Absolute Veritas supports foreign manufacturers in obtaining BIS and ISI Mark certification by guiding them through India’s regulatory framework under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). As the national authority for Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and ISI licensing, BIS compliance is essential for manufacturers exporting to India.

Extending this expertise to Europe, Absolute Veritas successfully supported and coordinated a BIS FMCS audit in Switzerland for electrical appliances in accordance with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020. The audit assessed safety requirements for household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances, with dishwashers selected as the representative product category.

The engagement went beyond merely completing a successful audit, offering significant opportunities for learning and technical exchange with senior officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Direct discussions with Mr. Manish Kumar offered in-depth perspectives on BIS audit expectations, the nuances of IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020, and the shifting regulatory focus under the BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) framework. This experience further enhanced Absolute Veritas’ capability to provide foreign manufacturers with compliance strategies that are both practical and aligned with regulatory requirements.

BIS FMCS Assessment in Switzerland

Absolute Veritas recently facilitated a BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) audit for a Swiss-based manufacturing facility producing household and commercial electrical appliances destined for the Indian market. The audit was conducted in line with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020, which sets the benchmark for safety and performance standards for appliances under the BIS framework.

As per the latest Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Order (QCO) , the regulations will take effect from 19 March 2026, making early initiation of the ISI Mark certification process crucial for manufacturers and importers to ensure uninterrupted market access.

Scope of the BIS FMCS Audit

As part of this compliance initiative, dishwashers were assessed within the designated appliance category under IS 302 (Part 1). The audit was conducted on-site at the overseas manufacturing facility in Switzerland and was carried out directly by officials from the Factory Certification Department (FMCD) of BIS under the FMCS framework.
The audit focused on a detailed evaluation of:

• Conformity with applicable Indian Standards.

• Conformity with applicable Indian Standards.

• Effectiveness of in-house testing, inspection, and process controls.

Audit Snapshot:

• Product audited: Dishwasher (under IS 302-1 appliance category)

• Applicable Indian Standard: IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020 (issued by BIS)

• Certification Scheme: BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)

• Audit location: Switzerland

• Conducted by: FMCD, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• Industry segment: Household, Commercial & Similar Electrical Appliances

While the Bureau of Indian Standards has undertaken multiple IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020 FMCS audits for electrical appliances in recent months, this engagement marks yet another significant achievement in Absolute Veritas’ ongoing support for BIS FMCS compliance in Europe. The audit reinforces our proven expertise in assisting global manufacturers with BIS certification, ISI Mark licensing, and end-to-end regulatory alignment for the Indian market, even within highly technical and evolving compliance landscapes.

Key Regulatory Insights from the BIS FMCS Factory Audit

The BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) audit generated several critical compliance and operational learnings for overseas electrical appliance manufacturers across Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the wider European region seeking access to the Indian market:

• Proactive compliance planning is non-negotiable: With the BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) scheduled for enforcement on 19 March 2026, early initiation of the ISI Mark certification process is vital to mitigate approval delays and ensure uninterrupted exports to India.

• Product-specific interpretation of IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 is mandatory: BIS rigorously evaluates clause-by-clause applicability of IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 aligned with IEC 60335-1: 2020, based on the appliance’s design architecture, construction features, safety functions, and intended end use.

• Factory quality management systems undergo intensive scrutiny During FMCS audits, BIS places significant emphasis on manufacturing process controls, batch traceability, consistency of production, and robustness of in-house testing and calibration systems.

• Precision and consistency of BIS documentation is crucial:All technical files, user manuals, risk analysis reports, engineering drawings, and test records must be accurate, up-to-date, and fully aligned with Indian Standards prescribed by BIS.

• India-specific BIS compliance goes beyond European norms:Adherence to EN or IEC standards alone does not satisfy BIS regulatory requirements. Manufacturers must additionally comply with BIS-mandated QCO provisions, Indian deviations, and FMCS procedural obligations to qualify for ISI Mark licensing.

