For startups in India, ensuring product quality and compliance with industry standards is crucial. One of the most important certifications that startups need, especially in the manufacturing and consumer goods sector, is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification. This certification assures consumers that the product meets safety, quality, and performance standards.
In this blog, we will discuss why BIS registration is important for startups, the types of BIS certifications, and how to get certified quickly.
Why is BIS Certification Important for Startups?
BIS certification offers several benefits for startups:
- Market Acceptance: Products with BIS certification gain customer trust and have higher acceptance in the market.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many products in India are legally required to have BIS certification before they can be sold.
- Export Benefits: If you plan to export your products, BIS certification helps in meeting international quality standards.
- Competitive Advantage: Startups with BIS-certified products stand out in the market, attracting more customers.
Types of BIS Certification
Startups need to determine the right type of certification based on their product category. There are three main types of BIS certification:
1. ISI Certification (Indian Standards Institute Mark)
- This is the most common BIS certification for products like cement, electrical appliances, packaged drinking water, and more.
- It ensures that the product meets the Indian Standard (IS) requirements.
- This applies to electronics and IT products such as LED lights, mobile phones, and batteries.
- Under this scheme, manufacturers must register their products with BIS and follow safety standards.
- If a startup is importing products or setting up manufacturing units abroad, this certification is required.
- It ensures that foreign-manufactured products meet Indian standards before entering the market.
Step-by-Step Process to Get BIS Certification Quickly
For startups, getting BIS certification quickly requires proper planning and execution. Here’s how you can speed up the process:
Step 1: Identify the Applicable BIS Standard
Before applying, check which BIS standard applies to your product. The list of standards can be found on the official BIS website.
Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Ensure you have all required documents, such as:
- Business registration details
- Manufacturing unit details
- Product test reports from a BIS-approved laboratory
- Factory layout and production process details
Step 3: Product Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory
Send your product to a BIS-recognized lab for testing. The test reports should comply with BIS standards. Choosing a BIS-accredited lab reduces delays in the approval process.
Step 4: Submit the BIS Application
Apply for certification through the BIS online portal or manually at a BIS office. Ensure that the application form is error-free to avoid delays.
Step 5: Inspection by BIS Officials
For ISI certification, BIS officers will visit your manufacturing unit for inspection. Make sure:
- Your factory follows BIS quality control norms.
- Manufacturing equipment and processes align with BIS standards.
Step 6: Obtain the BIS Certification
Once the product passes testing and the factory inspection is successful, BIS will issue the certification. You can now use the ISI mark or CRS registration number on your product.
Tips to Get BIS Certification Faster
- Hire a BIS Consultant: A consultant can handle documentation and compliance, speeding up approval.
- Choose a BIS-Recognized Lab: Testing in an approved lab prevents rejection and re-testing delays.
- Ensure Proper Factory Setup: BIS officials check for compliance, so keep your factory ready for inspection.
- Track Application Progress: Regularly check the BIS portal to ensure there are no missing documents.
Conclusion
For startups, BIS certification is a crucial step in ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. By following the correct procedures and preparing the necessary documentation in advance, startups can obtain BIS certification quickly and efficiently.
