For manufacturers located outside India, entering the Indian market often requires more than simply exporting products to an Indian importer. Depending on the product category and the applicable Indian regulatory requirement, the manufacturer may need to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and obtain the applicable BIS certification or registration before the product can be legally marketed in India.<\/p>\n
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates different conformity assessment routes. For foreign manufacturers, one important route is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)<\/strong>. Under FMCS, BIS can grant a licence to a foreign manufacturer for using the BIS Standard Mark on products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard. BIS states that FMCS generally applies to products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under MeitY’s Compulsory Registration Scheme.<\/p>\n For notified Electronics and IT products, the applicable route can instead be Scheme-II \/ Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)<\/strong>. BIS’s current Scheme-II list includes products such as laptops, tablets, televisions, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers, CCTV products, power adaptors, UPS\/inverters and other notified categories.<\/p>\n Therefore, a foreign manufacturer planning to sell products in India should first identify the product, applicable Indian Standard, applicable BIS scheme and current regulatory notification<\/strong> before beginning the certification process.<\/p>\n BIS certification for foreign manufacturers is the process through which an overseas manufacturer demonstrates conformity of its products with applicable Indian Standards and obtains the appropriate BIS approval for the Indian market.<\/p>\n Under FMCS, the licence is granted to the foreign manufacturer for products manufactured at the specified manufacturing premises and conforming to the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard.<\/p>\n This means that a foreign manufacturer cannot simply rely on an international test report or an ISO\/IEC standard certificate when Indian regulations specifically require BIS conformity.<\/p>\n BIS has clearly stated that, under FMCS, test reports based only on IEC or another standard are not accepted where the relevant Indian Standard is applicable. Testing must address the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS has operated FMCS since 2000. The scheme enables eligible manufacturers whose manufacturing premises are located outside India to obtain BIS certification for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards.<\/p>\n FMCS is particularly relevant for international manufacturers supplying products to India where the applicable conformity assessment route is BIS Scheme-I.<\/p>\n A foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS must have the necessary manufacturing facilities, testing arrangements and competent personnel required for the applicable Indian Standard. BIS also requires acceptance of the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection and licence conditions.<\/p>\n One of the most important points for foreign manufacturers is understanding that Scheme-I and Scheme-II are different BIS conformity assessment routes.<\/strong><\/p>\n Scheme-I is the traditional BIS product certification route used for many industrial, consumer, construction, electrical, mechanical, chemical and other products.<\/p>\n For a foreign manufacturer, FMCS is the relevant BIS certification mechanism for eligible products manufactured outside India.<\/p>\n Where a product is covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order or another compulsory requirement, the applicable BIS certification becomes a regulatory requirement for the specified product.<\/p>\n The exact requirement depends on the product and the applicable notification.<\/p>\n Scheme-II is a registration-based conformity assessment scheme based on self-declaration of conformity for notified products.<\/p>\n The current BIS Scheme-II list includes numerous Electronics and IT products such as laptops, tablets, televisions, smart watches, CCTV cameras, power adaptors, Bluetooth speakers and other notified categories.<\/p>\n Therefore, a foreign electronics manufacturer should not automatically apply for FMCS simply because the company is located outside India. The manufacturer should first check whether the product falls under CRS or another applicable BIS route.<\/p>\n This distinction is extremely important for manufacturers searching for terms such as:<\/p>\n BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS FMCS Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS Licence for Foreign Manufacturers<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS Certification for Export to India<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS ISI Mark for Imported Products<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS CRS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers<\/strong><\/p>\n These terms can refer to different regulatory routes.