In-house Laboratory Requirements for Manufacturers Operating BIS Product Certification

As per the latest BIS notification, In-house Laboratory is no longer required for importers and manufacturers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an important notice granting benefits to manufacturers who use BIS Product Certifying Services. Thus allowing for more flexible options to manufacture products and perform Testing and Quality Assurance (QA).

This article provides readers with an explanation in simple and comprehensible language so they will better understand the changes and be able to identify potential customers and those who will not be able to participate.

BIS Removes In-House Testing Lab Requirement for Manufacturers

The requirement for an in-house testing facility has been removed. Manufacturers certified under the Bureau of Indian Standards are no longer required to provide an in-house laboratory for testing purposes. They do not have any obligation to create or use an in-house testing laboratory as part of their operations for obtaining BIS certification. This change will help manufacturers minimise their costs associated with the creation and operation of laboratories and remain compliant with BIS standards.

Approved Alternatives to In-House Testing Facilities

Other than operating their own laboratories, manufacturers are allowed to use each of the following as approved methods for testing:

• Shared resources, such as a one-stop shop for testing (i.e., common testing facilities)

• Cluster-based testing facilities

• Outsourcing tests to independent testing laboratories, such as:

• BIS-approved or empanelled testing laboratories

• Laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025

• The above options offer manufacturers greater flexibility while ensuring the reliability and integrity of test results.

Flexibility in the Scheme of Inspection and Testing 

Here are the explained key points for Inspection and Testing:

1. BIS SIT Is Recommendatory, Not Mandatory

The Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) mentioned in the product manuals issued by BIS is recommendatory in nature. Manufacturers are not required to follow it exactly as prescribed.

2. Manufacturers Can Define Their Own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

• Manufacturers are free to prepare, declare, and implement their own Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).
• The declared QAP must ensure that products fully comply with the relevant BIS Standards.
• This allows manufacturers to design quality systems best suited to their processes while remaining compliant.

3. Products Excluded from This BIS Circular

Although the circular applies to most products, it does not apply to the following categories:

• DPIIT / PESO-regulated products that require pre-dispatch or lot inspection

• Cement products regulated by the DPIIT / Cement Desk

• Food products

• Protective helmets for two-wheeler riders

• Products where BIS certification is operated on a factory testing basis, as per product-specific guidelines

• Manufacturers dealing in these products must continue to follow existing testing and certification requirements.

Supersession of Earlier BIS Circular and Effective Date

• This circular supersedes the earlier circular of the same number dated 16 July 2024.
• The new provisions come into force with immediate effect, and manufacturers can start aligning their testing and quality practices accordingly.

Conclusion

The removal of the mandatory in-house laboratory requirement is a significant step toward ease of doing business, especially for small and medium manufacturers. By allowing shared facilities, accredited external labs, and flexible quality planning, BIS has made product certification more accessible while maintaining compliance with standards. Connect with ERCS Private Limited to get more updates and news.