Demystifying BIS Certification: Types, Process, and Importance

When you purchase a product in India, you may notice a BIS certification mark on the packaging. But what exactly is BIS certification, and why is it important? BIS certification is a seal of quality assurance issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India's national standards body. It indicates that a product meets the specified quality and safety standards set by the BIS. In this article, we'll explore the types of BIS certification, the process of obtaining it, and its significance for manufacturers and consumers alike.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS certification is a voluntary or mandatory certification scheme that ensures products conform to the relevant Indian standards. The full form of BIS certification is the Bureau of Indian Standards Certification. It serves as a third-party assurance of a product's quality, safety, and reliability.

The BIS operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and is responsible for formulating standards, product certification, testing, and other activities that promote standardisation and quality assurance.

Types of BIS Certification Schemes

The BIS offers several certification schemes catering to different product categories and manufacturer types:

1. ISI Mark Scheme for Domestic Manufacturers:

• Applicable for products under compulsory BIS certification (Scheme-I)
• Manufacturers submit an application, undergo factory evaluation, and product testing
• BIS license granted within 4-6 months if products meet quality standards

2.Simplified Registration for Domestic Manufacturers:

• Expedited licensing process for certain product categories
• Manufacturers submit an application, self-evaluation, and test reports from approved labs
• BIS verifies the factory and grants certification within 30 days if the test reports meet standards

3.ECO Mark Scheme:

• Certification for environmentally friendly products
• Products meeting environmental criteria and relevant Indian Standards get a combined ISI mark and ECO logo
• Procedure similar to normal/simplified registration for domestic manufacturers

4.Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS):

• Enables overseas applicants/manufacturers to obtain and use the ISI mark
• Requires setting up an Indian branch office and nominating an Indian agent
• BIS grants certification within 6 months after inspection, sample testing, and meeting standard requirements

5.Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS):

• Mandatory for certain electronics and IT goods notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Manufacturers obtain BIS certification under CRS through self-declaration of conformity after testing products at BIS-recognised labs.
• BIS grants a license if the application and test results indicate necessary infrastructure and product conformity

BIS Certification Process

The BIS certification process involves the following steps:

1.Application Submission:

• Manufacturers submit the BIS registration application along with the required documents and fees.

2.Preliminary Inspection:

• BIS officer visits the factory for a preliminary evaluation of manufacturing processes and quality control measures.

3.Product Testing:

• Product samples are collected and tested in BIS-approved laboratories to ensure compliance with relevant Indian standards.

4.Final Evaluation:

• Results of the factory inspection and product testing are reviewed to determine if the manufacturer meets the necessary criteria for BIS certification.

5.Surveillance:

• After granting the BIS license, regular surveillance is conducted through factory visits and product testing to ensure ongoing compliance.

Importance of BIS Certification

Obtaining a BIS certificate offers several benefits for manufacturers and consumers:

1.Quality Assurance:

• BIS-certified products are bound to follow certain quality standards during manufacturing, ensuring consistent performance and reliability

2.Consumer Confidence:

• The BIS mark instils trust in consumers, as it signifies that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the specified standards

3. Environmental Protection:

• BIS has prohibited the usage of certain chemicals and materials, minimising environmental risks associated with certified products

4. Market Access:

• For products under mandatory BIS certification, obtaining the license is essential to legally manufacture, distribute, or import them in India

5.Competitive Advantage:

• IS certification can give manufacturers a competitive edge, as it demonstrates their commitment to quality and compliance with national standards

Checking BIS Certification

Consumers can easily check BIS certification by looking for the BIS standard mark on the product or its packaging. The mark includes the ISI logo and a unique license number assigned to the manufacturer. You can also verify the authenticity of the license by visiting the BIS website and using their online verification tool.

Eurogrip and BIS Certification

Eurogrip, a leading Indian tyre manufacturer, ensures that its products comply with the relevant BIS standards. By obtaining BIS certification for its tyres, we at Eurogrip demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and reliable products to our customers. Our adherence to BIS guidelines helps instil confidence in riders who choose Eurogrip tyres for their vehicles.

How BIS Certification is the Final Word of Assurance? 

BIS certification plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products manufactured and sold in India. By understanding the types of BIS certification schemes, the process of obtaining certification, and its importance, manufacturers can navigate the certification journey effectively.

For consumers, looking for the BIS mark and checking BIS certification helps make informed purchasing decisions. Companies like Eurogrip, which prioritise BIS certification, demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet national standards, ultimately benefiting both the manufacturer and the end-user.