Understand the Right BIS Scheme for Your Product
Different products, manufacturers and business situations may require different BIS certification routes. Start by understanding the likely pathway before testing, filing or importing.
Initial applicability check Scheme identification Testing pathway Filing support
BIS Scheme Map
The pathway depends on the product scope, manufacturing location, applicable Indian Standard and current regulatory notification.
Explore the Main BIS Certification Schemes
Each pathway has a different application structure, testing route and manufacturer requirement.
ISI Mark Certification
A product certification pathway generally associated with applicable Indian Standards, manufacturing capability, product testing and factory assessment.
- Indian and foreign manufacturing pathways
- Product testing and factory readiness
- Licence-based use of the Standard Mark
CRS Registration
A registration pathway commonly used for notified electronics and information technology products supported by testing from a recognised laboratory.
- Product and model-specific assessment
- Recognised laboratory test report
- Registration number and marking requirements
Foreign Manufacturers Certification
A certification pathway for eligible manufacturing facilities located outside India that intend to supply regulated products to the Indian market.
- Foreign manufacturing facility
- Authorized Indian Representative
- Testing and factory inspection preparation
Scheme X Certification
A conformity assessment route relevant to notified machinery and electrical equipment, subject to the applicable product scope and regulatory requirements.
- Machinery and electrical equipment
- Technical documentation review
- Product-specific conformity pathway
Which BIS Pathway May Fit Your Requirement?
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Why this may apply
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This is an initial product compliance screening and not a final legal determination. The applicable requirement must be verified against the exact product scope, technical specifications, relevant Indian Standard and latest regulatory notification.
How the Main BIS Schemes Differ
| Category | ISI Mark | CRS | FMCS | Scheme X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical applicant | Manufacturer | Manufacturer | Foreign manufacturer | Manufacturer |
| Manufacturer location | India or outside India, subject to applicable route | India or outside India | Outside India | Depends on the applicable product pathway |
| Product testing | Usually relevant | Test report from an applicable recognised laboratory | Product-specific testing may apply | Product-specific technical assessment |
| Factory assessment | May form part of the certification process | Generally different from the Scheme I pathway | Inspection preparation may be required | Depends on the conformity route |
| Model or product scope | Product and manufacturing unit | Product, brand and model registration | Foreign manufacturing facility and covered product | Machinery or electrical equipment |
| Indian representative | May be required for a foreign manufacturer | May be required for an overseas applicant | Authorized Indian Representative | Depends on applicant location |
| Main compliance outcome | Licence to use the applicable Standard Mark | Registration under the applicable product category | Certification for an eligible foreign manufacturing unit | Applicable conformity certification or licence |
- Typical applicant
- Manufacturer
- Manufacturer location
- India or outside India, subject to applicable route
- Product testing
- Usually relevant
- Factory assessment
- May form part of the certification process
- Model or product scope
- Product and manufacturing unit
- Indian representative
- May be required for a foreign manufacturer
- Main compliance outcome
- Licence to use the applicable Standard Mark
- Typical applicant
- Manufacturer
- Manufacturer location
- India or outside India
- Product testing
- Test report from an applicable recognised laboratory
- Factory assessment
- Generally different from the Scheme I pathway
- Model or product scope
- Product, brand and model registration
- Indian representative
- May be required for an overseas applicant
- Main compliance outcome
- Registration under the applicable product category
- Typical applicant
- Foreign manufacturer
- Manufacturer location
- Outside India
- Product testing
- Product-specific testing may apply
- Factory assessment
- Inspection preparation may be required
- Model or product scope
- Foreign manufacturing facility and covered product
- Indian representative
- Authorized Indian Representative
- Main compliance outcome
- Certification for an eligible foreign manufacturing unit
- Typical applicant
- Manufacturer
- Manufacturer location
- Depends on the applicable product pathway
- Product testing
- Product-specific technical assessment
- Factory assessment
- Depends on the conformity route
- Model or product scope
- Machinery or electrical equipment
- Indian representative
- Depends on applicant location
- Main compliance outcome
- Applicable conformity certification or licence
The table is a simplified overview. Requirements can vary by product, Indian Standard, manufacturer location and current notification.
What Happens Under Each BIS Scheme?
Certification against an applicable Indian Standard
The ISI certification pathway requires a clear understanding of the applicable Indian Standard, manufacturing process, testing capability, product scope and factory readiness.
Commonly reviewed
- Product scope
- Applicable Indian Standard
- Manufacturing process
- Test equipment
- Factory quality controls
- Product marking
- Licence scope
Typical support areas
- Applicability assessment
- Documentation review
- Testing coordination
- Factory inspection readiness
- Application filing
- Query response
- Model or product inclusion
- Renewal support
Confirm the notified category, brand and models
CRS registration starts with confirming whether the exact electronic or IT product is included in a notified category and whether its brand and models are correctly grouped.
Commonly reviewed
- Product category
- Model grouping
- Brand name
- Manufacturer details
- Applicable laboratory
- Test report validity
- Registration marking
Typical support areas
- Product applicability review
- Model-series assessment
- Laboratory coordination
- Application documentation
- Registration filing
- Query response
- Model inclusion
- Renewal support
Prepare the foreign facility and its representation
Foreign manufacturers need to review product eligibility, factory readiness, Authorized Indian Representative requirements, testing and inspection preparation before proceeding.
Commonly reviewed
- Foreign factory details
- Manufacturing process
- Product standard
- Quality-control system
- Authorized Indian Representative
- Testing arrangement
- Inspection preparation
Typical support areas
- Applicability assessment
- AIR coordination
- Documentation preparation
- Testing support
- Factory inspection readiness
- Application coordination
- Licence operation support
Assess machinery conformity and technical files
Scheme X may involve product-specific technical documentation, conformity assessment, risk-related information and certification planning for notified machinery or electrical equipment.
Commonly reviewed
- Machinery type
- Intended use
- Technical specification
- Applicable standard
- Product risk information
- Technical file
- Manufacturer location
Typical support areas
- Product classification
- Technical file review
- Standard identification
- Testing pathway
- Application preparation
- Factory readiness
- Query response
What Must Be Checked Before You Apply?
Exact Product Description
Review the product's actual construction, function, rating and intended use.
Applicable Indian Standard
Identify the standard whose scope correctly matches the product.
Current QCO Position
Check the latest notification, amendments, implementation date and exemptions.
Manufacturer Location
Determine whether the manufacturing facility is located in India or outside India.
Model and Brand Scope
Confirm how product models, series and brand names should be treated.
Testing and Factory Readiness
Review applicable laboratory, test reports, manufacturing controls and inspection readiness.
An HS code can support initial screening, but it should not be the only basis for deciding BIS applicability.
One Clear Certification Journey
Identify
Confirm the product scope and possible regulatory pathway.
Assess
Review the applicable scheme, Indian Standard and notification.
Prepare
Organise product, manufacturer, factory and technical documents.
Test and Apply
Coordinate testing, model grouping and application submission.
Respond and Maintain
Manage queries, inspections, marking, inclusion, renewal and continuing compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Which BIS Scheme Applies?
Share your product details and receive an initial indication of the likely certification pathway, testing route and next practical step.
Product → Applicability Review → Scheme Identification → Next Step
Final applicability is subject to the exact product specification and latest regulatory requirements.