FMCS certification is mandatory where the imported product is covered by an applicable Quality Control Order requiring certification under the relevant BIS scheme. Not every imported product requires FMCS certification.
BIS certification is generally voluntary unless the government makes conformity compulsory through a relevant legal instrument.
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BIS FMCS Certification
BIS FMCS Certification to Your Business Starting at Just ₹2,999/-!
BIS FMCS Certification allows eligible manufacturers with factories outside India to obtain a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the Standard Mark on specified products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.
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Overview : BIS FMCS Certification in India
BIS FMCS Certification allows eligible manufacturers with factories outside India to obtain a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the Standard Mark on specified products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.
FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. It is administered by BIS through its Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD).
For products covered by an operative Indian Quality Control Order (QCO), certification may be compulsory before the goods can be imported or supplied in India. For other eligible products, certification may be voluntary.
The process involves identifying the correct Indian Standard, nominating an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR), preparing manufacturing and testing facilities, submitting an application, undergoing overseas factory inspection and completing product testing.
Legal Papers India Business Solution Private Limited is a private business and compliance consultancy. Foreign manufacturers can contact the company to confirm whether relevant documentation or application-coordination assistance is available.
Contact Legal Papers India to discuss your product, factory location and Indian market requirements.
What Is BIS FMCS Certification?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme is BIS's product-certification route for eligible manufacturers operating factories outside India. It allows a foreign manufacturer to obtain a licence to use the BIS Standard Mark, commonly called the ISI Mark, on products covered by the approved licence.
The licence confirms that the manufacturer has undergone the applicable BIS conformity-assessment process. It does not certify every product made by the company or authorise unrelated goods. The manufacturing premises, applicable Indian Standard and approved product varieties determine the licence scope.
Is BIS FMCS Certification Mandatory for Importing Products into India?
What Is a Quality Control Order?
A QCO is a government notification that makes compliance with specified Indian Standards compulsory for the goods it covers.
It may identify:
- The product and applicable Indian Standard.
- The commencement date.
- Different implementation dates for particular categories.
- Product or applicant exemptions.
- Transitional provisions.
- Subsequent amendments or withdrawals.
A manufacturer should check the latest operative QCO rather than relying on an old list of compulsory products.
How Do Foreign Manufacturers Check BIS Applicability?
First, identify the product's technical description and intended use.
Then check the relevant Indian Standard, the applicable QCO and the correct BIS conformity-assessment scheme.
The official BIS compulsory-certification page page provides a starting point.
A product-specific legal review is necessary where classification, commencement dates or exemptions are uncertain.
Who Is Eligible for BIS FMCS Certification?
FMCS is intended for manufacturers whose factory premises are located outside India.
BIS expects the applicant to demonstrate the ability to manufacture and test the relevant product according to the applicable Indian Standard.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
The foreign manufacturer should have:
- An identifiable manufacturing facility outside India.
- Appropriate manufacturing machinery and infrastructure.
- Manufacturing processes capable of producing conforming products.
- Testing equipment and arrangements required by the applicable standard and product manual.
- Competent technical and testing personnel.
- Quality-control procedures and records.
- A nominated Authorised Indian Representative.
- The ability to comply with BIS licensing conditions.
BIS requires separate applications for each applicable product/Indian Standard and manufacturing location.
Can an Indian Importer Apply Instead of the Foreign Manufacturer?
No. BIS states that the FMCS licence application must be made by the foreign manufacturer.
An Indian importer may have a separate role as the manufacturer's nominated AIR, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions. Importing, distributing or owning a brand does not automatically make an Indian company the manufacturing licence applicant.
Can One Foreign Company Obtain a Single FMCS Licence for Multiple Factories?
A separate application is required for each manufacturing premises and applicable product/Indian Standard.
For example, if the same overseas company produces a regulated product at factories in two different countries, it should not assume that one factory's licence covers the other.
What Is an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)?
An Authorised Indian Representative is the person or eligible entity nominated by a foreign manufacturer to represent it in India for the relevant BIS certification responsibilities. AIR nomination is mandatory under FMCS.
The representative must satisfy BIS's prescribed eligibility, consent, documentation and responsibility requirements
Who Can Become an AIR?
BIS generally requires an Indian-resident representative. Where the manufacturer has an office or branch in India, a suitable senior person may be nominated under the applicable conditions.
In specified circumstances, a foreign national employed in the manufacturer's Indian office or branch may qualify if resident in India. Where the manufacturer has no qualifying Indian office, it must nominate an eligible AIR in the prescribed form.
The applicable restrictions on representing multiple manufacturers and any group-company or related-importer exceptions must be checked before appointment.
What Does the AIR Do?
The AIR is responsible for the obligations accepted under the relevant BIS nomination, licence agreement, undertaking and applicable law.
These responsibilities can include:
The AIR is not the certification authority and cannot guarantee approval.
Is an AIR the Same as a BIS Consultant?
No.
A consultant may provide optional application or documentation assistance. An AIR is formally nominated under the BIS scheme and accepts specific compliance responsibilities.
The same organisation should not be described as an AIR merely because it provides consultancy services.
Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification
The exact application checklist depends on the product, Indian Standard, manufacturing unit and current BIS instructions.
Foreign Manufacturer Documents
Commonly relevant documents include:
- Manufacturer's legal name and registered business details.
- Factory address and proof of manufacturing premises.
