What is the BIS ISI Mark?
The ISI Mark (Indian Standards Institute Mark) is a certification mark introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The ISI mark signifies conformity to a particular Indian Standard (IS) and assures buyers that the product has been tested, is safe, and meets quality benchmarks set by BIS.
BIS grants the ISI Mark under the Product Certification Scheme (also called the ISI Certification Scheme or Scheme-I). The mark is legally governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Products That Require ISI Mark
The following sectors commonly include products covered under the mandatory BIS ISI Certification:
| Sector | Examples of Products | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical & Electronics | Wires, Cables, Switches, Plugs, LED Lights, CFLs, MCBs | Mandatory |
| Food & Agriculture | Packaged Drinking Water, Milk Powder, Mustard Oil, Baby Food | Mandatory |
| Cement & Construction | Portland Cement, TMT Bars, Pressure Cookers, LPG Cylinders | Mandatory |
| Safety Equipment | Helmets (Two-wheeler), Safety Footwear, Fire Extinguishers | Mandatory |
| Toys & Children | Plastic Toys, Stuffed Toys, Board Games | Mandatory |
| Medical & Healthcare | Surgical Masks, Medical Gloves, Thermometers | Voluntary/Mandatory |
| Steel & Iron Products | Hot Rolled Sheets, Galvanized Plain Sheets | Mandatory |
| Other Consumer Goods | Pressure Cookers, Water Heaters, Kitchen Appliances | Mandatory |
Who Can Apply for BIS ISI Mark?
Any manufacturer — Indian or foreign — who manufactures products falling under the BIS notification can apply for the ISI mark license. Key eligibility criteria include:
- The applicant must be a manufacturer (not a trader, importer, or distributor, unless they manufacture).
- The manufacturing facility must have the infrastructure and testing equipment as required by the relevant Indian Standard.
- The product must conform to the applicable Indian Standard (IS number).
- The factory must be willing to permit BIS inspection and testing at any time.
- Foreign manufacturers must apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) — a separate BIS route.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain BIS ISI Mark
The BIS ISI mark certification process involves several structured stages. Here is a comprehensive overview:
Identify IS Standard
Find the relevant Indian Standard (IS) number applicable to your product.
Online Application
Submit application on BIS CRS Portal (manakonline.in) with required details.
Document Submission
Upload all mandatory documents and pay the application + testing fee.
Factory Inspection
BIS officer visits manufacturing premises for physical inspection and sample collection.
Sample Testing
Collected samples are tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory against IS parameters.
Grant of License
Upon passing all tests and inspection, BIS grants the ISI Mark license (CM/L Number).
Documents Required for BIS ISI Mark
Prepare the following documents before filing your BIS ISI Mark application:
For Indian Manufacturers
- Duly filled BIS application form (online via manakonline.in)
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Proprietorship proof
- PAN Card of the firm/company
- GST Registration Certificate
- Aadhaar / Authorized Signatory ID and Address Proof
- List of manufacturing machinery with specifications
- List of in-house testing equipment
- Factory layout plan / floor plan
- Quality Manual / SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
- Test report from BIS-recognized lab (if available)
- Product specification sheet with IS number
- Raw material test reports / purchase invoices
For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS Route)
- Valid ISO 9001 certificate (preferred)
- Authorization letter for Indian Representative / Liaison Agent
- Company registration certificate (notarized and apostilled)
- Factory layout and machinery details
- Technical specification of the product
- Testing report from accredited lab in the country of origin
BIS ISI Mark Fee Structure
BIS charges fees at multiple stages. Below is a general overview (exact fees vary by product and IS standard):
| Fee Type | Amount (Approx.) | When Payable |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000 | At time of application |
| Testing Charges | Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 50,000+ | After application, before inspection |
| Factory Inspection Fee | Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 20,000 | Before inspection visit |
| Annual License Fee (Minimum) | Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 10,000 | Annually on renewal |
| Marking Fee | Varies by quantity (Rs./unit) | Quarterly basis |
Benefits of BIS ISI Mark Certification
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Mandatory for notified products; avoids penalties, seizure, and prosecution under BIS Act 2016. |
| Market Access | ISI Mark is required for government tenders, institutional purchases, and major retailers. |
| Consumer Trust | Recognized quality symbol that boosts consumer confidence and purchasing decisions. |
| Export Advantage | Recognized internationally; helps in bilateral trade agreements and export promotions. |
| Brand Value | Enhances brand reputation and positions manufacturer as quality-conscious. |
| Competitive Edge | Differentiates your product in a crowded marketplace against non-certified competitors. |
| Reduced Liability | Demonstrates due diligence in product safety, reducing legal and consumer liability risk. |
| Quality Improvement | The certification process itself drives internal quality systems improvement. |
Validity and Renewal of BIS ISI License
The BIS ISI Mark license is granted for a period of 1 year and must be renewed annually. Renewal involves:
- Submission of renewal application before the expiry date.
- Payment of the annual license fee and marking fee (based on production quantity).
- BIS may conduct surveillance inspections at the factory during the license period to ensure continued compliance.
- Failure to renew leads to suspension or cancellation of the license, which is a legal violation if the product is under the mandatory list.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Using the ISI mark without authorization or selling notified products without ISI certification is a serious offence under the BIS Act, 2016:
- Imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or a minimum fine of Rs. 2 lakh for manufacturing without a license.
- Fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh for misuse of the Standard Mark.
- Seizure and destruction of non-conforming products.
- Revocation of existing licenses for repeated violations.
Why Choose Equal Consultancy Services?
Navigating the BIS certification process can be complex and time-consuming without professional guidance. Equal Consultancy Services is a trusted compliance and certification advisory firm with deep expertise in BIS ISI Mark applications across all product categories.
- ✅ End-to-end support — from document preparation to license grant.
- ✅ 12+ Years of Experience delivering BIS certifications across India and globally.
- ✅ 1,600+ Clients served since 2014 — manufacturers, importers, MSMEs, and global brands.
- ✅ NABL-accredited lab coordination for quick sample testing.
- ✅ Post-certification support including renewal and surveillance management.
- ✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden costs, clear compliance roadmap.
- ✅ Serving businesses across India and international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The BIS ISI Mark is not just a regulatory requirement — it is a powerful symbol of quality and trust in the Indian market. Whether you are a startup entering manufacturing or an established company expanding your product range, obtaining the ISI Mark will open doors to government procurement, institutional buyers, and a growing quality-conscious consumer base.
Equal Consultancy Services is here to make your BIS certification journey seamless, efficient, and hassle-free. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and let our experts handle the complexity while you focus on your business.
Email: info@equalconsultancy.com | Web: www.equalconsultancy.com