In India, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification is mandatory for specific products to ensure safety, quality, and reliability. The Government of India enforces mandatory BIS certification through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by various ministries. Any product notified under these orders cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed without BIS approval.
Mandatory BIS certification applies to products that impact public safety, health, infrastructure, energy efficiency, and national interest.
1. Electrical and Electronic Products (CRS Scheme)
Many electrical and electronic products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). These products must be registered with BIS before sale or import.
Examples include:
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Mobile phones
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Laptops and tablets
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Power banks
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LED lights and drivers
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Televisions
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Microwave ovens
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Smart watches
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USB chargers and adapters
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Set-top boxes
These products must display the BIS Standard Mark with Registration Number (R-number).
2. Steel and Iron Products
Steel products are strictly regulated due to their use in construction, infrastructure, and engineering.
Mandatory BIS certification applies to:
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Steel bars and rods
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Structural steel
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Stainless steel sheets and coils
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Steel pipes and tubes
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Hot rolled and cold rolled steel products
These products require ISI Mark certification, and imported steel must comply before customs clearance.
3. Cement and Building Materials
Construction materials directly affect structural safety, making BIS certification compulsory.
Products include:
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Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
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Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
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White cement
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Portland slag cement
Without BIS certification, these products cannot be legally sold or used in India.
4. Household Appliances and Consumer Goods
Many daily-use products require mandatory BIS approval to protect consumers from hazards.
Examples:
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Pressure cookers
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LPG gas stoves
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Electric irons
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Water heaters (geysers)
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Electric immersion heaters
These products must bear the ISI mark indicating BIS compliance.
5. Automotive Parts and Components
Automotive components are regulated to ensure road safety and vehicle performance.
Mandatory BIS certification applies to:
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Automotive tyres
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Safety glass
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Helmets
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Automotive tubes and flaps
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Brake components
Selling or importing non-certified automotive parts is a serious violation.
6. Chemicals and Industrial Products
Certain chemicals and industrial materials require BIS certification when notified under QCOs.
Examples include:
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Industrial chemicals
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Fertilizers
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Industrial gases
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Certain paints and coatings
Applicability depends on whether a specific Indian Standard (IS) and QCO exists for the product.
7. Toys and Children’s Products
To protect children’s safety, BIS certification is mandatory for toys.
Includes:
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Electric toys
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Non-electric toys
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Educational toys
All toys sold in India must comply with BIS safety standards, regardless of whether they are domestically manufactured or imported.
8. Medical and Safety Equipment
Some medical and safety-related products require BIS certification.
Examples:
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Medical oxygen cylinders
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Protective helmets
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Fire safety equipment
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Personal protective equipment (PPE)
These products must meet Indian safety standards to be legally marketed.
9. Products Covered Under New Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
The government regularly expands the list of mandatory BIS products through new QCOs.
Products recently added or frequently updated include:
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Solar panels
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Batteries
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Inverters
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Wires and cables
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Renewable energy equipment
Manufacturers and importers must stay updated with QCO notifications.
Conclusion
Mandatory BIS certification in India applies to electrical products, steel, cement, consumer goods, automotive components, toys, chemicals, and safety equipment, among others. Any product notified under a Quality Control Order must obtain BIS certification before manufacture, import, or sale. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, seizure of goods, and market bans. BIS certification ensures product safety, consumer trust, and legal market access in India.