BIS certification cost for electronic products
BIS Certification Cost for Electronic Products: A Complete Guide for Manufacturers & Importers
The Indian electronics market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. From mobile phones, laptops, and printers to LED lamps, batteries, and power banks, demand continues to rise every year. But before these products can reach consumers, they must undergo rigorous quality checks.
In India, this responsibility falls on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national body ensuring product safety and quality. For electronics and IT products, BIS certification is mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
For manufacturers and importers, a common question arises:
💡 “How much does BIS certification for electronic products actually cost?”
In this blog, we’ll explore the cost structure, factors influencing expenses, hidden costs to watch out for, and how BIS consultants like ERCS (Export Registration & Certification Services) can save you time and money.
Why Do Electronic Products Need BIS Certification?
The electronics sector directly impacts consumer safety, national security, and energy efficiency. Faulty chargers, unsafe batteries, or low-quality LED lamps can cause fire hazards, data loss, or even accidents.
To avoid such risks, the Indian government mandates that over 75 categories of electronics and IT products must be BIS-certified before sale.
Some examples include:
Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops
LED lamps and control gear
Power adapters and power banks
Printers, scanners, and plotters
Smartwatches and IT peripherals
Batteries (lithium-ion and alkaline)
Wireless keyboards and routers
Without BIS certification, these products cannot be imported, sold, or distributed legally in India.
Types of BIS Certification for Electronics
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Specifically designed for electronics and IT goods.
Manufacturers must register their products after testing in BIS-recognized labs.
Marked with the BIS Standard Mark + Registration Number.
ISI Mark Certification
Applies to electrical appliances like wires, cables, and some consumer electronics.
Involves factory inspection and continuous surveillance.
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)
For overseas companies manufacturing BIS-mandated products.
More expensive and time-consuming than CRS.
Cost of BIS Certification for Electronic Products
The total cost depends on several factors:
Product category (simple adapters vs. complex devices like smartphones)
Number of models/variants to be certified
Testing charges in BIS labs
Consultant fees (optional but recommended for smooth process)
Foreign vs. Indian manufacturer (FMCS is more expensive)
1. BIS Application Fee
₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per application.
2. Testing Charges (BIS-Recognized Labs)
Small electronic items: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Complex devices (laptops, phones, batteries): ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000
Additional variants/models: Extra charges apply.
3. BIS Registration Fee
₹1,000 per product category.
4. Annual License Fee
₹1,000 per product, renewable every year.
5. Marking Fee
Varies by product. Usually nominal for electronics (₹0.10 to ₹1.00 per unit).
6. BIS Officer Inspection Charges (for ISI/FMCS only)
Travel, boarding, and allowances are borne by the manufacturer.
For CRS (electronics), no factory inspection is required—only lab testing.
Approximate Cost Breakdown
Here’s an average cost estimate for BIS certification of electronics under CRS:
| Cost Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Lab Testing Charges | 25,000 – 75,000 |
| Registration Fee | 1,000 |
| Annual License Fee | 1,000 |
| Marking Fee | Product-specific |
| Consultant Fees (ERCS) | 20,000 – 50,000 (varies) |
| Total (per product) | ₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
👉 For foreign manufacturers under FMCS, costs can reach ₹3–5 lakhs per product, as inspections and overseas travel are involved.
Timeline & Cost Impact
CRS Certification: 15–30 working days
ISI Certification (Electronics like cables/appliances): 30–90 days
FMCS Certification (Foreign manufacturers): 6–8 months
Faster timelines often mean lower costs, as delays can increase testing and compliance expenses.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Many manufacturers underestimate the following:
Retesting Fees – If a product fails in the first attempt, labs charge again.
Multiple Models – Each model, variant, or design requires fresh testing.
Document Errors – Wrong paperwork can lead to reapplication fees.
Delayed Renewals – Missing renewal dates attracts penalties.
This is where working with experienced consultants like ERCS helps minimize risks.
How BIS Certification Benefits Electronics Manufacturers
Legal Compliance – Avoid fines, seizures, and bans.
Market Trust – Consumers prefer BIS-marked products.
Import/Export Approval – Smooth customs clearance.
Business Growth – Access to government tenders and large buyers.
Role of ERCS in Reducing BIS Certification Costs
BIS certification can feel overwhelming for electronics manufacturers, especially foreign brands. From choosing the correct Indian Standard to navigating BIS portal submissions, small mistakes can double your costs.
ERCS (Export Registration & Certification Services) provides:
Standard Identification – Ensures you pick the right IS code.
Pre-testing Guidance – Helps avoid costly lab failures.
Documentation Support – Eliminates rejection risks.
Application Management – Smooth coordination with BIS officials.
Cost Optimization – Plans certifications to cover multiple variants efficiently.
By working with ERCS, manufacturers can cut unnecessary expenses, avoid retesting, and get faster BIS approvals.
Example: Cost Calculation for a Smartphone Manufacturer
Suppose a smartphone brand wants BIS certification for:
2 smartphone models
1 charger model
1 power bank
Estimated Costs:
Application fees: ₹4,000 (4 applications)
Testing charges: ₹2,00,000 (50,000 per product avg.)
Registration & license fees: ₹8,000
Marking fee: Nominal
Consultant fee: ₹40,000
👉 Total: ~₹2.5–2.6 lakhs
For a foreign brand (FMCS route), this could easily cross ₹5–6 lakhs.
Key Takeaways
BIS certification for electronics is mandatory in India.
Costs vary from ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per product for Indian manufacturers.
Foreign brands (FMCS) pay much higher due to inspections and travel costs.
Expenses include application fees, testing charges, license fees, and marking fees.
ERCS consultants help cut costs, avoid retesting, and ensure faster approvals.
Final Thoughts
The BIS certification cost for electronic products may seem high at first, but it’s an investment in compliance, safety, and credibility. With the Indian electronics market booming, getting BIS approval is not just about following the law—it’s about building trust with consumers and unlocking market opportunities.
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