The Bureau of Indian Standards - Fees, Compliances under BIS

[YAGAY andSUN]

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensures the quality, safety, and reliability of products in India by mandating various compliance requirements for manufacturers and importers. These include obtaining certification, paying relevant fees, and adhering to regulatory standards to ensure that products meet the necessary quality norms.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees and compliance requirements for obtaining and maintaining BIS certification:

1. BIS Certification Process: To comply with BIS regulations, businesses (both manufacturers and importers) must follow the process to obtain certification for their products. The process involves several key steps:

A. BIS Registration and Certification Fees: BIS charges certain fees based on the product category and the certification type (voluntary or mandatory). The main types of certification are:

• ISI Mark Certification (Mandatory): This is required for products that fall under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Hallmarking Certification (for jewellery): A special certification for gold and silver jewellery.
• BIS Product Certification (Voluntary): This applies to products that do not fall under mandatory certification but are still subject to BIS quality standards.

Here are the broad categories of fees involved:

1.1. Fees for Product Certification: BIS charges fees for the various stages involved in product certification, including testing, inspection, and licensing.

• Application Fee: An initial fee is charged for submitting the application for certification. This is generally a one-time fee.
• Testing Fee: The cost for testing samples in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
• Inspection Fee: BIS conducts factory inspections to ensure that manufacturing facilities adhere to the quality norms. There may be a fee for these inspections.
• License Fee: This fee is charged for granting the license to use the BIS mark (ISI mark). The fee varies depending on the product category and the size of the business.
  • Small Scale Industries (SSIs) may be eligible for discounted fees.

1.2. Hallmarking Fees: For gold and silver jewellery manufacturers or retailers who wish to use the BIS Hallmark, the fees include:

• Application fee for hallmarks.
• Inspection and testing fees.

1.3. Fees for Importers: For imported goods subject to BIS certification under Quality Control Orders, importers are required to:

• Pay testing fees for the samples of the imported goods.
• Submit the application for BIS certification and inspection.
• Clear the goods through customs with the necessary BIS compliance documents.

Approximate Fee Range for Product Certification:

• For some products, the fees may range from INR 3,000 to INR 50,000 or more, depending on the nature of the product, complexity, and the number of inspections and tests required.

1.4. Renewal Fees: BIS certifications are granted for a specific duration (typically 1 year). The certification must be renewed annually, and renewal fees apply.

2. Compliance Requirements under BIS:

A. Compliance for Manufacturers:

1. BIS Registration: Manufacturers must apply for BIS registration before producing or selling products that fall under mandatory certification. This involves:
   • Submitting an application with relevant documents (like business details, manufacturing process, product information).
   • Undergoing factory inspections and testing.
2. Factory Inspections:
   • The manufacturing facility is inspected by BIS officials to ensure it complies with the required standards. The factory must have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and processes in place to produce goods that meet the BIS standards.
3. Product Testing:
   • Manufacturers must submit product samples for testing at BIS-accredited laboratories. If the samples meet the relevant Indian Standards (IS), the certification will be granted.
4. Quality Control and Documentation:
   • Manufacturers need to establish and maintain quality control processes in their production. This includes:
     • Regular testing of products during production.
     • Maintenance of detailed records of production and quality checks.
     • Updating BIS with any changes in the manufacturing process or product specifications.
5. Labeling Requirements:
   • Products must be properly labelled with the BIS mark (ISI). Manufacturers should also include relevant details, such as the IS number, batch number, and any other required compliance markings.

B. Compliance for Importers:

1. Import Documentation:
   • Importers must provide BIS certification or a test report from a BIS-recognized lab for products that fall under mandatory certification.
2. Customs Clearance:
   • Goods that require BIS certification must be accompanied by the BIS certification document during the customs clearance process. Importers must ensure that the goods meet Indian standards before shipment, or else they may face rejection or delays at the port.
3. Testing of Imported Goods:
   • Importers may need to submit samples for testing at accredited labs, and BIS may inspect the imported goods to ensure that they conform to the specified standards.
4. Payment of Import Fees:
   • Importers must pay testing and certification fees for their goods as part of the BIS compliance process.
5. Marking of Goods:
   • If certified, the importer must ensure that the imported goods carry the BIS mark (ISI) and comply with all labeling and packaging requirements.

C. Ongoing Compliance:

1. Surveillance:
   • BIS conducts ongoing surveillance inspections, both for manufacturers and importers, to ensure that certified products continue to meet quality standards.
   • Surveillance may involve random sampling, unannounced factory visits, and periodic re-testing.
2. Record Keeping:
   • Businesses must maintain proper records of manufacturing processes, product testing, quality control measures, and certifications. These records must be available for inspection upon request by BIS.
3. Non-compliance Penalties:
   • Failing to meet the BIS standards can result in penalties, such as suspension or revocation of the BIS license, fines, and rejection of goods at customs.
   • Repeated non-compliance can also lead to legal action.

Summary of BIS Fees and Compliance Requirements:

Compliance Area	Description	Typical Fees
Registration & Certification	Application, testing, inspection, and licensing fees.	INR 3,000 to INR 50,000+ depending on product category
Factory Inspections	On-site inspections to verify compliance with BIS standards.	Varies by product category
Import Certification	Fees for testing and obtaining certification for imported goods.	Varies based on goods, product type
Hallmarking (Jewellery)	Fees for obtaining the BIS Hallmark for gold and silver jewellery.	INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 (approx.)
Renewal Fees	Annual renewal fee for BIS certification.	Varies by product and license type