❮ ❯

Comprehensive BIS FMCS Audit Support Delivered by Our Team:

Our experts facilitated a streamlined and regulator-ready audit experience through a structured, end-to-end compliance approach, which included:

• Active liaison with BIS authorities : Working in close coordination with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officials, our team managed each phase of the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) audit, ensuring strict adherence to applicable Indian regulatory and procedural requirements.

• End-to-end management of BIS technical documentation: We meticulously compiled, reviewed, and structured FMCS-compliant technical dossiers, including product family grouping justifications, accredited test reports, factory quality system manuals, and process control records, fully aligned with BIS expectations.

• Pre-audit compliance evaluation and readiness drills: Prior to the official BIS inspection, gap analyses, mock audits, and readiness assessments were conducted to proactively address non-conformities and reinforce compliance with relevant Indian Standards (IS).

• On-site technical facilitation during BIS inspection: During the factory audit, our specialists provided real-time technical support, clarification, and audit coordination, enabling smooth verification by BIS auditors and consistent conformity with ISI Mark certification requirements.

Significance of ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufacturers Entering India

For international manufacturers supplying regulated products to the Indian market, obtaining ISI Mark certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a statutory requirement. Products covered under BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs) cannot be legally imported, sold, or distributed in India without valid ISI Mark approval.

Within the BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS), BIS follows a stringent compliance verification process that includes:

• Direct factory audits at overseas manufacturing locations, conducted by authorized BIS inspection officials

• Comprehensive conformity assessment of products against relevant Indian Standards (IS) notified by BIS

• Detailed evaluation of factory quality management systems, including in-house testing capability, inspection procedures, and production consistency

• Independent testing of product samples at BIS-recognized laboratories located in India

Failure to meet BIS regulatory obligations can result in import bans, customs clearance holds, market withdrawal actions, and statutory penalties, posing significant commercial and reputational risks for exporters. Therefore, foreign manufacturers are strongly advised to work with experienced BIS certification consultants and ISI Mark experts to navigate FMCS procedures efficiently and ensure full compliance with Indian regulatory requirements.

BIS Certification Consultant in Europe | Absolute Veritas

Absolute Veritas is a globally recognised BIS Certification consultant in Europe, supporting manufacturers across Italy, Switzerland, Austria, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other global manufacturing hubs in complying with requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards.

As experienced ISI Mark consultants and BIS Certification consultants for foreign manufacturers, our expertise includes:

• ISI Mark Certification issued by BIS

• BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

• BIS Certification ISI Mark under QCO framework

• Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Also Read: BIS Certification Consulting Services by Absolute Veritas

Our Commitment to Global Compliance Excellence

This successful BIS FMCS audit in Switzerland further reinforces Absolute Veritas’ role as a reliable and experienced BIS Certification consultant for foreign manufacturers, working closely with the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure smooth, compliant, and regulator-aligned certification journeys.

About Absolute Veritas

Absolute Veritas is a leading global provider of compliance, testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services, with over 15 years of expertise in ensuring product quality, safety, and regulatory adherence across diverse industries. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company offers end-to-end solutions for manufacturers, exporters, and importers, covering a wide range of products including electronics, toys, batteries, medical devices, automobiles, audio-video equipment, lighting, and furniture.

With a strong presence across India and twelve Asian countries, Absolute Veritas specializes in BIS certification, Quality Control, and regulatory compliance audits, providing seamless coordination with laboratories, auditors, and government officials. Our team of industry experts, comprising veterans from both private and public sectors, ensures accurate, on-site inspections and audits, tailored to each client’s requirements.

Explore the full range of certification services offered by Absolute Veritas

Contact us today for expert guidance on BIS certification, Authorized Indian Representation (AIR), FMCS compliance, and comprehensive regulatory support to ensure your products meet India’s stringent standards and gain seamless market access.

For more information please contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)