BIS Scheme X Certification

LICENCE/CERTIFICATION

Abbreviations — BIS Scheme X

BIS Bureau of Indian Standards

Scheme X BIS Conformity Assessment Scheme X (ILAC/APAC lab pathway)

FMCS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (Scheme I)

ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation

APAC Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation

MLA Multilateral Recognition Arrangement

IS Indian Standard

ISI Mark Indian Standards Institute Certification Mark

AIR Authorized Indian Representative

NFA Non-Refundable Application Fee

QCO Quality Control Order (Government of India)

CB Certification Body (BIS-recognised)

What is BIS Scheme X Certification?

BIS Scheme X is one of the conformity assessment pathways under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018, operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is designed primarily for overseas manufacturers — and eligible domestic manufacturers — who seek BIS product certification (ISI Mark) for products destined for the Indian market, and whose products have already been tested under internationally recognised frameworks.

The fundamental advantage of Scheme X over the conventional FMCS / Scheme I route is the acceptance of test reports from ILAC or APAC MLA-signatory accredited laboratories in the manufacturer's country. This means products manufactured in China, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, the USA, or any country with ILAC/APAC-recognised accreditation bodies can use their existing internationally accredited test reports for BIS certification — eliminating the need, cost, and delay of re-testing in India.

Like all BIS product certification, Scheme X still requires a factory audit to verify production and quality controls, and a BIS licence is issued upon successful certification. The Scheme X licence authorises the manufacturer to affix the ISI Mark on products exported to India — mandatory for product categories covered under Government of India Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

Key Advantage of Scheme X: If your product has already been tested at an ILAC/APAC MLA-recognised lab against an equivalent international standard, you do not need to re-test in India. FGMS reviews your existing test reports for IS compatibility before any new testing is commissioned — saving you significant time and cost.

BIS Scheme X vs. FMCS (Scheme I) — Key Differences

Feature	Scheme X	FMCS (Scheme I)
Applicability	Foreign & eligible domestic manufacturers	Foreign manufacturers only
Test Lab Location	ILAC/APAC MLA-recognised lab anywhere globally	BIS-empanelled lab in India (primarily)
Accept Foreign Reports	YES — if ILAC/APAC accreditation scope covers IS	NO — Indian retesting generally required
Factory Audit	Required (BIS or BIS-recognised CB)	Required (BIS officers travel to factory)
Typical Timeline	3–6 months	6–12 months
Best For	Manufacturers with existing global quality certifications	Manufacturers new to international testing frameworks
Mark Issued	ISI Mark (same as FMCS)	ISI Mark
AIR Required	Yes — Indian representative mandatory	Yes — AIR mandatory

Eligibility Requirements for Scheme X

Manufacturing Facility

A functional manufacturing unit where the product is produced. BIS/CB audit to be conducted at this facility.

ILAC/APAC Accredited Lab Report

Product must be tested at a lab accredited under ILAC or APAC MLA whose scope explicitly covers the applicable Indian Standard (IS) or an equivalent harmonised standard.

In-House QC Equipment

The factory must have adequate in-house testing and quality control equipment calibrated and maintained to verify ongoing product conformity.

Authorized Indian Representative

An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be nominated — individual, firm, or company with a permanent Indian address responsible for all BIS liaison activities.

QMS in Place

A documented Quality Management System (ISO 9001 or equivalent) is strongly recommended and may be required depending on the product category and BIS CB evaluation.

Non-Refundable Application Fee

The NFA and subsequent factory inspection charges must be paid to BIS at the respective stages. FGMS advises on the exact fee structure for your product category.

Enquire Now Start Application Call an Expert

Our Process

Product & Standard Identification

We identify the applicable Indian Standard (IS) for your product and confirm whether Scheme X is the correct conformity assessment route under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018.

Testing at ILAC/APAC Lab

Product samples are tested against the applicable Indian Standard at an ILAC or APAC MLA-signatory accredited laboratory in the manufacturer's country. We identify eligible labs and coordinate all testing logistics.

