BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer & BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer: Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction

As global manufacturing expands, India has become one of the most attractive markets for exporters around the world. However, entry into the Indian market requires compliance with strict quality and safety regulations. For companies producing goods outside India, the most important legal requirement is the BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer. This license ensures that imported products meet India’s mandatory standards.

What Is the BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer?

The BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer is a mandatory license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for manufacturers located outside India. It allows foreign producers to manufacture and export products certified with the ISI Mark, confirming compliance with Indian Standards.

What Is the BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer?

The BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer is a proof of compliance that confirms the product meets the applicable Indian Standard. The certificate allows the manufacturer to use the ISI mark and sell their products in the Indian market without any restrictions.

Products that fall under mandatory certification must have this certificate before entering India, or they may be stopped by customs or regulatory authorities.

Why These BIS Approvals Are Important

Both the BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer and the BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer play a critical role in ensuring:

• ✔ Product safety and reliability
  
  

• ✔ Smooth clearance at customs
  
  

• ✔ Compliance with Indian quality regulations
  
  

• ✔ Market acceptance and customer trust
  
  

• ✔ Protection against penalties or product recalls
  
  

India follows strict standards, and foreign manufacturers must comply to avoid legal and commercial challenges.

Products Requiring BIS Approval

Several categories of products manufactured overseas require BIS approval, such as:

• Electrical appliances
  
  

• IT and electronic equipment
  
  

• Steel and metal products
  
  

• Automotive components
  
  

• Cement and building materials
  
  

• Household items
  
  

• Safety equipment
  
  

• Industrial machinery
  
  

If a product is listed under mandatory BIS certification and is manufactured outside India, it must obtain both approvals.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer, the company must:

• Own a legally registered manufacturing unit
  
  

• Operate a proper quality control system
  
  

• Use calibrated testing equipment
  
  

• Follow the relevant IS Standards
  
  

• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
  
  

• Maintain adequate production and testing facilities
  
  

BIS grants approval only when complete compliance is demonstrated.

Documents Required

To obtain the BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer or a BIS license, the manufacturer must submit:

• Factory registration documents
  
  

• Organizational structure
  
  

• Details of manufacturing process
  
  

• Raw material list
  
  

• Testing equipment list
  
  

• Calibration certificates
  
  

• Factory layout and location map
  
  

• Test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory
  
  

• Authorization letter for the AIR
  
  

• Quality control procedures
  
  

• Photographs of equipment and production area
  
  

Submitting accurate documents helps prevent delays.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain BIS Approvals

1. Identify the Correct Indian Standard (IS Code)

Check if the product falls under mandatory BIS certification.

2. Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers must have a local representative responsible for communication with BIS.

3. Submit Application Online

Applications are filed through the BIS portal along with all documents and product details.

4. Factory Inspection by BIS Officials

A BIS officer visits the foreign manufacturing unit for:

• Verifying production capability
  
  

• Reviewing QC procedures
  
  

• Checking testing equipment
  
  

• Ensuring adherence to the IS Standard
  
  

5. Sample Testing in BIS-Recognized Labs

Samples from the inspected factory are tested for compliance.

6. Evaluation and Approval

If test results and inspection reports meet the required standard, BIS grants:

• BIS License for Foreign Manufacturer
  
  

• BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer
  
  

Upon approval, the company may use the ISI Mark.

Timeline for BIS Licensing

Typically, the approval process takes 60 to 90 days, depending on:

• Product category
  
  

• Completeness of documentation
  
  

• Lab testing duration
  
  

• Availability of BIS officers
  
  

Some complex products may take longer.

Cost of BIS Approvals

The overall cost involves:

• Application fee
  
  

• Inspection fee
  
  

• Lab test charges
  
  

• License fee
  
  

• Marking fee
  
  

• Travel and accommodation cost for BIS inspectors (paid by manufacturer)
  
  

The exact cost varies depending on product and country of manufacture.

Benefits of BIS License and Certificate

Manufacturers get key benefits such as:

• ✔ Legal permission to export regulated products
  
  

• ✔ Market acceptance and higher customer confidence
  
  

• ✔ Avoidance of shipment rejection
  
  

• ✔ Competitive advantage in India
  
  

• ✔ Long-term regulatory compliance
  
  

BIS certification enhances business opportunities in India’s fast-growing market.

Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers

• Incorrect IS Standard selection
  
  

• Incomplete documents
  
  

• Delays in laboratory testing
  
  

• Lack of clarity in BIS guidelines
  
  

• Miscommunication with regulatory bodies
  
  

Working with experienced consultants helps smoothen the process.

Conclusion

The sunconsultants.co.in and the BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacturer are essential approvals for exporting regulated products to India. These certifications ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards. With proper documentation, factory readiness, and technical guidance, the BIS approval process becomes smooth and efficient