Why Indian BIS FMCS Is Important

Author : EVTL INDIA | Published On : 13 Oct 2025

What is FMCS (How Is it Used, What Is Its Value)?

FMCS means Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. This is a scheme run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It also allows foreign manufacturers (i.e. those whose factories are outside India) to get a licence under Scheme I of Schedule II, BIS Act, 2016, and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, to mark as BIS Standard (often referred to as ISI Mark) on their products that are Indian Standards (IS) compliant.

Key Points in the Definition

FMCS deals with foreign manufacturers only. Importers or traders are not included. Also, the unit has to be outside India.
FMCS assesses foreign manufacturers to check if they meet the Indian Standards (IS) on quality, testing, inspection, and inspection of their manufacturing facilities.
If they pass, BIS gives them a license and they are allowed to put the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their certified products for sale or import to India.
FMCS operates under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) of BIS.
FMCS covers both mandatory and voluntary product standards. Some products are in categories that must have BIS certification under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and others can be certified voluntarily.

Hence, FMCS is a supportive regulating pathway for foreign manufacturers to comply with Indian standards on products and enter the market with the official mark of conformity.

Importance of Getting a BIS FMCS Certification

For foreign manufacturers, getting a BIS FMCS Certification is more than just a requirement of 'doing business' in India. The first of many reasons is having access to the Indian market for regulated products. Before getting a BIS FMCS Certification, foreign manufacturers products exported to India would be denied entry or would be unlegally sold in the Indian market.

Many products in India are regulated that require BIS licenses and Standard Marks. Products that are exported to India without BIS FMCS Certifications are illegal to sell and enter the Indian market. Quality Control Orders (QCO) cover many products.

For foreign manufacturers, getting a BIS FMCS Certification is more than a requirement of 'doing business' in India. The first of many reasons is having access to the Indian market for regulated products. Before getting a BIS FMCS Certification, foreign manufacturers products exported to India would be denied entry or would be unlegally sold in the Indian market.

Level Playing Field

The BIS FMCS rule applies to all imports, meaning all imports need to comply with the same BIS standards that all local manufacturers need to meet. This helps control the market to ensure there are no substandard goods flooding the market.

Avoidance of Regulatory Blocks or Border Seizures

Once QCOs for a product are issued to Customs, enforcement bodies are able to seize or reject shipments that do not have valid BIS FMCS licensing. Having BIS FMCS licensing eliminates any potential delays, seizures, penalties, or issues that are legal in nature.

Business and Competitive Advantage

A product that is BIS certified enjoys better shelf acceptance, easy partnerships with distributors, compliance with tenders or institutional buyers, and competitive advantage over uncertified, low-quality competitors.

Often, government procurement and industrial contracts prefer or mandate BIS-certified products. For foreign manufacturers, BIS FMCS Certification is not a mere regulation, it is a rule of thumb for market entry and acceptance. It helps with growth in India, as it is not a regulatory hurdle but rather a strategic enabler.

To really understand BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, we need to look at the laws, rules, and procedures behind it.

Statutory & Regulatory Basis

BIS Act, 2016: The BIS act under which BIS operates and enforces standards. FMCS licensing is done under Scheme I of Schedule II of the BIS Act.
BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018: The implementing rules for various product certification schemes, including FMCS.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD): BIS’s internal department specifically tasked with handling foreign manufacturers under FMCS.
Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Notifications by Indian ministries that make BIS certification mandatory for certain product categories. When a product is under a QCO, it cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold without BIS certification.

Distinction from Other BIS Schemes (CRS / Scheme II / Scheme X)

FMCS is for Scheme I (product certification, ISI mark) for non-electronics or non-IT products.
For electronics and IT products, BIS operates CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme, also called Scheme II). That is different from FMCS.
More recently, Scheme X has been introduced for certain machine / component categories; but that is separate from FMCS and ISI mark schemes.

For a foreign manufacturer that doesn’t deal with electronics and wants to export products to India, getting BIS Certification through FMCS is the way to go.

