BIS Voluntary Certification lets manufacturers certify their products against Indian Standards (IS) for certain AYUSH equipment and accessories. According to the BIS public table, under Ayush Standard Number(s) Under Voluntary Certification, there are 13 Ayush-related products eligible for voluntary certification. BIS published its standards between 2022 and 2026. These products include those used in yoga, Panchakarma, hydrotherapy, Homoeopathy, packaging, and other procedures. This certification is voluntary and does not authorise the manufacture of AYUSH medicines or validate therapeutic claims.
What is BIS Ayush Voluntary Certification?
BIS voluntary certification is the optional certification of eligible AYUSH-related equipment, accessories and packaging against the Indian Standard that applies to each product
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body, established under the BIS Act, 2016. In 2023, BIS created a dedicated AYUSH Department (AYD), whose sectional committees for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Homoeopathy and other systems prepared the standards in this list. The BIS Standard Mark, used under a valid licence, indicates that the certified product complies with the relevant Indian Standard within the scope of that licence.
However, product conformity is not the same as therapeutic approval. BIS certification alone does not confirm the product's medical effectiveness, nor does it authorise the manufacture of Ayush medicines. Manufacturers should verify the applicable certification scheme, mark, eligibility criteria and application procedure directly with BIS before applying.
Is BIS Ayush Certification Mandatory or Voluntary?
No. Products in the BIS table "Ayush Standard Number(s) Under Voluntary Certification" are under voluntary certification, so manufacturers can sell them without a BIS licence. Many choose to obtain certification to demonstrate conformity with the Indian Standard to buyers.
The Central Government may make voluntary certification mandatory by introducing an applicable legal requirement, such as a Quality Control Order (QCO). As of 16 October 2026, no QCO makes BIS certification compulsory for these 13 products.
Businesses must also consider other applicable regulations:
- Drug licensing: AYUSH medicines must comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its Rules
- Legal Metrology: Applicable packaged-commodity declarations and other requirements must be followed where relevant.
- Import regulations: Importers must check applicable customs, import and product-specific compliance requirements.
- Other product regulations: Requirements depend on the product's classification, its use, and the company's claims. Therefore, BIS voluntary certification should be considered separately from any mandatory licensing or regulatory obligations applicable to a business.
List of 13 Ayush Products Under BIS Voluntary Certification
The BIS public table lists Ayush Standard Number(s) under voluntary certification for Ayush-related products, along with their numbers and product names. On 16 October 2026, the table showed 13 products with standards published between 2022 and 2026. Manufacturers can use this list to identify the standard that applies to their product. The licence itself is granted to the manufacturer, not to a trader or importer.
Complete List of 13 Ayush Products
|
S. No. |
Category |
Product |
Indian Standard |
|
1 |
Yoga and wellness |
Cotton Yoga Mat |
IS 17873:2022 |
|
2 |
Panchakarma equipment |
Panchakarma Equipment - Part 1 Droni |
IS 18089 (Part 1):2022 |
|
3 |
Panchakarma equipment |
Panchakarma Equipment - Part 2 Shirodhara Yantra |
IS 18089 (Part 2):2022 |
|
4 |
Neti and Shatkarma items |
Stainless Steel Neti Pot |
IS 18215:2023 |
|
5 |
Neti and Shatkarma items |
Sutra Neti Thread |
IS 18962:2024 |
|
6 |
Neti and Shatkarma items |
Vastra Dhauti |
IS 18994:2024 |
|
7 |
Homoeopathy packaging |
Plastic Containers and Closures for Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Preparations |
IS 19084:2024 |
|
8 |
Homoeopathy packaging |
Glass Containers for Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Preparations |
IS 19085:2024 |
|
9 |
Hydrotherapy |
Gel Coated Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Resin Spinal Bath Tub |
IS 19207:2025 |
|
10 |
Hydrotherapy |
Gel Coated Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polyester Resin Hip Bath Tub |
IS 19213:2025 |
|
11 |
Procedure equipment |
Ksharasutra Cabinet |
IS 19356:2025 |
|
12 |
Procedure equipment |
Unani Medicine - Air Extraction Hijama Cupping Device |
IS 19442:2026 |
|
13 |
Procedure equipment |
Polypropylene Enema Can |
IS 19760:2026 |
Who Can Consider BIS Ayush Voluntary Certification?
The BIS Ayush voluntary certification scheme may apply to various companies, depending on the product type and the specific scheme.
