BIS Certification

Tracing the History of BIS Certification Issuing Authority-The Bureau of Indian Standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was set up by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 under the guidance of the Ministry of Consumer Affair, Food & Public Distribution. It is authorized to issue BIS Certification for products and systems. The Bureau is headquartered at New Delhi and has regional offices at all the other three metro cities as well as Chandigarh and about 20 brand offices.  In this article, we will discuss Tracing the History of BIS Certification Issuing Authority the Bureau of Indian Standards.

What is the purpose of BIS Certification?

The major tasks of the Bureau are to formulate standards, certify products and carry out Management System Certifications in the country. BIS certification is a voluntary process where manufacturers can obtain the certificate and use the ISI Mark or the Standard Mark on their product and packaging to assure their customers of the quality and safety standards of the product. For such manufacturers there are a number of methods by which they can obtain the certification – the normal procedure for Indian manufacturers that takes about 4 months to obtain the registration; the simplified procedure for Indian manufacturers that take about a month for the registration to be awarded; Tatkal scheme that is applicable generally to manufacturers who need to mandatorily acquire the certificate before introducing their product in the market; the ECO Mark Scheme for environment friendly products; and the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme that is applicable for foreign manufacturers.

Understand the Basic Facts of Compulsory Registration Scheme of BIS

As per the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in consultation with the BIS –

1. No person is allowed to manufacture or store for sale, import, sell or distribute goods which do not meet the specified standard and products and packaging do not bear the Standard Mark or the words – Self-declaration conforming to IS _____ on their goods after being registered by the Bureau.
2. That all goods that are found to be substandard and do not meet up to the required standard levels as per the specific IS will be distorted so that they cannot be used. They can alternatively be sold off as scrap by the manufacturer.

The initial list released consisted of about 15 product categories where manufacturers had to seek BIS registration on a mandatory basis under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. The list included categories like – Electronic Games (Video), Laptop/Notebook/Tablet, Plasma/LCD/LED TVs with screen size 32” and above, Optical Disc player with built-in amplifiers of input power 200 W and more, Microwave ovens, Visual Display units and Video monitors of screen size 32” and more, Printers and Plotters, Scanners, Wireless keyboards, Telephone answering machines, amplifiers with input power of 2000W and more, Electronic musical systems with input power 200 W and more, Electronic clocks with mains powers, set-top box and automatic data processing machine.

Later in November 2014, 15 more categories were added by the Ministry. In August 2017 the list was further increased with another 13 product categories. The same year in September, the Ministry of New and Renewal Energy included 6 products pertaining to Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods.

These products categories are all governed by the Scheme – II under the CRS.

Compulsory Registration Scheme – Scheme I

This Scheme is also called the ISI Mark Scheme. About 136 products have been included in the scheme where manufacturers need to mandatorily obtain ISI certification before selling or distributing or exporting their products. The same rule applies for Indian as well as foreign manufacturers. After being granted ISI registration, it is necessary that the product and the packaging bear the ISI Mark as a guarantee of quality and safety of the product. Different categories include – cement; electrical household goods; batteries; food & related products; automobile accessories; oil pressure stove; cylinder valve and regulation; medical devices; steel products; electrical motors; a capacitor; chemicals and fertilizers; kitchen appliances; and domestic water heaters used with LPG.

Let us discuss the process of acquiring BIS Certification for two products- Printers, plotters and scanners.

Products under discussion

S. No.	Product Name	Applicable Indian Standard (IS)
1	PRINTERS, PLOTTERS	IS 13252(Part 1):2010*
2	SCANNERS	IS 13252(Part 1):2010*

About IS 13252(Part 1):2010* – this is the Indian Standards pertaining to Information Technology Equipment – Safety. The standards have been formulated keeping in mind the safety needs of primarily two types of persons – the user or the operator and the people who service the equipment. The standards are meant for minimizing and if possible, eliminate hazards related to shocks, fire, radiation, and chemical, heat, mechanical and energy-related hazards.

Key Steps of BIS Registration Process

The key steps in the process are –

1. The applicant or the manufacturer needs to first send a sample product at a BIS approved laboratory for testing to confirm that the product conforms to the above-mentioned IS. There are specifications mentioned regarding the drawing of the sample for testing. It is essential that the sample is sealed properly to prevent it from any damage and needs to be labeled properly. It also mentions that the samples need to be drawn at least once in a period of two years and sent for testing. The lab tests the sample product and accordingly generates a test report.

The applicant also needs to submit the required Lab Fees to get the sample tested. The lab fees have been mentioned here for both the products being discussed –

S. No.	Product Category	Lab Fees
1	PRINTERS, PLOTTERS	Rs. 40000/-
2	SCANNERS	Rs. 40000/-

• Apply online at CRSBIS. Before filling up Form VI online, the manufacturer or the applicant needs to register at the site.
• The Test report needs to be submitted along with the application form. Relevant documents (list mentioned below) needs to be submitted too.
• The BIS Certification cost needs to be deposited either via NEFT or Demand Draft. While NEFT needs to be done online, the hard copy of the DD needs to be sent to the BIS Headquarters direct. The details of the government fees have been mentioned here –

