The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a mandatory certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to India. FMCS certificates are issued for a limited period and must be renewed before expiry to continue legal manufacturing, export, and sale of products in the Indian market.
Timely renewal of the FMCS certificate is critical, as operating with an expired license can lead to penalties, suspension of imports, cancellation of license, and product seizure. Below is a detailed explanation of the FMCS renewal process.
1. Track FMCS Certificate Validity and Renewal Timeline
FMCS licenses are usually valid for 1 to 2 years.
Manufacturers must closely monitor the expiry date and initiate the renewal process well in advance (generally 3–6 months before expiry).
Late renewal applications may result in:
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Temporary suspension of the license
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Additional scrutiny by BIS
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Disruption in exports to India
Early planning ensures continuity of business operations.
2. Ensure Continued Compliance with Applicable Indian Standards
Before renewal, BIS checks whether the product still complies with the relevant Indian Standard (IS).
Manufacturers must ensure that:
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Product design, materials, and performance remain unchanged
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Any updated IS amendments are followed
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No uncertified variants are exported
Failure to meet current standards can delay or reject renewal.
3. Maintain Consistent Quality Control and Testing Records
BIS places strong emphasis on product consistency and quality control during renewal.
Manufacturers should:
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Maintain in-house or third-party test records
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Keep batch-wise inspection reports
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Ensure testing equipment calibration
These records demonstrate that the product quality has remained stable since the last certification.
4. Prepare and Update Mandatory Documentation
Accurate documentation is a key requirement for FMCS renewal.
Manufacturers must submit updated documents related to:
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Manufacturing process
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Quality control systems
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Raw material specifications
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Test reports and manuals
If there are changes in factory address, ownership, machinery, or process flow, they must be officially informed to BIS.
5. Cooperate with BIS Surveillance Inspections
As part of the renewal process, BIS may conduct a surveillance inspection of the foreign manufacturing unit.
During inspection, BIS verifies:
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Manufacturing facilities and processes
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Testing capabilities
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Quality assurance practices
Proper preparation and cooperation ensure smooth inspection and positive renewal outcomes.
6. Pay Renewal Fees and Marking Fees on Time
FMCS renewal involves payment of:
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License renewal fees
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Annual marking fees
Timely payment is essential. Delayed or unpaid fees can lead to license suspension or rejection of renewal application.
7. Address Non-Conformities Promptly
If BIS raises observations or non-conformities during renewal, manufacturers must:
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Submit corrective action reports
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Rectify issues within the given timeline
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Provide supporting evidence
Prompt action helps avoid penalties and ensures uninterrupted certification.
8. Engage an Experienced BIS/FMCS Consultant
FMCS renewal involves technical documentation, inspections, and compliance checks.
A professional consultant helps by:
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Monitoring renewal deadlines
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Preparing accurate documentation
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Coordinating with BIS officials
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Minimizing compliance risks
This significantly reduces delays and rejection chances.
Conclusion
Renewing the FMCS certificate is essential for foreign manufacturers to maintain legal access to the Indian market. Timely renewal, continued compliance with Indian Standards, consistent quality control, accurate documentation, and inspection readiness are key to avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth business operations.