BIS Certification for Import into India: What Every Importer Must Know (2026)

India's import compliance framework for BIS certification has tightened significantly since 2020. Customs authorities now routinely check for BIS certificates during clearance, and shipments of non-certified products covered by QCOs are held at ports, returned, or destroyed. This guide is for importers — whether you are a brand, a trading company, or a direct importer — who need a clear picture of what BIS certification is required for their products.

Does Your Import Require BIS Certification?

Not every imported product requires BIS certification. The requirement is triggered by one of two things: (1) the product falls under a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO), or (2) the product is an electronics/IT item covered by the CRS notification.

The fastest way to check: search the product by HS code or product category on the Complyr QCO Tracker at /resources/qco-tracker, or contact Complyr for a 24-hour verification.

• ›Steel products (HR/CR sheets, TMT bars, tubes, galvanised sheets) — ISI Mark required via FMCS
• ›Cement and cement products — ISI Mark via FMCS
• ›Toys (all toys for children under 14) — ISI Mark via FMCS
• ›Helmets (motorcycle and bicycle) — ISI Mark via FMCS
• ›Electrical appliances (fans, geysers, irons, kettles, hair dryers — 90 categories from Oct 2026) — ISI Mark via FMCS
• ›Electronics (mobile phones, laptops, LEDs, chargers, power banks, TVs, routers) — CRS registration
• ›Solar panels and inverters — ISI Mark via FMCS
• ›LPG cylinders and pressure equipment — ISI Mark via FMCS

Two Paths for BIS Certification on Imports

For imported products, there are two certification paths depending on the product category:

• ›FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) — applies to non-electronics products under QCOs. The overseas manufacturer applies for BIS certification directly; once licensed, they can export to India. The importer's role is to ensure their supplier has a valid FMCS licence before placing purchase orders.
• ›CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) — applies to electronics and IT products. Either the overseas manufacturer or the Indian importer can hold the CRS registration. If the manufacturer does not have CRS, the Indian importer must obtain it before the goods can be sold in India.

What Importers Must Verify Before Placing an Order

Once you confirm that BIS certification is required, here is the pre-order compliance checklist:

• ›Confirm the overseas manufacturer has a valid FMCS licence or CRS registration — ask for the BIS licence number and verify it on bis.gov.in
• ›Check the licence covers the exact product model and IS number — licences are product-specific
• ›Verify the licence has not expired — ISI Mark licences are valid for 1 year; CRS for 2 years
• ›Confirm the product will be marked correctly (ISI logo + CM/L number or R-CRS mark) before shipment
• ›Check whether a new QCO effective date is upcoming — ordering stock that arrives after an effective date uncertified can leave you with unsellable inventory

If the Manufacturer Does Not Have BIS Certification

This is the most common situation for importers sourcing from new overseas suppliers. You have three options:

• ›1. Ask the manufacturer to obtain FMCS certification — for high-volume, ongoing import relationships, this is the right long-term path. Offer to assist them by connecting them with an Indian AIR (Complyr can serve as AIR).
• ›2. Obtain CRS registration yourself (for electronics only) — Indian importers can apply for CRS registration as the responsible party. This is often faster than waiting for the manufacturer to certify.
• ›3. Source from a certified manufacturer — if your supplier cannot or will not certify, find an alternative supplier who already holds BIS certification for the product.

Customs Clearance and BIS Certificates

For QCO-covered products, Customs (CBIC) checks for BIS certification at the time of import clearance. The importer must present the BIS licence or CRS registration certificate along with the Bill of Entry.

• ›The BIS licence number must be declared in the Bill of Entry for QCO-covered products
• ›Customs officers can physically inspect the product to verify the BIS mark is correctly affixed
• ›Products without valid BIS certification may be detained, denied clearance, or returned at the importer's cost
• ›Repeat violations can result in the importer being flagged for enhanced scrutiny on all future consignments
• ›E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) now require BIS certificates during seller onboarding for QCO-covered categories

Penalties for Importing Without BIS Certification

• ›Fine up to ₹5 lakh for first offence under BIS Act, 2016
• ›Fine up to ₹10 lakh for repeat offences
• ›Imprisonment up to 2 years for deliberate fraud
• ›Product seizure and destruction at importer's cost
• ›Import ban on repeat violators