BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers: Eligibility, Testing, and Approval

BIS FMCS Certification is a certification scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for manufacturers whose factories are located outside India. FMCS stands for the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. It enables eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence for products that conform to the relevant Indian Standards.

Under this scheme, BIS grants a licence to use the applicable Standard Mark on approved products manufactured at the licensed premises. This certification is important for overseas manufacturers exporting products to India, particularly when their products fall under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

What Is BIS FMCS?

BIS FMCS is designed to assess whether foreign-manufactured products meet the applicable Indian quality and safety standards. It operates under the BIS Act, 2016, and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The scheme generally covers products other than Electronics and Information Technology goods notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Therefore, manufacturers should first identify the applicable certification route for their products.

When certification is mandatory under a relevant Quality Control Order (QCO), the manufacturer must obtain the required approval before supplying the regulated product to the Indian market.

Who Can Apply for FMCS Certification?

Foreign manufacturers with manufacturing facilities located outside India can apply for FMCS Certification. However, applicants must satisfy the requirements prescribed by BIS.

The key eligibility conditions include:

• The product must conform to the applicable Indian Standard.

• The manufacturing facility must have the necessary production machinery and infrastructure.

• Suitable in-house testing equipment and competent testing personnel must be available.

• The manufacturer must accept the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection (STI), marking fee and licence conditions.

• An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be nominated as required by BIS.

A separate application is generally required for each product or Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.

Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification

Preparing accurate documentation helps foreign manufacturers avoid unnecessary application delays. The required documents may vary depending on the product and applicable Indian Standard.

Commonly required documents include:

• Completed BIS application form and prescribed declarations

• Business registration or incorporation documents

• Authorized Indian Representative nomination and consent documents

• Manufacturing process flowchart

• Factory layout and manufacturing machinery details

• List of testing equipment and calibration records

• Quality control procedures and testing records

• Product specifications and relevant technical information

• Brand or trademark documents, where applicable

• Acceptance of applicable inspection, testing and marking requirements

Applicants should check the latest official BIS checklist before submitting their application.

BIS FMCS Certification Process

The FMCS Certification process involves several steps to establish product conformity and manufacturing capability.

1. Identify the applicable Indian Standard: Confirm the product category, standard number and applicable QCO requirements.

2. Prepare the documentation: Collect the prescribed application forms, factory details and supporting documents.

3. Nominate an AIR: Appoint an eligible Authorized Indian Representative residing in India.

4. Submit the application: File the application through the official Manakonline portal and pay the applicable fees.

5. Factory assessment: BIS evaluates the manufacturing facility, production controls, testing arrangements and quality management practices.

6. Product testing: Samples are tested according to the relevant Indian Standard through the applicable BIS testing process.

7. Licence grant: BIS may grant the licence after the required assessment, testing and compliance conditions are satisfied.

Since 1 June 2026, BIS has required FMCS applications to be submitted online rather than through the earlier hard-copy process. Applicants should consult the current BIS instructions for the latest requirements.

Benefits of FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturer

FMCS Certification helps eligible overseas manufacturers demonstrate compliance with Indian Standards. It can support access to the Indian market, improve customer confidence and help businesses meet applicable regulatory obligations.

A valid licence also permits the manufacturer to use the relevant BIS Standard Mark within the scope and conditions of that licence. However, certification does not automatically cover every product manufactured by the company. The approved product, factory and licence conditions must be followed.

Foreign manufacturers should maintain testing records, quality controls and other required compliance documents after approval. They should also monitor licence validity, renewal requirements and any changes to the applicable standards or regulations.

Conclusion

BIS FMCS Certification is an important compliance route for foreign manufacturers seeking to supply eligible products to India. Understanding the applicable Indian Standard, preparing the required documents, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative and completing factory assessment and product testing are essential steps.

Manufacturers should verify current BIS requirements before applying to ensure the correct certification route and avoid delays.