What is the FMCS BIS certification for a foreign manufacturers?

In today’s global trading scenario, compliance with Indian quality standards has become not only necessary but also a gateway for all foreign manufacturers to enter one of the fastest-growing markets. What is the full form of the FMCS certificate? The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a major requirement in this regard, administered by the BIS. In terms of importance, India represents one of the largest marketplaces for foreign manufacturers to export their products into the country.  The BIS FMCS registration allows these international or foreign agencies or organizations to affix the standard mark on their goods, provided the standards are in line with Indian requirements.

There are tons of foreign companies operating in India, and different countries have different manufacturing standards and requirements. You cannot just take your product to the market without conformity compliance, testing, and marking. For this, there are some procedures to be adopted, and here comes the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) for product certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the ISI mark Scheme.

What is FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme?

According to the BIS Act of 2016 and the (Conformity Assessment) Regulations of 2018 for foreign manufacturers, BIS has been running the FMCS Service India since 2000 under Scheme-I of Schedule-II. This scheme enables overseas applicants or manufacturers to use the standard mark, which is also called the ISI Mark, to sell their products in India.

Since 2000, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has operated the International Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which permits international manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on goods that satisfy Indian standards. This scheme applies to various products, excluding electronics and IT goods notified by MeitY, and aims to facilitate the import of quality goods into India. The (FMCD) Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department is the only eligible authority that can grant BIS certificates for import to foreign manufacturers.

BIS Standard Mark Guidelines

The ISI Mark for FMCD has been issued by the Foreign Manufacturers' Certification Department since the year 2000. The Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for FMCD BIS certification. The BIS Standard Mark, also known as the ISI Mark, often has the Indian standard number above the ISI Mark and the license number, "CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX," at the bottom of the ISI Mark. The Bureau of Indian Standards will provide this mark upon the successful issuance of the BIS Certificate.

First, the foreign manufacturers must obtain a manufacturer certificate from BIS for exporting their product to India, which led the applicant to fulfill the following requirements. ERCS Private Limited is a worldwide consulting firm specializing in the BIS FMCS licensee and rendering advisory and consulting services to different industries within India and across the globe.

Products Covered Under FMCS BIS Scheme

A few major product categories under the BIS FMCS Scheme:

• Construction Materials: Cement (different types), steel (structural, bars, pipes), reinforcement products. 
• Consumer Goods: Pressure cookers, gas stoves, electric water heaters, kitchen appliances, toys. 
• Safety Equipment: Automobile tires, safety glasses, protective helmets, and industrial safety equipment (such as fire extinguishers) are examples of automotive and safety equipment.
• Other: Food-code-related products, medical equipment, cattle feeds, aluminium foils, electric motors, cables, chemicals, and fertilizers. 

Mandatory Documents Required for FMCS ISI Mark Certification

The Foreign Manufacturing Certification Scheme (FMCS), established by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), mandates a comprehensive documentation process designed to establish the manufacturer's ability to produce the products to the Indian Standards. The following documents must be submitted: 

• Factory Registration Certificate: Evidencing that the manufacturing unit is legally registered in the respective country.
• Business License or Manufacturing License: A license issued by the Government indicating the manufacturer is permitted to manufacture and sell the product. 
• Test Reports: Either in-house or third-party test reports (from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories, preferably) of the products applicable to the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
• Manufacturing Process Flow Chart: Comprehensive descriptions of the complete manufacturing flow, beginning with raw materials and continuing to finished product packaging.
• List of Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment: Detailed descriptions of key production equipment and machinery.
• Quality Control Equipment: Equipment in the factory is available to manufacturers for quality checks and calibration documentation.
• List of Testing Equipment: Available in the factory for the purposes of quality check and calibration documentation.
• Quality Control Parameters and Internal Testing Procedure: Documentation on how the manufacturer demonstrates its quality of the product, accompanied by internal testing SOPs.  
• Organizational Chart of Manufacturing Unit: Structure with the key personnel responsible for production and quality control.
• Factory Layout/ Plant Layout: Floorplan diagram denoting processes, testing, and storage areas. 

FMCS BIS Certification Eligibility

The manufacturing unit is outside India.

• Demonstrate their product conformity to the applicable Indian Standards Specification (ISS).
• In the premises of the factory, all manufacturing machinery and testing facilities must be available.
• There should be available in-house laboratory equipment and quality control staff to inspect/test products according to the applicable IS.
• The manufacturer should accept the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) and the yearly marking fee.
• The company/manufacturer (FMCS) should accept the terms and conditions of the Licence.

