Launching a new product in India is not only about product design, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing. For many products, BIS compliance is also an important part of the launch process.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) develops standards for products to help maintain quality, safety, and performance. Depending on the product category and applicable Indian Standard, a manufacturer may need BIS certification, registration, testing, or a licence before selling the product in India.

A proper compliance check before launch can help businesses avoid delays, regulatory issues, and problems after the product reaches the market.

This guide explains a simple BIS compliance checklist for new product launches in India, including Online BIS Certification, BIS CRS Registration Online, ISI Certification, and BIS Certification for Toys.

What Is BIS Compliance?

BIS compliance means meeting the applicable Indian Standards and regulatory requirements prescribed for a particular product.

Not every product follows the same BIS process. The requirement depends on the product category, applicable standard, manufacturing location, and whether the product is covered under a compulsory certification or registration scheme.

For example:

• Some products require an ISI Mark licence under the BIS Certification Scheme.

• Certain electronic and IT products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

• Toys covered by the applicable quality-control requirements need BIS certification for toys.

• Other products may have different BIS requirements or may not be under mandatory BIS certification.

Therefore, the first step is always to identify the correct product standard and applicable BIS scheme.

Why BIS Compliance Matters Before a Product Launch

BIS compliance should ideally be checked during the product development stage rather than after manufacturing has started.

A business can benefit from early compliance planning because it can:

• Identify applicable Indian Standards.

• Understand testing requirements.

• Prepare the required technical documents.

• Check whether a BIS licence or registration is mandatory.

• Reduce the possibility of launch delays.

• Improve product quality and safety.

• Avoid making incorrect certification claims on packaging or marketing material.

For a new product, BIS compliance should therefore be treated as part of the launch plan.

BIS Compliance Checklist for New Product Launches

Here is a practical checklist businesses can follow.

1. Identify the Product Category

Start by clearly defining the product.

Check:

• Product name

• Intended use

• Product model or variants

• Technical specifications

• Materials used

• Manufacturing process

• Electrical or electronic components

• Target market

• Packaging and labelling

A small change in product specifications can sometimes affect the applicable standard or testing requirements.

For this reason, businesses should not select a BIS standard based only on the product's common market name.

2. Check Whether BIS Compliance Is Mandatory

The next step is to determine whether the product is covered under a mandatory BIS requirement.

Businesses should check:

• Applicable Indian Standard

• Quality Control Order (QCO), where applicable

• BIS certification scheme

• Product-specific government notifications

• Applicable testing requirements

If the product is covered by mandatory requirements, the business should complete the required compliance process before placing the product on the Indian market.

3. Select the Correct BIS Scheme

BIS has different schemes depending on the product.

Two commonly discussed routes are the BIS Certification Scheme and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

BIS Certification / ISI Mark Scheme

The BIS Certification Scheme is commonly associated with products that need an ISI Mark licence under the applicable standard.

Depending on the product, the process may involve:

1. Identifying the applicable Indian Standard.

2. Preparing technical documents.

3. Testing the product through the applicable laboratory.

4. Applying to BIS.

5. Assessment or inspection, where applicable.

6. Addressing any observations.

7. Obtaining the BIS licence.

8. Using the ISI Mark according to applicable rules.

This is why ISI Certification is an important consideration for manufacturers of products covered under the relevant BIS certification requirements.

BIS CRS

The Compulsory Registration Scheme applies to specified electronic and IT products.

For applicable products, manufacturers generally need to ensure that the product meets the relevant Indian Standard and complete the prescribed registration process.

Businesses researching BIS CRS Registration Online should first confirm that their product actually falls under the CRS product list and identify the correct applicable standard.

4. Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Once the product category is confirmed, identify the relevant Indian Standard.

For example, different products can have different standards covering areas such as:

• Safety

• Performance

• Construction

• Materials

• Electrical requirements

• Chemical limits

• Testing methods

• Labelling

Using the wrong standard can lead to incorrect testing and unnecessary delays.

Therefore, product specifications should be matched carefully with the applicable standard before testing begins.

5. Prepare the Product for Testing

Testing is an important part of many BIS compliance processes.

Depending on the product, businesses may need to prepare:

• Product samples

• Technical specifications

• Drawings

• Bill of materials

• User manuals

• Component details

• Test reports

• Manufacturing information

• Quality-control documents

The exact requirements depend on the applicable product standard and BIS scheme.

6. Check Laboratory Testing Requirements

Some BIS processes require testing through laboratories recognised or approved for the relevant purpose.

Before sending samples for testing, confirm:

• Applicable test standard

• Required tests

• Sample quantity

• Laboratory requirements

• Test parameters

• Validity or acceptance requirements for reports

Testing should be planned early because laboratory timelines can affect the overall product launch schedule.

7. Prepare BIS Documents

A new product launch may require several technical and business documents.

Common documents can include:

• Company incorporation documents

• Factory address details

• Manufacturing process information

• Product specifications

• Technical drawings

• Product photographs

• Test reports

• Quality-control information

• Machinery details

• Raw-material details

• Calibration records, where applicable

• Trademark details, where relevant

• Authorisation documents

The exact document list varies by product and certification scheme.

8. Apply Through the Appropriate BIS Process

After completing the required preparation, the manufacturer can proceed with the applicable BIS application process.

Businesses looking for Online BIS Certification should understand that simply submitting an online application does not automatically mean that certification has been granted.

The application may involve document review, testing, inspection, assessment, clarification, or other requirements depending on the applicable scheme.

The business should track the application and respond to BIS requirements within the prescribed timelines.

9. Check Factory and Quality-Control Requirements

For products requiring a BIS licence, manufacturing controls can be an important part of compliance.

