How Much Time Does It Take To Get An ISI Mark?

If you're a manufacturer in India, you've likely come across the ISI Mark— a symbol that indicates a product complies with Indian standards for quality, safety, and reliability. While the ISI Mark scheme is usually voluntary, there are certain products for which it is mandatory, such as Aluminium and aluminium alloy products, valves, LPG cylinders, Portland cement, automotive tyres, and more.

To sell your product in the Indian market, the first step is to get BIS certification. Once your product passes the required checks, BIS will issue the ISI Mark (Indian Standards Institute mark).

But the main question that bothers most of the manufacturers is how long it takes to obtain an ISI Mark. In this article, we'll explain timeline and step-by-step process for obtaining the ISI Mark. 

Timeline for ISI Mark Certification Scheme: Step-by-Step Process & Duration

The timeline for obtaining an ISI Mark Certification depends on different categories, whether the manufacturer is based in India or Foreign. It also depends upon the product complexity, application efficiency, and submission process. The initial certification is valid for one year and requires annual renewal, which also has its own processing timeline. Now, let’s delve deeper and know about the ISI Mark timeline for Domestic and Foreign Manufacturers.

ISI Mark Timeline for Domestic Manufacturers

Domestic manufacturers can obtain BIS Certification Process through two procedures: Simplified and Normal. The Simplified Procedure is faster and most commonly preferred, while the Normal Procedure applies only when no BIS lab or BIS-recognized lab is available or for the first license in India for that particular standard. Below is the step-by-step timeline for the Simplified Procedure:

• Registration on the BIS website: The manufacturer has to register first on the BIS portal, which is an immediate process. (Estimated Time: 1 Day)

• Product Testing in BIS or BIS-recognized Labs: The product sample is sent to a BIS or BIS-approved laboratory for testing against relevant Indian Standards (IS Codes). The lab checks the product for compliance with all safety and quality parameters. (Estimated Time: 10–20 Days).

• Document Preparation & Application Submission: Manufacturers must gather and submit the required information and documents, including premises documents, Management info, product manufacturing process, Equipment list, machine list, and Test reports (if applicable), etc. (Estimated Time: The Doc can be prepared within the time taken during product testing).

• BIS Inspection: BIS officials will visit the manufacturing unit to inspect production facilities, raw material quality, in-house testing capabilities, and compliance with standards. (Estimated Time: 15–25 Days).

• Evaluation and Grant of License: If both the test report and factory inspection are satisfactory, BIS will issue the ISI license, allowing the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark.  (Estimated Time: 10 Days)

In total, it takes 40 to 60 days (around 2 months) for domestic manufacturers to obtain the ISI Mark. Depending on the product category, testing time, and readiness of documents.

ISI Mark Timeline for Foreign Manufacturers

For Foreign Manufacturers who want to apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme must be worried about its timeline. It basically takes 4 to 6 Months from the date of application submission, assuming that there is no delay due to applicant responses, organising inspections, or testing.

• Application & Document Submission: All documents must be submitted with the application fees. The application number will be allotted in 2-3 days.  You can click here and check the Documents Required for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. (Estimated Time: 10– 20 Days).

• Factory Audit by BIS Officials (Overseas Visit): BIS sends its officers to visit the overseas manufacturing facility. The company must bear all inspection expenses, including travel, accommodation, and audit fees. The inspection of the Manufacturing unit is done for 3 working days. (Estimated Time: 20-30 Days).

• Product Testing in BIS-Approved Indian Labs: The manufacturer must send product samples to India for testing in a BIS-approved lab. This involves international shipping, customs clearance, and lab testing. Samples are sealed and drawn to be sent to BIS-approved labs within 1 week. (Estimated Time: 30–45 Days).

• License Approval and Grant of ISI Mark: The sample will be passed, marking and license fees will be paid in 2 weeks. The letter will be issued in 1 week. (Estimated Time: 15–20 Days).

Total Estimated Time for Foreign Manufacturers is between 120  to 200 Days (approximately 4 to 6 months), depending on shipping, customs, lab capacity, and audit scheduling.

Factors That Can Delay ISI Mark Approval

The certifying process may sometimes take a bit longer than anticipated and is generally delayed for several reasons. Below are the most common causes of delays in obtaining the ISI mark approval:

1. Improper / Incomplete Documentation 

One of the most common reasons for delays in obtaining the ISI registration is due to improper or incomplete documentation as part of the application process. An instance of missing certificates, old test reports, invalid product details, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requested further details, etc., were all the cause of delays in the approving process.

2. Not timely product testing and lab reports

Product samples must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory. If the laboratory is not able to test samples because it is busy, has no staff, or there are issues with the sample itself, then testing timeframes extend. If the samples did not pass tests, there will be additional sampling and testing timeframes there as well.

3. Non-compliant during Factory Inspection

The BIS will do a factory inspection, looking at the process of production at the factory for the product being certified, examining the Quality Control in the factory, and Testing as part of Quality Control. If the factory did not pass, that is, the quality control capability was inadequate, the factory certificate will not actually be issued until the issues are rectified during the BIS Audit process.

4. Inappropriate Fee Payment or Application Errors

Improper fee payment or application errors can result in your application being rejected or placed on hold while corrections are made. This administrative delay can extend certification timelines even further.

5. Customs and Logistics Delays (for Foreign Manufacturers)

For foreign manufacturers applying under the FMCS scheme, delays in shipping samples to India, customs clearance, and international coordination through either the logistics provider or per 12, have the potential to impact the testing and inspection timelines and result in a long wait for the entire certification process.

All you need to know about BIS FMCS Certification

Some suggestions to avoid delays:

• Prepare and review all documents before you apply and get them checked and double-checked.
• Use good consultants who can walk you through the process.
• Schedule testing early, make sure the samples are quality, and the inspectors can obtain the samples.
• Make sure you are ready for the factory inspection. Have quality controls in place.
• Respond quickly to BIS communications.
• Make payments and file the applications for the correct fees.

Conclusion

Getting the ISI Mark is a crucial step for manufacturers aiming to establish trust and comply with Indian quality standards. While the certification timeline can vary from a few weeks for domestic manufacturers to several months for foreign ones, understanding the process and common delays can help you plan better. To avoid delay in your certification, you can join the top BIS Consultant in India, ERCS offers expert guidance, from documentation and product testing to factory audits and final approval, ensuring a smooth and faster ISI certification process.