BIS certification is an absolute means for providing the third party guarantee of the quality, safety and reliability of products to the customers. BIS certification is voluntary. However, the Government of India has eventually made BIS certification mandatory for certain products taking into consideration the main issue that is public health. In this article, we will look at the procedure for obtaining BIS certification for any product in India.
BIS ( Bureau of India standards)
BIS certification is provided in India by Bureau of Indian Standard ( BIS), the National Standard Body has been successfully promoting and nurturing standards movement within the country since the time of 1947.BIS came into existence on 1987 through an Act of Parliament. BIS is involved in various activities like standards formulation, certification of products, Hallmarking, testing and Calibration scheme and more.
BIS product certification scheme
BIS product certification scheme is one of the largest in the world, with over 26500 licensees covering more than 900 products. BIS certification allows the licensees to use the popular ISI marks on their product, which is pretty synonymous with all the quality products. As per government notification, 90 products are mandatorily required to have BIS certification. BIS also operates foreign manufacturers certification scheme under which the overseas manufacturer can also be granted a license to use the BIS standard mark for their product which eventually increases the value of the product. At the very present over 350 licensees have been granted for over 50 Indian standards in approximately 40 different countries.
Different types of BIS certification schemes
BIS certification is widely provided in India for the product under many different types of schemes as follows:
1. The normal procedure for Domestic Manufacturing –
For this type of scheme, the applicant is required to submit the BIS certification application with required documents and requisite fee. After the submission of the application, a preliminary factory evaluation is carried out by a BIS officer. Then samples are keenly tested in the factory are also drawn for some independent testing. The BIS certification is provided only if the sample is acceptable. In this method, BIS certification is expected to be granted within 4 months of submission of application.
2. Simplified procedure for Domestic Manufacturer-
In this simplified procedure, the applicant has to submit the reports of the sample from a BIS approved lab along with the application for BIS certification. If the test report seems to be satisfactory, then a verification of the factory premises is done by the BIS officers only. BIS certification is granted if the verification done by the BIS officers is satisfactory. Under this method. The license is usually granted within 30 days of submission of the application of BIS certification with the required documents and test report.
3. Tatkal scheme
As the name suggests this scheme is for those manufacturers who need BIS standard mark mandatorily as per the government notification can obtain BIS certification under this tatkal scheme. Under the tatkal scheme, the application is processed within the strict timelines and the total time for processing is specified as 30 days. Besides, the application received under the tatkal scheme will be processed on a priority basis to focus on the strict time norns.
4. ECO Mark Scheme
BIS license for eco-friendly products is granted Separately in the scheme distinct from the normal BIS certification process. Eco-friendly products should always conform to the additional requirements specified in the Indian standard to qualify for the Eco-friendly mark or ECO mark. The procedure for grant of license is somehow very similar to that of the domestic manufacturer scheme.
5. The foreign manufacturer certification scheme
The applicants from overseas/foreign are granted a license for the use of ISI mark under the Separately designed scheme within around 6 months.
Some of the products that require Mandatory BIS license or BIS certification
As it is earlier mentioned that certain products are required to have the BIS license mandatorily considering the public health and safety. Without BIS certification, these products cannot be manufactured or sold in India. The following are products that require mandatory BIS certification.
1. Cement
2. Household electronics goods
3. Food and it’s related products
4. Diesel engines
5. Oil pressure stove
6. Automobile accessories
7. Cylinder, valves and regulators
8. Medical equipment
9. Steel products
10. Electrical transformers
Silvereye Certifications 