Introduction

In India’s fast-moving industrial landscape, quality certification can make or break a business. Picture this: a mid-sized home appliance brand in Surat had its shipment of mixers stuck at port because BIS certification became mandatory just weeks earlier. Without the ISI mark, their products couldn’t legally be sold in India.

This is the reality for thousands of businesses as India expands its regulatory net. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body, ensures products meet safety, reliability, and quality benchmarks. For companies, BIS compliance is not just a regulatory formality—it’s a passport to consumer trust and uninterrupted market access.

At Green Permits – the compliance arm of Cargo People Logistics & Shipping Pvt. Ltd., we help manufacturers, importers, and exporters smoothly navigate BIS approvals, from application to certification and renewals.

Why BIS Compliance Matters

For businesses selling in India, BIS compliance is critical because it safeguards not only consumers but also your reputation. Without it, shipments risk being seized, fines imposed, or brands blacklisted. Compliance signals to buyers that your products are safe, authentic, and globally competitive.

• Mandatory for 380+ essential products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
• From 1 September 2026, the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) will mandate BIS certification for 400+ machinery and electrical goods under 90 Indian Standards.
• By 2025, 750+ products including footwear and furniture will also require BIS marks under Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Violations under the BIS Act 2016 can result in penalties up to 5 times product value or imprisonment.

Staying compliant is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about being future-ready in a country pushing toward global quality leadership.

Core BIS Certification Schemes

BIS offers multiple certification schemes, each suited to different industries and product categories. Choosing the right scheme is crucial for timely approvals.

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – Covers electronics, IT products, and household appliances.
• ISI Mark Certification (Scheme I) – For industrial and consumer goods requiring strict quality checks.
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) – Allows overseas manufacturers to certify products for the Indian market.
• Hallmarking Scheme – Mandatory for gold and silver jewellery.
• ECO Mark Scheme – For eco-friendly products meeting environmental standards.
• Voluntary Certification Scheme (VCS) – Businesses can apply for certification even when not mandated, boosting credibility.

Each scheme follows specific documentation, testing, and audit requirements. At Green Permits, we help you identify the right scheme for your business and guide you through every step.

BIS Compliance Process: Step-by-Step

While BIS certification may seem complex, the process becomes manageable when broken down into clear steps. Our team ensures nothing falls through the cracks so you can focus on operations while we handle compliance.

• 1. Identify Applicable Scheme: Based on product category and whether it falls under CRS, ISI, or FMCS.
• 2. Application Filing: Submit applications through the BIS online portal (Manakonline).
• 3. Product Testing: Conduct lab tests at BIS-recognized labs to demonstrate compliance with Indian Standards.
• 4. Factory Audit (if required): BIS officers may inspect the manufacturing facility.
• 5. Review & Approval: BIS reviews documentation and test reports before granting certification.
• 6. Post-Certification Surveillance: Regular audits and product checks ensure continued compliance.

Related Article: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Green Permits

Real-World Compliance Updates You Should Know

BIS regulations evolve quickly, and businesses need to keep pace. Here are some of the most important updates shaping compliance in 2025 and beyond:

• Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR): Coming into force on 1 September 2026, OTR mandates BIS certification for 400+ products across 90 standards, especially in machinery and electrical goods.
• QCO Expansion: By 2025, BIS tags will be mandatory for footwear and furniture, raising the number of regulated products to over 750.
• Enforcement on Safes: In May 2025, BIS announced strict action against unregistered safe manufacturers in Pune, giving them a December 2025 deadline.
• Sector-Specific Changes: Temporary exemptions were given to certain steel parts used in medical devices, but overall, the government is tightening control on steel imports, footwear, and electronics.

These shifts show that BIS is moving toward stricter enforcement, higher product coverage, and reduced tolerance for non-compliance.

How Green Permits Helps You

For businesses, BIS compliance often feels overwhelming—forms, labs, audits, and shifting regulations. That’s where Green Permits steps in as your compliance partner.

Our services include:

• Advisory on which BIS scheme applies to your product.
• Application filing through Manakonline with complete documentation.
• Coordinating BIS-recognized lab testing.
• Factory audit preparation and support.
• Renewal and amendment assistance for ongoing compliance.
• Real-time regulatory updates so you’re never caught off guard.

With our pan-India presence in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Mundra, and Kolkata, we support businesses across industries to achieve smooth, risk-free certification.

Case Study: Electronics Importer Meets OTR Deadline

A Chennai-based electronics importer faced a crisis when their mid-range mixers and blenders were suddenly included in the BIS Omnibus Technical Regulation list. Without certification, their shipments would be held back at customs, jeopardizing a multimillion-rupee distribution contract.

When they approached Green Permits, we:

• Identified the correct Indian Standards applicable to their products.
• Coordinated urgent product testing through a BIS-recognized lab.
• Compiled the necessary documentation and filed the application via Manakonline.
• Liaised with BIS officers for clarification and fast-tracking approvals.

Result: The client secured BIS certification one week before the OTR deadline, avoiding shipment delays and protecting their supply chain.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet BIS requirements carries real risks for businesses. Non-compliant companies may face:

• Product Seizures & Market Bans – Goods can be confiscated and barred from sale.
• Legal Penalties – Under the BIS Act, fines can be as high as 5x product value.
• Reputational Damage – Losing consumer trust is often more costly than fines.
• Operational Delays – Shipments may be held at customs, disrupting supply chains.

In today’s strict enforcement environment, non-compliance is simply not an option.

Future Trends in BIS Compliance

The future of BIS compliance is being shaped by three major trends:

• 1. Digitalization: Filing, tracking, and renewals are shifting fully to the BIS Manakonline portal.
• 2. Global Alignment: BIS is aligning Indian Standards with global frameworks, making compliance stricter but globally recognized.
• 3. Cross-Agency Oversight: BIS is increasingly coordinating with CPCB (pollution norms), DGFT (trade licensing), and MoEFCC (environmental rules), especially for electronics, chemicals, and eco-linked products.

Businesses that adapt early to these trends will be better positioned for long-term growth in both domestic and export markets.

Conclusion

BIS compliance in India is more than a legal checkbox—it’s a gateway to credibility, growth, and global competitiveness. With regulations expanding to cover hundreds of new products, businesses need a trusted partner to navigate the complexity.

At Green Permits (Cargo People’s compliance division), we simplify BIS certification with end-to-end support. From documentation and lab testing to fast-tracking approvals, we make sure your products are certified on time, every time.

Need Help with BIS Certification?

Reach out to our compliance specialists:

• 📞 Call us: +91-9667 302 698
• 📧 Email: wecare@greenpermit.in
• 🌐 Visit: www.greenpermit.in

Partner with Green Permits for smooth BIS approvals, zero compliance risks, and stress-free business growth.