The time required to obtain BIS Certification in India depends on several factors such as the type of product, applicable BIS scheme, documentation readiness, testing timelines, and inspection requirements. BIS certification is mandatory for many products to ensure safety, quality, and performance as per Indian Standards.
In general, BIS certification can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the route under which certification is applied.
1. BIS Certification Time Depends on the Applicable Scheme
BIS certification is issued under different schemes, and each has a different timeline.
-
BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): Common for electronics and IT products
⏱️ Approx. 3–6 weeks after successful testing and submission -
BIS ISI Mark Scheme (Domestic Manufacturers)
⏱️ Approx. 6–10 weeks, including factory inspection -
BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)
⏱️ Approx. 3–6 months, due to overseas factory inspection
The scheme type is the biggest factor influencing the total time.
2. Time Required for Product Testing
Product testing is a mandatory step and must be conducted in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
Testing timelines depend on:
-
Product complexity
-
Availability of test samples
-
Lab workload
On average:
-
Simple products: 7–15 days
-
Complex products: 2–4 weeks
Delays in testing directly increase the certification timeline.
3. Documentation Preparation Plays a Key Role
Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the most common causes of delays.
Documents include:
-
Technical specifications
-
Manufacturing process details
-
Quality control records
-
Test reports
If documents are properly prepared in advance, processing time can be reduced significantly. Otherwise, BIS may raise queries, extending the timeline by weeks.
4. Factory Inspection Timeline (If Applicable)
For ISI and FMCS certification, BIS conducts factory inspections.
Inspection timelines depend on:
-
Availability of BIS officers
-
Factory readiness
-
Location (India or overseas)
Domestic inspections are usually faster, while foreign factory inspections under FMCS can take 4–8 weeks to schedule and complete.
5. BIS Application Review and Query Resolution
Once the application is submitted, BIS reviews:
-
Test reports
-
Documents
-
Inspection findings
If BIS raises queries, the applicant must respond promptly.
Delayed responses can add 2–4 additional weeks to the process.
6. Government Processing and Approval Time
After all requirements are satisfied, BIS takes time for:
-
Internal verification
-
License or registration number generation
-
Final approval
This stage usually takes 7–15 working days, depending on workload.
7. Factors That Can Increase BIS Certification Time
Several issues can extend the timeline, such as:
-
Wrong product classification
-
Changes in product design during application
-
Non-compliance during inspection
-
Updated Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
Planning and compliance help avoid these delays.
Conclusion
The time required to get BIS certification typically ranges from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the certification scheme, testing requirements, inspection needs, and documentation accuracy. Proper planning, early testing, and expert guidance can significantly reduce delays and ensure faster approval in 2026 and beyond.
