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BIS Vs ISI – Critical Differences & Expert Guide 2025

Confused about BIS vs ISI? Understand the difference between BIS and ISI marks, their roles, and BIS Certification requirements. Get expert clarity now.

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BIS Vs ISI – Critical Differences & Expert Guide 2025

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  1. Summary ●BIS vs ISI is one of the most asked questions by manufacturers entering the Indian market. ● While BIS Certification is the umbrella approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards, ISI Mark is a product-specific license under it. ● Understanding the difference between BIS and ISI can save businesses from costly compliance mistakes. Introduction In 2022, a Korean electronics brand approached us before launching mixers and grinders in India. Their management assumed getting an ISI Mark was enough for all products. But when they applied, BIS rejected their file because they misunderstood the scope of BIS Certification versus ISI License. The launch was delayed by six months, costing them lakhs in warehousing and missed Diwali sales. This story is not rare. Many businesses—be it a global electronics major, a footwear startup in Agra, or a cable manufacturer in Bhiwadi—get confused between BIS vs ISI. If you are planning to sell regulated products in India, you need clarity on how these two approvals work together. BIS vs ISI: Quick Difference Table Aspect BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) ISI (Indian Standards Institute Mark) Nature National Standards body Product certification mark Role Frames standards, runs certification schemes Shows product conforms to a specific Indian Standard BIS License (for ISI Mark, Hallmark, CRS, FMCS) ISI Mark License (under BIS) Certificate

  2. Mandatory? For notified products under Quality Control Orders (QCO) Yes, if product falls under ISI scheme Example BIS issues standard IS 302 for appliances Mixer grinder with ISI mark = tested under IS 302 What is BIS Certification? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)is India’s national standards body. Think of it like RBI for money—BIS is for product standards. BIS Certification ensures that a manufacturer’s product meets Indian safety, quality, and reliability requirements. There are multiple schemes under BIS: ●ISI Mark License: For domestic manufacturers of regulated goods ●FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme): For overseas factories ●CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): For electronics and IT products ●Hallmarking: For gold and silver jewellery For example, companies like Havells and Crompton cannot sell electrical cables without ISI Mark under BIS License. Similarly, Apple and Samsung register their gadgets under BIS CRS before launching in India. What is ISI Mark Scheme? The ISI Mark Scheme is the oldest and most recognised BIS certification program. It covers thousands of products—steel, cement, electrical appliances, footwear, packaged water, toys, and more. An ISI Mark on a product means: 1. The product has been tested in a BIS-recognised lab

  3. 2. The manufacturing facility has passed BIS inspection 3. The quality management system is audited regularly Indian consumers often trust ISI more than the brand itself. Ask anyone buying a pressure cooker in Delhi—if it doesn’t have ISIMark, the shopkeeper won’t even recommend it. Quality Control Orders (QCO) The Government of India notifies Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to make BIS certification mandatory for certain products. For example: ● Helmets for two-wheelers – compulsory ISI Mark ● Packaged drinking water –ISI license required ● Household electrical wires –ISI mandatory If your product falls under a QCO and you sell without BIS License, customs will stop imports and state authorities can seize stock from the market. BIS License vs ISI Mark License This is where most confusion happens. ●BIS License is the formal approval document. ●ISI Mark License is a specific type of BIS License. FMCS Scheme (For Foreign Manufacturers) If you are a Chinese LED manufacturer or a German appliance brand, you can’t sell in India just by shipping goods. You need a BIS FMCS License, which allows overseas factories to use ISI Mark.

  4. FMCS is more complex because it requires: ● Nomination of an Indian authorised representative ● Factory audit by BIS officers ● Testing of samples in Indian labs Why BIS vs ISI Confusion Hurts Businesses ●Delayed Market Entry: One of our European clients missed their planned launch during festive season because they applied for CRS instead of ISI. ●Financial Penalties: In 2021, BIS raided several toy importers in Mumbai for selling without ISI Mark. Stocks worth crores were seized. ●Loss of Trust: Indian distributors prefer brands with proper ISI Mark because enforcement authorities often inspect retail outlets. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for ISI Mark License 1. Identify Indian Standard (IS) relevant to your product 2. Apply online on BIS Manakonline portal 3. Submit documents (factory license, test reports, QMS details) 4. Send product samples to BIS-recognised lab 5. Factory inspection by BIS officer 6. Grant of license and permission to affix ISI Mark Conclusion

  5. Understanding BIS vs ISI is crucial for anyone manufacturing, importing, or selling regulated goods in India. BIS Certification is the umbrella approval, while ISI Mark License is the product-level stamp of quality. Together, they ensure safety, compliance, and consumer trust.If you are planning to launch a new product line in India, don’t leave compliance for the last minute. Work with experts, get clarity on the right BIS scheme—whether ISI, CRS, or FMCS— and secure your license before production. Need help with BIS Certification or ISI Mark License? Connect with us today to avoid costly delays and compliance hurdles. Why Choose Diligence Certification? Over the years, Diligence Certification has guided startups as well as Fortune 500 brands through the BIS and ISI maze. From handling documentation to coordinating lab testing and factory audits, our team ensures faster approvals and zero compliance slip-ups. Clients often tell us that what would have taken them six months alone, got cleared in half the time with our support. Choosing us means you focus on your business while we manage the BIS paperwork and approvals. FAQs Q1. Is ISI Mark mandatory for all products? No. ISI Mark is mandatory only for products notified under Quality Control Orders. For electronics like smartphones, CRS under BIS applies instead. Q2. Can a foreign company get ISI Mark License? Yes, but only through BIS FMCS Scheme. The foreign factory must undergo BIS audit and appoint an Indian representative. Q3. What is the cost of BIS Certification? It depends on product category. Generally, BIScharges include application fee (₹ X), testing fee (lab dependent), and annual license fee (₹ X per product standard). Q4. Is BIS License valid forever? No. It is granted initially for 2 years and can be renewed for up to 5 years at a time, subject to regular surveillance and compliance.

  6. Q5. Can I sell imported goods in India without BIS or ISI? Not if your product falls under QCO. Customs will stop non-compliant shipments and BIS may take legal action.

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