A complete guide to BIS FMCS Certification for foreign manufacturers. Learn the eligibility, process, fees, documents required, and how Standphill India helps you get certified fast and stress-free.

What Is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is an initiative by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to allow foreign manufacturers to certify their products under the ISI Mark, even if their manufacturing units are located outside India.

Introduced under Scheme I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the FMCS ensures that imported products conform to Indian safety, performance, and quality standards.

Once certified, manufacturers can affix the ISI Mark on their products — enabling access to the Indian market and boosting brand trust among Indian consumers.

Why Is BIS FMCS Certification Mandatory for Foreign Brands?

India mandates BIS certification for several product categories to protect public safety and ensure consistent product quality. These include electrical items, cement, pressure cookers, automotive accessories, and more.

Foreign manufacturers who wish to export such products to India must obtain BIS certification under FMCS, failing which, their products can be:

Seized at ports

Banned from Indian markets

Penalized under the BIS Act

So, FMCS is not just a compliance tool — it is your passport to legally and profitably enter the Indian market.

Who Can Apply for BIS FMCS?

Any foreign manufacturer with a production facility outside India can apply for a BIS FMCS Licence, if the product is covered under the mandatory certification list.

You must fulfill the following:

1. Own or operate a factory producing the product to be certified

2. Have adequate testing facilities as per the relevant Indian Standards (IS)

3. Agree to Inspection & Testing as per the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (STI)

4. Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) if no branch exists in India

Basic Requirements for FMCS Licence

Here’s what you need before applying:

1. ) Conformity to Indian Standard: The product must meet all applicable Indian Standard Specifications (ISS).

2. ) Fully Equipped Factory: Manufacturing and testing facilities must be available at the factory location.

3. ) In-House Lab Facilities: Testing equipment to verify product quality must be in-house.

4. ) Qualified Lab Staff: Skilled professionals to conduct testing and maintain reports.

5. ) Acceptance of Terms: You must agree to the Scheme of Testing & Inspection (STI) and BIS Marking Fees.

AIR Nomination: Nominate an Indian resident as your Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Separate Applications: Required for each product IS code and each factory.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS FMCS Certification

The BIS FMCS licensing process involves factory inspection, document scrutiny, testing, and compliance verification. Here's the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Indian Standard Code

Determine which Indian Standard (IS) applies to your product.

E.g., IS 302 for electrical appliances, IS 14220 for polyethylene pipes, etc.

Step 2: Submit Application via BIS Portal

Fill Form VI under FMCS via the BIS portal.

Upload all relevant documents, test reports, and authorizations.

Step 3: Nominate an AIR in India

If your company doesn’t have a local office in India, you must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative.

This person acts as the liaison between BIS and your company.

Step 4: Payment of BIS Fees

Pay the application fee, inspection charges, and sample testing fees.

Step 5: Factory Audit by BIS Officials

BIS officers visit your foreign factory to inspect:

Production processes

Testing facilities

Documentation and compliance with ISS

Step 6: Sample Sealing & Testing

BIS inspectors seal product samples and send them to a BIS-recognized lab for independent testing.

Step 7: Grant of Licence

If the factory inspection and product tests are successful, BIS grants the license for 1 year, extendable later.

Step 8: Marking Authorization

You can now affix the ISI Mark on your certified products.

Documents Required for BIS FMCS Licence

1. ) A complete application must include:

2. ) Company Registration (Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA)

3. ) Factory Address Proof

4. ) Product Technical Details

5. ) Layout of Manufacturing and Testing Facilities

6. ) In-House Lab Equipment Details

7. ) Test Reports (Internal/3rd Party, if available)

8. ) Authorization Letter (for AIR)

9. ) AIR Nomination Form (duly signed)

10 ) Factory Process Flowchart

11 ) ISO Certificate (optional but recommended)

12 ) Trademark Registration Certificate (if any)

13 ) List of Machinery Used

BIS FMCS Certification Fee Structure

Fee Type	Amount (Indicative)
Application Fee	INR 1,000
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)	USD 10,000 (Refundable)
Inspection Charges	INR 42,000 (May vary)
Per Diem for BIS Officer	USD 300–400 (Varies by country)
Airfare & Visa for Officers	INR 2,00,000 – 4,00,000
Contingency Charges	INR 10,000
Sample Testing Fee	As applicable (Product-dependent)

These costs are indicative. Always check current fees from BIS website or consult Standphill India for accurate estimates.

Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory for all foreign manufacturers without an Indian office.

Key Points:

1. Must be a resident of India

2. Can represent only one foreign manufacturer

3. Responsible for:

4. Compliance with BIS regulations

5. Coordination during factory inspections

6. Handling BIS correspondence

7. Must understand the BIS Act, 2016, and compliance obligations

Need help nominating an AIR? Standphill India can act as your official AIR and manage compliance on your behalf.

Which Products Require BIS FMCS Certification?

1. ) Popular product categories that require FMCS certification include:

2. ) Electrical appliances (Fans, Geysers, Refrigerators)

3. ) Electronics (Laptops, Power adapters, Mobile chargers)

4. ) Household goods (Pressure cookers, Cylinders)

5. ) Automotive components (Tyres, Tubes, Helmets)

6. ) Building materials (Cement, Steel rods)

7. ) Plastic and polymer products

8. ) Safety glass, valves, cables, etc.

9. ) You can find the complete product list here: BIS Mandatory Products

Benefits of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

1. ) Legal Market Access: Sell in India without customs seizures or import blocks

2. ) ISI Mark Usage: Adds instant credibility & trust among Indian buyers

3. ) International Reputation: Shows global compliance & quality commitment

4. ) Eligibility for Tenders: Mandatory for many Indian government and corporate procurements

5. ) Brand Recognition: Helps beat non-certified competitors in the market

6. ) Consumer Trust: Proven safety and performance standards

7. ) Increased Sales: Indian consumers prefer certified, quality-assured products

8. ) Regulatory Protection: Ensures smooth customs clearance and trade approvals

FAQ – People Also Ask

Is BIS FMCS mandatory for exporting products to India?

Yes, if the product is under the mandatory certification list, BIS FMCS is compulsory for foreign manufacturers.

Can a foreign company apply for BIS without an Indian office?

Yes, but you must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

How long does the FMCS process take?

The average timeline is 4 to 6 months, depending on product complexity, inspection logistics, and testing turnaround.

Can I apply for multiple products under one application?

No, each product/IS and each factory requires a separate application.

Why Choose Standphill India for BIS FMCS Certification?

Navigating the FMCS scheme can be complex and time-consuming. Standphill India is your trusted partner for end-to-end FMCS consultancy.

We Offer:

1. Free eligibility assessment

2. Full documentation and form filing

3. AIR nomination support

4. Inspection readiness & factory audit assistance

5. Faster BIS licence issuance

6. Post-certification compliance support

Conclusion

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) offers a crucial pathway for global companies to enter and thrive in the Indian market. With over 1.4 billion consumers, India presents a vast opportunity — but only if your product is compliant.

Getting BIS certification under FMCS not only ensures legal clearance but also builds brand trust, boosts sales, and opens the door to public procurement.

Don’t risk rejection at Indian ports or miss out on a booming market — let Standphill India handle your BIS certification journey with speed, accuracy, and expertise.

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