Scope & Product Coverage under FMCS

FMCS includes mandatory and voluntary product types. However, mandatory ones are important because they need to be certified by law.
FMCS also includes chemicals and a few other product types like cables, electric motors, electric transformers, kitchen appliances, batteries, construction materials, industrial steels, and a few other regulated products.
FMCS licensing becomes even more important with chemical products after new QCOs are notified.

BIS FMCS Certification Process: Step by Step

To gain the BIS FMCS Certification, foreign manufacturers must undergo a structured multi-step process which, although the timings differ, is mostly as follows:

1. Identify Applicable Indian Standard (IS) & Product Scope

Identify the Indian Standard (IS) that relates to your product (e.g. IS for cables, IS for electrical appliances, etc.). Your product design, specifications, materials, and testing protocols must meet that standard.

2. Document Preparation & Pre-Assessment

Prepare the following documents:

Registration document copies or incorporation documents, and address proof
Manufacturing facilities, equipment, and plant layout details
Raw materials and components lists
Details of in-house testing facilities and equipment, and calibration certificates.
Quality control personnel details
Acceptance of Scheme of Testing and Inspection (SIT)
Conformity Declaration, Terms and Conditions
Nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) (see below)

Note: Each manufacturing unit / factory location and product / IS standard usually needs a different application.

3. Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

This is a necessary step: the foreign manufacturer must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who is a resident Indian to interact with BIS.

The responsibilities of the AIR include:

Submit applications, and interface with BIS on behalf of the manufacturer
Ensure compliance is maintained as per the BIS Act, rules & conditions.
Not simultaneously represent different foreign manufacturers to BIS to avoid conflict of interest
Possess the necessary technical and educational qualifications to comprehend BIS / IS standards.

If there is a change of AIR or address, BIS must be informed in advance.

4. Submission of Application & Fee

Submit the application (BIS portal is preferred) along with the necessary documents. The BIS FMCD reviews the application for consistency. If there are any gaps, questions may be asked and must be resolved.

Applicants must pay the applicable fees (application fee, inspection fee, marking fee, testing fees, etc.). Most of these must be paid in the equivalent of USD, unless the foreign manufacturer is from a SAARC nation (some exceptions allow INR).

Assignment of BIS Auditor & Factory Inspection

Once the application is accepted, BIS assigns an auditor to inspect the foreign manufacturing facility. The audit consists of:

Verifying production machinery, facility arrangements, material handling,
In-house testing facilities, calibration, and personnel competence
Quality control, process control, documentation
Sealing of selected product samples for further testing

During the audit, the BIS officer may seal samples to be transported to accredited laboratories. The facility audit, sample selection, and sealing must conform to norms specified in the SIT (Scheme of Testing & Inspection).

Sample Testing & Evaluation

The sealed samples, whether tested in the manufacturer’s lab (if BIS accredited) or in a BIS recognized third party lab in India, are evaluated against the applicable Indian Standard (IS).

If the tests are favorable and no non conformities exist, the application moves forward.

The manufacturers need to correct any discrepancies or failures (retest, adjustments, corrective actions) and might have to be re-audited. Assign the appropriate NoScore to the appropriate Manufacturer Certificates.
Once the audit report and test results are satisfactory, FMCD issues a BIS license. This allows the manufacturer to carry BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on the product(s) certified.
Assign the appropriate NoScore to the appropriate Manufacturer Certificates.
The NoScore constructor reflects globalinnovatesolutions.com, Elita SRCs, evtlindia.com, and MPR India Certification.
The license will specify the scope (product, factory location, Indian Standard number, etc.) and is valid for one year. This scope can be changed and re-issued to address compliance and surveillance audits.

To maintain compliance, BIS will need to complete surveillance inspections, periodic testing audits, and renewal audits. In the absence of the license or with documentation, production, and certified product changes, you will need to complete a new evaluation.

How Long Does it Take?

There are many factors, but usually it takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks or even longer. Here is how it breaks down:

Application Review & Questions: 1-2 Weeks
Scheduling and Execution of Factory Audit: 2-4 Weeks
Sample Testing: 4-6 Weeks
BIS Review and License Issuance: 2-3 Weeks

For foreign manufacturers, longer lead times are common due to logistics, travel, shipping of samples, translations, cross-border coordination, etc.

