The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a mandatory BIS certification route for foreign manufacturers whose products are covered under India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs). While FMCS enables foreign manufacturers to legally export products to India, many applications are delayed, put on hold, or rejected due to avoidable mistakes.
Understanding the common errors in an FMCS application is crucial for ensuring smooth approval, reducing costs, and avoiding repeated inspections or testing.
1. Incorrect Identification of Applicable Indian Standard (IS)
One of the most frequent FMCS application errors is selecting the wrong Indian Standard (IS).
This happens when:
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The product category is misunderstood
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Multiple IS standards exist for similar products
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The manufacturer applies under a general standard instead of a product-specific one
BIS strictly evaluates compliance against the exact IS mentioned in the relevant QCO. Even a minor mismatch can lead to rejection or reapplication.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
FMCS requires detailed documentation, and missing or incorrect information is a major reason for application delays.
Common documentation issues include:
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Incomplete factory address or legal entity details
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Incorrect manufacturing process flow charts
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Missing machinery lists or calibration records
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Inconsistent details across documents
BIS cross-verifies all documents, and inconsistencies raise compliance red flags.
3. Product Test Reports Not Matching Indian Standards
Another major error is submitting test reports that do not fully comply with Indian Standards.
This typically occurs when:
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Testing is done at a non-BIS-recognized laboratory
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The test scope does not cover all parameters of the IS
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Test reports are outdated or expired
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Product variants are not tested separately
BIS accepts only complete and compliant test reports aligned strictly with Indian requirements.
4. Labeling and Marking Non-Compliance
Many FMCS applications face objections due to incorrect labeling formats.
Common labeling errors include:
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Missing or incorrect IS number
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Improper placement of the BIS Standard Mark
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Incorrect manufacturer name or factory address
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Use of unapproved logos or symbols
Labeling must exactly match BIS guidelines and be consistent with application details.
5. Factory Infrastructure Not Meeting BIS Expectations
During FMCS evaluation, BIS reviews whether the manufacturing unit can consistently produce compliant products.
Applications may face issues if:
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Quality control equipment is inadequate
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In-house testing facilities are missing or non-functional
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Calibration records are outdated
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Quality management procedures are poorly documented
BIS focuses not only on product quality but also on process capability.
6. Lack of Preparedness for BIS Factory Inspection
Factory inspection is a critical step under FMCS. Many applications face delays because factories are not prepared.
Common inspection-related errors include:
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Key technical staff not available during inspection
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Production lines not operational
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Inability to demonstrate testing procedures
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Poor documentation access during audit
Unprepared inspections often result in non-conformity reports (NCRs).
7. Incorrect Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Under FMCS, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory.
Errors include:
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Incorrect or incomplete AIR authorization letter
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AIR lacking knowledge of BIS procedures
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Mismatch between AIR details and application data
Since BIS communicates through the AIR, any issue here affects the entire process.
8. Applying Without Confirming QCO Applicability
Some manufacturers apply for FMCS even when their product is not covered under a QCO, or apply too late after a QCO comes into force.
Both scenarios can cause:
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Application rejection
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Market entry delays
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Customs clearance issues
Understanding QCO timelines and applicability is essential.
9. Poor Coordination Between Teams
FMCS applications involve coordination between:
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Factory management
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Testing laboratories
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Indian representatives
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BIS authorities
Miscommunication often leads to incorrect submissions, missed deadlines, and repeated clarifications.
Conclusion
Most FMCS application errors are procedural, technical, or documentation-related — and entirely avoidable with proper planning. Selecting the correct Indian Standard, preparing accurate documents, ensuring compliant testing, maintaining proper labeling, and being inspection-ready are critical to successful FMCS certification. A structured and well-prepared approach significantly reduces delays and rejection risks for foreign manufacturers entering the Indian market.