With the rapid growth of online marketplaces in India, many sellers wonder whether BIS Certification is mandatory for selling products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, or their own websites. The answer is yes—BIS certification is mandatory for e-commerce sales if the product falls under mandatory BIS regulations.
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) ensures that products sold in India meet quality, safety, and performance standards, regardless of whether they are sold online or offline.
1. BIS Certification Is Product-Based, Not Sales-Channel Based
BIS certification is required based on:
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The type of product
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Applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
If a product is notified under mandatory BIS certification, it must be BIS-certified whether sold in a physical store or through an e-commerce platform. Online selling does not provide any exemption from BIS compliance.
2. Mandatory BIS Products Cannot Be Sold Online Without Certification
Products such as:
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Electronics and IT equipment
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Electrical appliances
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Toys
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Steel products
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Certain household items
require BIS certification before being listed or sold online. Selling such products without BIS approval is considered a legal violation, even if the seller is a small business or startup.
3. E-Commerce Platforms Enforce BIS Compliance Strictly
Major e-commerce platforms have compliance mechanisms in place. They:
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Ask sellers to upload BIS registration numbers
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Verify ISI or CRS compliance
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Remove or block non-compliant product listings
Failure to provide valid BIS certification can lead to listing suspension, account blocking, or permanent delisting.
4. Legal Requirement Under BIS Act, 2016
BIS certification is enforced under:
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BIS Act, 2016
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Quality Control Orders issued by Indian ministries
These laws apply to manufacturers, importers, brand owners, and online sellers. E-commerce sellers are equally responsible for ensuring that products comply with BIS standards before sale.
5. Importers Selling Online Also Need BIS Certification
If products are imported and sold online:
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BIS certification must be obtained before import
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Customs authorities verify BIS compliance at ports
Without BIS certification, imported goods may be:
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Detained or rejected at customs
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Seized by authorities
This makes BIS certification critical for cross-border e-commerce businesses.
6. Consumer Safety and Trust in Online Purchases
Online buyers cannot physically inspect products before purchase. BIS certification:
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Assures product safety and quality
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Reduces risks of electrical hazards or defective goods
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Builds trust in online brands and sellers
Certified products improve customer confidence and reduce complaints or returns.
7. Penalties for Selling Non-BIS Certified Products Online
Selling mandatory BIS products without certification can result in:
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Heavy fines
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Product seizure
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Legal action under the BIS Act
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Marketplace account suspension
Repeated violations may even lead to criminal liability in serious cases.
8. Helps Sellers Scale Without Regulatory Barriers
BIS-certified products:
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Are easily accepted by marketplaces
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Face fewer regulatory issues
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Can be sold across multiple platforms
Compliance enables long-term business growth without legal disruptions.
Conclusion
Yes, BIS certification is mandatory for e-commerce sales in India if the product falls under compulsory BIS regulations. Online sellers, manufacturers, and importers must ensure BIS compliance before listing products. BIS certification not only ensures legal compliance but also builds consumer trust, enables smooth marketplace operations, and protects businesses from penalties in 2026 and beyond.