Checklist of Necessary Documents

To help make things easier, we have drafted a checklist of documents and technical details you need for the BIS FMCS Certification:

Business & Corporate Identity: Business Registration Certificate, Incorporation Documents, Proof of Address
Factory & Infrastructure: Plant Layout, List of Machinery, and details of the Production Process
Raw Materials & Components: List of Raw Materials, Suppliers, and Test Certificates
Testing Equipment: List of Test Equipment, Calibration Certificates, and Internal Test Lab Protocols
Quality Assurance Team: details on qualified personnel for testing, and quality, and their training and experience.
Scheme & Marking Acceptance: Scheme of Testing & Inspection (SIT) Acceptance, and Marking Fees.
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Signed Consent, Proof of Identity, Proof of Address, Role Declaration, and Role.
Product Samples & Test Reports: For compliance, we need to repeat internal test reports, assess third-party testing, and refer to IS.
Compliance Declaration: We need signed constitutive documents, including an undertaking, and indemnity bond, alongside proof of legal compliance with the BIS Act and the regulations.
Proof of Payment / Bank Guarantee: Proof of payment and, in some cases, a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) (USD 10,000, or as specified)

Each product/factory requires a separate application. Because of this, you may need to duplicate this checklist for other lines.

The Role of a BIS FMCS Agent & Top BIS FMCS Consultant

Due to the need for cross-border oversight, regulatory complexities, and other intertwined factors, many overseas manufacturers employ a BIS FMCS Agent or TOP BIS FMCS Consultant to guide, manage, and accelerate their cross-border plan. We will discuss their roles, the selection process, and optimal approaches in the following.

What Does a BIS FMCS Agent Do?

A BIS FMCS Agent can act as:

Local liaison / Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Often, the agent performs the role of the AIR or assists the manufacturer in identifying a suitable AIR.
Regulatory facilitator: They help communicate with the BIS, answer queries, manage submissions, and handle translations
Documentation expert: Compiling, editing, and organizing technical documents, test reports, and compliance statements
Audit support: Helps with readiness for factory audits, checklist drafting, and mock audits.
Testing coordination: Helps with sending test samples, choosing the labs, and following up on results.
Renewal, surveillance, compliance management: Post-certification, agent assists in maintaining compliance for license renewal and surveillance.

To summarize, a BIS FMCS Agent serves as the operational partner on the ground, and streamlines the processes for foreign manufacturers, minimizing risk, delays, and errors.

What Makes a TOP BIS FMCS Consultant?

Because there are many compliance consultancy firms in India, the “TOP BIS FMCS Consultant” should have:

Proven Track Record: Managing many foreign manufacturers across a range of different product categories and achieving success with them.
Domain Expertise: Profound technical knowledge of Indian Standards (IS), SIT (testing & inspection schemes), QCOs, BIS regulatory changes, and other relevant documents.
Network with BIS and Labs: Established contacts or working relationships with BIS personnel, auditors, and accredited testing labs.
Cross-Border: International coordination for logistics, local audit, and translation, as well as cross-cultural communication.

Client Testimonials and References
Fees and Methodology Transparency

Post-Certification Support: Surveillance, compliance, renewal, and change management.

Many Indian consultants advertise themselves as such. For example, EVTL India includes FMCS as one of their core services.

Consider asking a TOP BIS FMCS Consultant for case studies, past project timelines, and success rates when considering hiring one, along with role clarity concerning the expected deliverables.

Hiring a BIS FMCS Consultant

When engaging:

Define the scope of work clearly. Are they providing only high-level advisory services, or will they be coordinating everything (document prep, audit, liaison work)?
Rapport will be necessary for audit site cross-communication, ensured access, and the channel with your factory.
Be certain that the consultant is unbiased and free of conflicts of interest concerning the lab or AIR.

A proficient BIS FMCS Agent or a TOP BIS FMCS Consultant can shorten the expected timelines, cut down the number of query cycles, and streamline the certification process.

