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BIS ISI Mark Registration

Mandatory ISI Certification Scheme

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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

Minimum Requirements for ISI Certification

To obtain ISI Certification, manufacturers must meet a set of stringent minimum requirements. These requirements ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards and serve as the foundation of a successful certification process. Understanding them is extremely crucial before the process begins. So, here’s a complete guide of requirements for ISI Certification for your detailed and comprehensive understanding.

Manufacturing Facility:
Ensure your manufacturing facility adheres to the necessary quality control measures outlined in the Indian Standard.

Testing Facility:
Identify whether you have in-house testing facilities or need to collaborate with external testing labs for specific tests.

Quality Control Procedures:
Establish and document all quality control procedures within your manufacturing process.

Product Compliance:
Verify that your product complies with the technical specifications and performance criteria specified in the Indian Standard.

Factory Inspection:
Ensure your facility is ready for a factory inspection by BIS officials, including necessary infrastructure, equipment, and personnel.

Testing Equipment Calibration:
Verify that all testing equipment in your facility is properly calibrated and meets the required accuracy standards. This is essential to ensure accurate testing results during the ISI Certification process.

Record-keeping:
Establish an organized system for record-keeping to maintain product specifications, test results, quality control procedures, and more.

Documents Required to Apply for ISI Certification

Whether a manufacturer is seeking ISI Certification mandatorily or voluntarily, the requirement for documentation remains consistent. In fact the success of ISI Certification process depends entirely on the submission of accurate and adequate documents. This demonstrates compliance with the Standards set by BIS. In the table below, we have provided a complete list of all the documents required for ISI Certification.
Documents Required for ISI Certification
  • Incorporation Documents
  • Address Proof of Manufacturing Unit
  • Location & Layout Plan for factories
  • Particulars & Test certificates of raw materials
  • Flowchart Showing All Manufacturing Stages (In-house & Outsourced)
  • Test reports, from in-house and third-party testing laboratories recognised by BIS.
  • Bank statement of the business
  • Drawing of the products and components
  • Manufacturing & Testing Equipment Details
  • Trademark Registration Certificate
  • Packaging details - Product Size, Quantity, Storage Facility, etc
  • Proof of possession of Manufacturing Premises like lease deed or electricity bill
Note:
  1. Incorporation Documents will depend on the type of business structure.
    • Companies – Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, Article of Association.
    • Partnership Firms and LLPs – Partnership Agreements and Certificate of Incorporation, if applicable.
    • Sole Proprietorship you can submit Certificate from Directorate of Industries or Certificate from Industry Center, and MSME Certificate (if applicable).
  2. If the manufacturing process has been outsourced, an Outsourced Manufacturing Agreement must be submitted.
  3. Consent letter’ from BIS recognised Laboratories- It is required where the applicant does not have in-house testing facilities.

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-7: 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.

Validity & Renewal of ISI Certification

The license granted for the first time shall be valid for not less than one year and up to two years. The minimum marking fee shall be paid in advance for the entire duration of validity period. The license to use the ISI mark may be renewed for a further period of one year to five years. An application for renewal of a license to use Standard Mark shall be made before two months of its expiration.
Time of filing Effect on Renewal
  • If a renewal application is received after the expiration of the validity.
  • If a renewal application is not received within the period of deferment.
  • If the renewal application is made after the validity of the license.
  • If the renewal application and fee are received, the license is suspended.
  • After receipt of a renewal application, if the suspension is revoked at the end of its validity.
  • If discrepancies which led to the suspension of the license are removed
  • If discrepancies led to the license's suspension are not removed
  • The renewal of the license may be deferred for a period of up to ninety days
  • The license shall expire after the date of its validity.
  • The application shall be accompanied by a late fee of Rs.5,000.
  • The license shall be renewed once the suspension is revoked.
  • Renewal may be deferred for up to one hundred and eighty days from its validity date.
  • The license may be renewed from the date of its validity.
  • The license shall stand to expire after the date of its validity.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Penal provisions for misusing ISI marks are laid down in section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. Any such use will lead to imprisonment for a term of up to two years. Also a fine may be imposed for not less than Rs.2,00,000 for the first contravention. It may be increased Rs.5,00,000 for second and subsequent contraventions.
It is a certification mark for products covered under scheme I. The presence of the ISI mark on a product conforms to the Indian Standard.
Bureau of Indian Standard or BIS is the ISI Certification Agency that issues ISI Mark.
Product Manuals provide the technical guidelines for all the goods covered under the Product Certification Scheme. Product manuals include a list of test equipment, sampling guidelines, Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT), description of scope etc.
If the product is new, the product-specific guidelines and marking fees are unavailable. The manufacturer may apply for its BIS license. BIS will define the product-specific guidelines and marking fee rate. The license granted will be called the ‘All India First Licence.
Separate applications for each product must be submitted even for the exact factory location. Similarly, separate applications for each factory location must be submitted, even if the product is the same.
You can search for a fee for a testing laboratory here.
The test report is valid for 90 days.

The fee to apply for ISI certification:

  1. The application fee is Rs.1000/-, 
  2. Fee for the Factory inspection is Rs.7000/- per person-day, and 
  3. Marking fee – A minimum of fifty per cent of the marking fee is payable at the application submission time. The marking fee is notified separately for each product.



License to use the ISI mark is granted within 90 days and within 30 days under the simplified procedure. This timeline is applicable provided the documentation, inspection of the unit and product testing has positive results.
The Licence to use ISI Mark shall be granted initially for at least one year and up to two years. The manufacturer may renew the Licence for at least one year and up to five years. The renewal application and the relevant fee must be submitted online for renewal as per the renewal period. The application must contain production details for the relevant period as it is required to calculate the marking fee.
ISI Certification is granted with the primary condition that the manufacturer continues to maintain their manufacturing infrastructure. Also they ensure quality control and testing of products to the relevant standard(s). Testing of the product samples in the factory is also witnessed during such visits.
BIS license is granted to a manufacturer, not an importer. If a product is imported and falls under the mandatory certification scheme, its foreign manufacturer will need BIS Certification under FMCS. BIS Certification under FMCS. FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.
Penal provisions for misusing ISI marks are laid down in section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. Any such use will lead to imprisonment for a term of up to two years. Also a fine may be imposed for not less than Rs.2,00,000 for the first contravention. It may be increased Rs.5,00,000 for second and subsequent contraventions.