- Manufacturing process flow chart.
- Factory layout.
- List of manufacturing machinery.
- Production capacity and product information.
- Details of outsourced manufacturing operations, where applicable.
- Quality-control arrangements.
- Relevant declarations and authorisations.
Testing and Technical Documents
The manufacturer should prepare:
- Applicable Indian Standard and product specifications.
- Product varieties, grades, sizes or models.
- List of testing equipment.
- Calibration records.
- Details of technical and quality-control personnel.
- Product testing records.
- Product manuals and inspection/testing arrangements.
- Information about permitted external testing arrangements, where relevant.
AIR Documents
AIR-related records may include:
- Prescribed nomination form.
- Consent and declarations.
- Identity, address and residence evidence.
- Educational qualification evidence where required.
- Corporate authorisation if an Indian company is nominated.
- Agreement between the manufacturer and nominated representative.
- Relevant Indian branch-office documentation, if applicable.
Documents Not in English
BIS may require English translations of documents originally prepared in another language.
Manufacturers should also arrange translation support during overseas factory visits where needed.
Is ISO 9001 Certification Mandatory for FMCS?
A manufacturer should not assume ISO 9001 certification is a universal prerequisite.
The decisive requirements are those imposed by BIS under the relevant scheme, Indian Standard and product manual.
An existing ISO certificate may provide useful management-system evidence, but it does not replace FMCS licensing.
How to Apply for BIS FMCS Certification Online in 2026
BIS states that from 1 June 2026, applications under its general FMCS application procedure are accepted through the online portal rather than the earlier offline route.
Applicants should use the current official Manak Online portal.
Step 1: Identify the Indian Standard
Determine the correct Indian Standard for the product and the varieties intended for the Indian market.
Step 2: Confirm the Applicable BIS Scheme
Check whether the product falls under Scheme I FMCS, CRS, Scheme X or another applicable conformity-assessment route.
Different schemes have different application procedures.
Step 3: Review the QCO
If the product is subject to compulsory certification, verify the operative QCO, implementation date and exemptions.
Step 4: Nominate an Eligible AIR
Complete the prescribed AIR nomination and supporting documentation.
Step 5: Prepare the Overseas Factory
Review manufacturing machinery, testing infrastructure, personnel, calibration and process-control records.
Step 6: Prepare Product Evidence
Compile technical information and the evidence required by the relevant Indian Standard and BIS product manual.
Step 7: Submit the Online Application
Enter the manufacturer's details and upload the prescribed documents through the applicable Manak Online FMCS module.
Step 8: Pay the Applicable Charges
Pay the application and other charges required at the relevant stage.
Step 9: Respond to BIS Scrutiny
BIS reviews the application and may request corrections, clarification or additional documents.
Step 10: Arrange the Overseas Factory Inspection
BIS officers inspect the manufacturing premises, production arrangements, testing facilities and relevant records.
Step 11: Complete Independent Product Testing
BIS draws product samples for testing through BIS laboratories or laboratories recognised by BIS, according to the applicable procedure.
Step 12: Complete Pre-Grant Requirements
If the assessment and test reports are satisfactory, pay the required licence and marking fees and complete the remaining prescribed formalities.
Step 13: Execute Licence Documents
The applicable BIS procedure includes an agreement, indemnity bond and performance bank guarantee requirements.
Step 14: Receive the BIS Decision
BIS decides whether to grant the licence.
Only products within the effective licence scope may carry the authorised Standard Mark.
What Happens During the BIS Overseas Factory Inspection?
The factory inspection is a substantive part of FMCS certification.
BIS officers examine whether the overseas manufacturer has the infrastructure and controls needed to produce conforming goods consistently.
The assessment may cover machinery, process flow, production controls and factory layout.
BIS examines the equipment, calibration, personnel and testing arrangements required by the relevant standard.
The factory should be able to demonstrate inspection procedures, records and controls for nonconforming products.
BIS may draw samples for independent testing. The applicant is responsible for the applicable arrangements and costs associated with sample handling and testing.
If BIS identifies deficiencies, the manufacturer must address them through the prescribed process.
A factory visit or successful laboratory test does not independently guarantee licence grant.
Where Are FMCS Product Samples Tested?
- BIS states that samples drawn during inspection must be tested through BIS laboratories or laboratories recognised by BIS.
- A test report issued by an overseas laboratory is not automatically acceptable merely because that laboratory holds an international accreditation.
- The relevant Indian Standard governs the conformity assessment.
- Reports prepared only against IEC or another international standard should not be assumed to replace testing against the applicable Indian Standard.
BIS FMCS Certification Fees in India
FMCS costs comprise several separate components.
BIS's published FMCS fee schedule lists the following amounts.
|
Fee component |
Published BIS amount or basis |
|---|---|
|
Application fee |
₹1,000 |
|
Special inspection visit |
₹7,000 per man-day |
| Annual licence fee | ₹1,000 |
|
Renewal application fee |
₹1,000 |
| Late renewal fee | ₹5,000 |
| Inclusion of new varieties | ₹5,000 per variety or applicable grouping |
| Product testing | As applicable |
| Marking fee | Product-specific |
| Contingency fund | ₹10,000 under the published schedule |
These are figures from a published BIS fee schedule, not a guaranteed final quotation. The current operative schedule, product-specific marking fee, taxes, foreign-exchange treatment and portal demand must be checked before payment.
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