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BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers in India
BIS Mark under Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
BIS FMCS Certification (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is mandatory for foreign manufacturers who want to export ISI-marked products to India. Under the BIS Act, 2016, manufacturers located outside India must obtain BIS FMCS Certification to legally use the ISI Mark and clear Indian Customs. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is a certification scheme regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and the BIS Act, 2016. This scheme allows manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS license for the use of the ISI Mark on products that conform to applicable Indian Standards.
FMCS is the overseas extension of the ISI Certification Scheme under Scheme-I, applicable to manufacturers located outside India, as it ensures uniform compliance across both foreign and Indian-made products. For many products notified under Quality Control Orders (QCOs), FMCS certification is mandatory for import clearance in India. Under this scheme, foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who acts as a local point of contact for BIS and is responsible for regulatory coordination and legal compliance. AN Global Services provides end-to-end assistance in FMCS certification, including AIR support and liaison with BIS authorities.
For products such as PVC soles and heels, compliance with Indian Standards involves strict adherence to prescribed material and physical requirements. The resins must be compounded using suitable plasticizers and stabilizers, and the finished surface should be free from defects or blemishes. The size and thickness of soles and heels must be mutually agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier, while the hardness of the material is required to be maintained between 65 and 75 IRHD as prescribed under the applicable Indian Standard for footwear components, as notified under the relevant QCO.. Meeting these specifications ensures durability, safety, and consistent product quality in line with BIS standards.
Why BIS FMCS Certification is Mandatory for Imports into India?
FMCS BIS Registration is not optional for foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to India. It is a statutory compliance requirement enforced by Indian authorities to ensure that imported goods meet the same safety, quality, and performance standards as products manufactured within India.
- ✔Mandatory under Quality Control Orders (QCOs): ISI Mark for Foreign Manufacturers is compulsory for products notified under QCOs issued by the Government of India. Import of such products without FMCS approval is legally prohibited.
- ✔Customs clearance is not possible without FMCS license:Products lacking a valid BIS FMCS license are rejected or detained at Indian ports, leading to shipment delays, demurrage costs, and financial losses.
- ✔Mandatory for legal use of ISI Mark on imported products:Foreign manufacturers are permitted to affix the ISI Mark only after obtaining FMCS certification. Any unauthorized use of the ISI Mark is treated as a serious offense under the BIS Act, 2016.
- ✔Penalties, seizure, and blacklisting for non-compliance:Importing BIS-notified products without FMCS certification can result in penalties, confiscation of goods, suspension of imports, and blacklisting of the manufacturer or importer.
- ✔Same quality standards as Indian manufacturers:FMCS ensures that foreign manufacturers meet identical Indian Standard requirements as domestic manufacturers, creating a level playing field and protecting Indian consumers.
How to Get BIS FMCS Certification on Products
BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification is a structured and audit-driven process designed to ensure that foreign-made products comply with applicable Indian Standards (IS). As of 2026, the scheme continues to mandate on-site factory inspections outside India, independent sample testing in BIS-recognized laboratories, and strict regulatory scrutiny before granting the ISI Mark license.
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-Requisites & Planning | Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS), appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), and ensure availability of in-house testing facilities as required under the standard. |
| 2 | Documentation | Preparation of factory layout, manufacturing flow chart, machinery list, test equipment details, calibration records, quality control plan, and AIR nomination documents. |
| 3 | Application Submission | Submission of Form VI through the BIS Manak Online portal along with supporting documents (physical copies only if specifically requested by BIS) along with the applicable application fee. |
| 4 | Application Scrutiny | BIS reviews the submitted documents and raises queries, if any. Observations must be resolved before proceeding to the factory audit stage. |
| 5 | Factory Audit | A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection of the overseas manufacturing facility, verifies the production process, and witnesses product testing in the in-house laboratory. |
| 6 | Sample Sealing & Testing | Samples are sealed by the BIS officer and sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory in India for independent conformity testing. |
| 7 | Grant of License | Upon successful audit and test results, the manufacturer submits the license fee, marking fee, and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG), after which the ISI Mark license is granted. |
Compliance Note: BIS FMCS licenses are subject to ongoing surveillance, periodic inspections, and sample testing. Manufacturers must maintain consistent product quality, valid test records, and active coordination through their Authorized Indian Representative to retain certification.
Requirements for BIS FMCS Certification
Foreign manufacturers intending to export products to India under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) must comply with the following mandatory requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
- The manufacturing facility must be physically located outside the territory of India.
- The foreign manufacturer must formally accept all terms, conditions, and obligations associated with the BIS FMCS license.
