Product testing is the foundation of quality assurance. It ensures that goods reaching the market are safe, reliable, and in line with defined standards. Without testing, consumers face risks from defective or unsafe products, and manufacturers open themselves to recalls, penalties, and loss of trust.

In India,the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a central role in this process. By setting benchmarks for product performance and safety, BIS ensures that only tested and compliant products carry its certification mark. This not only protects consumers but also strengthens brand credibility for manufacturers. BIS certification acts as proof that a product has been evaluated in recognized laboratories, meets regulatory requirements, and is fit for widespread use.

WHAT IS BIS CERTIFICATION PRODUCT TESTING?

BIS Certification Product Testing is the process of evaluating a product’s safety, performance, and quality against the relevant Indian Standards (IS) issued by the the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before it can be sold in the Indian market. It is a mandatory requirement for many products under different BIS schemes like ISI (Scheme-I), CRS, FMCS,and Scheme-X. The testing is carried out in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure that the product complies with all technical and safety specifications.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF PRODUCT TESTING FOR BIS CERTIFICATION

• Consumer Safety Ensure that electrical, mechanical, chemical, and structural hazards are eliminated

• Quality Assurance – Verify that the product meets durability and performance benchmarks.

• Standardization – Maintain uniformity across brands and manufacturers in the Indian market

• Regulatory Compliance – Ensure that only certified products are manufactured, imported, or sold in India

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BIS PRODUCT TESTING & CERTIFICATION:

• Application form & business license

• Factory address proof & process flow chart

• Machinery & QC lab details

• Product catalogue & marking label

• Authorized signatory/representative documents

• ISI: STI, sample labels, test reports, BG

• FMCS: Foreign factory license, AIR, BG, quality manual

• Scheme-X: Test report, AIR agreement, undertaking

Also read : Electronics Appliance Testing

PROCESS INVOLVED IN PRODUCT TESTING FOR BIS CERTIFICATION

BIS CRS ( Compulsory Registration Scheme ) – Process Flow

1. Online Submission of BIS Application on CRS portal.

2. Independent Testing of Product Samples in BIS-recognized laboratory (arranged by manufacturer).

3. Recording and Scrutiny of Application by BIS officials.

4. Evaluation of Test Reports as per relevant Indian Standards (IS).

5. Grant of BIS CRS Registration Certificate (unique R-number).

6. Grant of certification/license if results meet the standards.

(No audit, no BIS officer sample collection. Testing is done independently by the manufacturer in BIS-approved lab.)

BIS ISI Certification (Scheme-I / ISI Mark) – Process Flow

1. Online Submission of BIS Application.

2. Independent Testing of Samples from BIS-approved laboratory.

3. Recording and Scrutiny of Application by BIS.

4. Audit by BIS Officials & Sample Drawn for independent testing (factory visit + verification of QC setup).

5. Grant of BIS ISI License if compliant.

(Audit + BIS officer’s sample collection is mandatory before grant of license.)

BIS FMCS ( Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme )

1. Application Submission to BIS.

2. Factory Visit for Inspection by BIS officers (outside India).

3. Random Product Testing in BIS-recognized laboratory.

4. Acceptance of STI, Marking Fee & T&C of license by manufacturer.

5. Grant of FMCS License if compliant.

(Designed for overseas factories; involves BIS officials traveling abroad for inspection.)

Also read : Electrical Appliances Testing

Also read : Audio Video IT Equipment Testing

BENEFITS & CHALLENGES OF BIS CERTIFICATION

Benefits:

1. Market Access – BIS certification is mandatory for regulated products, enabling smooth entry into the Indian market without customs issues or seizures.

2. Consumer Trust & Brand Value – The ISI or CRS mark assures customers of quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards.

3. Legal Compliance – Protects manufacturers and importers from penalties, product bans, or recalls.

4. Competitive Advantage – Certified products stand apart from uncertified competitors, boosting sales and credibility.

5. Global Acceptance – BIS certification enhances reputation, making it easier to expand into other regulated international markets.

6. Improved Quality Control – The requirement for testing, audits, and surveillance drives better manufacturing practices.

Challenges:

1. Complex Procedures Multiple schemes (ISI, CRS, FMCS, Scheme-X) with different requirements can confuse manufacturers.

2. Time-Consuming – Application review, factory audits, and product testing can take several weeks to months.

3. Cost Factor – Testing fees, application charges, marking fees, and audit expenses (especially for FMCS) can be high.

4. Frequent Updates – BIS often revises QCOs (Quality Control Orders) and Indian Standards, requiring continuous monitoring.

5. Post-Approval Maintenance – Ongoing surveillance audits, sample testing, and timely renewals require dedicated compliance management.

6. Dependency on BIS-Recognized Labs Limited lab capacity or delays in issuing test reports can slow down certification timelines.

Also Read: Guide for BIS Scheme X Certification

Also Read: Foreign Manufacturer Certification Services

CONCLUSION

BIS Certification is more than just a regulatory formality – it is a mark of trust, safety, and quality that strengthens consumer confidence and enables smoother access to the Indian market. Whether it is ISI (Scheme-I) for domestic products, CRS for electronics & IT goods, FMCS for foreign manufacturers, or Scheme-X for faster overseas approvals, each pathway ensures compliance with Indian Standards (IS) through structured testing, inspections, and ongoing surveillance.

For manufacturers and importers, understanding the right scheme and following the correct process is crucial to avoid market entry delays, customs issues, or penalties. Equally important is the post-certification compliance – maintaining quality systems, cooperating with audits, and renewing licenses on time.

WHY USE ABSOLUTE VERITAS (AV) FOR BIS CERTIFICATION IN INDIA?

Absolute Veritas is a prominent organisation from the private sector of India primarily dealing with the Inspection, Testing, Audits, Certification of products& consulting services to various industries in India and worldwide, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry requirements. Offering a comprehensive range of services including product certification, testing, training, auditing, and compliance services, Absolute Veritas helps manufacturers and importers achieve higher production efficiency and quality standards.

At Absolute Veritas (AV), we act as your end-to-end compliance partner – from product identification, testing, and documentation, to audits, certification, and long-term maintenance. Our expertise ensures that your products meet all BIS requirements efficiently and cost-effectively, giving you a competitive edge in the Indian and global marketplace

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) – BIS CERTIFICATION & PRODUCT TESTING