How Long Does BIS FMCS Certification Take?

Obtaining BIS FMCS Certification for your product in the Indian Market can unlock many opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. But the main query is, how long does the BIS FMCS process actually take?   

The Foreign Manufacturing Certification Scheme process typically takes between 16 to 21 weeks. However, some sources indicate that it can also range from 6 to 7 months, depending upon various factors such as the specific product, factory audits, and any potential delays. The total timeline includes application submission, review, testing, factory inspection, and final report review before the license is granted. 

The FMCS is a compulsory quality certification for overseas manufacturers exporting products to India. In this article, we will look at the average timeline of the BIS FMCS certification and strategies you may use to accelerate it for faster market entry.

How Much Time is Required for a BIS FMCS License in India

The BIS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) process is extensive and systematic, ensuring positive outcomes that imported products provide safe and satisfactory performance to accepted Indian consumers and meet safety standards. Although the duration will vary by product category, documentation, and inspection preparedness, in most cases, applicants should expect the process to take roughly 6 to 21 weeks to complete, depending on factors specific to each applicant. Below is a reasonable timeline of the step-by-step process for Foreign manufacturers:

Document Collection and Review (Week 0–2)

The first task is to collect and prepare the required documents for your BIS application. This includes:

• Factory registration and legal documents
• Quality control and testing reports
• Specifications for the product and drawings
• Authorization letters and the company details

Having your documents correct and complete can go a long way in preventing delays at the beginning of the process. This also depends on the Applicant, how quickly they arrange.

Application Submission + Query clarifications (If any) (Week 3–6)

Once the documents have been prepared, the application process is completed under the FMCS BIS Scheme.    

• BIS will review your application  
• Clarifications and/or additional documentation may be requested  
• The applicant and officials will have more communication  
• Responding promptly to any questions from BIS can assist in expediting the process for consideration of the next step.

If there is any query, then it is also resolved.

Officer Appointment and Audit Scheduling (Week 7–12)

Following the preliminary review, BIS will coordinate a factory inspection.

• The date of the audit will be coordinated with BIS and the manufacturer
• The rep in the factory should do the necessary things to prepare for the inspection at the factory so the QMS and production processes can meet the requirements of the BIS
• Internal audits and mock checks can be a good use of time
• If the factory is ready and prepared for the inspection, potential delays can be minimized.

Sample Testing (Week 13–16)

Once the factory audit has been completed, product samples are collected and sent to laboratories approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India to test the products. This process can typically take from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on:

• The type of product
• The testing parameters
• How busy the laboratory is 
• Passing test results is an important step toward obtaining certification approval.

Licence Grant (Week 17–21)

Following the assessment of both the factory inspection report and test report, BIS will issue the BIS FMCS license for Foreign Manufacturer to apply the ISI mark to the approved products ready to enter the Indian market. If there are non-conformities, the BIS may ask for corrective measures prior to issuing the certification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During FMCS Certification

Even manufacturers who have done a good job preparing can experience a delay or rejection in their FMCS BIS Certification. Here are a few common mistakes that you should know and make your  BIS FMCS Certification Process faster:

• Incomplete or wrong documentation: The application may be rejected for missing test reports, lack of clarity on the factory, and/or accuracy of product information.
• Factories not prepared for inspection: A factory that has not aligned its quality system to BIS requirements can face inspection failure.
• Testing labs that are unapproved: Any samples sent to non-BIS-recognised laboratories will invalidate test results and only waste time. 
• BIS delays responding to inquiries: Timely clarifications or communication, or responding, are crucial to avoid adding additional time. \
• Not completing pre-audit: If internal audits are not completed before the BIS inspection, there could be a last-minute identification of non-conformities.

Pro Tip: Work with a BIS FMCS consultant like ERCS Private Limited to ensure your documentation process is done correctly and quality systems before applying — it can save weeks of processing time.

Conclusion

The Timeline for BIS licence is around 5 to 7 months in duration for foreign manufacturers, dependent on the product type, quality of factory readiness, and accuracy of submitted documents. The process can appear to be quite difficult, but if planned with attention and you have access to knowledgeable assistance, it is manageable.

A knowledgeable BIS FMCS Certification Consultant can support you through all the various stages of the FMCS Certification process - the documentation, testing, factory inspection, and licence issue processes. The consultant, like ERCS Private Limited, can help you follow BIS procedures, minimise delays, and obtain certification quickly.