BIS ISI Certification for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer – FMCS Scheme

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and continues to strengthen its position among major global markets. With the rise of globalization, international trade activities such as manufacturing, imports, exports, and service operations have expanded significantly across countries. Over the years, many foreign companies have established manufacturing units and business operations in India to take advantage of its growing market, skilled workforce, and business opportunities.

The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in boosting economic growth, increasing foreign exchange reserves, generating employment opportunities, and expanding international trade. Several leading international brands, including Amazon and Samsung, have invested heavily in manufacturing facilities and industrial development projects in India. To further encourage industrial growth, the Government of India has introduced various incentives and support schemes for manufacturers and foreign investors.

Products imported or manufactured in India must comply with Indian quality and safety standards before entering the market. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates these compliance requirements through various certification schemes. One of the most important certification systems for overseas manufacturers is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

What is FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a certification program managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS Act, 2016 and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This scheme is specially designed for overseas manufacturers who want to export and sell their products in the Indian market using the BIS Standard Mark, commonly known as the ISI Mark.

Under the FMCS scheme, foreign manufacturing companies can obtain BIS certification for their products after meeting the prescribed Indian quality and safety standards. The certification process is handled by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), which is the authorized department responsible for granting BIS licences to foreign manufacturers.

To obtain a BIS FMCS Certificate in India, overseas manufacturing units must undergo a factory inspection conducted by BIS officials. Additionally, every foreign manufacturer applying under the FMCS scheme must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who acts as the official point of contact between BIS and the foreign applicant in India.

BIS Standard Mark / ISI Mark for FMCD

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) has been issuing the ISI Mark to foreign manufacturers since 2000 under the supervision of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The BIS Standard Mark, commonly known as the ISI Mark, includes the licence number in the format "CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX" displayed below the ISI logo, while the relevant Indian Standard (IS) number is mentioned above the mark. This certification mark is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards only after the successful approval of the BIS Certification process.

Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers intending to export products to India must obtain a manufacturing certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before entering the Indian market. To secure BIS certification under the FMCS scheme, applicants must comply with the following regulatory and technical requirements:

Essential Documents Required for FMCS ISI Mark Certification

Before starting the FMCS certification process, foreign manufacturers should keep the following documents and information ready:

• Factory or company incorporation and registration documents
• Detailed flow chart of the manufacturing process
• Information related to in-house manufacturing facilities
• Outsourcing agreements (if any manufacturing is outsourced)
• Details of available product testing and inspection facilities
• Quality control procedures and maintenance records
• Acceptance of the Scheme of Testing and Inspection (STI)
• Applicable annual marking fee acceptance
• Product test reports from approved laboratories
• Additional technical documents as required under BIS guidelines

Process for Grant of BIS Licence Under FMCS

The certification process includes documentation review, factory inspection, product testing, and final approval by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

1. 1
   Submission of Application The foreign manufacturer must prepare and submit the application along with all required documents through the BIS online portal. A hard copy must also be submitted to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD). BIS officials review the submitted documents to verify all required information, technical details, and compliance documents.
2. 2
   Clarification and Query Resolution If BIS identifies any missing documents or deficiencies, the applicant is informed through official communication via email. Once all observations are resolved, the application is formally accepted and an acknowledgement number is issued for future reference and tracking.
3. 3
   Factory Inspection and Audit After successful scrutiny, BIS officials schedule a factory inspection on mutually agreed dates. The applicant pays the applicable inspection charges before the visit. BIS officers evaluate manufacturing processes, quality control systems, in-house testing facilities, and product testing capabilities. Product samples are collected, sealed, and forwarded to an independent BIS-recognized laboratory.
4. 4
   Product Sample Testing The sealed samples are tested at an approved BIS laboratory to confirm conformity with the applicable Indian Standard. Testing expenses are borne by the applicant. After completion, the laboratory submits the test report directly to the BIS FMCS department for evaluation.
5. 5
   Grant of BIS Licence The BIS licence is granted after successful factory inspection, verification of manufacturing and testing facilities, and receipt of satisfactory product test reports. Before issuance, the applicant must pay the licence fee, advance minimum marking fee, and any pending dues. BIS then issues the official Letter for Grant of Licence allowing use of the ISI Mark.
6. 6
   Agreement and Indemnity Bond The applicant is required to sign an Agreement and Indemnity Bond with BIS covering applicable fees, nomination requirements, rights and responsibilities of the licensee, indemnity obligations, Performance Bank Guarantee, and conditions for suspension or cancellation of licence.
7. 7
   Performance Bank Guarantee Foreign manufacturers must submit a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of USD 10,000 from a bank approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before the licence is fully operational.

Timeline and Validity for BIS FMCS Licence

Guidelines for Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Every foreign applicant must either maintain a branch office in India or appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to act on their behalf for certification and compliance matters. The following conditions must be considered while appointing an AIR:

• AIR must be a resident of India
• Must provide written consent for BIS compliance obligations
• Can represent only one foreign manufacturer at a time
• Should have no conflict of interest with product testing
• Minimum eligibility: bachelor's degree with BIS Act knowledge
• AIR details will be included in BIS licence documents

Mandatory Products Under ISI Scheme (Select List)

The following is a select list of products notified under the FMCS Mandatory ISI Scheme. The complete list covers a wide range of product categories:

• Deepwell Handpump Rubber Components — IS 15500 (Part 7)
• Precision Roller and Bush Chains — IS 2403:2014
• Note Sorting Machines — IS 18663:2024
• Wall Putty — IS 17545:2021
• Steel Wire Ropes — IS/ISO 2408:2017
• Liquid Immersed Distribution Transformers — IS 1180:Part 3:2021
• Concrete Paving Blocks — IS 15658:2021
• Lead-Acid Storage Batteries for Motor Vehicles — IS 7372
• CPVC Pipes for Potable Hot and Cold Water Distribution — IS 15778
• UPVC Pipes for Potable Water Supplies — IS 4985
• Energy Efficient Induction Motors – Three Phase AC — IS 12615
• Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and Tubes — IS 17876:2022
• Room Air Conditioners – Split Type — IS 1391 (Part-2):2023
• Domestic Electric Food Mixer (Liquidizers and Grinders) — IS 4250:2025
• Circuit Breakers (AC Operation) — IS/IEC 60898-1:2015
• Storage Water Heaters (Electric) — IS 2082:2018
• Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters — IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018
• Freezers — IS 7872:2018
• Household Refrigerating Appliances — IS 17550 (Part 1):2021
• Television Sets — IS 18112:2022
• Portable Fire Extinguishers — IS 15683:2018
• Stainless Steel Cookware — IS 14756:2024
• Disposable Baby Diaper — IS 17509:2021
• Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties — IS 9873 (Part 1):2018
• Cement (Ordinary Portland Cement) — IS 269
• Cement (Portland Slag Cement) — IS 455
• PVC Insulated Cables up to 1100V — IS 694
• Switches for Domestic and Similar Purposes — IS 3854:2023
• Aluminium Composite Panel — IS 17682:2021
• Sanitary Napkins — IS 5405:2019

How NewPhase Solutions Can Help

NewPhase Solutions provides complete support for overseas manufacturers seeking BIS FMCS Registration and ISI Mark Certification for the Indian market. Our expert team assists foreign manufacturers throughout the entire certification process.

NewPhase Solutions is a trusted BIS FMCS consultant in Delhi, helping foreign manufacturers across the globe obtain ISI Mark certification and gain legal access to the Indian market smoothly and efficiently.