Foreign manufacturers planning to sell, import or supply products in the Indian market may need to obtain a BIS licence<\/strong> before their products can be legally supplied in India where the applicable product is covered by mandatory BIS certification requirements.<\/p>\n The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)<\/strong> is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification route through which eligible manufacturers having manufacturing facilities outside India can obtain a BIS licence to use the BIS Standard Mark<\/strong> on products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n BIS has been operating FMCS since 2000. The scheme is administered by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), BIS Headquarters, New Delhi<\/strong>. FMCS generally covers products other than Electronics & IT products notified under the separate BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).<\/p>\n For overseas companies searching for BIS certification for foreign manufacturers<\/strong>, BIS licence for export to India<\/strong>, BIS certification for imported products<\/strong>, or BIS FMCS consultancy<\/strong>, understanding the certification process is essential before starting exports to India.<\/p>\n The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)<\/strong> is a BIS certification scheme for manufacturers whose factories are located outside India.<\/p>\n Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to the foreign manufacturer for using the Standard Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard. The licence is associated with the specified manufacturing premises and approved product scope.<\/p>\n FMCS is particularly important for international manufacturers whose products are subject to compulsory BIS certification in India.<\/p>\n Examples can include products covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs), where the Government of India requires conformity to an Indian Standard and use of the Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.<\/p>\n BIS certification requirements depend on the product and the applicable Indian regulatory framework.<\/p>\n BIS certification itself is not mandatory for every product. However, where a product is brought under compulsory certification through a Quality Control Order or other applicable government notification<\/strong>, the manufacturer must comply with the applicable BIS requirements before supplying the product in India.<\/p>\n For a foreign manufacturer, this means that the company should determine:<\/p>\n A proper applicability assessment should be completed before shipment to India.<\/p>\n Manufacturers whose factory location is outside India<\/strong> can apply under FMCS.<\/p>\n BIS requires the foreign manufacturer to:<\/p>\n BIS also requires a separate application for each product\/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This is an important point for multinational companies having several factories in different countries or different manufacturing locations.<\/p>\n The foundation of FMCS certification is the applicable Indian Standard (IS)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A foreign manufacturer cannot simply rely on an international test certificate and assume that it automatically satisfies BIS requirements.<\/p>\n BIS states that test reports under FMCS must be based on the relevant Indian Standard<\/strong>. Test reports according to IEC, ISO or another international standard are not automatically accepted in place of the applicable Indian Standard test report.<\/p>\n Therefore, manufacturers should identify the correct Indian Standard before arranging testing.<\/p>\n The FMCS process involves multiple technical, documentation and assessment stages.<\/p>\n The first step is to identify the Indian Standard applicable to the product.<\/p>\n The manufacturer should determine:<\/p>\n BIS product-specific manuals and Scheme of Inspection and Testing documents can provide additional guidance for the applicable product.<\/p>\n FMCS is designed for foreign manufacturers of products covered by the applicable BIS product certification framework.<\/p>\n For Electronics & IT products notified under MeitY’s CRS framework, the applicable certification route may instead be BIS CRS<\/strong>, rather than FMCS.<\/p>\n Therefore, the certification scheme should be confirmed before beginning the application.<\/p>\n The manufacturer should identify exactly which models, sizes, grades, ratings, variants and other product characteristics are intended to be covered.<\/p>\n This is important because the BIS licence is granted for the approved varieties and scope.<\/p>\n BIS states that the licence is valid only for the varieties included in the licence.<\/p>\n The manufacturing facility should be capable of consistently producing products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.<\/p>\n The factory should have appropriate:<\/p>\n BIS specifically requires foreign manufacturers to have manufacturing and testing infrastructure at the factory premises.<\/p>\n An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)<\/strong> is mandatory for a foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS.<\/p>\n The AIR must be an Indian resident and is responsible for specified compliance-related functions associated with the BIS licence.<\/p>\n If the foreign manufacturer has a branch or office in India, an employee of that branch or office may be nominated where appropriate.<\/p>\n If the foreign manufacturer does not have an Indian branch or office, it can nominate an eligible person in accordance with BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The manufacturer needs to prepare the prescribed application and supporting documents.<\/p>\n The application should be complete and consistent with the actual factory, product and testing arrangements.<\/p>\n Incomplete documentation can result in queries and delays.<\/p>\n There has been an important recent change in the FMCS application process.