What is FMCS Certificate? (Explained for 2026)

What is FMCS in 2026?

The FMCS Certificate stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is a mandatory certification required for foreign (outside India) manufacturers who want to sell specific products in the Indian market under compulsory BIS certification.

Simply put — if a company located outside India wants to export certain regulated products to India, they must obtain an FMCS License from BIS before selling.


Why FMCS Certificate is Required?

The purpose of FMCS is to ensure that imported products meet Indian quality, safety, and performance standards, so Indian consumers get reliable products.


Key Features of FMCS Certification

  1. Mandatory for Certain Products
    Products listed under BIS Compulsory Certification Scheme—like electrical appliances, steel products, cement, toys, pressure cookers, wires, etc.—cannot be imported without FMCS.

  2. Applies Only to Foreign Manufacturers
    Indian manufacturers follow a different scheme (ISI Scheme), while foreign manufacturers need FMCS.

  3. Includes Factory Inspection
    BIS officials physically visit the overseas factory to check production capability, testing facilities, and quality control practices.

  4. Product Testing in India
    Samples of the product must be tested in BIS-recognized labs in India.

  5. License Issued After Compliance
    Only when the factory inspection and product testing meet Indian Standards (IS), BIS grants the FMCS license.


Step-by-Step FMCS Certification Process

  1. Application Submission on BIS Portal

  2. Documentation Review

  3. Factory Audit by BIS Officers

  4. Sample Testing in BIS-Approved Lab (India)

  5. Grant of FMCS License

  6. Marking and Labeling Approval (ISI Mark usage)

  7. Regular Surveillance and Renewal


Documents Required for FMCS

  • Factory registration documents

  • Quality control plan

  • Manufacturing process details

  • Product drawings/specifications

  • Test reports (if available)

  • Authorized Indian representative (AIR) documents

  • Machinery & equipment list

  • Factory map and production layout