FMCS BIS License – Essential for Importing Regulated Goods into India

FMCS BIS Certification Introduction

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, or FMCS, was introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In order to utilize the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products that are meant for sale in the Indian market, international firms can apply for a BIS license.

FMCS is for consumer and industrial goods, as opposed to CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme), which is for IT/electronic equipment. Examples of these include:

• Pressure cookers

• Cement

• Steel bars and wires

• Electric cables

• Kitchen appliances

• Footwear

• Gas cylinders, and more

Before shipping these regulated goods to India, any foreign company producing them has to have an FMCS license.

Who Needs an FMCS License?

Applications for the India FMCS must be submitted by the following parties:

• Foreign Manufacturers of products notified under BIS Mandatory Certification

• OEMs producing goods under their brand for the Indian market

• Exporters or importers representing foreign brands (with proper authorization)

Without a current FMCS BIS license, your product cannot be sold in India if it is on the mandatory BIS list.

Documents Needed for FMCS Certificate

The manufacturer has to provide the following to apply for BIS FMCS Certification:

1. Application Form V – Duly filled and signed

2. Manufacturing Unit Details – Including ownership documents, production setup, and machinery list

3. Quality Control Manual – Quality testing procedures, equipment, and process documentation

4. Product Specifications – Technical data sheet, packaging details

5. Test Report – From a BIS-recognized laboratory

6. Authorization Documents – Power of attorney, if an agent or consultant is applying on your behalf

7. Business Registration Certificate

8. ISO 9001 Certificate – Preferred (not mandatory but recommended)

9. Payment of Fees – Application fee, audit fee, and license fee

10. Trademark/Brand Proof

Note: All documents should be either in English or translated to English by an authorized translator.

The Step-by-Step FMCS Certification Process

1. Application Submission

   • Fill BIS Form V along with supporting documents.

2. Preliminary Scrutiny

   • BIS reviews the documents and schedules a factory inspection.

3. Factory Audit by BIS Officials

   • A BIS team visits the foreign manufacturing site to verify the infrastructure and quality process.

4. Product Testing

   • Samples are drawn during the audit and sent to BIS-approved labs for testing.

5. Grant of License

   • If everything complies, the BIS FMCS license is issued, allowing the manufacturer to use the ISI mark.

Timeline & Validity

• Processing Time: Around 3–6 months, depending on the readiness of documents and the factory audit schedule.

• License Validity: Initially issued for 1 year, renewable thereafter.

Why FMCS Certification Matters

• Ensures legal entry of foreign goods in India

• Boosts product credibility with the ISI mark

• Prevents customs delays and product seizures

• Builds trust with Indian buyers and distributors

Final Thought

It is mandatory for overseas manufacturers that intend to introduce regulated goods into the Indian market to get an FMCS BIS certification. It’s a sign of quality, trust, and regulatory compliance in addition to being a legal requirement. The procedure may appear complicated, particularly during the factory audit and paperwork stage, but it may be streamlined and expedited by working with knowledgeable compliance specialists.