<\/p>\n BIS states that offline\/hard-copy FMCS applications were accepted only up to 31 May 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n From 1 June 2026, only applications submitted through the online portal are accepted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Therefore, foreign manufacturers applying today should use the online FMCS application process through the BIS portal.<\/p>\n After receiving the application and applicable fee, BIS scrutinizes the application.<\/p>\n If BIS identifies deficiencies or requires clarification, queries may be communicated to the applicant.<\/p>\n The manufacturer or its AIR needs to provide appropriate responses and supporting documents.<\/p>\n BIS specifically notes that incomplete applications, delayed responses to queries, delays in arranging inspection, sample transportation or payment of dues can affect the certification timeline.<\/p>\n Once the application is complete, BIS arranges a visit to the foreign manufacturing facility.<\/p>\n During the inspection, BIS verifies:<\/p>\n BIS also draws product samples during the inspection for independent testing.<\/p>\n Samples drawn during BIS inspection are tested against the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n BIS states that samples drawn during inspection are to be tested in BIS laboratories or BIS-recognized laboratories<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The foreign manufacturer is responsible for the safe deposition\/transportation of samples and payment of applicable testing charges.<\/p>\n BIS evaluates the factory inspection report and independent test reports.<\/p>\n The application proceeds toward grant of licence after satisfactory inspection and test results demonstrating conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Before the licence is granted, the applicant may need to pay applicable:<\/p>\n The exact fee structure depends on the certification requirements and current BIS provisions.<\/p>\n After successful completion of the applicable requirements, BIS grants the licence to the foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n The licence authorizes the manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark for the approved product scope, subject to the applicable conditions.<\/p>\n The AIR is one of the most important requirements for a foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n BIS requires the AIR to be:<\/p>\n The AIR’s name is endorsed in the BIS licence.<\/p>\n The AIR also has responsibilities relating to:<\/p>\n BIS states that non-cooperation by the AIR can lead to action under the applicable conformity-assessment regulations, including suspension or cancellation of the licence.<\/p>\n No.<\/p>\n The foreign manufacturer itself must apply<\/strong> under FMCS.<\/p>\n BIS specifically states that an importer cannot apply for an FMCS licence on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n An importer may have a role in the supply chain, but this does not replace the manufacturer’s responsibility for obtaining the appropriate BIS licence.<\/p>\n Generally, no.<\/p>\n BIS requires a separate application for each product\/Indian Standard and each factory location<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For example, if a foreign company manufactures two different products covered by two different Indian Standards at the same factory, separate applications may be required.<\/p>\n Similarly, if the same product is manufactured at two different factories, separate applications are required for the respective manufacturing premises.<\/p>\n BIS FMCS FAQ states that the application is for a product at a manufacturing premises, and separate applications are not necessarily required for different brands manufactured at the same premises; the manufacturer must provide the required undertaking and relevant brand documents.<\/p>\n The exact brand and marking arrangement should be confirmed during application preparation.<\/p>\n Testing is a major component of FMCS certification.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should establish testing capability according to the relevant Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Depending on the product, testing can include:<\/p>\n The exact testing requirements vary according to the product and Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Not automatically.<\/p>\n BIS states that test reports under FMCS need to be according to the relevant Indian Standard<\/strong>. A test report prepared solely against IEC, ISO or another standard is not accepted as a substitute for the relevant Indian Standard test report.<\/p>\n Where an Indian Standard is based on an international standard, the manufacturer should still verify the exact BIS testing requirements and applicable Indian Standard before testing.<\/p>\n Factory inspection is an important part of the FMCS process.<\/p>\n BIS representatives may verify:<\/p>\n BIS evaluates whether the products manufactured at the declared premises can consistently conform to the applicable Indian Standard.<\/p>\n The exact document checklist varies according to the product and Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should generally prepare:<\/p>\n BIS’s FMCS application checklist also includes requirements relating to application fee, AIR nomination and application countersignature by the AIR.<\/p>\n The total cost of obtaining BIS certification under FMCS depends on several factors.<\/p>\n Possible cost components include:<\/p>\n The exact amount cannot be stated as one fixed figure for every product because testing and certification requirements vary by Indian Standard and product scope.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should obtain a product-specific cost assessment before beginning the certification process.<\/p>\n BIS states that the average time for grant of an FMCS licence is generally around six months from the date of recording of a complete application<\/strong>.<\/p>\n However, this is not a guaranteed fixed timeline.<\/p>\n The actual time can vary depending on:<\/p>\n BIS expressly identifies these factors as possible causes of delay.<\/p>\n BIS states that certification under Scheme-I may initially be granted for a period of up to two years<\/strong>, subject to the applicable conditions and fees.