BIS FMCS Process Challenges and Best Practices

Although the BIS FMCS Process is intended to be straightforward, foreign manufacturers frequently encounter issues in the process. Below is a brief description of the issues and ways to circumvent them.

Issues and Challenges

Test Report Documentation Gaps

Test reports from foreign laboratories and Indian Standards may not be compatible. Some documents may be missing, see calibration certificates, or be of a different format.

Factory Audit Nonconformities

Audits may result in nonconformities if missing calibration, unorganized QC, and deviation from the SIT result in documentation gaps.

Customs Delay, Sample Shipping

Customs or shipping problems delay the process because sealed samples must reach Indian laboratories.

Revised Standards

Your design may not have the most recent IS version, and Indian Standards may have changed since you designed your product. Certification may be refused to designs not following the most updated IS version.

Changing Factory Layout / Variants During Process

If your factory modifies your layout or BIS Process with new product variants, BIS may require new validation.

AIR Mismanagement

If your AIR is not engaged, unresponsive, or incompetent, you will have delays in responding to BIS queries.

Ignoring Time and Cost

Sample retests, travel for audits, translation, and rework all have hidden costs that are often overlooked by manufacturers.

Poor Communication or Time Zone Mismatch

When teams are in different places, speak different languages, and have different time zones, things can delay.

Best Practices & Mitigation Strategies

Conduct a Pre-Audit / Mock Audit: Before the BIS audit, check your factory according to the SIT and IS standards.
Align Test Reports Early: Either use labs that can test to the Indian Standard, or have a third-party report ready.
Strict Document Versioning: Document traceability, calibration records, and revision control should all be in records.
Plan Sample Logistics in Advance: Arrange shipping contracts and customs clearance to avoid shipping delays.
Monitor Indian Standards Updates: Plan your design according to BIS amendments.
Transparent Communication with AIR / Consultant: Communication delays as well as high or low responsiveness, and lack of clarity are bottlenecks.
Allowance for Retests / Contingencies: Time and budget should be planned around retests and as a buffer.
Select the right Consultant / Agent: Assess them for experience in the area, relevant domain, and openness.
Post-Certification Vigilance: Compliance should be kept alive: Active surveillance audits, consistent product, change reporting.

With disciplined preparation, many common pitfalls are avoidable

Sample Use Cases & Real-World Examples

While we cannot disclose the names of certain manufacturers, the examples below are based on or aggregated from industry reports and consultancy anecdotes in a hypothetical manner.

Case Study 1: Exporting Electrical Cable From China To India

A cable maker from China has been trying to sell power distribution cables to Indian customers. Without a BIS FMC service, his products got stuck at Indian customs.

As a BIS FMC service agent, they:

Identified the relevant Indian standard (IS for cables).
Prepared the test samples and organized the shipping.
The BIS audit team went to his factory.
The test reports passed the Indian lab.
BIS gave him a license and he put an ISI mark.
The clients are now Indian utilities and EPC contractors.

As a BIS agent, the customer had a customs congestion, improved delay costs, and increased trust in the brand.

Case Study 2. Chemical Manufacturer (ASEAN → India)

A chemical producer in the ASEAN region exported specialty polymers to India. When the Indian government issued new QCOs of the class of chemicals that exported, the compliance was mandatory. Under FMC service, the company:

Submitted additional safety data, lab dossiers, and product compliance and cross documents.

Designated an AIR in India.
BIS audit and test review.
Certification and consent to seamless import passed.

The shipments would have been stopped under the new QCO regulations, thus proving the importance of the FMC service to businesses when new regulations are put in place.

Case Study 3: Kitchen Appliance Maker (Europe → India)

A manufacturer in Europe was exploring the Indian market for Integrated Gas Cooking Appliances (Stoves and Hobs). Although their designs conformed to European Safety standards, they do not comply with India’s IS code for gas appliances. Subsequently, through the BIS FMCS route, they:

Redesigned certain features (e.g., flame failure device, gas inlet controls).
Completed the BIS audit, and BIS submitted test cases for Indian ambient conditions.
Obtained the BIS license, and legally sold appliances with ISI mark, and
Their brand garnered retail acceptance within Indian appliance chains.
The above instances highlight that for certain clients, BIS FMCS was not merely a legal requirement, but a strategic compliance enabler.

