BIS Certification for Startups: Everything You Must Know Before Launching
Starting a new business is always exciting, especially when you are about to launch your own products in the Indian market. But before you start selling, one important thing you must know is about BIS Certification. If your product doesn’t meet the required quality standards, it could face legal trouble or lose customer trust. This is why many startups in India take BIS Certification seriously right from the start.
In this blog, we will explain what BIS Certification is, why it is important, and the different types of BIS Registration you need to know about before launching your business.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a process that ensures products meet the required safety and quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — the national body of standardization in India. BIS tests products and provides certification to confirm they are safe for use and meet Indian quality standards.
This certification is especially important for businesses involved in manufacturing or selling electronics, household goods, construction materials, toys, chemicals, and other industrial products.
For a startup, BIS Certification is not just a rule — it is also a way to gain customer trust and build your brand.
Why is BIS Registration in India Important for Startups?
If your product falls under the mandatory list notified by BIS, it cannot be sold in India without proper certification. Selling without BIS Certification is illegal and could result in fines, product bans, or legal action.
Apart from legal reasons, here are some benefits of BIS Registration in India for startups:
- Builds customer trust: Certified products are seen as safer and higher quality.
- Easy market access: Certified products are easier to sell in both local and international markets.
- Less risk of rejection: Without proper certification, your product may be rejected by bulk buyers, government agencies, and online platforms.
- Promotes business growth: Being compliant from the start helps your startup avoid future losses due to recalls or legal disputes.
Types of BIS Certification in India
BIS offers different certification schemes based on the type of product and manufacturing process. Startups must choose the right one to stay compliant.
Let’s take a look at the major types:
1. ISI Mark Registration in India
ISI Mark is one of the oldest and most popular certification marks in India. It stands for Indian Standards Institute.
This certification is mostly for products like:
- Electrical appliances
- Cement
- Steel
- Kitchen appliances
- Automotive components
If your startup is planning to manufacture or sell such products, ISI Mark Registration in India is mandatory. This mark shows your product meets Indian safety and quality standards. Customers trust ISI Marked products, making it easier for startups to enter the market.
2. BIS CRS Certification in India
CRS stands for Compulsory Registration Scheme. This scheme applies mainly to electronics and IT products.
Some examples include:
- Mobile phones
- Power adapters
- LED lights
- Laptop chargers
- Set-top boxes
If your startup is working with electronic gadgets, you will likely need BIS CRS Certification in India. Under this scheme, manufacturers must test their products in a BIS-approved lab and register them with BIS before selling in the Indian market.
This certification ensures that electronic products are safe for consumers and don’t cause harm due to electrical faults or overheating.
3. BIS FMCS Certification in India
FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. This scheme applies to foreign startups or companies that manufacture products outside India but want to sell them in the Indian market.
If you are importing products for your startup from countries like China, Germany, or the USA, you will need BIS FMCS Certification in India.
Under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer must:
- Get the product tested in an Indian BIS-recognized lab.
- Get the production unit inspected by BIS officers.
- Apply for certification from BIS.
Only after completing this process can the product enter the Indian market legally.
Step-by-Step Process for BIS Registration in India
Whether you are applying for ISI, CRS, or FMCS certification, the basic process is usually as follows:
- Identify the correct certification scheme — Check whether your product falls under ISI Mark, CRS, or FMCS.
- Testing your product — Send your sample to a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Documentation — Prepare documents like test reports, business registration proof, and manufacturer details.
- Application submission — Apply to BIS through their official portal along with the required documents and fees.
- Inspection (if required) — BIS may inspect the production site before granting the certificate.
- Grant of License — Once all conditions are met, BIS issues the certification.
What Happens If You Ignore BIS Certification?
If your startup skips BIS Certification, your products can be:
- Banned from sale in India.
- Seized by authorities.
- Rejected by e-commerce platforms and wholesalers.
- Fined heavily.
Most importantly, selling uncertified products can damage your startup’s reputation beyond repair. So it’s always wise to secure your certification before launching.
Final Thoughts
Getting BIS Registration in India may sound like a lot of paperwork, but it is actually a smart move for startups that want to grow safely and legally. Whether your startup deals in electronics, industrial goods, or construction materials, BIS Certification helps you meet quality standards, win customer trust, and stay legally compliant.
So before you launch your product, ask yourself:
- Does my product need ISI Mark Registration in India?
- Is my electronic device covered under BIS CRS Certification in India?
- Am I importing goods that require BIS FMCS Certification in India?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these, make BIS Certification your first step. It is the foundation for long-term success in the Indian market.
