BIS FMCS - Overview

The BIS Certification known as the ISI Mark is one of the most vital procedures that manufacturers have to undergo to meet the requirements of the Indian government. Foreign manufacturers can thus get a BIS license under Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS Act, 2016 and the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This scheme has been specifically developed for manufacturing facilities based outside India to help them conform to Indian norms and obtain certification. By the FMCS, foreign manufacturers can apply the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products which are compliant with Indian Standards.

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) is responsible for the licensing, which is applicable both for mandatory and voluntary conformity assessment procedures. A BIS license is issued for products made at certain facilities that conform to all the standards of the Indian market. BIS Certification offers market entry and conformity assessment but also builds consumer confidence and company reputation. This in turn provides a big advantage to the foreign manufacturers in the Indian marketplace and hence leads to their triumph.

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    Basic Requirements for BIS Licence under FMCS

    Foreign manufacturers having production facilities outside India can seek a BIS license under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). To qualify, they must meet the following requirements:

    • Product Conformity : To this end, they should ensure that their product(s) meet the specified Indian Standard Specifications (ISS).
    • Manufacturing Facilities : They have all the required machinery and tools for manufacturing at their factory.
    • Testing Arrangements : Have all the necessary facilities and tools in their factory for testing the product to meet the applicable ISS.
    • Competent Testing Personnel: The following should be done to ensure that the test are carried out properly; Hire qualified and skilled test personnel in their lab to conduct the test on the product(s) concerning the ISS.
    • Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT): Agree to the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT) and the fee that is to be levied for marking.
    • Terms & Conditions: Accept the Terms & Conditions of the licence.

    Process

    • Step-1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard (IS): In this step, the first thing that needs to be done is to determine which Indian Standard applies to your product. You can get this information from the BIS website or from the BIS guidelines as the case may be.
    • Step-2: Document Submission • Business registration certificate. • Quality management system certificate. • Manufacturing facilities’ details. • Product specifications. • Test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory if available.
    • Step-3: Application Submission Send an application for BIS certification either through the online facility of the BIS portal or through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD). All applications should be for one product and one manufacturing plant.
    • Step-4: The fourth step is nomination by the Department BIS will review the application and the documents that have been submitted. They will then elect an officer or a group of officers who will be in charge of the certification and enforcement of all the regulations.
    • Step-5: Factory Visit and Inspection: The BIS officials will set the dates for the on-site inspection and will perform the inspection of the manufacturing premises. They will assess the production systems, the equipment used in the manufacturing and the testing, including the SIT Scheme.
    • Step-6: Sealing of Sample In the course of the factory assessment, BIS officials will pick and seal product samples for analysis. These samples are then sealed and forwarded to a laboratory accredited by BIS to carry out a very comprehensive test to ascertain whether the product conforms to Indian Standards.
    • Step-7: Sample Testing The sealed sample is tested at BIS recognised laboratory. It then sends a detailed test report to BIS for verification to ascertain that the product meets the set norms.
    • Step-8: Licence Granted Finally, after the assessment of the documents such as test reports, factory inspection reports, etc., BIS will get the licence. If the product complies with the laid down standards, the manufacturer is allowed to apply the Standard Mark (ISI Mark).

    Documents Required

    • Name and Address Proof: name and address proof of the office and the manufacturing unit of the company as well.
    • Trademark Proof: In case of having one, the registration certificate.
    • Business Proof: Company formation documents which include the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association.
    • Authorization Letter: Some of the required documents include; an authorization letter from the manufacturer if the application is submitted by an agent.
    • Testing Facilities Details: Here is the list of the testing facilities and the testing equipment that are available at the manufacturing unit.
    • Third-Party Laboratory Test Report: Certificate from a BIS-recognised laboratory and the test report showing conformity to the Indian Standards as the case may be.
    • Factory Layout and Location Plan: A detailed layout and location plan of the factory as to where the manufacturing and testing sections will be located.
    • Manufacturing Process Flow Chart: a process map of the manufacturing process with a focus on CCPs and CCPs.
    • Manufacturing Machinery Details: information on all the manufacturing machinery which is used in the manufacturing process of the product.
    • Nomination Details for Indian Agent: in the case of a foreign manufacturer nomination details of an authorized Indian representative Duly filled and signed nomination form of the nominated Indian agent.

    Conclusion

    The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides a smooth way for manufacturers from foreign countries to bring their products to the Indian market while meeting stringent quality and safety parameters. With the help of the BIS certification and the ISI Mark, foreign manufacturers can increase the marketability of their products, the level of trust of the consumers, and, therefore, the competitiveness of their products. This certification not only gives confidence to Indian consumers about the product quality but also helps in creating business opportunities for the company and ensuring its long-term success in the Indian market.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is FMCs in BIS?
    Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been operating a Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) since the year 2000 under BIS Act, 2016 and Rules & Regulations framed there under. Under FMCS, licence is granted to a Foreign Manufacturer for use of Standard Mark on a product that conforms to an Indian Standard.
    Who can apply for FMCS certification?
    1. Relevant Product Code selection.
    2. ISI Mark Registration online Aplication form fill up with the required documents.
    3. Factory audit by BIS authorized auditor.
    4. Sample Report submission by BIS authorized laboratory.
    5. Grant of licence by BIS Authority.
    What products are covered under the FMCS?
    The ISI mark ensures that all products manufactured in India comply with stringent quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These standards are designed to protect consumers from substandard goods, while also creating trust in the market for manufacturers who meet these requirements.
    How can a foreign manufacturer apply for FMCS certification?

    ISI Certification Fees

    The application and renewal fees for ISI Certification is Rs 1000/- per form. The testing fee, however, will vary from product to product based on the product code. Lastly, the marking fee shall be as specified by the Bureau after the approval of grant of license.

    What documents are required for the FMCS application?
    ISI Certification in India | ISI full form. ISI full form - Indian Standards Institute, ISI is the certificate scheme under BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) which confirms that a product withstands the BIS standards which ensures safety. ISI certificate allows you to use the standards mark, i.e., ISI Mark.
    What is the process for obtaining FMCS certification?

    If you are considering to obtain ISI registration, then you have to follow the below steps:

    1. Step-1: You have to choose the product code.
    2. Step-2: Filling the Application Form.
    3. Step-3: Inspection of the Factory premise.
    4. Step-4: Collection of Test Report.
    5. Step-5: Issuance of ISI registration certificate.
    How long does it take to get FMCS certification?
    The ISI mark is a standards-compliance mark for industrial products in India since 1950. The mark certifies that a product conforms to an Indian standard (IS) developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India.