Technical Dossier Preparation

We prepare the complete technical file: test reports, product specifications, manufacturing process details, quality control procedures, raw material suppliers, Bill of Materials (BOM), and all supporting declarations required by BIS.

Factory Audit Coordination

Under Scheme X, BIS officers or a BIS-recognised Certification Body (CB) may conduct a factory audit in the country of manufacture to verify QMS and production controls. We prepare you for and accompany you through this audit.

BIS Application Submission

We file the complete application on the BIS portal, pay the applicable Non-Refundable Application Fee (NFA), and submit all technical documents for BIS scrutiny.

BIS Scrutiny & Query Resolution

BIS desk-reviews the application. Any queries related to test reports, product scope, or documentation are addressed promptly by our technical team to avoid delays.

BIS Licence Granted

Upon satisfactory review of the technical file and audit outcome, BIS grants the Scheme X Licence. The manufacturer is authorised to apply the ISI Mark on certified products exported to India.

Surveillance & Renewal

Post-certification, periodic surveillance may include market sample testing and document reviews. FGMS manages all annual renewals, marking fee compliance, and surveillance audit scheduling.

Documents Required

The following documents are generally required. Exact requirements may vary based on your product, entity type, and applicable standard. Our team provides a precise checklist after consultation.

Duly completed BIS Application Form-I (signed by authorized signatory)

Company registration / incorporation certificate of the manufacturer

Product technical specifications, drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM)

Manufacturing process flow chart with all production stages

List of in-house testing & quality control equipment with calibration certificates

Test reports from ILAC/APAC MLA-signatory accredited laboratory against applicable IS

Accreditation certificate and scope of the testing laboratory (confirming IS coverage)

Quality Management System certificate (ISO 9001 or equivalent — if available)

Raw material sourcing details and supplier list

Authorisation letter appointing FGMS as consultant / Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Details of all models / variants to be covered under the licence

Non-Refundable Application Fee (NFA) payment confirmation

Frequently Asked Questions

BIS Scheme X is a product certification pathway under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018, specifically designed for manufacturers — particularly foreign manufacturers — whose products are destined for the Indian market. Under Scheme X, BIS accepts product test reports from internationally accredited ILAC/APAC MLA-signatory laboratories in the manufacturer's country, eliminating the need for mandatory re-testing in India. This significantly reduces time and cost for overseas manufacturers with products already tested under recognised global quality frameworks.

The key difference is in the testing recognition model. Under FMCS (Scheme I), BIS typically requires product samples to be tested at BIS-empanelled Indian laboratories. Under Scheme X, BIS accepts test reports from ILAC or APAC MLA-signatory accredited laboratories anywhere in the world, provided the lab's accreditation scope covers the applicable Indian Standard. This makes Scheme X significantly faster and more cost-effective for manufacturers in countries with strong accreditation infrastructure (e.g., China, South Korea, Germany, Japan, USA).

Scheme X is applicable to products that have an applicable Indian Standard (IS) and for which the IS has been harmonised or aligns sufficiently with international standards covered by ILAC/APAC-accredited labs. In practice, Scheme X is widely used for electronics, electrical equipment, IT products, cables, and industrial equipment. BIS determines eligibility on a product-by-product basis. FGMS advises on Scheme X eligibility during initial consultation.

ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and APAC (Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation) are multilateral laboratory accreditation recognition arrangements. A laboratory that is a signatory to the ILAC MLA or APAC MLA has its test reports mutually recognised by accreditation bodies in member countries. BIS accepts test reports from such labs under Scheme X as equivalent to testing in India — but only if the lab's accreditation scope explicitly covers the applicable Indian Standard (IS) or an equivalent standard.

Yes — Scheme X still requires a factory assessment/audit to verify that the manufacturing facility has adequate in-house testing capabilities, quality systems, and production controls consistent with the certified products. The audit may be conducted by BIS officers or a BIS-recognised Certification Body (CB). FGMS prepares manufacturers for the audit and coordinates scheduling with BIS.