<\/p>\n FMCS is a BIS certification scheme specifically designed for foreign manufacturers and generally excludes Electronics & IT products notified under MeitY’s CRS. CRS is a separate Scheme-II registration route for products notified under the applicable Compulsory Registration Orders.<\/p>\n The correct route should therefore be determined product-by-product.<\/p>\n Manufacturers having their factory outside India can apply under FMCS.<\/p>\n BIS specifies that the foreign manufacturer should:<\/p>\n A separate application is required for each product\/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location, subject to applicable BIS provisions.<\/p>\n An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)<\/strong> is an important part of the FMCS process.<\/p>\n The AIR must be located in India and must accept responsibility for compliance with the applicable BIS requirements, licence conditions and related obligations on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n BIS states that the AIR should be an Indian resident. If the foreign manufacturer has an Indian branch or office, an appropriate employee may preferably be nominated. Where there is no Indian branch or office, the manufacturer may nominate an eligible person in accordance with BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The AIR’s name is endorsed in the BIS licence.<\/p>\n The AIR may also be required to represent the foreign manufacturer before BIS when necessary and facilitate compliance-related activities.<\/p>\n No.<\/p>\n BIS’s FMCS FAQ states that an importer cannot apply for the BIS licence on behalf of the foreign manufacturer under FMCS. The application is made by the foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n The importer, distributor or Indian business may have an important commercial role, but that does not change the identity of the manufacturer applying for FMCS certification.<\/p>\n This is an important point for overseas companies looking for BIS certification through an Indian importer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The FMCS process generally involves several stages.<\/p>\n The first step is identifying the exact product and applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n The manufacturer should confirm:<\/p>\n Correct standard identification is critical because the wrong standard can lead to inappropriate testing and delays.<\/p>\n The foreign factory should review its production and quality-control infrastructure against the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n This may include:<\/p>\n BIS specifically requires foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS to have appropriate manufacturing and testing capabilities.<\/p>\n The foreign manufacturer must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative who satisfies BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The AIR becomes an important communication and compliance point between the overseas manufacturer and BIS.<\/p>\n The application package generally requires technical, manufacturing, company and representative-related information.<\/p>\n Documents can include:<\/p>\n The exact document list depends on the product and applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Product testing is one of the most important parts of BIS certification.<\/p>\n The applicable tests must be determined according to the relevant Indian Standard and BIS requirements.<\/p>\n An overseas manufacturer should not assume that an existing CE, UL, IEC, ISO or other international test report will automatically satisfy BIS requirements.<\/p>\n BIS specifically states in its FMCS FAQ that test reports as per the relevant Indian Standard are required rather than reports merely based on IEC or another standard.<\/p>\n BIS has provided online application facilities for FMCS through the Manakonline portal.<\/p>\n As per the current BIS instructions, offline\/hard-copy FMCS applications were accepted only up to 31 May 2026<\/strong>. From 1 June 2026<\/strong>, BIS states that only applications submitted through the online portal will be accepted.<\/p>\n Therefore, foreign manufacturers applying now should follow the current online application procedure.<\/p>\n FMCS involves assessment of the foreign manufacturing premises and verification of manufacturing and testing capabilities as part of the certification process.<\/p>\n BIS may assess the factory infrastructure, quality-control system, testing arrangements and conformity of the product with the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Samples may also be drawn for testing as required under the certification process.<\/p>\n After satisfactory completion of the applicable assessment, testing and documentation requirements, BIS may grant the licence subject to the applicable conditions.<\/p>\n The foreign manufacturer can then use the BIS Standard Mark in accordance with the licence and applicable marking requirements.