FMCS Certification is an important compliance requirement for foreign manufacturers who want to sell products in the Indian market. The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that products manufactured outside India meet the applicable Indian Standards.

Under BIS FMCS Certification, foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS licence to use the ISI Mark on their products after fulfilling the prescribed quality, safety and testing requirements. This certification helps ensure that imported products comply with Indian quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The scheme was introduced in 2000 and is administered by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS headquarters in New Delhi. It covers applicable products other than notified Electronics and IT products, which generally fall under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

What Is BIS FMCS Certification?

BIS FMCS Certification is a product certification scheme specifically designed for manufacturers whose manufacturing facilities are located outside India. It allows eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence for products covered under the relevant Indian Standards.

The certification confirms that the manufacturing facility has the required production infrastructure, testing equipment and quality control procedures to manufacture products according to Indian Standards.

For products covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs), obtaining the applicable BIS certification is essential before manufacturing or importing those products for sale in India.

It is important to understand that an international quality certificate or an IEC test report does not automatically replace BIS certification. Products must comply with the applicable Indian Standard.

Eligibility for BIS FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS FMCS Certification if their manufacturing facilities are located outside India and their products fall under the applicable Indian Standards.

The major eligibility requirements include:

• The applicant must be an actual foreign manufacturer.

• The product must comply with the relevant Indian Standard.

• Manufacturing machinery and production facilities must be available at the factory.

• Required testing equipment must be installed at the manufacturing premises.

• Qualified technical personnel must be available to conduct product testing.

• The manufacturer must agree to follow the BIS Scheme of Testing and Inspection (SIT).

• The applicant must accept the applicable BIS licence conditions and marking fee.

• An Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) must be nominated.

Separate applications are required for each product or Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.

BIS FMCS Certification Process

Obtaining BIS FMCS Certification involves several stages, from identifying the applicable Indian Standard to receiving the final BIS licence.

1. Identification of Indian Standards

The first step is to identify the applicable Indian Standard for the product. Manufacturers should also check whether their products are covered under a mandatory Quality Control Order.

2. Appointment of Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers must nominate an Indian resident as their Authorised Indian Representative. The AIR is responsible for coordinating with BIS and ensuring compliance with the applicable certification requirements.

3. Preparation and Submission of Application

The manufacturer must prepare the prescribed application and supporting documents. As per the BIS application guidelines applicable from 1 June 2026, new FMCS applications must be submitted through the Manakonline portal.

4. Factory Inspection by BIS

BIS officials inspect the overseas manufacturing facility to assess production infrastructure, manufacturing processes, testing facilities and quality control arrangements.

5. Product Sample Testing

During the inspection, BIS officials draw product samples for testing. These samples are sent to BIS laboratories or BIS-recognised laboratories in India for testing against the applicable Indian Standard.

6. Grant of BIS Licence

After satisfactory inspection results, test reports and fulfilment of the applicable requirements, BIS may grant the licence to the foreign manufacturer for using the ISI Mark.

Documents Required for BIS FMCS Certification

Foreign manufacturers need to prepare technical, legal and manufacturing-related documents for their FMCS application.

Commonly required documents include:

• Company registration certificate.

• Manufacturing facility details and factory address.

• Authorised Indian Representative nomination documents.

• Manufacturing process flowchart.

• List of manufacturing machinery.

• List of testing equipment.

• Factory layout and plant details.

• Quality control and testing procedures.

• Product technical specifications.

• Trademark or brand ownership documents, where applicable.

• Undertakings and declarations prescribed by BIS.

The exact documentation requirements may vary depending on the product and applicable Indian Standard.

Benefits of FMCS Certification

BIS FMCS Certification offers several advantages to foreign manufacturers planning to expand their business in India.

• Market Access: Helps manufacturers meet applicable BIS certification requirements for entering the Indian market.

• Product Credibility: The ISI Mark demonstrates conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.

• Customer Confidence: Supports buyer confidence in product quality and safety.

• Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers fulfil applicable mandatory certification requirements.

• Business Expansion: Creates opportunities to supply compliant products to Indian distributors, importers and customers.

How EVTL India Can Help with BIS FMCS Certification

Obtaining BIS FMCS Certification requires proper documentation, technical preparation, factory inspection and coordination with BIS authorities. For foreign manufacturers unfamiliar with Indian regulatory procedures, managing these requirements can be challenging.

EVTL India provides BIS certification consultancy services to help international manufacturers understand the applicable Indian Standards, prepare documentation, coordinate application requirements and navigate the certification process.

With professional guidance, manufacturers can better manage their BIS FMCS Certification journey and prepare for the requirements involved in obtaining a BIS licence.

If you are a foreign manufacturer planning to export products to India, connect with EVTL India for guidance on BIS FMCS Certification and applicable Indian regulatory requirements.