BIS CERTIFICATION FOR IMPORTERS

BIS full Form is Bureau of Indian Standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a statutory body that oversees quality standards for various products in India. As per BIS guidelines, manufacturers, sellers, and importers of scheduled products are required to obtain BIS certification online. This certification is essential for compliance with quality and safety standards. The goal of BIS is to ensure that products manufactured or imported into India meet quality standards comparable to international norms.

This overview will cover the requirements for importers to obtain BIS registration, including how to determine the appropriate IS standard and type of BIS certification needed.

Importance of a BIS certificate for Import of goods

Under the BIS Act and rules, authorities have specified a list of products and categories for which importers and manufacturers must obtain mandatory BIS registration. A BIS certificate for import is essential for compliance. BIS certification not only ensures quality but also plays a crucial role in brand building and fostering consumer trust.

Types of BIS Certification for Importers

BIS issues two main types of certification for importers under its scheme

• CRS Registration: The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), mandates that all importers of electronic products must obtain CRS registration for their imported products.

• FMCS Certification: The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) applies to imported products. However, importers of electronic items are specifically exempt from FMCS certification, as they are required to obtain only BIS CRS registration.

Documents Required for BIS Registration for Importers

To obtain BIS registration for imports, you need to provide the following documents, along with general documents. The specific BIS registration documents for imports may vary depending on the type of BIS registration the importer is applying for:

• Documents for CRS scheme

• Documents for FMCS scheme

• Nomination Letter of AIR

• Test Report for the product

• Undertaking regarding the product

• ISO Certificate of the manufacturer

• Product manual of the applied devices

• Trademark Certificate if available or required

• Testing documents, including the completed CCL (Conformity Certification Label) and CDF (Conformity Declaration Form)

• Authorized Indian Representative and Affidavit: Required for foreign manufacturers to designate a local representative.

• Trademark Authorization Letter: Needed if the brand is not owned by the manufacturer.

• Authorization Letter: Must be submitted if the signatory is not the head of the manufacturing facility.

• List of Manufacturing equipments

• List of Machinery used in the plant

• Layout plan of the manufacturing plant

• Brand document such as trademark (if applicable)

• Business license/ equivalent to incorporation certificate

BIS Certification Process for Import

The BIS certification process for import involves several key steps:

1. Application Submission: The first step in the BIS certification process is to submit a completed application to the BIS licensing authority. Applicants must provide all required, duly signed documents to the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2. Document Inspection: Once the application and documents are submitted, BIS authorities will conduct a thorough inspection and verification of the documents as part of the registration process.

3. Product Testing: Following document verification, the imported product will undergo testing at BIS-approved laboratories. The testing report will be generated and submitted to BIS for further review.

4. BIS Certificate Issuance: Upon successful completion of the product testing and document inspection, BIS will issue the BIS registration certificate. The entire BIS certification process typically takes between 20 to 30 working days.

Understanding and following these steps is essential for a smooth BIS certification process for imports.

Conclusion

BIS certification for importers is not only a critical legal requirement but also essential for compliance with regulations for products like toys, electronic items, helmets, and more. Holding a BIS certificate is more than a legal obligation; it helps brands establish trust with consumers and expand their business. Additionally, obtaining a BIS certificate for shipping ensures that imported products meet required quality standards, further enhancing brand credibility and market presence.