The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II, Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and the BIS Act, 2016.
This scheme is designed for foreign manufacturers seeking to certify their products for the Indian
market. Under FMCS, a license is granted allowing the use of the ISI Mark on products that meet Indian
standards. This certification is required for most products, with the exception of Electronics and IT
Goods, which are regulated separately by Deity.
The primary aim of FMCS BIS Certification is to ensure that imported products are safe, high-quality,
and reliable for consumers. For foreign manufacturers, obtaining this certification involves a factory
audit to verify compliance with BIS standards. This certification is essential for uninterrupted
exporting and selling in the Indian market, making it mandatory for all foreign manufacturers who wish
to import their goods into India.
What is BIS Standard Mark?
The BIS Standard Mark, also known as the ISI Mark, is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) to indicate that a product complies with Indian quality and safety standards. The mark
is a symbol of assurance that the product has been tested and meets the required standards for safety,
quality, and reliability.
Products bearing the BIS Standard Mark have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure they
meet the specific requirements set by BIS. This mark helps consumers identify products that adhere to
recognized quality standards and provides confidence in their safety and performance.
Importance of FMCS BIS Certification in India
FMCS BIS Certification is crucial for foreign manufacturers seeking to enter the Indian market. This
certification ensures that imported products meet the stringent safety, quality, and performance
standards established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). By obtaining FMCS BIS Certification,
foreign manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality and reliable products,
which is vital for gaining consumer trust and regulatory approval in India. The certification process
involves a thorough factory audit and compliance verification, helping to prevent the entry of
substandard or unsafe products into the market. Ultimately, FMCS BIS Certification is essential for
facilitating smooth trade operations, ensuring product safety, and maintaining high standards in the
Indian market.
List of Products Which Require FMCS BIS Certification
FMCS BIS Certification is required for a broad range of products, except for Electronics and IT Goods which are specifically regulated by the Deity. Products typically requiring FMCS BIS Certification include:
- Construction Materials: Cement, steel, and other building materials.
- Chemicals: Various industrial and consumer chemicals.
- Textiles: Fabrics and garments.
- Machinery: Industrial and manufacturing machinery.
- Consumer Goods: Non-electronic appliances and tools.
- Automotive Components: Parts and accessories for vehicles.
- Medical Devices: Certain types of medical equipment and supplies.
Requirements for FMCS BIS Certification
Foreign manufacturers aiming to export products to India must meet the following FMCS BIS Certification requirements:
- Manufacturing Location: The manufacturing facility must be situated outside of India.
- Agreement to Terms: The foreign manufacturer or company must agree to the terms and conditions associated with the license.
- In-House Testing: The manufacturer must have the necessary equipment and qualified personnel in an in-house laboratory to test the products according to Indian Standards Specifications (ISS).
- Product Compliance: Ensure that the products conform to the applicable Indian Standards.
- Acceptance of SIT: The manufacturer must agree to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and pay the annual marking fee.
- Facility Requirements: The factory must be equipped with all necessary manufacturing machinery and testing facilities.
Documents Required for FMCS BIS Certification
To obtain FMCS BIS Certification, the following documents are required:
Factory or Company Registration Documents- Flow chart of Manufacturing process
- Business License & ISO Certificate. If available in another specific language, English translation is mandatory
-
Test reports
-
Declaration & Undertaking
- List of raw materials & raw materials test Certificate
Procedure for Obtaining FMCS BIS Certification
To obtain FMCS BIS Certification, follow these steps:
- Documentation and Application: Gather all necessary documents and submit the application online to BIS. A hard copy of the application should also be sent to the FMCD Department.
- Application Review: BIS will review the submitted application. They will contact you via email if any documents or requirements are missing or incomplete. If the application meets the criteria, it will be recorded.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer will visit the factory on a pre-arranged date to inspect the premises, review the manufacturing process, and test the product in your in-house laboratory. They will also collect a product sample for independent testing.
- Product Testing: The product sample will be tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory. The applicant is responsible for the testing fees.
- License Issuance: Upon satisfactory inspection and testing, the applicant must pay the license and marking fees. The license will then be issued.
- Indemnity Bond: After receiving the license, sign the indemnity bond and provide a $10,000 USD performance bank guarantee to BIS. Failure to provide the bank guarantee may result in the revocation of the license.
Some Important Instructions for Nomination of AIR for Foreign Manufacturer
When nominating an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for FMCS BIS Certification, foreign manufacturers must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Indian Residency: The AIR must be a resident of India.
- Conflict of Interest: The AIR must not have any conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to product testing at third-party labs.
- Documentation: The AIR’s name must be included in the license documents.
- Qualifications: The AIR should hold at least a bachelor's degree and possess knowledge of the BIS Act, 2016, and relevant regulations.
- Consent and Responsibility: The AIR must provide written consent acknowledging responsibility for adhering to the BIS Act, Terms and Conditions, and other regulations outlined in the BIS license.
- Exclusive Representation: The AIR can only represent one foreign manufacturer at a time and cannot serve as an AIR for multiple manufacturers simultaneously.
Why Choose SeaRoot for FMCS BIS Certification?
Choosing SeaRoot for FMCS BIS Certification offers significant advantages. With a team of over 250 BIS experts boasting more than 10 years of experience working with international clients, we specialize in helping you establish a Trust Mark on your product. The FMCS BIS Certification process is complex and time-consuming, but SeaRoot stands out as a leading BIS FMCS consultant in India. Our technical team will guide you through obtaining the certification and ensure the quality performance of your business. SeaRoot’s role includes determining whether your product falls under BIS standards, assisting in setting up in-house testing facilities if needed, coordinating with BIS-certified labs for product testing, providing clear guidelines on product requirements, and managing paperwork, examination, and evaluation processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is FMCS BIS Certification?
FMCS BIS Certification is a certification process regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for foreign manufacturers to ensure that their products meet Indian quality and safety standards before they can be imported and sold in India.
2.Who needs FMCS BIS Certification?
Foreign manufacturers who wish to export their products to India must obtain FMCS BIS Certification to comply with Indian standards and regulations.
3.What are the key requirements for obtaining FMCS BIS Certification?
Key requirements include having a manufacturing unit outside India, compliance with Indian standards, in-house testing facilities, acceptance of BIS terms and conditions, and submission of required documents.
4.What documents are needed for FMCS BIS Certification?
Required documents include an application form, factory details, product specifications, quality control procedures, test reports, and proof of compliance with Indian standards.
5.What is the procedure for obtaining FMCS BIS Certification?
The procedure involves submitting an application with required documents, undergoing a verification process, a factory audit, product testing, and finally, receiving the certification and signing an indemnity bond.
6.What is the role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?
The AIR acts as the local representative for the foreign manufacturer in India, managing the certification application, answering queries, and ensuring compliance with BIS regulations.
