ISI Mark Certification – Process, Fees & Documents

Who Needs ISI Mark Certification in India?

ISI Mark Certification is mainly meant for manufacturers. Indian manufacturers and eligible foreign manufacturers can apply for a BIS licence under Scheme-I. Certification is compulsory when the government has made it mandatory for the relevant product.

A manufacturer may also apply for voluntary certification where BIS permits it. However, a trader or importer cannot simply obtain an ISI licence in its own name for a product made by another factory. The licence is linked to the manufacturer, the manufacturing location and the approved product scope.

Who Should Check ISI Certification Requirements?

• Indian manufacturers: Businesses making products in factories located in India.
• Foreign manufacturers: Businesses making products outside India that require certification for the Indian market.
• Importers: Businesses importing products that may need compulsory BIS certification.
• Brand owners: Companies selling products under their brand but using another manufacturer's factory.
• New manufacturers: Businesses planning to start production of products covered by BIS requirements.

Can an Importer Apply for ISI Certification?

An importer should first check whether the foreign manufacturer already holds a valid BIS licence for the product. If certification is required and the manufacturer does not have a licence, the foreign manufacturer generally needs to apply through the applicable BIS certification route.

For example, an Indian company importing a covered product from China cannot use its own trading registration as a replacement for the foreign manufacturer's BIS licence.

Which Products Require ISI Mark Certification?

ISI certification is compulsory for products covered by the relevant government Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or other applicable legal requirements. These orders identify the products that must meet specified Indian Standards.

Products such as certain types of cement, electrical equipment, cables, steel products and other industrial or consumer goods may fall under compulsory ISI certification. However, the exact product description, Indian Standard and current government order must be checked before deciding whether a licence is required.

Examples of Products That May Require ISI Certification

Note: This table gives examples only. It is not a complete list of products that currently require compulsory certification.

How to Check Whether Your Product Needs ISI Certification

Before applying, follow these steps:

1. Identify your product: Write down its exact name, type and use.
2. Find the Indian Standard: Check the IS number that applies to the product.
3. Check the latest QCO: Find out whether the government has made certification compulsory.
4. Check the effective date: Some orders have different starting dates or special conditions.
5. Check exemptions: Certain products or businesses may qualify for exemptions under the applicable order.

For example, if your company manufactures electrical cables, you must identify the exact cable type before checking its Indian Standard. Different cables may have different technical requirements.

Need help checking your product? Share the product name, specifications and manufacturing location with Compliance Calendar LLP.

Difference Between BIS, ISI, CRS and FMCS

Many business owners think BIS certification, ISI certification and CRS registration are the same. They are related, but they are not identical.

BIS is the government body responsible for India's national standards and several certification schemes. The ISI mark is used under the applicable product certification scheme, while CRS is a separate registration system for specified products.

BIS Certification Comparison

Is BIS Certification the Same as ISI Certification?

Not exactly. BIS operates several certification schemes, and ISI Mark Certification is one of them. Therefore, every ISI licence is issued by BIS, but not every BIS approval allows a product to carry the ISI mark.

For example, certain electronic products fall under CRS rather than Scheme-I. Businesses should identify the correct scheme before starting the application.

Eligibility and Factory Requirements for ISI Certification

Before applying for ISI certification, the manufacturer must ensure that the product meets the relevant Indian Standard. The factory must also have suitable machines, quality control arrangements and testing facilities.

BIS may inspect the manufacturing unit to check how products are made, tested and stored. The inspection helps BIS decide whether the manufacturer can consistently produce goods that meet the required standard.

Basic Requirements for ISI Certification

A manufacturer generally needs:

• A legally established manufacturing business.
• A factory capable of making the product covered by the application.
• Suitable manufacturing machinery.
• Required product testing facilities or approved testing arrangements.
• Qualified staff to carry out quality checks.
• Records of raw materials, production and product testing.
• Products that meet the applicable Indian Standard.
• Willingness to follow BIS inspection and licence conditions.

Is Factory Inspection Compulsory?

Factory assessment is an important part of Scheme-I certification. BIS checks the manufacturing process, quality control system and testing arrangements before granting a licence. Depending on the applicable licensing procedure, product testing may be carried out at the factory, through a BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratory, or through a combination of testing arrangements.

A manufacturer should prepare the factory before applying rather than waiting for BIS to identify missing facilities.

Documents Required for ISI Mark Certification

The documents required for ISI certification depend on the product, factory and application route. BIS may ask for business records, manufacturing details, quality control documents and test reports.

Preparing the correct documents before submitting the application can help reduce delays.

ISI Certification Documents Checklist

Additional Documents for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers may need additional documents, including an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) nomination, relevant declarations and documents required under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.

The exact checklist should be confirmed using the latest BIS instructions for the product and certification route.

ISI Mark Certification Process in India

The ISI Mark Certification process starts with identifying the correct Indian Standard. The manufacturer must then prepare the factory, submit the application and complete the required assessment and testing.

