Video Fire Detectors (VFD) are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Quality Control) Order, 2026. From 6 mo after publication of the QCO in the e-Gazette, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS/ISO 7240-29:2017. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016 — product seizure, fines, and prosecution.
This guide covers the applicable Indian Standard, key technical and safety requirements, the step-by-step certification process, documentary requirements, and the most common compliance pitfalls for manufacturers and importers.
📜 Applicable Indian Standard
- IS/ISO 7240-29:2017 — Video Fire Detectors (VFD) (primary standard)
- Aligned with the corresponding IEC / ISO standard for technical performance and safety
- Latest amendments notified by BIS apply automatically
📌 Video fire detection brings AI vision to large open spaces — tunnels, atriums, warehouses — where point detectors are impractical. The QCO ensures detection accuracy, analytics reliability, and integration performance.
🔬 Key Quality Requirements Under IS/ISO 7240-29:2017
BIS-approved laboratories evaluate the following during type testing:
Detection Accuracy
Flame and smoke detection accuracy across varying lighting, distance, and obstruction conditions per ISO 7240-29.
False-Alarm Rejection
Rejection of typical false-alarm sources — reflections, moving objects, solar interference.
Analytics & Networking
Analytics engine, alert pipeline, and network integration verified as a single system.
Marking & Documentation
Detection range, field of view, supported integration protocols, and ISI Mark plus licence number on the camera and software.
Products covered under IS/ISO 7240-29:2017:
- Video smoke detection cameras for atriums and tall spaces
- Video flame detection cameras for tunnels and warehouses
- AI-powered VFD systems with deep-learning fire classification
- Tunnel and infrastructure VFD for metro and highway tunnels
📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process
- System ScopingDefine the certified scope — camera + analytics engine + alert pipeline. The system is certified as an integrated product.
- Application FilingSubmit online application on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers via Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers via FMCS with appointed AIR.
- Sample TestingSubmit complete VFD systems to a BIS-recognised fire-detection laboratory. Detection accuracy, false-alarm, and EMC tests: approximately 6–8 weeks.
- Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect camera manufacturing, analytics-engine deployment, and in-house testing capability.
- Licence GrantBIS issues the ISI Mark licence. ISI Mark plus licence number is applied on the camera and software packaging.
- Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic BIS market sample testing, factory audits, and annual marking fees keep the licence active.
📄 Documents Required
- Company incorporation / registration certificate
- Product list with cameras, analytics engines, and configurations
- Engineering drawings and BOM with camera and processor specs
- Analytics engine documentation and AI model details
- EMC test plan and product safety documentation
- Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
- AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)
⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls
Common issues include false-alarm under solar / reflection interference, detection accuracy shortfall at long distance, analytics-engine integration failures, and incomplete documentation of detection range and field of view.
🏭 Special Considerations for Importers
VFD systems are imported for infrastructure projects — metros, tunnels, airports — and large commercial spaces. Each integrated system requires its own BIS ISI certification. EPCs and infrastructure integrators require ISI marking as a project compliance baseline.
Get BIS Certified — We Handle Everything
Global Approbation manages end-to-end BIS ISI / FMCS registration for Video Fire Detectors (VFD) — from documentation to licence grant. Enforcement begins 6 mo from QCO notification.
BIS ISI / FMCS Services Talk to Our Team