- Indian manufacturers: Manufacturers of the specified products can determine the applicable standard and their eligibility accordingly.
- Foreign manufacturers: Overseas manufacturers may be eligible to participate in the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which requires an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Traders and importers: They cannot hold the licence themselves. They can source from a licensed manufacturer.
BIS Voluntary Certification vs Ayush Ministry/QCI Ayush Mark vs Drug Licence
BIS Certification in India, the QCI Ayush Mark and a drug licence serve different purposes. Understanding these differences helps businesses select the appropriate compliance route.
|
Parameter |
BIS product certification |
QCI Ayush Mark |
Drug licence |
|
Primary purpose |
Demonstrates conformity with an applicable Indian Standard |
Separate voluntary certification scheme for eligible Ayush products |
Regulates activities involving medicines under applicable drug laws |
|
Main focus |
Equipment, accessories and packaging in the BIS list |
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy products (medicines) |
Compliance with licensing and drug-regulatory requirements |
|
Issuing or administering body |
BIS |
Quality Council of India as scheme manager, with certification by NABCB-accredited bodies; developed with the Ministry of AYUSH |
State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) |
|
Typical scope |
Products covered by the applicable BIS scheme |
Ayush Standard Mark (domestic regulatory compliance) and Ayush Premium Mark (WHO-GMP based) |
Medicines and activities covered by applicable legislation |
|
Interchangeable with other routes? |
No |
No |
No |
Under the QCI Voluntary Certification Scheme for Ayush products, the Ayush Standard Mark and the Ayush Premium Mark are applicable; they are separate from the BIS Standard Mark.
Documents to Review Before Applying
The required documents for BIS certification depend on the applicable scheme, product standard, and current application instructions. Manufacturers should check the official BIS portal before submitting an application.
Documents and information that may typically be required include:
- Complete application form and manufacturer details
- Factory address and manufacturing-unit information
- Product specifications, drawings and identification details
- Manufacturing process and quality-control plan
- Details of testing facilities, test equipment and personnel, where applicable
- Test reports and sample information, as required by the scheme
- Prescribed declarations, undertakings and supporting records
- Authorisation documents, such as the Authorised Indian Representative nomination for FMCS
How to Proceed With BIS Ayush Voluntary Certification (Step by Step)
This is a list of steps involved in the preparation process, although it may vary from one BIS certification scheme to another.
Step 1: Identification of the relevant Indian Standard: Find out which Indian Standard relates to your product in the list of Ayush voluntary certification products.
Step 2: Understand the relevant standard: Obtain the Indian Standard and confirm whether your product falls within its scope, including the edition and any amendments.
Step 3: Gap Assessment: Ensure manufacturing controls, product specifications, testing, and quality management comply with the standard's requirements.
Step 4: Register and Apply on the BIS portal: Complete the application for the relevant BIS scheme and pay the required fees.
Step 5: Product Testing: BIS may need to test samples of your product, perform factory inspection and conduct other evaluation activities as per the scheme and product.
Step 6: Certification before use of Mark: Obtain the relevant license/approval before use of the BIS Standard Mark. Ensure the requirements of the license are followed.
Step 7: Compliance: Comply with continuing requirements of the scheme.
Benefits of Voluntary BIS Certification for Ayush-Related Products
Voluntary BIS Certification may provide commercial and operational advantages to qualifying manufacturers.
- Buyer assurance: Shows compliance with the respective Indian Standard in the scope of certification.
- Tender credibility: Helps meet procurement requirements if BIS certification is required.
- Verifiable quality: Buyers can check a licence against the IS number on the BIS website
- Export negotiation: Can assist buyer evaluations, but destination countries may need other permissions or certifications.
- Market differentiation: Makes it easier to differentiate certified products from non-certified products.
Conclusion
BIS lists 13 Ayush-related products for voluntary certification, covering yoga accessories, Panchakarma equipment, Shatkarma items, homoeopathic packaging, hydrotherapy tubs and procedure equipment. The newest standards, published in 2026, are IS 19442:2026 for the air extraction Hijama cupping device and IS 19760:2026 for the polypropylene enema can. Certification is optional, but it gives buyers and tender authorities verifiable proof that a product meets its Indian Standard.
ERCS Private Limited helps businesses understand BIS certification requirements, identify the right Indian Standard, prepare documents, and apply for BIS voluntary certification for Ayush products.
Contact ERCS for support with standard identification, documentation and the BIS certification process.