BIS Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a critical role in ensuring product safety and quality in India through its Grant of Licence (GoL) process. This process allows manufacturers to obtain the ISI Mark, signifying that their products meet the relevant Indian Standards (IS).

This comprehensive guide outlines the GoL process, as per the Conformity Assessment Scheme – I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and provides manufacturers with the steps to achieve BIS certification.

1. Understanding the Grant of Licence (GoL) Process

The GoL process involves the following steps:

• Factory assessment and inspection.

• Sample collection and laboratory testing.

• Compliance with the relevant Indian Standards.

• Issuance of BIS certification once compliance is verified.

The process is divided into three options:

(a) Standard GoL Process

• Expected completion time: 90 days from application submission.

• Requires satisfactory factory assessment and product testing.

(b) Fast-Track GoL Process

• Expected completion time: 30 days, subject to:
  -Successful factory visit.
  -Confirmation of sample dispatch to the laboratory.
  Payment of the advance annual marking fee.

(c) Special Case: All India First Licence Applications

• New product applications are processed within 45 days (subject to testing time).

• Weekly application reviews to avoid delays.

2. Factory Visit Requirements for GoL

A factory visit is mandatory to verify the manufacturing process and ensure quality control.

Factory Visit Duration:

• Indian manufacturers: Usually 1 day.

• Foreign manufacturers: Typically 2 days.

Documents Reviewed During the Factory Visit:

• Self-evaluation report and quality control personnel details.

• Calibration certificates and raw material test certificates.

• Sample product drawings, plant layout, and inspection plan.

Factory Testing (FT) Requirements:

• Visual inspection, surface defect checks, and testing as per BIS standards.

3. Sample Drawl and Testing

After the factory visit, samples are drawn for third-party laboratory testing.

Sample Selection:

• Based on the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT).

Testing Procedures:

• Long-duration tests (30+ days) may require internal/external lab reports.

• Non-compliance may result in license suspension or cancellation.

4. Post-Certification Compliance

Licence Conditions:

• Production must comply with BIS standards.

• BIS certification details must be displayed at the manufacturing premises and in advertisements.

Review of Test Reports:

• Failure of product samples may lead to suspension or cancellation of the license.

5. Rejection and Cancellation of Licence

Reasons for Rejection:

• Failure to offer samples for testing within 30 days.

• Inadequate testing facilities or qualified personnel.

• Financial dues to BIS or unethical practices.

Rejection Process:

• Applicants are given a 21-day notice to resolve issues before official rejection.

Reapplication for Cancelled Licenses:

• Fresh applications for canceled licenses are processed under Option 1.

6. Additional Guidelines for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers must adhere to additional BIS certification requirements as outlined in Annexure-VIII.

7. Fee Structure for GoL

• Inspection Fee: Paid in advance.

• Advance Annual Marking Fee: 50% paid during application submission, remaining 50% paid at GoL stage.

• Testing Fee: Paid by the applicant under Option 1, included in marking fee under Option 2.

8. Labelling and Marking Requirements

Manufacturers must comply with BIS labelling regulations, which may include digital labels (QR codes, barcodes) if specified by product guidelines.

9. Appeals and Relaxations

Manufacturers can appeal to the Director General (see Annexure-IX) and request relaxations if no third-party laboratory is available (see Annexure-X).

For any questions regarding the most recent update on GOL, please reach out to us via email at cs@absoluteveritas.com