<\/p>\n The exact documentation varies according to the product and standard, but manufacturers should generally be prepared with:<\/p>\n Documents in languages other than Hindi or English may require appropriate translation in accordance with BIS requirements.<\/p>\n No.<\/p>\n BIS certification is not automatically mandatory for every imported product.<\/p>\n BIS explains that certification is generally voluntary, but the Government of India makes compliance compulsory for specified products through Quality Control Orders and other applicable notifications.<\/p>\n Therefore, before importing or selling a product in India, a foreign manufacturer should check whether its product is covered by:<\/p>\n The regulatory position should always be checked against the current notification applicable to the specific product.<\/p>\n Foreign electronics and IT manufacturers need special attention because many notified Electronics and IT products are regulated under Scheme-II \/ CRS<\/strong> rather than FMCS.<\/p>\n The current BIS Scheme-II list includes categories such as:<\/p>\n The exact applicable Indian Standard and current notification must be checked because product categories and standards can be updated or migrated.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers of industrial and consumer products may encounter BIS requirements under Scheme-I and FMCS depending on the product.<\/p>\n Examples can include products from areas such as:<\/p>\n The applicable route cannot be determined only from the country of manufacture. The product’s Indian Standard and current Government\/BIS notification determine the relevant requirement.<\/p>\n Foreign companies searching for BIS certification for export to India<\/strong> should start compliance planning before commercial shipments begin.<\/p>\n A practical sequence is:<\/p>\n Product identification \u2192 Indian Standard identification \u2192 BIS scheme identification \u2192 testing assessment \u2192 factory\/document review \u2192 AIR appointment where required \u2192 BIS application \u2192 assessment\/testing \u2192 licence\/registration \u2192 compliant marking \u2192 import and sale in India.<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting this process early can help identify testing, labelling, documentation or manufacturing gaps before the product reaches the Indian market.<\/p>\n International brands may manufacture products in one country while selling them under a brand name in India.<\/p>\n In such cases, the manufacturer should carefully review:<\/p>\n Brand and manufacturer information should be consistent throughout the certification documentation and product marking.<\/p>\n Some common issues that can create delays include:<\/p>\n Using an international standard without confirming the corresponding Indian Standard can result in unsuitable testing.<\/p>\n Missing company, factory, technical or AIR documents can lead to queries during application scrutiny.<\/p>\n FMCS applicants should have the required testing arrangements and competent personnel for the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n If models, variants or product configurations are not properly defined, additional clarification may be required.<\/p>\n The product and packaging should follow applicable BIS marking requirements.<\/p>\n Testing should be planned according to the applicable Indian Standard and BIS requirements.<\/p>\n BIS’s application guidance notes that incomplete applications, delayed responses to queries and delayed payments can contribute to delays in grant of licence.<\/p>\n International manufacturers may be familiar with CE, IEC, ISO, UL or other international compliance systems but may not be familiar with India’s BIS procedures.<\/p>\n A BIS certification consultant can assist with:<\/p>\n For foreign companies, this can make communication and coordination with the Indian certification system more structured.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides BIS certification consultancy and compliance support for manufacturers looking to enter or expand in the Indian market.<\/p>\n Our support can include:<\/p>\n The applicable BIS route is first evaluated according to the product, Indian Standard and current regulatory requirement.<\/p>\n One of the most common mistakes made by international manufacturers is assuming that every foreign product requires FMCS.<\/p>\n That is not correct.<\/p>\n A foreign manufacturer may need:<\/p>\n FMCS \/ Scheme-I<\/strong> for an applicable product requiring BIS certification through that route, or<\/p>\n Scheme-II \/ CRS<\/strong> for a product specifically covered under the applicable Compulsory Registration requirements, particularly notified Electronics and IT products.<\/p>\n BIS itself distinguishes FMCS from CRS.<\/p>\n Therefore, the first step should always be product-specific regulatory assessment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. It is a BIS certification scheme through which eligible foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS licence for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards.