BIS FMCS Certification
Full Compliance for Foreign Manufacturers in India
BIS FMCS Certification (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is a mandatory quality and safety approval administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It enables foreign manufacturers to legally use the ISI mark on their products for sale in India while ensuring compliance with Indian quality standards.
This certification safeguards consumer interests, ensures product reliability, and allows foreign brands to expand their market presence in India.
Why BIS FMCS is Essential
- End-to-end assistance for FMCS certification
- Factory audit and sample testing support
- Mandatory for overseas manufacturers of notified products
- Legal market entry with ISI mark authorization
- Trusted by over 500 foreign brands across industries
Difference Between ISI Mark & FMCS
| Feature |
ISI Mark (Indian Manufacturers) |
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers) |
| Purpose |
Certifies domestic products meet Indian Standards |
Allows foreign manufacturers to use ISI Mark for Indian market |
| Applicability |
Products made in India |
Imported products from foreign manufacturers |
| Process |
Factory inspection, product testing, surveillance in India |
Mandatory overseas factory audit + product testing in India |
| Consumer Trust |
Builds confidence in locally made goods |
Extends trust to imported products |
| Verification |
BIS Licensee Directory |
FMCS Licensee Directory & BIS portal |
Benefits of BIS FMCS Certification
| Benefit |
Description |
| Consumer Confidence |
ISI mark builds instant trust among Indian buyers |
| Legal Market Entry |
Authorization to sell regulated products without customs or regulatory issues |
| Competitive Advantage |
Differentiates certified products from uncertified competitors |
| Government Procurement |
Required for participating in government tenders and projects |
| Quality Assurance |
Ensures imported products consistently meet Indian Standards |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a foreign manufacturer outside India
- Manufacturing unit should produce goods conforming to Indian Standards (IS)
- Adequate in-house testing or access to a certified lab
- Products must fall under BIS-mandated QCO (Quality Control Orders)
- Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Documents Required
Business & Factory Documents
- Application Form (Form VI)
- Business license or Certificate of Incorporation
- Factory layout and process flowchart
- Quality control plan and in-house testing details
- Packing & marking details
- Sample products for verification
Technical & Legal Documents
- Product test reports (in-house or BIS-recognized lab)
- Declaration of conformity to Indian Standards
- Trademark registration certificate (if applicable)
- ISO 9001 certificate (recommended)
- AIR authorization letter, ID proof, and undertaking
BIS FMCS Certification Fees
| Fee Type |
Amount (INR) |
Remarks |
| Application Fee |
1,000 |
Non-refundable |
| Special Visit / Inspection Charges |
7,000/day |
BIS official travel |
| Testing Charges |
As applicable |
Depends on product and lab |
| Per-Diem Charges (BIS officer) |
25,000–34,000/day |
Includes site inspection |
| Travel & Insurance |
2,00,000–4,00,000 |
Airfare, visa, insurance |
| Annual License Fee |
1,000 |
Paid yearly |
| Renewal Application Fee |
1,000 |
Non-refundable |
| Late Renewal Fee |
5,000 |
Applicable if renewal delayed |
| Processing New Varieties / Designs |
5,000 per variety/design |
For each new addition |
BIS FMCS Certification Process
- Identify Applicable Indian Standard (IS) – Determine the IS code relevant to your product.
- Appoint Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) – Mandatory for foreign manufacturers to act as BIS liaison.
- Prepare Factory & Products – Ensure quality management, testing facilities, and compliant manufacturing processes.
- Apply Online via BIS Portal – Submit Form VI with required documents and fees.
- Factory Audit by BIS Officials – Inspection of overseas manufacturing unit and product sampling.
- Product Testing in BIS-recognized Lab – Samples tested against Indian Standards.
- Grant of FMCS License – BIS issues license and unique CM/L number for ISI marking.
- Marking & Compliance – Affix ISI mark on products; maintain continuous compliance and renew license timely.
Common Product Categories Requiring FMCS
| Category |
Examples |
| Electrical Goods |
Cables, switches, heaters, motors |
| Consumer Appliances |
Pressure cookers, kitchen appliances |
| Medical Equipment |
Diagnostic devices, surgical instruments |
| Building Materials |
Cement, steel, pipes |
| Chemicals & Fertilizers |
Industrial chemicals, agricultural fertilizers |
| Automotive Components |
Tyres, vehicle glass |
| Food & Related Products |
Milk powder, packaged drinking water |
| Textiles & Footwear |
Specific clothing and shoes |
Certificate Validity & Renewal
| Aspect |
Details |
| Validity Period |
Up to 2 years |
| Renewal Timeline |
Apply at least 3 months before expiry |
| Renewal Steps |
Submit updated documents, pay fees, optional follow-up audit |
| Expiry Consequences |
Cannot legally sell products; may require fresh license application |
| Late Renewal Fee |
Rs. 5,000 |
Managing BIS FMCS Certification
- Download Certificate – Available in PDF via BIS Manakonline portal.
- Verify Status – Check online in “List of Licensees (Foreign Manufacturers)” by IS number and country.
- Ongoing Compliance – Ensure quality management, periodic audits, and correct marking.
