BIS CRS vs ISI vs FMCS: A Comparison for Importers and Manufacturers

When importing products into India or preparing to manufacture goods for the Indian market, businesses often encounter three terms: BIS CRS, ISI certification and FMCS.

All three are associated with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), but they do not serve exactly the same purpose. The route you need depends on the product, the applicable Indian Standard, the relevant government notification and where the product is manufactured.

For example, a foreign manufacturer producing an electronic product covered by a Compulsory Registration Order may need to follow the CRS route. A foreign manufacturer producing an eligible industrial product covered by the ISI Mark scheme may need to apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

The most important distinction is that FMCS is the route through which eligible foreign manufacturers obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark. It is not simply a third, interchangeable certification mark alongside CRS and ISI.

In this guide, we compare BIS CRS, ISI and FMCS, explain who needs each route and outline how importers and manufacturers can identify the correct compliance process.

1. What Is BIS CRS Registration?

BIS CRS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards Compulsory Registration Scheme.

The scheme operates under Scheme II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It applies to products brought under the relevant Compulsory Registration Orders (CROs).

CRS is commonly associated with electronics and IT products, such as specified mobile phones, laptops, televisions, power supplies and other notified categories. However, the scheme also covers certain products notified by other ministries.

Under CRS, the manufacturer must establish that the product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard, complete the prescribed testing and registration process, and use the required Standard Mark with its unique registration number.

Who needs BIS CRS registration?

Manufacturers of products covered by the relevant Compulsory Registration Order may need to obtain CRS registration, whether their manufacturing facilities are located in India or abroad.

The manufacturer or factory owner is the applicant. An importer or trader should not assume that it can replace the manufacturer's registration with its own application.

The official BIS CRS portal identifies the manufacturer or factory owner as the eligible applicant.

How does the BIS CRS process work?

The process generally includes:

1. Identifying the applicable Indian Standard and checking whether the product is covered by a Compulsory Registration Order.
2. Generating the appropriate test request and selecting a BIS-recognised laboratory through the prescribed process.
3. Submitting product samples for testing.
4. Reviewing the test report and preparing the required application documents.
5. Submitting the application and declaration of conformity through the CRS portal.
6. Obtaining registration and following the applicable marking and continuing-compliance requirements.

The CRS portal currently provides instructions for submitting an application using a verified test report within the prescribed period. Applicants should check the live portal for the current test-report validity, document checklist and submission instructions before filing.

For assistance with identifying the relevant standard, preparing documents and managing the application, visit iKargos BIS CRS Registration.

2. What Is BIS ISI Certification?

BIS ISI certification is associated with the ISI Mark scheme, officially known as Scheme I under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

It enables an eligible manufacturer to obtain a BIS licence to use the ISI Mark on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.

Depending on the product and applicable requirements, the process includes an assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, production controls, quality management, testing capabilities and product conformity.

Which products may require ISI certification?

The applicable Indian Standard and government notification determine whether ISI certification is required for a product.

Examples of product categories covered by compulsory certification orders may include specified:

• Cement products.
• Steel and steel-related products.
• Electrical cables and other regulated electrical products.
• Household appliances covered by applicable requirements.
• Industrial, construction and consumer products covered by relevant Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

These are examples, not a complete list. Not every product belonging to one of these broad categories automatically requires ISI certification.

What is the BIS ISI certification process?

The process generally involves:

1. Identifying the correct Indian Standard and applicable certification requirements.
2. Preparing the manufacturing facility, testing arrangements and quality-control procedures.
3. Submitting the prescribed application and supporting documentation.
4. Completing the required factory assessment and product testing.
5. Addressing any observations or deficiencies identified during the process.
6. Obtaining the BIS licence and following the applicable marking, renewal and surveillance requirements.

BIS explains that the grant of a licence under Scheme I depends on successful assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capability, as well as the product's conformity to the relevant standard.

You can review the official BIS product-certification process for the applicable procedures.

For application support, visit iKargos BIS ISI Certification.

3. What Is BIS FMCS Certification?

FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.

BIS established FMCS to enable eligible manufacturers with production facilities outside India to obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark on products that conform to the applicable Indian Standards.

FMCS is administered by the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS headquarters in New Delhi.

The scheme generally covers products other than electronics and IT goods notified by MeitY under CRS. It can apply to eligible foreign manufacturers seeking certification for products covered by the relevant Indian Standards and certification requirements.

Is FMCS different from ISI certification?

This is an important point for overseas suppliers.

ISI refers to the product-certification mark and the associated Scheme I route. FMCS provides the process through which eligible foreign manufacturers obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark.

Therefore, an overseas manufacturer of an eligible product may need ISI certification through FMCS. The manufacturer should not treat ISI and FMCS as two separate marks that must automatically be obtained together.

Who needs FMCS?

FMCS is relevant to eligible manufacturers with factories outside India whose products fall within its scope.

For example, an overseas manufacturer supplying a regulated industrial product to an Indian buyer may need to establish whether the product is covered by a compulsory certification order and whether the FMCS route applies.

If the product instead falls under an applicable CRS Compulsory Registration Order, the manufacturer should follow the CRS route rather than assume that FMCS is the appropriate alternative.

What is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

Foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative in accordance with the applicable BIS requirements.

The AIR is an Indian resident who is legally nominated to represent the foreign manufacturer in connection with the licence and its compliance obligations.

The official BIS guidance states that the representative must meet the relevant residency, nomination and responsibility requirements. Conflicts of interest and other eligibility conditions must also be considered.

Read the official BIS Nomination of AIR guidance.

How does the FMCS process work?

The process generally includes:

1. Identifying the applicable Indian Standard and confirming that the product is within FMCS scope
2. Preparing the foreign factory's technical, manufacturing and quality-control documentation.
3. Nominating an eligible AIR in India.
4. Submitting the application through the prescribed BIS portal and paying the applicable fees.
5. Completing the required overseas factory assessment and product testing.
6. Resolving any deficiencies or questions raised during the assessment.
7. Obtaining the licence and complying with the relevant marking, renewal and surveillance conditions.

BIS now requires new FMCS licence applications to be submitted through the online portal; offline or hard-copy applications were accepted only up to 31 May 2026. Check the official FMCS application guidance for current instructions. Foreign manufacturers can also review iKargos BIS ISI Certification under FMCS for assistance with the application and documentation process.