Can foreign companies get BIS Certification? Yes. Foreign manufacturers are fully eligible for BIS Certification in India, provided their products comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS) and BIS regulations. BIS allows overseas manufacturers to obtain certification under both the ISI Certification Scheme and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

The first step for foreign companies is to identify the correct Indian Standard (IS) and determine whether the product falls under the ISI Scheme (license with factory audit and surveillance) or CRS Registration, which mainly applies to electronics and IT products.

A key requirement for foreign applicants is appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR acts as the local compliance and legal representative before the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is responsible for application coordination, communication with BIS, and post-certification obligations.

Foreign manufacturers must prepare a complete technical dossier, including product drawings, specifications, BOM, safety-critical components, declarations, quality system evidence, and labeling artwork referencing the correct IS. Product testing must be conducted at a BIS-recognized laboratory, either in India or at an overseas lab approved by BIS (where permitted).

For products under CRS Registration, foreign companies submit test reports and documents online to obtain a BIS Registration (R-Number). For products under the ISI Certification Scheme, BIS conducts a factory inspection at the overseas manufacturing unit, followed by ongoing surveillance before granting a BIS License (CM/L Number) and permission to use the ISI Mark.

After certification, foreign companies must strictly follow BIS marking and packaging requirements, maintain records for surveillance, manage renewals, and notify BIS of any product or component changes.

In conclusion, foreign companies can legally obtain BIS Certification and sell or import products into India by following the prescribed process and appointing a compliant Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).