The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates two major product certification schemes in India — the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and the ISI Mark Certification (FMCS/Domestic). Both are mandatory for their respective product categories, but they differ significantly in process, applicability, validity, and consequences of non-compliance.
Choosing the wrong route — or not knowing which one applies — can stall customs clearance, trigger product seizures, or result in penalties. This guide settles the confusion once and for all.
🔍 Quick Overview: What Are BIS CRS and BIS ISI?
BIS CRS
Compulsory Registration Scheme — primarily for electronic and IT products. Self-declaration model with BIS-registered test labs. Products get a unique Registration Number.
BIS ISI Mark
Industrial Standards Mark — for a wide range of industrial, electrical, and consumer goods. Factory audit and ongoing surveillance required. Products carry the ISI Mark with CM/L number.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parameter | BIS CRS | BIS ISI |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Compulsory Registration Scheme | ISI Mark / FMCS (for foreign manufacturers) |
| Primary Products | Electronics, IT products, LED drivers, set-top boxes, solar PV, power banks | Steel, cement, LPG cylinders, electrical wires, switches, helmets, toys, and 500+ more |
| Governing Order | Electronics & IT Goods (EITG) Compulsory Registration Order, 2012 (amended) | Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 + Quality Control Orders (QCOs) |
| Process Type | Self-declaration after testing at BIS-recognised lab | Factory inspection + product testing + ongoing surveillance audits |
| Who Can Apply | Manufacturer (Indian or foreign) or authorised Indian representative | Indian manufacturer (ISI) or Foreign manufacturer (FMCS scheme) |
| Factory Audit | No factory audit required at registration | Mandatory factory inspection before grant of licence |
| Certificate Type | BIS Registration Certificate (R-number) | BIS Licence (CM/L number) |
| Validity | Typically 2 years, renewable | 1 year, renewable annually |
| Mark on Product | BIS logo + Registration Number | ISI Mark + CM/L number |
| Surveillance | Market surveillance by BIS; no periodic factory audit | Periodic factory surveillance audits every 6–12 months |
| Cost | Lower overall cost | Higher due to audits, lab fees, and surveillance |
📦 Which Products Fall Under BIS CRS?
BIS CRS currently covers over 85 product categories under the Electronics & IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order. Common examples include:
- Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers
- Mobile phone chargers and power adapters
- LED lamps, LED lights, and LED drivers
- Set-top boxes and digital photo frames
- Power banks and portable battery packs
- Solar photovoltaic modules and inverters
- Printers, scanners, and multifunction devices
- Smart meters and energy monitors
🏭 Which Products Require BIS ISI Mark?
The ISI mark is required for products notified under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or mandatory schedules under the BIS Act. These span a wide range of industries:
- Electrical cables, wires, and switches
- Helmets (motorcycle and industrial safety)
- LPG cylinders and pressure regulators
- Portland cement and fly ash bricks
- Steel plates, bars, and structural sections
- Packaged drinking water and mineral water
- Toys and child safety products
- Auto components (tyres, batteries, mirrors)
💡 If your product appears on both a CRS notification AND a QCO, you may need both certifications. Always verify against the latest BIS notifications before proceeding.
🔄 BIS CRS Registration Process — Step by Step
- Identify the Applicable IS StandardFind the Indian Standard (IS) applicable to your product from the BIS or EITG order.
- Test the Product at a BIS-Recognised LabGet the product tested at a NABL-accredited, BIS-recognised laboratory against the IS standard.
- Apply on the BIS PortalRegister on the BIS Manak Online portal, upload test reports, declaration of conformity, and product details.
- Receive R-NumberBIS reviews the application and issues the Registration Certificate with a unique R-number to be marked on the product.
- RenewalRenew before expiry (usually every 2 years) with fresh test reports if the standard has been revised.
🔄 BIS ISI (FMCS) Process for Foreign Manufacturers
- Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)Foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR in India to liaise with BIS on all compliance matters.
- Apply for Licence Under FMCSSubmit application to BIS headquarters with product details, factory information, and test reports from an approved lab.
- BIS Factory InspectionBIS officials visit the overseas factory to inspect production processes, quality control systems, and testing facilities.
- Grant of LicenceUpon successful audit and test report review, BIS grants a CM/L licence number to be marked on the product.
- Annual Renewal & SurveillanceLicence renewed annually; BIS conducts periodic surveillance audits and market sample testing.
⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling, importing, or distributing products without valid BIS certification (where mandatory) carries serious consequences under the BIS Act 2016:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine up to ₹2 lakh for first offence
- For subsequent offences, fines can double and imprisonment terms increase
- Products can be seized and destroyed by BIS enforcement teams
- Customs can reject import consignments without valid BIS certificates
✅ How to Decide: CRS or ISI?
Use this simple decision framework: if your product is an electronic or IT product listed in the EITG Compulsory Registration Order — go BIS CRS. If your product is an industrial, construction, electrical, or consumer good listed under a Quality Control Order — go BIS ISI. If unsure, always consult a BIS-experienced consultant to check the latest notification status of your product before investing in testing.
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