<\/p>\n Yes. Manufacturers whose factories are located outside India can apply under FMCS for eligible products.<\/p>\n Generally, FMCS does not cover Electronics and IT products notified by MeitY under CRS. Such products may fall under Scheme-II\/CRS.<\/p>\n Scheme-I is the BIS certification\/Mark Scheme under which eligible products can receive a BIS licence for use of the Standard Mark.<\/p>\n Scheme-II is a registration-based conformity assessment scheme based on self-declaration of conformity for applicable products.<\/p>\n No. FMCS and CRS are separate BIS conformity assessment routes.<\/p>\n For FMCS, the foreign applicant must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative who satisfies BIS requirements.<\/p>\n No. Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer is the applicant.<\/p>\n An IEC report by itself should not be assumed to satisfy BIS requirements. BIS states that the relevant Indian Standard test requirements must be addressed.<\/p>\n No. Mandatory BIS requirements apply to specified products covered by applicable Government notifications, QCOs or other compulsory requirements.<\/p>\n Where the product is subject to a mandatory BIS requirement, the applicable certification or registration requirements must be satisfied before the product is legally marketed\/imported as required by the applicable regulation.<\/p>\n Yes. BIS currently provides online FMCS application through the Manakonline portal. From 1 June 2026, BIS states that only online FMCS applications are accepted.<\/p>\n FMCS applicants are required to have appropriate testing arrangements\/equipment and competent testing personnel at the manufacturing premises as applicable to the Indian Standard.<\/p>\n FMCS involves assessment of the foreign manufacturing premises and verification of relevant manufacturing and testing capabilities as part of the certification process.<\/p>\n BIS states that a separate application is required for each product\/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location, subject to applicable provisions.<\/p>\n Yes, an eligible foreign manufacturer can apply through the applicable BIS route for its overseas manufacturing premises.<\/p>\n No. CE marking and BIS certification\/registration are different regulatory systems. Where Indian regulations require BIS conformity, the applicable Indian requirements must be addressed separately.<\/p>\n Yes. A foreign manufacturer can engage a BIS certification consultant for documentation, testing coordination, application support and other compliance activities. However, the manufacturer’s legal obligations and BIS requirements remain applicable.<\/p>\n FMCS can cover products conforming to relevant Indian Standards, subject to the applicable BIS scheme and product-specific requirements. BIS states that FMCS generally applies to products other than Electronics & IT Goods notified by MeitY.<\/p>\n The manufacturer should identify the exact product, applicable Indian Standard and current Government\/BIS notification. Based on these factors, the applicable BIS route\u2014such as FMCS\/Scheme-I or Scheme-II\/CRS\u2014can be determined.<\/p>\n For an international manufacturer entering the Indian market, understanding the difference between BIS FMCS, Scheme-I and Scheme-II CRS<\/strong> is an important first step toward regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n FMCS provides a BIS certification route for eligible foreign manufacturers, while Scheme-II\/CRS applies to products covered under the relevant registration requirements. BIS requires foreign manufacturers under FMCS to meet applicable Indian Standard requirements, maintain appropriate manufacturing and testing capabilities and nominate an Authorized Indian Representative.<\/p>\n Whether you are a manufacturer from China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the USA, the UK, Turkey, UAE or another country, the correct BIS route should be identified according to your specific product and Indian regulatory requirement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you are looking for BIS certification for foreign manufacturers, BIS FMCS consultancy, BIS ISI Mark certification, BIS CRS registration, BIS certification for export to India, or Indian Standard compliance support<\/strong>, Qualitance India can assist with the certification process from initial product assessment through documentation, testing coordination and application support.