Importing machinery and industrial equipment into India is subject to multiple regulatory checks to ensure safety, quality, and performance standards. One important compliance requirement is FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme), which falls under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However, a common question among importers and foreign manufacturers is whether FMCS certification is mandatory for all machinery and equipment imported into India.
The answer is not always. FMCS certification is mandatory only for specific machinery and equipment that are notified under BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
1. Understanding FMCS Certification
FMCS is a BIS certification scheme applicable to foreign manufacturers whose products are required to comply with Indian Standards (IS) before being imported or sold in India. Under this scheme:
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BIS grants a license to the foreign manufacturing unit
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Products must conform to relevant Indian Standards
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Factory inspection and product testing are mandatory
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Certified products must carry the ISI mark
FMCS ensures that imported products meet the same quality and safety standards as domestically manufactured goods.
2. Is FMCS Mandatory for All Machinery and Equipment?
No. FMCS certification is not mandatory for all machinery and equipment.
FMCS becomes mandatory only when:
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The machinery or equipment is covered under a BIS Quality Control Order (QCO)
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A specific Indian Standard (IS) exists for that product
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The product is listed under mandatory BIS certification
If a machine or equipment is not notified under a QCO, FMCS certification is not legally required, even if it is imported from abroad.
3. Machinery and Equipment That Require FMCS Certification
Certain categories of machinery and industrial equipment do require FMCS certification, such as:
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Cement and construction-related machinery (when notified)
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Electrical machinery and equipment under BIS standards
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Industrial equipment affecting public safety or infrastructure
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Products used in critical sectors like power, construction, and manufacturing
The government periodically expands the list through new QCO notifications, making compliance dynamic.
4. Role of Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
Quality Control Orders are issued by various ministries and departments, including:
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Ministry of Heavy Industries
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Ministry of Steel
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Ministry of Power
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Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
Once machinery or equipment is notified under a QCO:
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BIS certification becomes mandatory
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Imported products must obtain FMCS certification
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Non-certified products are not allowed to be imported or sold
5. What Happens If FMCS Is Required but Not Obtained?
If machinery requiring FMCS is imported without certification:
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Customs authorities may detain or reject the shipment
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Goods may be seized or returned
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Importers may face penalties and financial losses
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Business operations may be delayed
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Legal action may be initiated under BIS Act, 2016
Hence, verifying applicability before import is crucial.
6. Machinery Exempt from FMCS Certification
FMCS certification is not required if:
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The machinery is not covered under any BIS QCO
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No Indian Standard applies to the product
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The equipment is imported for R&D, testing, or personal use (subject to conditions)
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The product falls under exempted categories notified by BIS
However, such machinery must still comply with customs, safety, and environmental regulations.
7. How Importers Can Confirm FMCS Requirement
Before importing machinery, businesses should:
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Check the latest BIS mandatory product list
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Review applicable QCO notifications
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Identify relevant Indian Standards
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Consult BIS or a compliance expert
This helps avoid unnecessary delays and compliance risks.
Conclusion
FMCS certification is not mandatory for all machinery and equipment imported into India. It becomes compulsory only when the product is covered under a BIS Quality Control Order and an Indian Standard applies. Importers and foreign manufacturers must carefully assess regulatory applicability before shipment to ensure smooth customs clearance and legal compliance in India.