Businesses should review:

• Production facilities

• Testing equipment

• Quality-control procedures

• Trained personnel

• Raw-material controls

• Product inspection

• Calibration of equipment

• Records and documentation

The objective is not only to certify one sample but also to maintain the required product quality during regular manufacturing.

10. Review Product Marking and Labelling

Before printing packaging in large quantities, review the required marking and labelling requirements.

Depending on the applicable scheme and standard, businesses may need to check details such as:

• Product name

• Manufacturer information

• Model or batch details

• Manufacturing information

• Applicable standard number

• BIS licence or registration details, where applicable

• Required BIS mark

• Consumer information

• Warning or safety information

Do not use the ISI Mark or other BIS-related marks unless the business has the appropriate approval and follows the applicable marking rules.

11. Special Checklist for Toys

Toys require particular attention because product safety is especially important for children.

Businesses launching toys should first determine whether the product falls within the applicable BIS requirements.

For BIS Certification for Toys, manufacturers should review requirements related to:

• Toy category

• Applicable Indian Standards

• Safety requirements

• Mechanical and physical properties

• Flammability

• Migration of certain elements, where applicable

• Electrical safety for relevant toys

• Testing requirements

• Labelling and marking

• Manufacturing quality controls

Toy manufacturers should not assume that every toy follows exactly the same compliance process. The product type and applicable requirements should be checked before testing and application.

12. Check Imported Products

If the product is manufactured outside India, the business should separately examine the applicable BIS requirements for imports.

Before importing products for commercial sale, check:

• Whether the product is covered by a mandatory BIS requirement.

• Whether the foreign manufacturer needs the relevant BIS approval.

• Applicable Indian Standard.

• Testing requirements.

• Importer-related documents.

• Labelling and marking requirements.

This check should be completed before placing large purchase orders.

13. Plan Compliance Before Marketing

BIS compliance should be completed or appropriately planned before launching advertisements, marketplaces, packaging, and other sales activities.

Businesses should check their:

• Website

• Amazon/Flipkart or other marketplace listings

• Product packaging

• Brochures

• Social media

• Dealer materials

• Product catalogues

Avoid making statements such as "BIS Certified" unless the business has actually obtained the relevant approval.

14. Maintain Compliance After Certification

BIS compliance does not necessarily end when the certificate or licence is received.

Businesses should continue to:

• Maintain product quality.

• Follow the applicable Indian Standard.

• Maintain testing and quality records.

• Keep required equipment calibrated.

• Follow marking requirements.

• Monitor product changes.

• Renew or maintain approvals as applicable.

• Respond to BIS requirements.

If a manufacturer changes important product specifications, components, manufacturing locations, or processes, it should check whether the change affects the existing BIS approval.

Quick BIS Product Launch Checklist

How Corpbiz Can Help With BIS Compliance

BIS compliance can involve multiple steps, and the requirements differ from one product category to another.

Corpbiz helps businesses understand the applicable BIS requirements, prepare documentation, coordinate the certification process, and work toward regulatory compliance.

Our assistance can cover areas such as:

• Online BIS Certification

• BIS CRS Registration Online

• ISI Certification

• BIS Certification for Toys

• BIS documentation support

• Product testing coordination

• Compliance guidance

• Certification application support

Before starting the process, it is important to identify the correct BIS scheme and Indian Standard applicable to your product.

Need help with BIS compliance for a new product? Contact Corpbiz for professional guidance on the applicable certification or registration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for every product in India?

No. BIS requirements depend on the product category and applicable government regulations. Some products are covered under mandatory BIS requirements, while others may not require compulsory certification.

2. What is Online BIS Certification?

Online BIS Certification refers to the online process used for applying and managing certain BIS certification-related requirements. The exact process depends on the applicable product and BIS scheme.

3. What is BIS CRS Registration Online?

BIS CRS Registration Online refers to the registration process under the Compulsory Registration Scheme for products covered under the applicable CRS requirements. Businesses should first confirm whether their product is included in the CRS list.

4. What is ISI Certification?

ISI Certification generally refers to BIS certification under which eligible products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard can be licensed to use the ISI Mark, subject to the applicable rules.

5. Is BIS certification required for toys?

Certain toys are subject to mandatory BIS requirements. Manufacturers should identify the applicable requirements and Indian Standards before manufacturing and selling such toys in India.

6. What is BIS Certification for Toys?

BIS Certification for Toys involves meeting the applicable Indian Standards and regulatory requirements for covered toys. Testing, documentation, manufacturing controls, and marking requirements may form part of the compliance process.

7. How long does BIS certification take?

The timeline varies depending on the product, testing requirements, documentation, inspection or assessment requirements, and the applicable BIS scheme. It is better to start compliance work before the planned product launch.

8. Can a new product be launched before obtaining mandatory BIS approval?

If the product is covered by a mandatory BIS requirement, businesses should comply with the applicable legal requirements before placing the product on the market. The exact restriction depends on the relevant regulation and product category.

9. Does BIS certification need to be maintained after approval?

Yes. Businesses need to continue following the applicable BIS requirements, including product quality, testing, marking, documentation, and other conditions of the relevant licence or registration.

10. Can Corpbiz help with BIS certification?

Yes. Corpbiz can assist businesses with understanding applicable BIS requirements and supporting processes such as Online BIS Certification, BIS CRS Registration Online, ISI Certification, and BIS Certification for Toys.

Author Profile

Author: Atul Shukla
Legal Advisor – Corpbiz Advisors

Atul Shukla is a legal advisor associated with Corpbiz Advisors, with experience in business compliance, regulatory requirements, and legal documentation. He focuses on helping businesses understand Indian regulatory processes and take informed steps toward compliance.