- Adequate in-house laboratory facilities along with qualified quality control personnel must be available to conduct routine testing as per applicable Indian Standards (IS).
- All products covered under the application must strictly conform to the relevant Indian Standard specifications.
- The manufacturer must agree to the BIS-prescribed Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and pay the applicable annual marking fee.
- All essential manufacturing machinery, testing equipment, and quality assurance infrastructure must be installed and operational at the factory premises.
Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification
To support the FMCS application, foreign manufacturers are required to submit comprehensive technical and legal documentation for evaluation by BIS authorities:
- Factory registration, business license, and company incorporation documents.
- Detailed manufacturing process flow chart from raw material intake to finished product dispatch.
- Information on in-house manufacturing capabilities, including details of outsourced processes, if any.
- List and specifications of product testing equipment available at the factory.
- Quality control procedures, inspection records, and internal test reports demonstrating consistent product conformity.
- Formal acceptance of the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT), payment of applicable marking fees, laboratory test reports, and any additional documents as specified by BIS during application scrutiny.
List of Products Covered under BIS FMCS Certification
As of 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has significantly expanded the scope of products requiring mandatory certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). More than 400+ products now require an ISI Mark for import into India. These products are regulated through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and non-compliance may result in rejection at Indian Customs.
1. Construction & Building Materials
One of the most tightly regulated categories, construction and building materials must strictly conform to Indian Standards due to their impact on public safety and infrastructure durability. Covered products include all varieties of cement, structural and stainless steel products, architectural and automotive safety glass, and water supply pipes such as PVC, cast iron, and polyethylene pipes.
2. Electrical & Power Equipment
Heavy electrical and power equipment manufactured outside India fall under FMCS, while Certain electronic and IT products are regulated under CRS, while non-electronic and heavy electrical products fall under FMCS.. Mandatory FMCS products include power and distribution transformers, PVC insulated cables and wires, induction motors, sealed lead-acid batteries, and shunt capacitors used in power systems.
3. Household & Kitchen Appliances
Most plug-in household appliances imported into India require ISI Mark for Foreign Manufacturers. This category includes pressure cookers (mandatory), gas stoves, induction cooktops, immersion heaters, electric geysers, irons, food mixers, vacuum cleaners, and key cooling system components used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
4. Chemicals, Fertilizers & Polymers
The Government of India continues to expand mandatory certification for chemicals and polymers through new QCOs. Products such as caustic soda, acetic acid, boric acid, methanol, and polymer materials like PVC, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) used for moulding are now strictly regulated. Certain industrial textiles and yarns are also covered.
5. Consumer & Safety Goods
Consumer safety products are a high-priority focus area under FMCS. Mandatory certification applies to all toys (electric and non-electric), protective helmets for two-wheelers, safety footwear, rubber and polymeric footwear, and regulated food packaging products such as packaged drinking water, milk powder, and infant formula.
6. Additions in 2026
Recent regulatory updates have expanded the scope of mandatory FMCS Certification India to include several new product categories. Furniture items such as beds, chairs, tables, and storage units require ISI marking from February 2026 onwards. Additionally, under the newly introduced Scheme-X, various types of industrial machinery including cranes, pumps, and compressors will mandatorily require BIS certification effective from September 1, 2026. Solar PV modules and solar inverters are also subject to revised and stricter compliance requirements.
| Category | Example Product | Applicable Indian Standard (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | Structural Steel | IS 2062 |
| Toys | Non-Electric Toys | IS 9873 |
| Furniture | General Purpose Chairs | IS 17632 |
| Chemicals | Caustic Soda | IS 252 |
Timeline for Getting BIS FMCS Certification
The timeline for obtaining BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification in 2026 generally ranges between 6 to 9 months. Since the scheme involves mandatory overseas factory inspections by BIS officials and independent product testing in India, the process is significantly more time-intensive than domestic BIS certification. Proper planning and documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
| Phase | Typical Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 – Preparation | 2–4 Weeks | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), collection of factory layouts and documents, and verification that in-house laboratory facilities can perform all tests as per the applicable Indian Standard (IS). |
| Month 2 – Application Submission | ~2 Weeks | Submission of Form VI on the BIS Manak Online portal, payment of the application fee, and receipt of the official application number after initial scrutiny. |
| Month 3 – Audit Scheduling | 4–6 Weeks | Coordination with BIS for scheduling the foreign factory audit, including visa arrangements, travel planning, and availability of BIS technical officers. |
| Month 4 – Factory Audit | 3–5 Days | On-site inspection by BIS officials to review the manufacturing process, verify testing infrastructure, witness routine tests, and seal product samples for laboratory testing in India. |
| Month 5 – Sample Testing | 4–8 Weeks | Testing of sealed samples at BIS-recognized laboratories in India. The duration varies depending on the product type and complexity, with chemicals generally tested faster than steel, tires, or heavy engineering products. |
| Month 6 – Grant of License | 2–3 Weeks | Upon successful test results and audit clearance, payment of license fees and marking fees is completed. BIS then issues the CM/L number, authorizing the use of the ISI Mark. |
Important Note: Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation, audit scheduling constraints, laboratory backlogs, or travel-related factors. Engaging an experienced BIS consultant such as AN Global Services can significantly streamline the process and reduce approval timelines.
