Compliance Pulse #2 | Decoding BIS Certification in India: Who Needs It, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next

India is taking product quality seriously. And the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sits at the heart of this transformation.

If you manufacture, import, or sell products in India, BIS certification is no longer optional. It’s increasingly becoming mandatory across multiple sectors, enforced through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), the Omnibus Regulation, and various technical standards.

In Part 1 of this series, we explored the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order, 2024 and how it sets the clock ticking for machinery and electrical equipment.

In this post, we go wider — What is BIS compliance? Why does it matter? And which product categories are under its radar right now?

What is BIS Certification?

BIS is India’s National Standards Body, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It oversees product safety, standardisation, and consumer protection through mandatory certifications and labelling.

There are two key schemes under BIS compliance:

1. ISI Mark Certification Scheme – For Indian manufacturers across regulated sectors.

2. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – For imported electronics, IT goods, and some household products.

BIS compliance ensures that a product meets the Indian Standard (IS) prescribed for its category. It includes product testing from BIS-recognised labs, factory inspections, and application of the Standard Mark.

Why BIS Compliance is Gaining Momentum

• Mandatory by Law: Ministries such as DPIIT, MoHUA, MeitY, Ministry of Textiles, and Ministry of Heavy Industries issue Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that make BIS certification compulsory.

• Customs Enforcement: Non-compliant goods can be detained or denied clearance at ports.

• Market Access Barrier: Retail chains and B2B buyers are now refusing to source non-BIS certified goods.

• Reputation & Recalls: BIS approval builds trust and reduces the risk of product recalls or safety litigation.

What Product Categories Need BIS Certification?

The BIS mandate has expanded rapidly. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of sectors where BIS compliance is now mandatory or under active enforcement through QCOs:

🛠️ Industrial & Machinery

• Pumps, compressors, gearboxes

• Cranes and lifting appliances

• Electric motors, transformers

• Pressure cookers, cylinders

⚡ Electrical & Electronic Goods

• LED lights, bulbs, and drivers

• Cables, wiring accessories

• Power banks, batteries, adapters

• Smart TVs, mobile phones, laptops

🧑🏭 Construction & Steel Products

• Structural steel & TMT bars

• Cement, fly ash bricks

• Sanitaryware and plastic pipes

🧴 Household & Consumer Products

• Electric irons, mixers, water heaters

• Helmets, pressure cookers

• Packaged drinking water

• Toys and baby products

🏭 Chemicals & Fertilisers

• Aniline, acetic acid, methanol

• Zinc sulphate, ammonium nitrate

🧪 Medical Devices & Healthcare

• Thermometers, blood pressure monitors

• Medical oxygen cylinders

• Wheelchairs, surgical gloves (under proposed QCOs)

👖 Textiles & Apparel

• Polyester staple fibres

• Protective clothing

• Geo-textiles and fire-retardant fabric

Challenges Faced by Industry

Despite good intentions, many businesses struggle with:

• Delays in lab testing & inspection scheduling

• Lack of clarity in product classification under IS codes

• Documentation gaps during application

• Difficulty for foreign brands in appointing Authorised Indian Representatives (AIRs)

At TaxTru Business Advisors LLP, we regularly help both MSMEs and MNCs navigate this maze — from selecting the right standard to securing the licence efficiently, without disruption.

What’s Next in the BIS Landscape?

Expect more sectors to come under QCOs in 2025 — particularly in electronics, chemicals, and semi-industrial consumer goods.

The best time to prepare is before the deadline hits.

We’re currently assisting several manufacturers and importers in BIS licensing under both ISI and CRS schemes, and in particular helping them align with the August 2025 deadline under the Omnibus Regulation.

Need Help?

If your product is in any of the above categories — or if you’re unsure whether BIS applies — let’s connect.

📩 navjot.singh@taxtru.in

📞 +91 +91 9953357935

💬 Message me here on LinkedIn

Compliance isn’t a cost. It’s your competitive edge.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of Compliance Pulse, where we’ll break down the step-by-step BIS application process — from lab testing to marking your first certified shipment.

—

CA Navjot Singh

Partner, TaxTru Business Advisors LLP

Empowering business through compliance clarity.