To be eligible for BIS FMCS certification, foreign manufacturers must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Foreign Manufacturer (outside India): This is the foundational criterion. The BIS FMCS scheme is specifically designed for manufacturing units located outside the geographical boundaries of India. Indian manufacturers fall under different BIS certification schemes.
- Should Have a Manufacturing Unit Capable of Producing Goods that Meet Indian Standards (IS standards): This means your factory must possess the necessary infrastructure and production processes to manufacture products conforming to the Indian Standards (IS). This includes having appropriate technology and skilled personnel.
- Must Have Adequate In-House Testing Facilities or Access to a Certified Laboratory: You must demonstrate a robust quality control system. Ideally, your factory should have its in-house laboratory equipped with all the necessary testing instruments as prescribed by the specific Indian Standard. These instruments must be calibrated regularly. If complete in-house testing is not feasible, you must have an arrangement with a reputable, certified external laboratory that can perform the required tests.
- The Product Must Fall Under the List of Mandatory ISI-marked Products Notified by BIS: Your product must be included in a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Indian government. If your product is not on this list, it may not require mandatory FMCS BIS certification, or it might fall under a voluntary scheme or a different mandatory scheme like CRS. Always verify the latest QCOs.
- Must Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) if not based in India: Since the manufacturer is outside India, a resident Indian individual or entity must be appointed as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR serves as the official point of contact and legal representative for all interactions with BIS, ensuring smooth communication and compliance throughout the certification and surveillance periods.