<\/p>\n The licence can subsequently be renewed, with the FAQ stating that renewal may extend the licence up to five years from the last validity, subject to the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n The licence applies only to the approved varieties and scope.<\/p>\n FMCS has additional requirements associated with foreign manufacturers.<\/p>\n BIS’s FMCS grant-of-licence procedure states that an agreement and indemnity bond are to be executed and a Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000<\/strong> from a bank having an RBI-approved branch in India is required immediately after grant of licence.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should consider this requirement while planning the certification process.<\/p>\n After receiving the BIS licence, the foreign manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark on products within the approved licence scope, subject to the applicable marking conditions.<\/p>\n The Standard Mark must not be used on products outside the approved scope.<\/p>\n The manufacturer is also required to maintain conformity with the relevant Indian Standard and the conditions of the BIS licence.<\/p>\n Obtaining the licence is not the end of the compliance process.<\/p>\n A foreign manufacturer must continue to:<\/p>\n BIS states that licensees are required to disclose production and dispatch details of Standard Marked goods to BIS on the prescribed periodic basis.<\/p>\n A manufacturer may need to add new product varieties to an existing BIS licence.<\/p>\n BIS provides an inclusion process through which licensees can request the addition of new varieties to an existing licence.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should not assume that a new model, rating, size or variant is automatically covered by an existing licence.<\/p>\n The applicable product manual and grouping guidelines should be checked before manufacturing or marking new varieties.<\/p>\n FMCS can be relevant to manufacturers located in many different countries, provided the product and certification requirements fall within the scheme.<\/p>\n For example, an overseas manufacturer from:<\/p>\n may need to assess BIS requirements before supplying a covered product to India.<\/p>\n The country of manufacture does not by itself remove BIS requirements where a product is covered by a mandatory Indian regulatory requirement.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers planning to export products to India should complete BIS applicability assessment before shipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A practical compliance review should identify:<\/p>\n Starting the BIS process only after goods are ready for shipment can create unnecessary commercial and compliance delays.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should distinguish between FMCS and CRS.<\/p>\n FMCS is generally used for foreign manufacturers of products other than Electronics & IT products notified under the MeitY CRS framework.<\/p>\n The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)<\/strong> applies to notified Electronics & IT products.<\/p>\n Therefore, an overseas manufacturer of a particular electronic product should first verify whether the product falls under CRS rather than assuming that FMCS is applicable.<\/p>\n The correct BIS certification route depends on the product category and applicable notification.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers may experience delays because of:<\/p>\n BIS itself notes that incomplete applications and delayed responses, inspection arrangements, sample handling and payments can affect the licence timeline.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides BIS certification consultancy support to manufacturers located outside India who need assistance with BIS compliance and certification for the Indian market.<\/p>\n Our FMCS consultancy support can include:<\/p>\n We assist manufacturers in understanding the requirements before they begin the BIS application process.<\/p>\n For overseas companies searching for BIS certification consultancy for foreign manufacturers<\/strong>, BIS FMCS consultant in India<\/strong>, BIS licence for imported products<\/strong>, or BIS certification for export to India<\/strong>, professional assistance can help coordinate the Indian certification requirements with the manufacturer’s existing factory and quality systems.<\/p>\n FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme<\/strong>. It is the BIS scheme through which eligible foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark on products conforming to applicable Indian Standards.<\/p>\n Manufacturers having their manufacturing premises outside India can apply, subject to meeting BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Yes. A foreign applicant must nominate an eligible Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n No. The foreign manufacturer must apply under FMCS; an importer cannot apply on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.<\/p>\n Yes. BIS states that from 1 June 2026<\/strong>, FMCS applications are accepted only through the online portal.<\/p>\n No. BIS requires separate applications for each product\/Indian Standard and each factory location.<\/p>\n Generally, separate applications are required for each product\/Indian Standard.<\/p>\n No. BIS states that test reports must be according to the relevant Indian Standard.<\/p>\n Samples drawn during BIS inspection are tested in BIS laboratories or BIS-recognized laboratories.<\/p>\n Yes. BIS conducts a factory visit to verify manufacturing and testing infrastructure and draw samples for independent testing.<\/p>\n BIS states that the average time is generally around six months from recording of a complete application<\/strong>, although the actual period can vary.<\/p>\n No. FMCS is a certification scheme. Whether BIS certification itself is mandatory depends on the product and applicable government\/QCO requirements.<\/p>\n Generally, FMCS covers products other than Electronics & IT products notified under the MeitY CRS framework.<\/p>\n BIS states that FMCS can cover standards under both mandatory and voluntary certification.<\/p>\n The BIS Standard Mark is used under a valid BIS licence to identify products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard and certification requirements.