What are the Differences Between ISI and ISO Certification

In the realm of standardization and quality control, the Indian Standardization Institute (ISI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) play crucial roles. ISO certification enhances customer confidence globally by ensuring that products and services meet international standards, thereby facilitating trade and improving efficiency. In contrast, the ISI mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifies compliance with national quality and safety standards specifically for products sold in India. While ISI certification adheres to BIS-established standards for domestic items, ISO certification focuses on global benchmarks relevant across various industries and countries. Both certifications aim to uphold safety and quality standards, but they operate at different levels and cater to distinct markets—domestic and international.

What is ISI Certification?

The Indian Standardization Institute (ISI) was established in 2016 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Consumer Affairs Department. Its primary purpose is to ensure that products sold in the market meet required quality standards. The ISI certification came into effect on October 12, 2017, and has since played a vital role in ensuring that product quality in India aligns with BIS standards.

What is ISO Certification?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global non-governmental organization comprised of national standardization bodies. It is responsible for establishing various commercial and industrial standards aimed at promoting better manufacturing practices that prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality. As of 2022, ISO has 167 member countries and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Key Differences Between ISI and ISO Certification

While ISI and ISO certifications share the common goal of ensuring quality, they differ in several key aspects:

Territorial Coverage: ISI certification is mandatory for goods sold in India, ensuring product and service quality within the country, whereas ISO certification guarantees optimal product and service quality on a global scale.
Validity Period: ISI certification typically lasts for one year, while ISO certification is valid for about three years, depending on the specific certification type chosen by the applicant.
Governing Bodies: ISI certification is obtained through a BIS ISI License from the Bureau of Indian Standards. In contrast, ISO certification is granted by various external bodies, meaning organizations cannot directly apply for ISO certification through a single governing entity.
Organizational Requirements: ISI certification is primarily needed by manufacturing units for specific products, whereas ISO certification applies to a wider range of organizations, including manufacturing industries, service providers, and government bodies.
Approval Time: Acquiring a BIS ISI License is generally more straightforward in India, while obtaining ISO certification requires compliance with numerous international standards, taking more time and effort.
Business Formation Opportunities: ISI certification assists applicants in establishing businesses in India, while ISO certification facilitates international business setup.
Product Coverage: The ISI certification is applicable to a limited range of products, while ISO certification encompasses quality management across various industries and services.

Conclusion

In summary, while ISI and ISO certifications differ in their scope and purpose, both play essential roles in ensuring product quality and safety. ISO certification enhances global consumer trust, promotes international trade, and boosts competitiveness through universally recognized standards. Conversely, ISI certification focuses on products sold in India, ensuring compliance with local safety and quality requirements and enhancing consumer confidence in the domestic market.

Despite their differences, both certifications significantly contribute to the broader objectives of quality assurance and standardization, benefiting economies, businesses, and consumers worldwide. Holding both ISI and ISO certifications can showcase a company’s commitment to quality, open up new market opportunities, and foster long-term success in an increasingly interconnected world.

At Absolute Veritas, we simplify the certification process for applicants, leveraging our extensive experience in assisting clients with their certification needs. Obtaining ISO certification can be more complex than ISI certification, and our expert team is here to guide you through the process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the product differentiation between ISI and ISO Certification?

Certain products in India, particularly those related to health, safety, and the environment, must be ISI-certified before they can be sold in the market. In contrast, ISO certification is optional and not a mandatory requirement.

How does ISI Certification benefit consumers?

ISI Certification serves as a mark of safety and quality, indicating that a product is reliable for use. Consumers trust the certification to assess product quality, which helps reduce disputes and increases sales for sellers.

When was ISO established?

ISO was established in 1947.

Which organizations require ISI and ISO certifications?

ISI certification is primarily required by manufacturing units for specific products, while ISO certification can be applicable to manufacturing industries, service companies, and even governmental bodies.

What are the advantages of obtaining ISI certification?

The advantages of obtaining ISI certification include maintaining product quality, building consumer trust, minimizing the likelihood of disputes, and enhancing the credibility of products in the market.

Where is ISO headquartered?

ISO's headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.

How can consumers identify a counterfeit ISI Mark?

Consumers can identify a counterfeit ISI Mark if it lacks a 7-digit BIS ISI License number or if its format does not conform to the standard format, which follows the pattern CM/L-XXXXXXX.

What are the validity periods for ISI and ISO certification?

Typically, ISI Certification is valid for one year, while ISO Certification is valid for approximately three years, depending on the specific type of certification chosen by the applicant.

When was the ISI Certification concept introduced in India?

The ISI Certification concept was introduced in India in 2016 and officially came into force on October 12, 2017, under the Bureau of Indian Standards.