<\/p>\n Qualitance India \u2013 BIS Certification Consultancy<\/strong><\/p>\n Phone:<\/strong> +91-9310-615-170 BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers Introduction For manufacturers located outside India, entering the Indian market often requires more than simply exporting products to an Indian importer. Depending on the product category and the applicable Indian regulatory requirement, the manufacturer may need to comply with the relevant Indian Standard and obtain the applicable BIS certification or registration before the product can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"inline_featured_image":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers | FMCS, Scheme-I & Scheme-II CRS - Qualitance India","description":"Introduction For manufacturers located outside India, entering the Indian market often requires more than simply exporting products to an Indian importer. Depen"},"_slim_seo_primary_term_category":0,"_slim_seo_primary_term_post_tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3966"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3968,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3966\/revisions\/3968"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Is BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers?<\/h2>\n
What Is FMCS?<\/h2>\n
Scheme-I and Scheme-II: What Is the Difference?<\/h2>\n
Scheme-I \u2013 ISI Mark \/ Certification Scheme<\/h3>\n
Scheme-II \u2013 Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)<\/h3>\n
Important: FMCS Is Not the Same as CRS<\/h2>\n
Who Can Apply for BIS FMCS?<\/h2>\n
\n
What Is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?<\/h2>\n
Can an Indian Importer Apply for FMCS on Behalf of a Foreign Manufacturer?<\/h2>\n
BIS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
Step 1 \u2013 Identify the Product and Indian Standard<\/h3>\n
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Step 2 \u2013 Review Manufacturing and Testing Facilities<\/h3>\n
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Step 3 \u2013 Appoint an AIR<\/h3>\n
Step 4 \u2013 Prepare Documentation<\/h3>\n
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Step 5 \u2013 Testing<\/h3>\n
Step 6 \u2013 BIS Application<\/h3>\n
Step 7 \u2013 Factory Assessment and Verification<\/h3>\n
Step 8 \u2013 BIS Grant of Licence<\/h3>\n
Documents Required for Foreign Manufacturer BIS Certification<\/h2>\n
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Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Every Foreign Product?<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Foreign Electronics Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Foreign Industrial Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Export to India<\/h2>\n
BIS Certification for International Brands Selling in India<\/h2>\n
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Common Reasons for Delay in Foreign Manufacturer BIS Certification<\/h2>\n
Incorrect Indian Standard<\/h3>\n
Incomplete Documentation<\/h3>\n
Inadequate Factory Testing Facilities<\/h3>\n
Incorrect Product Scope<\/h3>\n
Incorrect Marking or Labelling<\/h3>\n
Poor Coordination With the Laboratory<\/h3>\n
Delayed Responses<\/h3>\n
Why Foreign Manufacturers Work With a BIS Certification Consultant<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification Consultancy for Foreign Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
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Why Choosing the Correct BIS Scheme Matters<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
1. What is FMCS in BIS?<\/h3>\n
2. Can a foreign manufacturer obtain a BIS licence?<\/h3>\n
3. Is FMCS applicable to electronics and IT products?<\/h3>\n
4. What is Scheme-I in BIS?<\/h3>\n
5. What is Scheme-II in BIS?<\/h3>\n
6. Is CRS the same as FMCS?<\/h3>\n
7. Does a foreign manufacturer need an AIR?<\/h3>\n
8. Can an Indian importer apply for FMCS?<\/h3>\n
9. Can a foreign manufacturer use an IEC test report?<\/h3>\n
10. Does every imported product require BIS certification?<\/h3>\n
11. Is BIS certification required before exporting products to India?<\/h3>\n
12. Can foreign manufacturers apply online for FMCS?<\/h3>\n
13. Does the foreign factory need testing facilities?<\/h3>\n
14. Is factory assessment part of FMCS?<\/h3>\n
15. Can one application cover multiple factories?<\/h3>\n
16. Can an international brand obtain BIS certification for an overseas factory?<\/h3>\n
17. Is BIS certification the same as CE certification?<\/h3>\n
18. Can an overseas manufacturer use an Indian consultant?<\/h3>\n
19. What products can be covered under FMCS?<\/h3>\n
20. How can a foreign manufacturer know whether it needs FMCS or CRS?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
\nEmail:<\/strong> info@qualitanceindia.com<\/a>
\nWebsite:<\/strong> https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/<\/a><\/p>\nRelated Search Topics<\/h1>\n
\nForeign Manufacturer Certification Scheme
\nBIS FMCS Certification
\nBIS Licence for Foreign Manufacturers
\nBIS Certification for Overseas Manufacturers
\nBIS Certification for Export to India
\nBIS ISI Mark for Foreign Manufacturers
\nBIS Scheme-I Certification
\nBIS Scheme-II CRS Registration
\nBIS CRS for Foreign Manufacturers
\nBIS Certification Consultancy India
\nIndian Standard Certification for Imported Products
\nBIS Compliance for International Manufacturers
\nBIS Registration for Foreign Companies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"