BIS ISI Mark Certification

The ISI Mark is one of India's most recognised product certification marks, a signal to buyers and regulators that a product meets the relevant Indian Standard. For a large list of products it is not optional: manufacturing or selling covered goods without the mark can invite penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. This guide explains what the ISI Mark is, who needs it, and how the licensing process works.

What is the ISI Mark?

The ISI Mark is a product certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body. The mark was first introduced by the Indian Standards Institution, which became BIS under the BIS Act, 2016, and it certifies that a product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard (IS).

ISI Mark certification sits under Scheme-I (Schedule II) of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) framework, which covers product certification through factory inspection and sample testing. For products that fall under the mandatory certification regime, producing or selling without a valid ISI Mark licence can lead to fines or legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.

Who needs it?

• Manufacturers of products that BIS has notified under the mandatory ISI Mark scheme
• Makers of home appliances and electrical appliances
• Furniture manufacturers, including work chairs, tables, desks and beds
• Cement producers and steel product manufacturers
• LPG cylinder manufacturers
• Any producer whose product is covered by an Indian Standard under Scheme-I and who intends to manufacture or sell it in India

Products and standards covered

The mandatory ISI Mark list is extensive and runs to several hundred products across very different categories. The table below shows a small sample of products and the Indian Standards associated with them.

This is only a small sample. One BIS source cites more than 680 mandatory products while the BIS product search lists around 975, so the exact count, and the current standard for any given product, should be verified against the current BIS schedule.

The registration process

1. Select the relevant IS code for your product.
2. Submit the online application on the BIS Manak portal, attaching the required documents.
3. Have product samples tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory against the applicable IS.
4. Undergo a factory inspection by a BIS-authorised officer, who assesses the manufacturing process and in-house quality control.
5. Receive the BIS licence once the product and factory meet all requirements, after which you may apply the ISI Mark.

BIS offers two routes to the licence. Under the normal procedure, the factory is inspected first and samples are sealed during the inspection and sent to BIS-approved labs, so the manufacturer must already have the required in-house testing facilities. Under the simplified procedure, the product is tested first at a BIS-recognised lab and the test report is submitted with the application, after which BIS carries out the factory inspection.

Documents required

• Company incorporation documents, such as the incorporation certificate, partnership deed or MSME registration
• Factory registration and address proof
• Factory location map and layout plan showing production and testing areas
• Manufacturing process flowchart
• Machinery and equipment details
• In-house testing facility details
• Lab test reports as per the relevant IS standard
• Raw material details and test certificates
• Product drawings, technical specifications and component details
• Packaging details
• Bank statement or financial statements
• Trademark registration certificate, if the product is branded
• Ownership or lease proof of the premises
• Authorised signatory details and identity proof

Timeline and validity

The time to a licence depends on the route chosen:

• Normal procedure – around 60 to 65 days, with factory inspection first and sealed samples sent for testing.
• Simplified procedure – around 35 to 40 days, with lab testing completed before the factory inspection.

An ISI Mark licence is generally valid for one year initially and may then be renewed for a period of one to five years based on compliance and BIS approval. The one-year versus one-to-five-year point should be confirmed with BIS for your product. Renew before expiry through the BIS portal, as late renewal or non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of the licence.

Fees (indicative)

These figures are indicative only. Fees vary by product, laboratory and category, are revised periodically, and must be verified against the current BIS schedule before you budget for certification.

Why it matters

• Legal manufacture and sale of your product across India
• Authorisation to use the recognised ISI Mark
• Consumer trust through a widely recognised quality and safety mark
• Better product quality and a stronger brand reputation
• Protection for consumers against substandard and counterfeit products

This page is general information and not legal advice. Standards, fees, timelines and product lists are set by BIS and revised periodically. Always verify the current requirements against official BIS notifications or consult our team before acting.