01 — Check the Indian Standard

Review the product’s specifications, construction and intended use against the applicable Indian Standard (IS) and Quality Control Order (QCO). Confirm:

• The applicable Indian Standard
• Whether BIS certification is mandatory and FMCS is the correct route
• The proposed models, grades or varieties
• Key product-testing and factory requirements

Getting the standard and product scope right matters because the application, factory inspection and product testing are based on them.

02 — Define the product and licence scope

Decide which products, grades, sizes, models or varieties the licence should cover. Link that scope to the correct factory and Indian Standard. BIS requires separate applications for different factory locations and product/standard combinations.

03 — Prepare the foreign factory

Check readiness against the Indian Standard, relevant Product Manual and Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT). Preparation generally covers:

• Manufacturing equipment and processes
• Testing equipment and laboratory facilities
• Calibration of instruments
• Quality-control procedures
• Manufacturing and testing records
• Competent technical personnel

Address gaps in equipment, testing capability or records before the BIS factory visit.

04 — Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative

The foreign manufacturer appoints an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) based in India for BIS correspondence and compliance. An eligible person at its Indian branch or office may serve, or it may appoint another eligible India-based person. The foreign manufacturer remains the licence holder, and the AIR’s name is endorsed on the licence.

05 — Submit the FMCS application

Submit the product, factory, manufacturing, testing, technical and AIR documents through the applicable Manakonline process. BIS checks the application and may raise queries if information is incomplete or needs clarification. Resolve those queries before the assessment progresses.

06 — Complete the BIS factory inspection

A BIS officer visits the overseas facility to verify the manufacturing process, machinery, testing capability, calibration, quality controls, records, and compliance with the applicable Indian Standard and SIT. Production and quality personnel should be ready to demonstrate how the factory manufactures and tests the product.

07 — Test product samples independently

During the factory visit, BIS normally draws samples for testing at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory in India against the relevant Indian Standard. Existing IEC or other international reports do not normally replace the required BIS sample testing.

08 — Complete pre-grant formalities

After satisfactory inspection and test results, resolve any observations, accept the licence conditions, and pay the applicable licence and advance marking fees and other outstanding dues before grant. Prepare the prescribed agreement, indemnity bond and performance bank guarantee for the post-grant formalities.

09 — Receive and maintain the BIS licence

BIS grants the licence for the approved product scope and factory. The manufacturer completes the prescribed agreement and indemnity formalities and furnishes a USD 10,000 performance bank guarantee immediately after grant. The guarantee is financial security, not a certification fee. The manufacturer may then apply the BIS Standard Mark / ISI Mark to covered products and must continue meeting the Indian Standard, SIT, marking, recordkeeping and surveillance requirements.