<\/p>\n BIS states that the licence may initially be granted for up to two years and can be renewed subject to applicable requirements.<\/p>\n BIS’s FMCS grant-of-licence procedure specifies a USD 10,000 Performance Bank Guarantee<\/strong> from a bank having an RBI-approved branch in India after grant of the licence.<\/p>\n Yes. A licensee can request inclusion of additional varieties in an existing licence, subject to the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Yes. BIS requires the AIR to be an Indian resident.<\/p>\n BIS certification involves Indian Standard identification, product scope, documentation, testing, factory inspection, AIR coordination, application management and post-licence compliance. Professional consultancy can help coordinate these activities with the overseas manufacturer’s existing systems.<\/p>\n The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)<\/strong> provides a structured BIS certification route for eligible manufacturers whose factories are located outside India.<\/p>\n For a foreign manufacturer planning to supply products to the Indian market, the process begins with identifying the correct Indian Standard and certification requirement<\/strong>, followed by product-scope assessment, factory preparation, AIR nomination, documentation, online application, BIS factory assessment, product testing and compliance evaluation.<\/p>\n An important current change is that from 1 June 2026, BIS accepts FMCS applications only through the online portal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers should also remember that FMCS certification is linked to the manufacturing premises and approved product scope. Separate applications are required for each product\/Indian Standard and manufacturing location.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides professional BIS certification consultancy support for overseas manufacturers planning to enter or expand in the Indian market.<\/p>\n Our assistance can cover:<\/p>\nWhat is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme?<\/h2>\n
Why Do Foreign Manufacturers Need BIS Certification?<\/h2>\n
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Who Can Apply Under FMCS?<\/h2>\n
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FMCS and Indian Standards<\/h2>\n
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers: Step-by-Step Process<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard<\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Determine Whether FMCS is the Correct Scheme<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Review the Product Scope<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Assess the Foreign Factory<\/h3>\n
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Step 5: Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative<\/h3>\n
Step 6: Prepare the FMCS Application<\/h3>\n
Step 7: Submit the Application Online<\/h3>\n
Step 8: BIS Application Scrutiny<\/h3>\n
Step 9: BIS Factory Inspection<\/h3>\n
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Step 10: Product Sample Testing<\/h3>\n
Step 11: Evaluation of Inspection and Test Results<\/h3>\n
Step 12: Payment Before Grant of Licence<\/h3>\n
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Step 13: Grant of BIS Licence<\/h3>\n
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)<\/h2>\n
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Can an Importer Apply for FMCS Licence?<\/h2>\n
Can One FMCS Application Cover Multiple Products?<\/h2>\n
Can One Licence Cover Different Brands?<\/h2>\n
BIS Testing Requirements Under FMCS<\/h2>\n
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Can IEC or ISO Test Reports Be Used for FMCS?<\/h2>\n
FMCS Factory Inspection<\/h2>\n
Manufacturing Infrastructure<\/h3>\n
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Testing Infrastructure<\/h3>\n
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Quality Control<\/h3>\n
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Product Conformity<\/h3>\n
Documents Required for FMCS<\/h2>\n
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FMCS Certification Cost<\/h2>\n
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FMCS Timeline<\/h2>\n
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BIS Licence Validity Under FMCS<\/h2>\n
Performance Bank Guarantee<\/h2>\n
BIS Standard Mark for Foreign Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
Operation of FMCS Licence<\/h2>\n
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Addition of New Models or Varieties<\/h2>\n
FMCS for Manufacturers from Different Countries<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Export to India<\/h2>\n
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FMCS vs BIS CRS<\/h2>\n
FMCS<\/h3>\n
CRS<\/h3>\n
Common Reasons for FMCS Delays<\/h2>\n
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How Qualitance India Can Help Foreign Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions About FMCS<\/h2>\n
1. What is FMCS?<\/h3>\n
2. Who can apply for FMCS?<\/h3>\n
3. Is an Authorized Indian Representative mandatory?<\/h3>\n
4. Can an importer apply for FMCS?<\/h3>\n
5. Can a foreign manufacturer apply online?<\/h3>\n
6. Can one application cover multiple factories?<\/h3>\n
7. Can one application cover different Indian Standards?<\/h3>\n
8. Are international IEC or ISO test reports automatically accepted?<\/h3>\n
9. Where are samples tested?<\/h3>\n
10. Does BIS inspect the foreign factory?<\/h3>\n
11. How long does FMCS certification take?<\/h3>\n
12. Is FMCS mandatory for every foreign manufacturer?<\/h3>\n
13. Does FMCS cover Electronics and IT products?<\/h3>\n
14. Can a foreign manufacturer get BIS certification for a product that is under voluntary certification?<\/h3>\n
15. What is the BIS Standard Mark?<\/h3>\n
16. How long is an FMCS licence valid?<\/h3>\n
17. Is a Performance Bank Guarantee required?<\/h3>\n
18. Can new models be added later?<\/h3>\n
19. Does the AIR have to live in India?<\/h3>\n
20. Why should a foreign manufacturer hire a BIS consultant?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
BIS FMCS Consultancy for Foreign Manufacturers<\/h3>\n