BIS ISI Certification - Overview
The ISI Certification Scheme is overseen by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It serves as a cornerstone of product quality and safety assurance in India. This comprehensive framework is designed to ensure that products available in the Indian market meet stringent quality benchmarks and safety standards. It operates under a dual framework that includes both mandatory and voluntary certification processes.
Mandatory certification is a requirement for specific product categories deemed critical to public health and safety. Voluntary certification, on the other hand, provides manufacturers with a competitive edge, highlighting their commitment to meeting the prescribed Indian Standards. This scheme plays a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer interests and fostering trust in the market.
Key Features of ISI Certification :
- Quality Assurance
- Consumer Trust
- Safety Compliance
- Global Recognition
- Product Excellence
Step-by-Step ISI Certification Procedure
For the grant of ISI Certificate License, manufacturers need to file an application to the BIS with the requisite documents. BIS officials will then visit the factory to verify the details in the application and draw samples for testing. If satisfied with the review of test reports and application, BIS will grant the ISI certification. A detailed stepwise procedure for ISI certification is provided below :
Step-1 : Identify Product Code
Begin by identifying the applicable Indian Standard for your product. Determine the product’s code that aligns with the chosen Indian Standard. Within the Indian Standard, there will be a specific product code or code number associated with your product category. This code categorizes products into different groups based on their characteristics and intended use.
Step-2 : Identify Testing Facilities & Samples
Prepare lists of machinery available in your manufacturing premises, whether owned or outsourced. Identify the required test equipment for testing according to the relevant Indian Standard. Determine if there are test facilities outside the factory where tests can be carried out. Finally, Determine the minimum number of samples needed for testing, considering the product’s nature and intended scope of the license.
Step-3 : File Online Application
File an online application with the required documents, including the product code and details of testing facilities. Ensure that the product meets the specific criteria outlined in the chosen Indian Standard. Refer to the Product Manual for comprehensive guidelines, including scope, sampling, test equipment, and more. Test your products as per the Indian Standard and submit a test report along with the application in Form V.
Step-4 : Examination of Application
Once the manufacturer has submitted the application, BIS officials will review it carefully. They will also work with the applicant to finalize the date of the factory inspection. This ensures a convenient and mutually agreeable schedule. The aim is to create a seamless and cooperative environment to ensure the successful progression of the ISI certification process.
Step-5 : Factory Visit and Inspection
During the factory visit, BIS officials will perform several crucial activities to ensure compliance with ISI Certification requirements. They will verify all documents and engage in discussions regarding the adequacy of levels of control submitted by the manufacturer. Infrastructure inspection, including manufacturing machinery, test equipment, competence of quality control personnel, storage facilities, and hygienic conditions will be carried out. Factory testing will be conducted, and samples will be drawn for third-party laboratory testing if required.
Step-6 : Submission & Review of Test Report
Following the factory visit, BIS officials will compile a detailed report. This report will undergo review, taking into account the activities performed during the visit, as well as the test results. For test durations longer than a month, test reports from the manufacturer may be considered for the grant of the license. This will include third-party laboratory reports as well.
Step-7 : Decision to Grant the License & Payment of License Fees
The decision for grant of Licence is approved if the Bureau is satisfied with the manufacturer’s infrastructure. The manufacturer must deposit minimum marking fee and annual BIS license fee within seven days following the grant of approval.
Step-8 : Grant of ISI Certification
After successful payment of the license fees, manufacturers will receive their ISI Certification License in Form VIIII. This license will contain a few relevant details. ISI Certificate details include the scope, license number, validity, marking fee, product code, and a facsimile of the Standard Mark.
Note : Foreign manufacturers will be provided with an agreement for the license (Form –IX). They must submit an indemnity bond (Form –X) on a non-judicial stamp paper of rupees one hundred. Additionally, foreign manufacturers must provide a performance bank guarantee for USD 10,000 issued by an RBI-approved branch in India.
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. The actual marking fee or minimum marking fee, whichever is higher, shall be payable by the licensee every year.
The marking fee for the first year will be unit rate times the quantity marked during the first nine months. The marking fee for subsequent years shall be calculated year-to-year after that. The minimum marking fee shall be paid in advance for the validity period of the license.
If the actual marking fee is more than the minimum marking fee, the difference shall be paid annually by the applicant. The Bureau may direct such licensees to pay actual marking fees quarterly when the production volume is high. In case of cancellation of a license, the marking fee shall not be refunded by the Bureau.
Grounds of Refusal of ISI Certification
There are some conditions which may compel the BIS to issue a show cause notice declaring the application’s rejection. The Bureau will grant 21 days to the concerned business from receipt of this notice to represent its case. If the applicant is unable to give a satisfactory response, the BIS will finally proceed with the application’s rejection.
The ground for rejection of the ISI certification application are mentioned below
- Submission of incomplete application by providing incorrect/invalid/incomplete documents
- Non-submission of samples for testing after applying for ISI certification.
- The samples of the product fail the test.
- The manufacturer had not provided proper assistance to the BIS official during the factory audit. This has led to the non-verification of the production process and testing of the product.
- The manufacturer is found to have indulged in unethical practices.
- There is a lack of quality control personnel, or the person in charge of the manufacturing process is not competent.
- Manufacturing premises need a manufacturing facility.
To save your application from being refused on any of the above grounds, seek assistance from ISI Certification Consultants. We at Setindiabiz have years of expertise in providing complete end-to-end assistance in ISI Certification online. We handle your pre-registration queries, documentation, sample preparation, application for test reports, and application for ISI Certification online.
Benefits of ISI Certification
Investing in ISI Certification yields several advantages for manufacturers committed to delivering quality and safety. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, ISI certification brings forth a spectrum of benefits that extend to businesses, consumers, and the market at large. From bolstering product quality to expanding market reach and enhancing consumer trust, the advantages of ISI Certification are manifold. Let’s delve deeper into a few compelling benefits of ISI Certification.
Enhanced Product Quality
ISI Certification ensures that your products meet the rigorous quality and safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It enhances their overall quality and reliability.
Market Access
ISI Certification opens doors to a broader market by demonstrating your commitment to producing safe and compliant products. It ensures successful business expansion.
Legal Compliance
Certification ensures that your products comply with mandatory Indian Standards. This helps you avoid legal and regulatory issues associated with non-compliant products.
Consumer Confidence
The ISI Mark instills confidence in consumers, signifying that your products are high in quality, safe to use. They meet the prescribed standards set by BIS.
Competitive Advantage
Certification sets you apart from competitors by showcasing your dedication to quality, ultimately attracting more customers and boosting your brand's reputation.
Global Recognition
ISI Certification can facilitate international trade by demonstrating that your products meet recognized quality standards. This facilitates easier exports to various countries.