Yes. Foreign manufacturers applying under Scheme X must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to liaise with BIS in India. FGMS is qualified to act as AIR, accepting responsibility for BIS correspondence, inspection coordination, market complaints, and licence maintenance — so you can focus on manufacturing while FGMS handles all regulatory affairs in India.

With a complete application and ILAC/APAC-accepted test reports, Scheme X typically takes 3–6 months — significantly faster than conventional FMCS routes that require Indian lab testing. The timeline includes document scrutiny (4–8 weeks), factory audit coordination (4–8 weeks), and BIS final review and licence grant (2–4 weeks). FGMS's proactive document management ensures the fastest possible turnaround.

Common IS standards covered under Scheme X include: IS 13252 (IT equipment — safety), IS 616 (colour televisions), IS 694 (PVC cables), IS 1391 (room air conditioners), IS 302 series (household appliances), IS 10322 (luminaires), IS 15885 (LED light sources), IS 8884 (installation of fixed cellular systems), and many more. The specific IS applicable to your product is determined during our initial consultation.

Typical BIS Scheme X Certification Timeline

Phase	Activity	Typical Duration
1	Product assessment, IS identification & lab eligibility review	1–2 weeks
2	Test report review / sample testing at ILAC/APAC lab (if new testing needed)	3–6 weeks
3	Technical dossier & BIS application preparation	1–2 weeks
4	BIS application submission & NFA payment	1 week
5	BIS scrutiny, desk review & query resolution	3–6 weeks
6	Factory audit scheduling & conduct (by BIS / CB)	3–6 weeks
7	BIS final review of audit report & technical file	2–4 weeks
8	BIS Scheme X Licence granted	1–2 weeks after approval
Total Estimated Timeline		3 – 6 Months

Timeline is significantly shorter than conventional FMCS when pre-existing ILAC/APAC lab test reports are available and compatible with the applicable IS. FGMS reviews existing reports before any new testing is commissioned.

ILAC & APAC MLA — What It Means for Your Application

BIS Scheme X accepts test reports only from laboratories accredited by a body that is a signatory to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MLA) or the APAC MLA. This covers almost all major national accreditation bodies across the world.

China

CNAS (China National Accreditation Service)

South Korea

KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme)

Germany

DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle)

USA

A2LA / NVLAP / IAS (multiple ILAC signatories)

Japan

IAJapan / JNLA (ILAC-MLA signatory bodies)

Taiwan

TAF (Taiwan Accreditation Foundation)

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)

India

NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing)

Critical requirement: The accredited lab's scope of accreditation must specifically include the applicable Indian Standard (IS) number or a harmonised equivalent (e.g., IEC, EN standard that BIS accepts as equivalent). FGMS verifies lab scope compatibility before your application is submitted.

Common Products Certified Under BIS Scheme X

The following product categories are commonly processed under Scheme X. Scheme X eligibility is determined by the availability of an applicable IS and ILAC/APAC lab coverage for that IS.

S.No	Product / Category	Applicable IS	Status
1	IT Equipment (Power Supplies, Notebooks, PCs)	`IS 13252 (Part 1)`	Mandatory QCO
2	Colour Television Sets (LCD/LED)	`IS 616`	Mandatory QCO
3	Room Air Conditioners (Split / Window)	`IS 1391 (Part 1 & 2)`	Mandatory QCO
4	Refrigerators & Deep Freezers	`IS 1476 (Part 1 & 2)`	Mandatory QCO
5	Washing Machines (Automatic & Semi-Automatic)	`IS 302-2-7`	Mandatory QCO
6	Microwave Ovens	`IS 302-2-25`	Mandatory QCO
7	Storage Water Heaters (Electric Geysers)	`IS 2082`	Mandatory QCO
8	PVC Insulated Cables & Flexible Cords	`IS 694 / IS 9968`	Mandatory QCO
9	LED Lamps, Lights & Luminaires	`IS 16102 / IS 10322`	Mandatory QCO
10	Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear	`IS 60947 Series`	Mandatory QCO
11	Electric Motors (Industrial)	`IS 12615`	Mandatory QCO
12	Power Banks (Portable Rechargeable Batteries)	`IS 16444`	Mandatory QCO
13	Set Top Boxes (DTH / Cable)	`IS 16193`	Mandatory QCO
14	Distribution Transformers (up to 2500 kVA)	`IS 1180 (Part 1)`	Mandatory QCO
15	Ceiling Fans & Domestic Fans	`IS 374`	Mandatory QCO
16	Switches & Socket Outlets (Domestic)	`IS 3854 / IS 1293`	Mandatory QCO
17	Smart Electricity Meters	`IS 15884`	Mandatory QCO
18	Industrial Luminaires (High Bay / Flood)	`IS 10322 (Part 5)`	Optional / Recommended
19	Automotive Wiring Harnesses & Cables	`IS 14885`	Optional / Recommended
20	UPS Systems & Inverters	`IS 16242 / IS 13314`	Optional / Recommended

