The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India working under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. BIS plays a vital role in protecting public health and safety as well as the environment. Any company manufacturing or importing products that fall under the mandatory certification scheme of BIS needs to obtain a BIS registration license. Let’s understand the key aspects of BIS registration in India.
When do you need BIS registration?
BIS registration is mandatory for over 20,000 products that are categorized under 14 broad sectors like chemicals, electrical, food products, construction materials, etc. The government notifies new products periodically that require compulsory certification from BIS. If your company manufactures or imports such notified products in India, you need to obtain a valid BIS license. The license acts as proof that your products meet the quality standards set by BIS. Without registration, you cannot legally manufacture, import or sell products that come under the mandatory certification scheme.
How to apply for BIS registration?
To apply for BIS registration, you need to visit the BIS website and create a log in. Select the appropriate product category and submit the application form along with the required documents and fees. BIS will assign your application to the respective division and sectoral committee for evaluation. Their technical experts will inspect your manufacturing facility and verify if your quality control processes are as per BIS standards. If approved, BIS issues different types of licenses based on the category of your products such as BIS Manufacturer License. The entire application and approval process takes around 4 to 6 months
Why is BIS registration important?
BIS registration helps ensure the quality, safety and reliability of products in the Indian market. It facilitates fair trade practices and protects consumers from substandard goods. A BIS license acts as a quality certification that your products adhere to standards set for important technical parameters. It boosts the credibility of your brand in the eyes of distributors and retailers. BIS marked products receive priority at government tenders and procurement. Non-BIS compliant products face legal actions like cancellation of import licenses or market bans if found selling without license.
Whose responsibility is it to obtain BIS license?
As per the BIS Act 2016, the onus of obtaining compulsory BIS registration lies with the manufacturer if producing locally, or the importer if sourcing from outside. Even in case of third party manufacturing, the brand owner or company marketing the product needs to hold a valid BIS license. Failure to comply can attract penalties up to Rs. 1 lakh and even imprisonment. The license is issued in the name of the company and is non-transferable. It must be renewed periodically depending on the product category.
Where are BIS marked products accepted?
Products with the Standard Mark of BIS are accepted not just across India but globally too. India is a signatory to several international standards organizations. Therefore, BIS certified goods meet the technical requirements of important markets like European Union, Gulf countries, Asian and African nations. This eases export of ‘Made in India’ products. The BIS certification carries weight in government and private procurement tenders within India as well as overseas. It boosts the acceptability and demand for your brand in national as well as international markets.
However, obtaining BIS registration involves costs towards various fees, testing charges and audit requirements. The process, though well-defined, takes time. You also need to ensure continuous compliance with quality control systems and standards. But the rewards are manifold in terms of protecting consumer safety, increasing credibility of your brand and facilitating global trade.
Why is BIS registration important for consumers?
For consumers, a BIS license acts as an assurance of quality and reliability of the product. It implies that important parameters like performance, durability, materials used etc. meet standards set by BIS. Consumers need not worry about the authenticity or safety of BIS marked goods. In case of defects, they can claim redressals from the license holding company. Substandard products pose health risks. A BIS mark gives consumers peace of mind while shopping and helps them differentiate genuine items from duplicates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Products Require Mandatory BIS Certification?
Over 20,000 notified products across sectors like chemicals, electrical goods, food items, construction materials etc require compulsory BIS registration. The list is updated periodically by the government.
How Long Is A BIS License Valid For?
The validity of BIS license depends on the product category but ranges from 1 to 5 years. You need to renew it before expiry to continue manufacturing/importing.
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With BIS Norms?
Legal actions include cancellation of import licenses, market bans, fines up to Rs. 1 lakh and even imprisonment in serious cases of endangering public safety.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the role of BIS as the national standards body, the need for mandatory BIS registration for notified products, application process, benefits it offers manufacturers as well as consumers. While involving costs and time, obtaining a BIS license boosts your brand credibility, facilitates global trade and ensures quality goods in the market. It protects public health and safety, which should be the foremost responsibility of every stakeholder in the supply chain.