S. No.	Product Category	Government Fees
1	PRINTERS, PLOTTERS	Rs. 53000/-
2	SCANNERS	Rs. 53000/-

• Once the online submission has been completed, the hard copy of Form VI along with the original test report and copies of all documents need to be sent to the BIS headquarters at Manak Bhawan, New Delhi. Also accompanying should be the NEFT confirmation receipt and the DD. All these documents need to reach the main office within 15 days of submitting an application online. In case the application fails to reach within 15 days the status of the application displays closed which means that the applicant needs to refill his application.
• BIS has a policy of scrutinizing applications on first come first basis. The application, the test report and the documents are scrutinized by Appropriate Authority to check for conformity of the sample with the specifications of the Indian Standard.
• In case of any shortcomings or requirement of additional documents, the Authorities will inform the applicant or the manufacturer and he need to comply with the same on immediate manner.
• In case all documents and reverts are found to be appropriate and compliant with the specified Indian standard, the Bureau goes ahead and registers the manufacturer.
• The status of the application is available online for the manufacturer to check.

Documents required for BIS Certification

Essential documents that need to be submitted along with the application form are –

1. Test report in original from BIS approved lab along with an undertaking.
2. Address proof of the business entity
3. NEFT confirmation details or the Demand Draft in original
4. Authorisation letter from the CEO in case the application is signed by a representative on his behalf.
5. Registration proof of the brand
6. Affidavit from Indian manufacturers and affidavit cum undertaking from the appointed Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in case of foreign applicants.
7. The ID proof of the person who has signed the application and the Affidavit.
8. Other documents that the BIS might ask for the manufacturer has to oblige and furnish the details and documents.

BIS Registration Process

The registration process involves distinct steps that need to be complied with in total earnest by manufacturers or applicants to be able to complete the process successfully. The summarized details of the procedure have been mentioned here. However, it is advisable to take expert advice from experienced BIS Certification Consultants who have been working in the field for a good number of years now. Such BIS certification agents will handle all the paperwork, provide guidance on each step and even interact with BIS officials on behalf of the manufacturer to resolve issues and ensure that all requisite processes are adhered to while filling up the application. Enterslice, one of the leading Management Consultancy Firms extends BIS certification and registration services at a nominal charge of Rs. 25000/- for each BIS registration.

FAQ’s about BIS Registration

Do commercially used printers form a part of IS 13252:2010*?

1. All types of printers are included under the above-mentioned Indian Standard.

2. Do 3D scanners that are used for 3D imaging and printing also covered under the IS?

Yes. All types of scanners are covered under the above-mentioned Indian Standard.

3. Digital duplicators fall under the purview of the particular Indian Standard or not?

Yes. As per definition and functionality, digital duplicators work hand-in-hand with computers and desktops as printers and scanners and are therefore part of CRS Scheme-II.

4. Does the Indian Standard IS 13252:2010* cover both professional and home use equipment?

Yes. The particular IS 13252:2010* does not differentiate between equipment made for home use and professional use. The equipment mentioned here, irrespective of their area of use, needs to be tested for and registered with BIS before being launched in the market.

5. Is the rule same for Indian and foreign manufacturers?

Yes. Indian and foreign manufacturers, both, need to apply for BIS registration before engaging in any of commercial activity related to products that feature under CRS categories.

6. What penalty awaits the manufacturer if he fails to get his product registered (Printers, Plotters and Scanners)?

Under clause 3(2) and 4(3) the manufacturer is liable to be punished in case found to be selling products without seeking registration. Clause 3(2) pertains to deforming the product to prevent further use and Clause 4(3) pertains to seizure of the product.

7. Do the labs retain the tested samples?

The testing labs approved by BIS can return or dispose the samples after testing as per their policy. Though labs are generally asked to retain the samples at least during the time period the surveillance is not completed.

8. What is the difference between BIS certification and ISI certification?

In the case of ISI registration, BIS officials visit the factory of the manufacturer to ascertain that the production processes and the manufacturing unit are in line with required specifications.

9. What are ISI Mark registration costs?  

There are different components of the ISI registration costs and differs on a case-to-case basis. The costing components include –

• Application fees
• Lab testing fees
• Consultancy fees if a BIS Certification agent is hired for obtaining ISI registration.
• Factory audit fee
• Travelling and logistic expenses of BIS officials during factory visit
• Sample testing fee
• Annual licenses
• Performance bank guarantee fee

10. Explain the Standard Mark?

After BIS registration, manufacturers need to print or emboss the Standard Mark on their product and its packaging. There is a particular format to it, and it is compulsory to adhere to the same. The Standard Mark should be of such quality that it cannot be rubbed off or erased easily and at all times need to be legible, visible and comprehensible. The Mark needs to carry the monogram, the unique registration number of the brand and the applicable Indian Standard number.

11. What is the process of renewal of the certification?

The BIS certificate is valid for a period of two years. Renewal application needs to be filled up at least a month prior to expiry of the present certificate. The applicant or the manufacturer needs to fill an online application and deposit the required fees for processing the application. Testing is generally not required in case the product has not undergone any changes from previous specifications. However, Ministry officials can pick-up random samples for testing during surveillance. Also retesting needs to be done if the standards have got revised in between and the original test report does not conform to the revised version.

Also Read:
What is the Significance of BIS Certification?
How BIS is fulfilling its BIS Certification issuing responsibilities?