Cost of BIS FMCS Certification
The cost of BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification varies depending on the product category, applicable Indian Standard, factory location, and scope of inspection. BIS does not follow a fixed or uniform pricing model, as the certification process involves multiple regulatory and technical components.
A non-refundable application fee is payable to BIS at the time of submitting the FMCS application. The fee depends on the product type and the number of Indian Standards covered under the license.
BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the overseas manufacturing facility. Inspection charges vary based on the country, factory location, travel requirements, and duration of the audit.
Sealed product samples are tested at BIS-recognized laboratories in India. Testing costs depend on the product, test parameters, and complexity of the applicable Indian Standard.
After grant of the FMCS license, manufacturers are required to pay an annual marking fee to BIS. This fee is calculated based on the product category and estimated production or import volume.
A Performance Bank Guarantee is mandatory under FMCS to ensure ongoing compliance with BIS requirements. The PBG amount depends on the product risk category and is refundable upon surrender or cancellation of the license.
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for regulatory coordination with BIS. AIR service charges vary based on the level of technical support, documentation, audit coordination, and post-certification compliance management.
Cost Advisory: The overall cost of BIS FMCS certification depends on the product category, number of models, factory location, audit complexity, and testing requirements. For an accurate cost estimate, a product-specific assessment is strongly recommended before initiating the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on BIS FMCS Certification
BIS FMCS Certification refers to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme under which foreign manufacturers are granted permission to use the ISI Mark on products exported to India. It ensures that imported products comply with applicable Indian Standards and regulatory requirements.
FMCS certification is required for manufacturers located outside India who export products to India that are notified under mandatory BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Importers, traders, or distributors cannot apply in place of the manufacturer.
No, FMCS certification is mandatory only for products that fall under BIS-notified Quality Control Orders. Products not covered under QCOs may not require FMCS certification, though other regulatory approvals may still apply.
The FMCS certification process generally takes between 6 to 9 months. The timeline depends on documentation readiness, factory audit scheduling, sample testing duration, and compliance with Indian Standards.
An FMCS license is typically granted for a period of one year and can be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory compliance, payment of marking fees, and successful surveillance activities by BIS.
No, FMCS licenses are factory-specific. Each manufacturing location must obtain a separate FMCS license, even if the product and company ownership remain the same.
The Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) acts as the official local representative of the foreign manufacturer in India. The AIR is responsible for coordination with BIS, handling compliance matters, responding to regulatory queries, and supporting audits and surveillance activities.
Importing BIS-notified products without FMCS certification can lead to rejection at Indian Customs, seizure of goods, financial penalties, suspension of imports, and potential blacklisting of the manufacturer or importer under Indian law.
Why Choose AN Global Services for BIS FMCS Certification?
BIS FMCS certification is a highly technical and audit-intensive process that requires precise regulatory understanding, international audit coordination, and continuous compliance management. AN Global Services provides structured, end-to-end FMCS support designed to minimize delays, reduce compliance risks, and ensure smooth approval for foreign manufacturers.
Dedicated BIS FMCS Consultants
Our team consists of specialized BIS FMCS consultants who focus exclusively on foreign manufacturer certifications, ensuring accurate interpretation of Indian Standards and regulatory requirements.
AIR Services Under One Roof
We provide Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) services as part of our FMCS offering, enabling seamless communication with BIS and ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance in India.
Proven Experience with Overseas Audits
Our team has hands-on experience coordinating BIS audits at overseas manufacturing facilities, including audit preparedness, test witnessing support, and real-time query resolution.
Faster Approval & Query Handling
With pre-audit gap analysis and structured documentation workflows, we help reduce BIS observations, respond to queries efficiently, and accelerate the overall certification timeline.
Support Till License Grant & Renewal
Our engagement does not end with application submission. We support clients through license grant, marking fee compliance, surveillance requirements, renewals, and ongoing BIS coordination to ensure long-term certification continuity.
