The ISI Mark is India's most trusted product quality certification mark, granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act, 2016. The name "ISI" stands for Indian Standards Institute — the predecessor body to BIS — and the mark has been synonymous with product quality, safety, and reliability in India for over six decades.
Under the BIS Product Certification Scheme, a manufacturer obtains a Licence from BIS to apply the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on products that conform to the relevant Indian Standard (IS). The scheme covers domestic Indian manufacturers (a separate scheme — FMCS — covers foreign manufacturers). The certification involves independent product testing at BIS-empanelled laboratories and a factory inspection by BIS officers to verify quality systems and manufacturing processes.
The ISI Mark is more than a voluntary quality signal — for over 150 product categories covered under Government of India Quality Control Orders (QCOs), obtaining ISI certification is legally mandatory. Products without the ISI Mark in these categories cannot be manufactured, sold, imported, or stocked in India. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act 2016, including fines and imprisonment.
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.
BIS ISI Mark licences are typically granted for 1 year and must be renewed annually by payment of the prescribed marking fee and compliance of surveillance requirements.
BIS conducts periodic factory surveillance visits and may pick market samples for independent testing to verify ongoing product conformity with the IS standard throughout the licence period.
A marking fee (royalty) is payable to BIS based on the quantity of product manufactured/sold under the ISI licence. The rate varies by product category and is declared by BIS. FGMS tracks and manages all fee obligations.
| Phase | Activity | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Product assessment, gap analysis & document compilation | 1–2 weeks |
| 2 | Sample testing at BIS-empanelled / NABL lab | 3–6 weeks |
| 3 | BIS application preparation & submission | 1 week |
| 4 | BIS scrutiny & query resolution | 3–6 weeks |
| 5 | BIS Factory Inspection scheduling and visit | 2–4 weeks |
| 6 | BIS review of inspection & test reports | 3–5 weeks |
| 7 | Grant of ISI Mark Licence | 1–2 weeks after approval |
| Total Estimated Timeline | 3 – 6 Months | |
Timelines are indicative. Actual duration depends on document completeness, lab availability, BIS officer schedule, and product complexity. FGMS's proactive management ensures the fastest possible turnaround.
The following are key product categories covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders requiring ISI certification. Contact FGMS to confirm the applicability and relevant Indian Standard for your specific product.
| S.No | Product / Product Category | Relevant IS No. | Mark Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cement (OPC, PPC, SRC, PSC, Low Heat) | IS 269 / IS 1489 / IS 455 |
Mandatory |
| 2 | TMT Steel Bars / Rebars for Concrete Reinforcement | IS 1786 |
Mandatory |
| 3 | Mild Steel Wire Rods | IS 1730 / IS 2062 |
Mandatory |
| 4 | Portland Slag Cement (PSC) | IS 455 |
Mandatory |
| 5 | PVC Insulated Electrical Cables & Wires | IS 694 |
Mandatory |
| 6 | Flexible Low Voltage Cables & Cords | IS 9968 (Part 1) |
Mandatory |
| 7 | LPG Cylinders (Domestic) | IS 3196 |
Mandatory |
| 8 | LPG Pressure Regulators | IS 8737 |
Mandatory |
| 9 | LPG Flexible Hose Assemblies | IS 9573 (Part 2) |
Mandatory |
| 10 | Domestic Gas Cooking Stoves (LPG) | IS 4246 |
Mandatory |
| 11 | Packaged Drinking Water (Mineral Water) | IS 14543 / IS 13428 |
Mandatory |
| 12 | Household Electric Storage Water Heaters | IS 2082 |
Mandatory |
| 13 | Room Heaters (Radiant / Convector) | IS 302-2-61 |
Mandatory |
| 14 | Electric Immersion Water Heaters | IS 1588 |
Mandatory |
| 15 | Pressure Cookers (Domestic Aluminium/SS) | IS 2347 |
Mandatory |
| 16 | Switches for Domestic & Similar Fixed Electrical Installations | IS 3854 |
Mandatory |
| 17 | Plugs & Socket Outlets (Domestic) | IS 1293 |
Mandatory |
| 18 | Protective Helmets for Scooter/Motorcycle Riders | IS 4151 |
Mandatory |
| 19 | Safety Glass for Motor Vehicles | IS 2553 (Part 2) |
Mandatory |
| 20 | Agricultural Pesticides (specified categories) | IS Norms / CIB |
Mandatory |
| 21 | Asbestos Cement Pressure Pipes & Sheets | IS 1592 / IS 459 |
Mandatory |
| 22 | Vanaspati (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils) | IS 804 |
Mandatory |
| 23 | Infant Milk Substitutes / Baby Food | IS 7702 / IS 1656 |
Mandatory |
| 24 | Colour Television Sets | IS 616 |
Mandatory |
| 25 | Ballast for Tubular Fluorescent Lamps | IS 1534 |
Mandatory |
| 26 | Battery Operated Vehicles (specified) | IS 12778 / AIS Norms |
Mandatory |
| 27 | Transformers (Distribution & Power) | IS 1180 (Part 1) |
Mandatory |
| 28 | Automobile Tyres & Tubes (specified categories) | IS 15633 / IS 2494 |
Mandatory |
| 29 | Safety Matches | IS 285 |
Mandatory |
| 30 | Kitchen Knives & Cutlery (Surgical Steel) | IS 4837 |
Voluntary |
| Feature | ISI Mark (Product Cert.) | BIS Hallmark (Jewellery) | BIS Reg. for Electronics (CRS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable To | Industrial & consumer products | Gold / Silver jewellery | Electronics & IT products |
| Scheme Name | BIS Product Certification Scheme | BIS Hallmarking Scheme | Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) |
| Standard Type | Indian Standard (IS) | IS 1417 / IS 2790 | Safety & EMC Standards |
| Inspection Required | Factory inspection by BIS officers | Hallmarking Centre assay | Self-declaration after lab testing |
| Marking Fee | Yes (royalty per unit) | Per piece hallmarking charge | Registration fee (one-time) |
| Mandate | 150+ categories under QCOs | Mandatory for gold/silver jewellery | 200+ electronics categories |
FGMS provides end-to-end assistance for ISI Mark, BIS Hallmark, CRS Registration, and all other BIS schemes. Contact us to determine which certification applies to your product.
Explore other certification and compliance services that complement Domestic Product Certification (ISI Mark)
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) enables overseas manufacturers to ob...
Learn MoreBIS Scheme X allows overseas manufacturers to certify products against Indian Standards us...
Learn MoreThe BIS Certificate of Conformity (CoC) certifies that imported goods conform to applicabl...
Learn MoreBIS Hallmarking certifies the purity of gold and silver jewellery under Indian Standards. ...
Learn MoreConnect with our experts today for a free consultation and obtain your certificate without the hassle.