | Online payment receipt, GST details | Triggers inspection and testing queue |
| 4 | Factory Inspection | Facilitate BIS audit of the factory, QC checks, testing setup, and sample collection. | Production records, Calibration logs, SOPs | BIS submits the inspection report and sends samples to the lab |
| 5 | Product Testing | Samples tested at a BIS-recognized lab. May request factory testing for bulky/sensitive items. | Sample seal certificate, Lab test requisition | Lab sends test results to BIS |
| 6 | Scrutiny & Grant of Licence | Respond to BIS queries (if any), pay the remaining marking fee. | Final test reports, Clarifications if asked | License granted (1–2 years) |
| 7 | Post-Licensing Compliance | Mark all products with the ISI symbol and license no., maintain production/testing logs, and prepare for surveillance. | Production logs, Internal QC reports, Complaint records | Continued market access and compliance |
| 8 | Renewal of License | Apply 3 months before expiry, submit updated documentation and test reports, and pay the renewal fee. | Renewal application, Latest test reports, Updated QA documents | License renewed for up to 5 years |
5. Fee Structure
The fee structure under BIS Scheme I is composed of several elements:
| Fee Type | Domestic Manufacturer (Indian) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 + GST (18%) |
| License (Annual) Fee | ₹1,000 + GST (18%) |
| Audit / Inspection Fee | ₹7,000 per man-day + GST (18%) |
| Testing Charges | As per actuals (varies by product & lab) |
| Minimum Marking Fee | As per actuals (product-dependent) |
For MSMEs, BIS sometimes provides concessions in marking fees under its incentive programs. Please find the relevant marking fees for your product in the official circular.
6. Validity & Renewal of ISI License
The initial ISI license is granted for a period of one or two years. Post this, it can be renewed for up to five years at a time.
Renewal Procedure:
- Submission of the latest test reports from internal or external labs
- Production records for the preceding period
- Updated quality assurance documentation
- Payment of renewal and marking fees
Timely renewal is crucial as operations under an expired license can result in prosecution and blacklisting. BIS may conduct a reassessment audit before renewal in certain cases, especially if major non-conformities were observed earlier.
7. Responsibilities of License Holders
BIS license holders have continuous responsibilities to ensure product and process compliance:
- Maintain test records and quality control logs
- Produce goods strictly as per Indian Standard specifications
- Mark only compliant products with the ISI symbol
- Report any changes in manufacturing, product design, or location to BIS in advance
- Cooperate during surprise or scheduled inspections
Failure to meet these obligations can lead to suspension or cancellation of the license, fines, or legal action under the BIS Act.
8. Key Compliance & Surveillance Requirements
After the license is issued, BIS monitors compliance through regular surveillance mechanisms. This includes:
- Surveillance Inspections: BIS officers may visit the factory to assess continued compliance with standards.
- Market Surveillance: Products are randomly picked from the market and tested.
- Complaint Handling: BIS investigates complaints against ISI-marked products.
For high-risk products, frequency of inspection may be higher. Any failure in market sample testing can result in show-cause notices, suspension, and financial penalties.
9. Key Differences Between Scheme I (ISI Mark) and Scheme II (CRS)
| Aspect | Scheme I (ISI Mark) | Scheme II (CRS) |
| Applicable Products | Industrial & consumer goods | Electronics & IT products |
| Certification Type | Third-party inspection & audit | Self-declaration model |
| Audit Requirement | Mandatory factory inspection | No physical audit |
| Marking | ISI Mark | CRS Standard Mark with “R” number |
| Governing Notification | Product Certification Scheme | Compulsory Registration Order (2012) |
10. Conclusion
BIS Scheme I is a foundational compliance requirement for a wide array of industrial and consumer products in India. Professionals advising manufacturers or importers must understand the procedural and operational intricacies of the scheme. With an expanding list of QCOs and increasing regulatory scrutiny, timely certification and rigorous internal controls are not just compliance necessities but also strategic imperatives.
Legal professionals, auditors, and consultants must assist clients in systematizing quality protocols and maintaining BIS documentation to ensure unbroken certification and avoid business disruption.
