BIS Scheme X Certification 2025: Easy Docs, Process & Fees

Introduction: When a Global Brand Faced a Halt at Indian Customs

Earlier this year, a European home appliance brand planned to launch a new line of electric kettles in India. Despite world-class quality, their shipment was stuck at Nhava Sheva port. The reason? Lack of a BIS Scheme X Certification.

Their India distributor called us in panic, “Customs is asking for Scheme X – what is it exactly?”

In the age of Make in India, importing products without proper BIS compliance is not just risky — it's costly. Many importers face the same confusion. So let’s decode what BIS Scheme X Certification really is, who needs it, and how to get it without getting stuck at customs.

What is BIS Scheme X Certification?

BIS Scheme X Certification is a compulsory compliance scheme associated with the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

It allows foreign manufacturers to use the Standard Mark (ISI mark) on products exported to India, after ensuring the goods meet Indian safety and quality standards.

 Quotable Summary:
Scheme X is the ISI certification route for foreign manufacturers targeting the Indian market.

Unlike the CRS scheme (meant for electronics), Scheme X applies to a wide range of regulated products, including:

• Electrical appliances
  
  

• Steel & iron products
  
  

• Cement
  
  

• Automotive components
  
  

• Pressure cookers, toys, valves, and more
  
  

For Indian buyers or OEMs sourcing globally, BIS Scheme X is your risk shield.

Why BIS Scheme X Certification Matters

Many foreign brands assume CE or UL markings are enough. But India has its own set of standards defined under Indian Standards (IS codes). Without BIS approval:

• Customs can seize or reject your shipment.
  
  

• Distributors cannot legally sell your product.
  
  

• Brands can be penalised under the BIS Act.
  
  

In fact, Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, permits prosecution and fines up to ₹5 lakh or even imprisonment.

Case Example:
An importer of LED bulbs from China had to destroy ₹12 lakh worth of inventory because the product wasn’t certified under the required IS standard for luminaires.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS Scheme X Certification

Here's how foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Scheme X in 2025:

1. Identify Applicable IS Standard

Each product has a unique Indian Standard code. For example:

• Electrical Iron: IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 3)
  
  

• Portland Cement: IS 269
  
  

Check BIS’s official product list here: bis.gov.in

2. Apply to BIS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department)

You’ll need to:

• Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
  
  

• Submit your application via manakonline.in
  
  

• Pay applicable application and audit fees
  
  

3. Factory Audit by BIS Officer

A BIS officer will fly to the overseas manufacturing site to:

• Verify production facilities
  
  

• Check test labs and QC systems
  
  

• Draw random product samples
  
  

 Tip: Having an ISO 9001-certified system helps.

4. Sample Testing in India

Drawn samples are tested in a BIS-recognised lab in India. Products must meet the performance and safety benchmarks of the respective Indian Standard.

5. Grant of Licence (GoL)

If all goes well, BIS grants the Scheme X Licence, valid for 1–2 years.

 Once certified, you can affix the ISI mark with your CM/L number on product packaging and documentation.

Documents Required for Scheme X Certification

 Here’s a checklist to prepare in advance:

• Product specification sheet with technical drawings
  
  

• Factory license + company incorporation certificate
  
  

• ISO 9001 certificate (preferred)
  
  

• AIR’s agreement letter (on ₹100 stamp paper)
  
  

• Test reports (if available)
  
  

• QMS documents and internal test reports
  
  

• Label artwork with ISI mark draft
  
  

 Pro Tip: Document consistency is critical. Minor errors in product name or test parameters can delay approvals by months.

How We Helped a US Brand Get Certified in 45 Days

A US-based manufacturer of stainless steel kitchen sinks approached us for BIS certification under IS 13983. They had previously failed due to incorrect IS code selection and audit miscommunication.

With our handholding:

• Correct IS code mapping was done within 2 days
  
  

• Documentation was cross-verified and submitted without errors
  
  

• Factory audit was scheduled in just 10 days
  
  

• Sample cleared BIS-approved lab in Delhi in 12 working days
  
  

Result: BIS Scheme X licence issued in 45 days — a record for their category.

BIS Scheme X vs CRS Certification – Key Differences

Conclusion: Is BIS Scheme X Certification Worth It?

Absolutely. If you are a foreign manufacturer or a global brand considering engaging with the Indian market, BIS Scheme X Certification is a necessity; it is never optional. It provides credibility for your brand, regulatory clearance, and access to one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Working with a trusted compliance consultant saves time, cost, and rejections. If you’re ready to start the BIS Scheme X process or need help understanding IS codes — we’re here to help.

Why Brands Trust Diligence Certifications?

Diligence Certifications is India’s trusted compliance consulting firm, specializing in product certification, regulatory approvals, and market-entry support for both Indian and international businesses.

We are experts in helping foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Scheme X Certification (FMCS) efficiently and compliantly. From identifying the correct Indian Standard (IS code), preparing documentation, coordinating audits, to facilitating lab testing and ISI marking — we handle it all with precision and speed.

Our services include:

• BIS Certification (ISI Mark, FMCS, CRS)
  
  

• EPR Authorization (E-Waste, Battery, Plastic)
  
  

• WPC Approval, LMPC Registration, CDSCO
  
  

• Legal Metrology & Import Compliance
  
  

• AIR (Authorised Indian Representative) Services
  
  

 We have assisted over 100+ foreign brands in successfully entering the Indian market across sectors like electronics, steel, cement, toys, kitchenware, and automotive components.

With an in-house team of documentation experts, industry consultants, and former regulatory officers, Diligence Certifications ensures:

• 100% accurate filing

• First-attempt audit success

• 30–40% faster certification timelines
  
  

• End-to-end handholding until final approval
  
  

Visit: www.diligencecertification.com
Let compliance be your strength, not a hurdle — partner with Diligence Certifications today.