Introduction
For any foreign manufacturer planning to sell regulated products in India, obtaining a BIS FMCS License is one of the most important compliance requirements. The Indian market is large, highly regulated, and quality-driven. Therefore, the government mandates that certain products must be certified under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). This ensures that only safe, reliable, and compliant products reach Indian consumers.
In this detailed guide, we will explain everything you need to know about BIS FMCS, the BIS FMCS Certification process, documents, cost, timeline, and benefits — all in a simple and practical way.
What Is BIS FMCS?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a product certification system operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It allows foreign manufacturing units located outside India to apply for and obtain the ISI Mark for products that fall under the mandatory BIS list.
Under BIS FMCS:
Only manufacturers can apply, not importers or traders.
BIS conducts a complete factory inspection in the country of origin.
Samples from the factory are tested in India.
After verification, BIS grants the FMCS License, allowing the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark.
FMCS is essential for products that must carry the ISI mark before they enter India.
Products Covered Under BIS FMCS
Several industrial and consumer products fall under FMCS requirements, including:
Cement
Batteries
Steel products
Chemicals
Polyester yarn
Pressure cookers
Safety glass
Automotive tyres
Electrical appliances (specific categories)
If a product falls under the ISI mandatory list and is made outside India, the manufacturer must obtain the BIS FMCS Certification.
Why BIS FMCS Certification Is Important
BIS FMCS is not optional. It is a mandatory certification scheme for foreign manufacturers. Without it:
Products cannot be imported into India.
Customs may reject shipments.
Businesses may face penalties.
On the positive side, having an FMCS License offers several benefits:
Builds trust with Indian buyers.
Ensures compliance with Indian Standards.
Reduces import delays at customs.
Increases product acceptance among Indian distributors and retailers.
Helps maintain long-term market presence in India.
Key Requirements for BIS FMCS License
To obtain the license, a foreign manufacturer must fulfill certain requirements:
1. Local Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
A foreign manufacturer must appoint an AIR who acts as the communication link between BIS and the manufacturer.
2. Well-defined Manufacturing Setup
The applicant must have:
In-house production facilities
Quality control systems
Manufacturing capabilities aligned with Indian Standards
3. Complete Technical Documentation
Documents such as factory layout, production flow chart, raw material list, quality assurance documents, and ISO certificates are required.
4. BIS-Approved Testing
Samples must undergo testing in BIS-recognized laboratories in India.
Step-by-Step BIS FMCS Certification Process
The BIS FMCS License process is more detailed than BIS Registration. Below is the complete step-by-step procedure:
Step 1 – Identify Applicable Indian Standard (IS Code)
Each product has a specific IS code. Selecting the right standard is crucial.
Step 2 – Prepare Application Documents
This includes:
Factory details
Technical specifications
Manufacturing flow charts
Quality manuals
Raw material information
ISO certificates
Authorization letters
Step 3 – Submit Application to BIS
The manufacturer submits the application online along with required documents and fees.
Step 4 – BIS Factory Audit
BIS officials visit the foreign manufacturing unit to:
Check production facilities
Verify testing equipment
Review quality assurance systems
Collect samples for testing
This is one of the most important stages of the FMCS process.
Step 5 – Sample Testing in India
Samples collected during the audit are sent to BIS-certified labs in India.
Products must pass all tests as per the Indian Standard.
Step 6 – Review and Grant of License
If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the FMCS License.
The manufacturer can then legally apply the ISI Mark on products.
Timeline for BIS FMCS Certification
FMCS is more time-consuming compared to domestic BIS licensing.
The typical timeline is:
Document Preparation: 2–4 weeks
BIS Application: 1 week
Factory Audit Scheduling: 3–6 weeks
Audit & Sample Collection: 1 week
Sample Testing in India: 4–6 weeks
Final License Approval: 2–4 weeks
Estimated Total Time: 4 to 6 months
Cost of BIS FMCS License
The cost varies depending on the product, factory location, and number of models.
Typical cost components include:
BIS application fee
Inspection charges
Auditor travel expenses
Sample testing cost
License fee & renewal fee
Professional consultancy charges
Since the process is extensive, foreign brands should plan their budget early to avoid delays.
Common Challenges in BIS FMCS Certification
Many foreign manufacturers face hurdles such as:
Incorrect documentation
Delay in sample testing
Non-compliance during factory inspection
Lack of Indian representative support
Misunderstanding of Indian Standards
Partnering with experts can solve these issues quickly and accelerate license approval.
Conclusion
Entering the Indian market requires strong regulatory preparedness. The BIS FMCS Certification and BIS FMCS License ensure that foreign-manufactured products follow Indian Standards and meet all safety and quality requirements. Although the process is lengthy and detailed, it is essential for compliance, customs clearance, and long-term business success in India.
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