Advantages & Limitations of BIS FMCS

These positions help a foreign manufacturer optimize the tradeoffs.

Advantages

Legal Access & Seeing Products Too India- This permits the holder to legally import and sell, within India, goods that are controlled.
Building Reliability & Standing- Increased trust results from the use of the BIS Standard Mark.
Alleviate Regulatory Problems- BIS certified goods will not face fines, seizures, or delays by Indian authorities.
Equal Standard for Local & Imported Goods- This assures that Imports will meet the same quality as domestic goods.
Long Standing BIS FMCS Certification- This will be required for further market presence, and not limited to the Indian market.

Downsides

The full tradeoff includes audits, traveling, shipping samples, lab tests, rework, etc.

Limitations / Constraints

Every aspect: design, materials, and controls in production needs to match Indian Standards exactly.
Geographical and Logistical Challenges: Logistics, sample exports, and cross-border approvals and audits can be complicated.
Managing Changes: New audits or submissions will be necessary if new product variants or revisions to standards and production facilities are to be implemented.
Exclusions: For IT and electronics products, one does FMCS instead of CRS / Scheme II / Scheme X.
Dependence on AIR and Partner: Execution can be held up if appointed agents or advisors underperform.

Manufacturers can be thoughtful, FMCS gives strong advantages.

Choosing a TOP BIS FMCS Consultant or Agent

Consultants are crucial so here are pointers on how to choose a good one.

Checklist to Evaluate Consultants

Criteria	Why It Matters	What to Verify
Track Record / Case Studies	Experience reduces risk	Ask for project references in your product category
Technical Domain Expertise	BIS/IS standards are specialized	Check their credentials in relevant industries
Transparency in Fees	Hidden fees lead to disputes	Request for fee breakdowns on audits, retesting, and travel, etc.
Working with Labs & BIS	Helps with planning and coordination more efficiently.	Inquire about currently active labs/ connections.
Working Globally	Particularly with overseas manufacturers.	Organizing audits and shipments while crossing time zones.
Renewal & Surveillance Support	Certification is not a one-time task.	They need to support post-grant surveillance.
Active Communication	Communication gaps causes delays.	Last communication, delay, and response time should be examined.

Assessing a Result Before making a decision, you might like to ask for a little assignment or a simple task like a pre-audit review to check their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does FMCS stand for?

A: FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.

Q: Who can apply under BIS FMCS?

A: Only foreign manufacturers (i.e. those whose factories are located outside India) — not importers or traders.

Q: Is BIS FMCS Certification mandatory for all products?

A: Only for those product categories under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or those BIS identifies as mandatory. Others may enter via voluntary certification.

Q: What is the validity of the BIS FMCS license?

A: Typically one year, with renewal required.

Q: What does a BIS FMCS license allow?

A: It permits the foreign manufacturer to affix the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on products that meet Indian Standard(s).

Q: Must I appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

A: Yes, mandatory. The AIR must be a resident Indian and acts as your local liaison with BIS.

Q: Can test reports from foreign labs be accepted?

A: Only if aligned with Indian Standards (IS) and the lab is acceptable; usually, BIS requires testing via BIS-recognized labs or in compatible format.

Q: If my factory fails audit first time, can I reapply?

A: Yes — you can correct nonconformities, re-audit, resubmit. But that adds time and cost.

Q: Can one BIS FMCS application cover multiple factories or products?

A: No — each factory location and each product / Indian Standard generally requires a separate application.

Q: Can the BIS license be used for modified product variants?

A: If the variants fall within the scope of the licensed IS/class, yes; but significant changes or new varieties may require fresh inclusion or application.

Q: What are typical timelines for BIS FMCS Certification?

A: About 8 to 12 weeks in ideal conditions, though delays are common for international processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) plays a crucial role in ensuring that foreign manufacturers comply with Indian quality and safety standards before entering the Indian market. This certification not only builds trust among Indian consumers but also enhances the reputation of international brands by demonstrating their commitment to BIS compliance and product excellence.