Countries Covered by ERCS Under the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)

Below we have mentioned the List of countries covered by ERCS for the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme:

How to Obtain the FMCS License for Foreign Manufacturers?

The procedure for applying for a BIS FMCS Certification license entails the following steps:
Step 1: Apply by filling out all documentation requirements and paying the BIS Application fees. It involves applying to the Foreign Manufacturer’s Certification Department (FMCD) and completing an offline procedure.

Step 2: An application number will then be assigned, and the complete application will be reviewed in a reasonably quick, fair, and timely manner as determined by the authorities at BIS.

Step 3: If any queries are raised by BIS officials, replies shall be submitted for the same in the time defined by the FMCD authorities.

Step 4: The next step is to pay the inspection fee and the nomination of the inspecting official and the dealing official. The official will visit the manufacturing factory and conduct a lengthy, detailed review of the manufacturing process and the products.

Step 5: For the factory visits made by the BIS officials, product samples are to be tested. Sealed samples are sent to the BIS laboratories for testing, and BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers requires to collection of the test reports promptly.

Step 6: Once documents and test reports are confirmed, and everything is verified, the license will be issued once the manufacturers pay the fees.

The Benefits of BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification has many advantages for international manufacturers selling products in India. These advantages include greater confidence, legal compliance, and market access.  It signals quality and safety to the consumer, which often leads to increased sales and brand reputation.

• Greater Consumer Trust and Market Acceptance: The ISI mark, for which many international companies have obtained BIS certification, gives the consumer greater confidence and assurance that the products they consume are of high quality and safe, resulting in a higher propensity for the success of the purchase. The ISI mark is especially important within the Indian market since there is a growing concern with the quality and trust of products within the growing market.

• Legal Compliance: For certain product categories, BIS certification may be required by law. This means that BIS certification is a legal requirement for Foreign Manufacturers if they wish to sell products in India. Better compliance with BIS standards minimizes the risk of being prosecuted, and incurring legal costs, penalties, or restrictions for trade.

• Improved Market Access: BIS compliance and certification further allow smoother access to the Indian market, recognizing international standards and regulations. In addition, BIM compliance may assist in accelerating the process of obtaining other governmental approvals/further certifications.

• Unique Selling Proposition:  Products that advertise that they are ISI Marked are better and stand out in the marketplace compared to other foreign manufacturers that have not gone through the BIS certification process.

• Reputation and Brand Identity: BIS certification reconfirms that products associated with foreign manufacturers are reliable, of high quality, and follow safety standards.

• Globally Recognized Standard: As per BIS' product category's quality standards, BIS certification is perhaps the most internationally recognized safety standard, even when equivalent product category standards exist and are easily accessible to manufacturers.

Timeline For A BIS Licence

The average processing time for the Grant of a Licence is around 6 months from the date of receipt of the complete application and its recording. The remaining aspects depend on the particulars of each case. For example, reasons that may lead to differences in processing time for an applicant include, but are not limited to, delay by the applicant in responding to any queries, delay in coordinating inspections or testing of a sample, and delays in remittance of any outstanding dues.

Surveillance Inspection

Surveillance inspections are performed sporadically, and market samples are drawn by the BIS to investigate how the foreign BIS licensee is performing.

Complaint Redressal

If any complaints are received in respect of the licensee's product will of course be investigated, as per IS/ISO 10002, and action will be undertaken quickly to redo the complaint, i.e., free replacement or repair. If any damage occurs, liability for any malicious damage will reside with the licensee, and the BIS will bear no responsibility for any injury or loss.

How Do I Renew My BIS Licence?

A BIS-certified manufacturer's licence is valid for one year. The BIS-certified manufacturers' licence can be renewed for a further year simply by completion of the renewal application form and the specified fee, with confirmation from a Chartered accountant.

Why Choose ERCS for BIS FMCS Certification?

Utilizing ERCS as an FMCS Consultant in India could be a solid choice based on the capabilities, experience, and support offered by ERCS in the areas of certification.

• Specialized knowledge: ERCS has detailed knowledge of the BIS FMCS process and requirements, allowing foreign manufacturers to rely on them to help get through the complicated Indian regulations.
• Successful track record: ERCS has successfully worked with foreign manufacturers in obtaining the BIS FMCS License.
• Dedicated team: ERCS Private Limited provides dedicated teams to help clients through the entire certification path.