A BIS Certificate, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is mandatory for many products sold or imported in India. One of the most common questions businesses ask is about the validity period of a BIS certificate and how long it remains active once issued.
The validity of a BIS certificate depends on the type of certification scheme under which it is granted.
1. Validity Period Under BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)
For electronic and IT products covered under the BIS CRS scheme, the registration is initially granted for:
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2 years (initial validity)
After the initial period, the BIS CRS certificate can be renewed for up to 5 years, subject to:
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Continued compliance with Indian Standards
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No change in product design or specifications
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Timely submission of renewal application
CRS certificates do not require factory inspection but rely on ongoing compliance.
2. Validity Period Under BIS ISI Mark Scheme
For products certified under the ISI Mark Scheme (mainly domestic manufacturers):
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Initial license validity: 1 to 2 years
The license can be renewed for:
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1 year, or
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Up to 5 years (depending on compliance history)
Renewal depends on:
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Satisfactory factory inspection
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Product conformity
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Payment of renewal fees
3. Validity Period Under BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers)
For foreign manufacturers under the FMCS scheme:
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Initial license validity: 1 to 2 years
Renewal is allowed for:
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Up to 5 years, subject to successful surveillance and compliance
FMCS certificates involve ongoing monitoring and may include follow-up inspections.
4. What Happens If the BIS Certificate Expires?
If a BIS certificate expires and is not renewed:
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The product cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold in India
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Customs clearance may be blocked
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Legal penalties may apply
Businesses must apply for renewal before expiry to avoid disruptions.
5. Factors Affecting BIS Certificate Validity
The validity may be affected if:
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Product design or components change
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Indian Standards are revised
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Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are updated
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Non-compliance is observed during surveillance
In such cases, BIS may require reassessment.
Conclusion
The validity period of a BIS certificate ranges from 1 to 2 years initially, with renewal options of up to 5 years, depending on the certification scheme. Timely renewal and continuous compliance are essential to ensure uninterrupted business operations in India. For 2026 and beyond, businesses should track expiry dates carefully and plan renewals in advance.