India Resumes BIS Certification for Chinese Manufacturers: Key Points to Know

The reconsideration of the BIS Certification for the Chinese manufacturers by the Indian Authority has been a huge transformation in its approach towards regulation and trade. The ban on imports from China lasted for almost five years; this action is a clear sign of its willingness to open up trade relations and to further stabilize the supply chain, besides meeting the rising internal demand.

Consequently, the government has started to clear the backlog of applications for a variety of products, electronics, footwear, household goods, steel items, and raw materials, for instance, not only to facilitate healthier imports but also to mop up market shortages.

The manufacturing industry uses Chinese components and finished goods; for instance, it will definitely gain a lot from the reopening of the BIS certification process, as it will be quicker. This action is indicative of a new era of cooperation, clearer regulations, and sustainable trade growth between India and China.

Key Steps by the Government to Ease BIS Certification Delays and Support Market Demand

The Government of India is lifting the suspension at a time when consumer demand is growing quickly, helped by recent GST rate cuts. These tax reductions have allowed companies to pass on benefits to customers, which has led to faster sales and lower stock levels than expected. Sales of cars, large TVs, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators have increased sharply, and manufacturers are now finding it difficult to restock.

For the first time, there is even a wait period for premium electronics, and companies say it may take a few weeks to meet the demand. To deal with this situation, the DPIIT has asked manufacturers to share details of cases where foreign suppliers are facing BIS Certification delays. The BIS has confirmed that it will soon start issuing and renewing licenses for suppliers from different countries, including China.

BIS Certification is required for all factories, Indian or Foreign, that make products under Quality Control Order (QCOs). The BIS conducts on-site inspections before approving. While Indian factories got approvals quickly, foreign, especially Chinese, plants faced long delays, which caused major supply chain disruptions in India.

Import Strategy of the Indian Government for Chinese Manufacturers

Below, you can go through the strategies of the Government of India for Chinese manufacturers to ease the import and BIS Certification of Chinese Products: 

• Clearing Pending Proposals: The Indian government is speeding up the approval of pending import proposals from local companies sourcing goods from China and other countries. This includes certifying foreign manufacturing plants to make exports to India faster and smoother.
• Issuing Supplier Licenses: Officials have confirmed that the government will soon issue and renew licenses for suppliers from multiple countries, including China, with applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Mandatory BIS Approval: Under the Quality Control Order (QCO), BIS certification is required for importing finished products, components, and raw materials — covering categories like electronics, footwear, and industrial goods.
• Resumption of Trade Talks: The decision also signals a renewed phase in India - China trade relations, following China’s move to resume exports of heavy rare earth magnets to India after a six-month pause.

BIS Certification for Chinese Products Imported into the Indian Market

Any manufacturer in India or abroad producing goods under the Quality Control Order must receive certification as required by BIS regulations. Domestic inspections were able to run without delays, but certification for overseas companies, particularly factories in China, slowed considerably.

This slowdown was more of a part of India's strategy to build local manufacturing capabilities and seek to encourage companies to purchase substitutes for items needed from other countries. However, industry experts have highlighted that the rate of localisation varies greatly from sector to sector. For example, only about 50 percent of components are sourced from India for air conditioners, meaning the other 50 percent is still imported from China.

Speaking with an industry executive, they said, "It is practical to relax some of the restrictions on imports. Yes, localisation is a long-term aim, but the immediate shortfall was damaging manufacturers and consumers."

Easing Diplomatic Tensions Between Both the Countries

The policy change also signals a more favorable trade relationship between India and China. Recently, China has once again started exporting heavy rare earth permanent magnets to India, which are essential components of the renewable energy, EV, and electronics sectors, following a six-month suspension. 

Additionally, the diplomatic picture has improved. India and China have resumed direct flights to one another's countries, and India is issuing business visas once again to Chinese citizens. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China in August, where he met with President Xi Jinping. 

Chinese investments continue to be subject to security clearance under Press Note 3, but this is a cautious, and thus far, one-time thaw of India's overall trade relationship with China, and suggests that economic pragmatism may be coming back into vogue with respect to India's China policy.

How does ERCS Private Limited support Chinese Manufacturers? 

At ERCS Private Limited, we play a key role in helping Chinese manufacturers navigate the BIS certification process smoothly and efficiently. With our in-depth understanding of Indian regulatory standards and strong coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), we ensure that every step - from application filing to product testing, documentation, and factory inspections - is handled seamlessly.

Our team assists manufacturers in preparing the required technical documents, coordinating with BIS-recognized labs, and ensuring that all Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are met. We also provide continuous updates on regulatory changes and help clients maintain compliance even after certification. By offering end-to-end support, ERCS enables Chinese companies to reduce delays, avoid rejections, and bring products to the Indian market faster, fostering smoother trade and long-term business growth.