Check Scheme X Eligibility for Your Product View All Services

Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Under Scheme X

Every foreign manufacturer applying under BIS Scheme X must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR is the legal point of contact for BIS in India and accepts product-related responsibilities within the Indian market.

AIR Responsibilities

Act as legal liaison between manufacturer and BIS India
Accept in-market product liability and consumer complaint responsibility
Coordinate factory audit scheduling with BIS / CB
Maintain all licence documents and technical files
File annual marking fee returns and manage renewal
Comply with all BIS directives and surveillance requirements

Why Choose FGMS as Your AIR?

BIS-approved, experienced AIR for 50+ foreign manufacturers
Dedicated account manager for each client
Full regulatory affairs management — zero gap for you
Real-time application tracking and status updates
Proactive renewal alerts — your licence never lapses
Multi-product, multi-licence coordination under one roof

FGMS as Your AIR: FGMS handles complete BIS Scheme X lifecycle on your behalf — from lab selection, dossier preparation, BIS liaison, factory audit support, licence maintenance, and renewal. Contact us to get started. Enquire About AIR Service

Why Choose FGMS?

15+ Years Experience

Deep domain expertise spanning BIS, ISO, WPC, EPR, and 50+ certification schemes

Pan-India & Global Reach

Offices across India and liaison in 50+ countries for overseas market certifications

Fast Turnaround

Dedicated case managers accelerate every step to save you critical market time

Transparent Pricing

Fixed professional fees with no hidden costs — clear cost breakdowns from day one

Expert Team

Chartered engineers, legal experts, and ex-government consultants on your case

High Success Rate

99%+ certification success record built on thorough preparation and rigorous quality checks

Request a Free Callback

Or call us directly:

+91-9818571192

All Services

BIS (ISI Mark) For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS) Domestic Product Certification (ISI Mark) BIS Scheme X Certification BIS Certificate of Conformity (CoC) BIS Hallmarking BIS Licence For Toys REACH Certification - India (Chemical Management) CDSCO Licence (Drug & Medical Device) ECOMARK Certification Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS) World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code TAC Approval For Automobile PESO Certification SASO Certification (Saudi Arabia) CDSCO Drug Licence BIS (CRS) Registration For Electronic Products WPC-ETA Approval (Wireless Products) BEE Star Rating Certification E-Waste Management (EPR) EPR Registration - Plastic Waste Management EPR Registration - Battery Waste Management EPR Registration - Used Oil Management Legal Metrology - LMPC Registration TEC / MTCTE Approval CE Certification (Europe) UL Certification (USA) RoHS Licence (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Drone Registration (UAS) MoEF Licence (Environment Clearance) Standardization (Scientific) Division Training Services - National & International Import / Export Licence (IEC) Brand Representation Laboratory Equipment and Setup Trademark Registration Make In India Support AG-Mark Licence (Agricultural Products) Third Party Inspection & Monitoring Services Collaboration Services FSSAI Certification (Food Safety) MSME / SSI / NSIC Registration ISO Registration / Certification

Accreditations

BIS Approved Consultant

ISO 17021 Compliant Process

MoMSME Registered

FICCI & CII Member

D&B Verified Company

BIS Scheme X Certification