Entering the Indian Market: BIS

BIS is India's national standards and certification body. Two schemes operate: CRS (registration) for electronic products and ISI (licence) for other products.

For foreign manufacturers an AUTHORISED INDIAN REPRESENTATIVE (AIR) established in India IS MANDATORY: that party makes the application and carries legal responsibility.

• A test report from a BIS-recognised laboratory in India
• Product description, model and variant list
• Factory details and production process documents (under the ISI scheme)
• AIR appointment documents
• Label sample and marking plan

1. 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
2. 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
3. 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
4. 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
5. 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
6. 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
7. 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
8. 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.

• Testing MUST be carried out in India; overseas reports are not accepted
• Shipping the sample and the laboratory queue are the main items in the timetable
• There is no factory inspection under CRS; there is under ISI
• The registration/licence number is shown on the product

1. 01Classical certification and the registration arrangementUnder the registration arrangement there is as a rule no factory inspection; under classical certification there is. Which route the product is subject to directly determines cost and timetable.
2. 02The national standard and the international standardAlthough the national standard is based on an international standard it carries deviations; an international report that does not cover those deviations is not accepted.
3. 03Product certification and radio requirementsFor products carrying a radio, a separate telecommunications approval and import permit arrangement applies; the product certificate does not satisfy it.
4. 04The established applicant and the importerThe application is made through a party established in the country; a foreign manufacturer cannot be the applicant directly and the certificate is issued in that party's name.

This page describes entry into the India market. The scheme itself — its scope, process, validity period and required documents — is covered in detail on the certification page.

This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.