What is the Cost of a BIS Certificate?

What is the Cost of a BIS Certificate?

In India, product quality and safety are a top priority. Customers want assurance that the goods they are buying meet the required standards, whether it’s electronics, food, construction materials, or household appliances. That’s where the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) comes into the picture.

BIS certificate ensures that products comply with Indian quality and safety standards. But before applying, most manufacturers and importers ask the same question:

👉 “What is the cost of a BIS certificate?”

Let’s break it down step by step, including cost factors, procedures, and timelines.


What is ISI/BIS Certification?

The Indian Standards Institute (ISI) Mark is one of the services provided by BIS. It is a mandatory certification for more than 370 products in India. Products like steel, cement, electrical appliances, electronics, food items, and construction materials must carry this certification before being sold in the market.

For non-mandatory products, manufacturers can still apply for BIS/ISI certification voluntarily to build consumer trust and strengthen their brand image.


Who Can Apply for BIS Certification?

  • Only manufacturers (domestic or foreign) can apply for a BIS/ISI certificate.

  • Importers, distributors, and retailers cannot directly apply; they must ensure that the manufacturer of the product is BIS certified.

  • Each factory location must apply separately. One license cannot cover multiple manufacturing sites.

  • The manufacturer must demonstrate:

    • A clear manufacturing process flow chart

    • Qualified quality control personnel (QCI)

    • Proper testing equipment with calibration

    • Raw material and packaging details


Factors That Decide the Cost of a BIS Certificate

The cost of obtaining a BIS certificate depends on several factors:

  1. Product Category – Different products have different testing costs (electronics vs. steel vs. food).

  2. Testing Charges – All products must be tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory. Charges vary widely.

  3. Application Fee – A nominal fee is charged to file an application on the BIS portal.

  4. Inspection Charges – For ISI/FMCS, BIS officers visit the factory for inspection.

  5. Marking Fee – A product-based fee calculated on production or sales volume.

  6. License Fee – Annual fee for holding a BIS license.

  7. Consultancy Charges (Optional) – Many manufacturers hire consultants to avoid delays and rejections.


Cost Structure for ISI/BIS Certification (Indian Manufacturers)

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in ISI/BIS certification:

  • Application Fee: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000

  • Testing Fee: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (varies depending on product and lab)

  • Factory Inspection Fee: Actual expenses of BIS officers (travel, boarding, and allowances)

  • License Fee: ₹1,000 per year (per product)

  • Marking Fee: Product-specific (fixed annually by BIS)

  • Renewal Fee: Same as license fee, payable every 2 years

👉 Estimated Range for Indian Manufacturers:

  • Simplified Procedure: ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000 (25–30 working days)

  • Normal Procedure: ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 (60–90 working days)


Procedures for Obtaining BIS Certification

Manufacturers have two ways to obtain BIS certification:

1. Simplified Procedure (25–30 working days)

  1. Identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS).

  2. Set up an in-house testing lab.

  3. Submit documents + BIS-recognized lab test report.

  4. BIS officer conducts factory inspection and seals samples.

  5. Samples tested in a BIS lab.

  6. If compliant, the BIS certificate is issued.

2. Normal Procedure (60–90 working days)

  1. Identify applicable IS standard.

  2. Submit application and documents.

  3. BIS officer conducts inspection and collects samples.

  4. Samples tested in a BIS-recognized lab.

  5. Compliance issues, if any, are rectified.

  6. Certificate granted upon successful compliance.


Mandatory Product List

Over 370 products require ISI certification before sale in India. A few examples include:

  1. Countersunk Flat Head Screws IS 7485 (Part-1)

  2. Aluminium Alloy Redraw Rods IS 9997

  3. Aluminium Alloy Milk Can IS 1825

  4. Porous Metal Powder Bearings IS 3980

  5. Plain Bearings Bushes IS 14478

  6. Thin-Walled Plain Bearings IS 10203
    … and many more across electronics, mechanical, food, and construction sectors.

👉 Full updated list is available on the BIS official website.


Required Documents for BIS Certification

Manufacturers must prepare and submit:

  • Application form

  • Factory registration (KYC) documents

  • Manufacturing process flow chart

  • List of testing equipment with calibration certificates

  • Raw material details and test reports

  • Authorized signatory details and QCI certificates

  • Plant layout and factory test reports


Why the Cost is Worth It

BIS certification may seem like a significant investment, but it offers long-term benefits:

  • Legal approval for sale in India

  • Stronger consumer confidence

  • Access to retail, wholesale, and e-commerce platforms

  • A competitive edge in both domestic and export markets


Role of Consultants in Reducing BIS Costs

The BIS certification process involves multiple steps, detailed documentation, and coordination with labs and BIS officers. Mistakes can cause rejections, repeated testing, and additional costs.

This is why many manufacturers work with trusted BIS consultants like ERCS.

ERCS helps you by:

  • Calculating accurate certification costs upfront

  • Preparing and checking documents

  • Coordinating with labs and BIS officials

  • Ensuring faster approvals and renewals

  • Reducing the risk of extra expenses due to non-compliance


Final Thoughts

The cost of a BIS certificate depends on your product, testing needs, and whether you choose the simplified or normal procedure. For Indian manufacturers, the cost usually ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹1,50,000, while foreign manufacturers under FMCS may incur higher costs due to inspections abroad.

While the investment may feel high initially, BIS certification ensures compliance, safety, and long-term market success.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and hassle-free BIS certification process, working with experienced consultants like ERCS can save you both time and money.

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