BIS accepts Scheme-I applications through its online system, Manak Online. The application is reviewed according to the relevant product standard and licensing guidelines.

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Find the correct IS number for your product. This is important because the required tests, machinery and quality checks depend on the standard.

Step 2: Check Factory Readiness

Make sure your factory has the required manufacturing machines, testing equipment and quality control arrangements.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Collect the business documents, factory details, machinery list, testing records and other required information.

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Apply through the BIS Manak Online portal. Enter the required details, upload documents and pay the applicable fees.

Step 5: Complete Factory Assessment

BIS arranges the required factory assessment. The inspection may cover production facilities, quality checks, testing arrangements and product samples.

Step 6: Complete Product Testing

The product must meet the relevant Indian Standard. Testing is carried out according to the applicable BIS procedure.

Step 7: Respond to BIS Queries

If BIS asks for more information or identifies a problem, the manufacturer must provide the required clarification or take corrective action.

Step 8: Receive the ISI Licence

BIS grants the licence after the applicable requirements are met. The manufacturer can then use the ISI mark on products covered by the licence, subject to its conditions.

Can I Apply for ISI Certification Online?

Yes. Indian manufacturers can submit Scheme-I applications online through the BIS Manak Online portal. However, applying online does not remove the need for factory assessment and product testing.

Foreign manufacturers must follow the applicable FMCS procedure. From 1 June 2026, BIS accepts FMCS licence applications through its online portal rather than the earlier general hard-copy application route.

ISI Mark Certification Fees in India

The total ISI Mark Certification cost depends on the product, testing requirements, factory location and applicable BIS charges. There is no single total fee that applies to every manufacturer.

BIS charges may include application fees, inspection fees, annual licence fees and product-specific marking fees. Manufacturers may also need to pay laboratory testing charges and other applicable costs.

ISI Certification Fee Structure

Important: These are published standard fee figures, not a guaranteed final quotation. The current fee schedule, applicable concessions and product-specific marking fees must be checked before payment.

Why Does ISI Certification Cost Differ by Product?

Some products need more tests, special equipment or additional factory preparation. Product-specific marking fees also differ. Foreign manufacturers may have additional expenses related to overseas factory assessment and other FMCS requirements.

Before applying, manufacturers should ask for a clear cost breakdown covering government charges, testing expenses and professional fees.

ISI Certification Timeline, Validity and Renewal

How Long Does ISI Certification Take?

The time required depends on the product, application route, factory readiness and testing requirements. BIS must review the documents, assess the factory and confirm that the product meets the relevant standard.

According to BIS's published general guidance, the average processing period has been described as around one month under Option 2 and four months under Option 1 after receipt of a complete application. These are indicative periods, not guaranteed approval timelines.

Applications may take longer if the factory needs changes, documents are incomplete, test results are delayed or BIS raises queries.

What Is the Validity of an ISI Licence?

An ISI licence is valid for the period stated in the licence issued by BIS. The applicable validity and renewal rules should be checked against the latest Scheme-I regulations and licence conditions.

Manufacturers should not assume that every ISI licence has the same validity period.

How to Renew an ISI Licence

Manufacturers must apply for renewal through the applicable BIS process before the licence expires. BIS provides an online renewal facility, and the renewal application may require fees, production details and other supporting records.

BIS's published renewal guidance allows applications for periods ranging from one to five years, subject to the applicable rules.

What Happens After Getting an ISI Licence?

Getting the licence is not the end of the manufacturer's responsibilities. The business must continue to make products according to the approved Indian Standard.

Manufacturers must also follow the applicable marking rules, maintain required records, cooperate with BIS surveillance and report relevant changes when required.

Using the ISI mark on products outside the approved licence scope is not permitted

Common ISI Certification Problems and How Compliance Calendar Helps

Many manufacturers face problems because they begin the application without checking the correct Indian Standard or preparing their factory. Missing documents, unsuitable testing equipment and product test failures can also delay certification.

The best way to avoid these problems is to understand the requirements before applying.

Common Problems During ISI Certification

How Compliance Calendar LLP Can Help

Compliance Calendar LLP provides professional assistance to manufacturers seeking ISI Mark Certification in India. Our team can help businesses understand the applicable requirements and prepare for the certification process.

Our assistance may include:

• Checking the product category and applicable Indian Standard.
• Helping identify whether compulsory certification applies.
• Explaining the relevant BIS certification scheme.
• Preparing the required application document checklist.
• Guiding manufacturers on factory readiness requirements.
• Assisting with online application preparation and submission.
• Helping businesses respond to BIS document queries.
• Explaining licence conditions and ongoing compliance requirements.

BIS is the authority responsible for reviewing applications, conducting the applicable assessments and granting licences. No consultant can guarantee certification or replace BIS approval.

Need Help With ISI Mark Certification?

Tell us your product name, factory location and whether you manufacture in India or another country. Our team can help you understand the next steps.

Compliance Calendar LLP

Phone: +91 9988424211
Email: info@ccoffice.in