ISI mark certification is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licence that allows a manufacturer to put the ISI mark on a product that conforms to the relevant Indian Standard. It operates under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 and is compulsory for products covered by a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued under the BIS Act, 2016. This page explains who needs it, how the licensing and factory inspection work, the verified BIS fees and what to expect after the licence is granted.
What is ISI mark certification?
The ISI mark is the Standard Mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's national standards body. Under Scheme-I, BIS grants a licence to a manufacturer after it has assessed the factory's infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capability, and after products have been tested. The licensee then marks its product with the ISI mark and its licence number, which tells buyers and regulators that the product conforms to the Indian Standard named in the licence.
For most products the mark is voluntary. It becomes compulsory when the Government notifies the product through a Quality Control Order under the BIS Act, 2016. After the QCO takes effect, it is an offence to manufacture, import, distribute, sell or stock the product without the licence and mark. Many QCOs cover everyday items, from steel and cement-related materials to appliances, helmets, electrical items, toys and food-grade products, and the list is amended frequently, so always check the QCO for your exact product description and Indian Standard.
A licence is granted for one product and one Indian Standard, so a manufacturer making several notified products needs a separate licence for each. Foreign manufacturers exporting to India can obtain a licence under the BIS foreign manufacturers certification route, and Indian importers must make sure the supplier holds the licence before shipping.
ISI mark certification should not be confused with BIS CRS registration, which is Scheme-II and relies on self-declaration backed by a recognised lab report, or with ISO certification, which concerns management systems. Our pages on BIS CRS registration and ISO certification explain the differences.
Who needs an ISI mark licence?
You need a licence if your product is notified under a QCO or you want to use the ISI mark voluntarily on a product covered by an Indian Standard. Typical applicants are:
- Manufacturers of products under a QCO, who cannot lawfully sell without the ISI mark
- MSME and large factories that supply to government, PSU and infrastructure buyers who insist on ISI-marked goods
- Foreign manufacturers who export QCO products to India
- Importers who need confirmation that the overseas manufacturer holds a valid licence
- Brand owners who get notified products made by contract manufacturers, where the licence is held in line with the scheme requirements
- Manufacturers who choose the mark voluntarily to build buyer trust
Benefits of ISI Mark Certification
Legal right to manufacture and sell
For QCO products, the licence is the condition for lawful manufacture, distribution and sale. Without it, stock can be seized and the manufacturer prosecuted.
Access to government and institutional purchases
Government departments and large buyers often limit purchases to ISI-marked goods, which makes the licence a commercial necessity for these customers.
Recognised quality signal
The mark is widely recognised by Indian consumers and trade, and shows that BIS has checked the factory and tested the product.
Discipline in production
Scheme-I requires in-house testing, process control and records, which reduces rejects and complaints.
Clear marking and traceability
The mark with the licence number lets regulators and customers trace the product to a specific licensed factory.
Eligibility & applicability
Before you apply, confirm that the product, the standard and the factory are in order. BIS checks all three.
- The product is covered by an Indian Standard, and either notified by a QCO or eligible for voluntary certification
- The applicant is the manufacturer with its own or leased factory, with machinery and testing facilities appropriate to the standard
- The factory has a quality control system, trained personnel, calibrated test equipment and the ability to test at least the routine tests listed in the standard
- Where the standard needs tests the factory cannot do, arrangements exist with a BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratory
- The factory holds the basic statutory approvals such as a factory licence, pollution consent and GST registration, where applicable
- Foreign manufacturers appoint an Indian representative and follow the BIS foreign manufacturer procedure
Documents required
Applicant and factory documents
- Incorporation or registration proof, PAN and authorised signatory details
- Factory ownership or lease proof and address details
- Layout of the factory showing production and testing areas
- Statutory approvals such as factory licence, pollution consent, fire approvals and GST registration
- Udyam registration where the applicant is claiming MSME concessions
Product and quality system documents
- List of products and models with the Indian Standard number and edition
- Process flow chart and list of plant and machinery
- Quality control plan, inspection and test plan, and calibration records of test equipment
- List of raw material suppliers with incoming inspection records
- Organisation chart and details of the person responsible for quality control
Testing and declarations
- Test report from a BIS, BIS-recognised or BIS-empanelled laboratory, generally not more than 90 days old, where the simplified option is used
- Brand and trademark details with proof of ownership or authorisation
- Declarations and undertakings as per the BIS guidelines for grant of licence
- Fee payment receipts
Step-by-step ISI mark certification process
BIS accepts licence applications online only. The steps below follow the official Scheme-I approach, which offers two options with different testing and inspection sequences.
Check the QCO and Indian Standard
Find your product in the Quality Control Order or the list of Indian Standards, note the edition and scope, and confirm whether the order applies from a particular date or to particular grades or sizes.
Prepare the factory for assessment
Set up in-house testing facilities, calibrate instruments, document the quality control plan and train staff. BIS assesses infrastructure, process controls, quality control and testing capability.
Choose the application option
Under one option, BIS inspects the factory and draws samples for testing as part of the grant process. Under the other, a test report from a recognised laboratory accompanies the application. The BIS FAQ indicates different typical timelines for the two options, so decide with the BIS guidelines in hand.
Apply online and pay fees
Submit the application on the BIS portal with the documents and pay the application fee. Assign the Branch Office as per the factory location.
Preliminary inspection
A BIS officer or authorised agent visits the factory. The inspection fee, charged per man-day, is paid before this visit. The officer checks infrastructure, process control, testing equipment and may witness tests.
Sample testing
Samples are drawn from the factory and sent to third-party laboratories for testing against the Indian Standard. Failures must be investigated and corrected before the licence can be granted.
Grant of licence
On satisfactory inspection and test results, and payment of the annual licence fee and minimum marking fee, BIS grants the licence for the specified product and standard, with the licence number and validity.
Start marking
Apply the ISI mark with the licence number on the product or pack as prescribed, and calculate marking fees on production or sales as per the scheme.
Surveillance and renewal
Expect surprise inspections and sampling, including purchase of market samples. File renewal before the validity ends.
Government fees for ISI mark certification
The BIS product certification FAQ lists the following fees for licence grant under Scheme-I. The marking fee depends on the product and the enterprise category and is set in the schedule to the scheme; it was amended again in June 2026 for a number of products. Testing charges and inspection travel costs are separate.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | ₹1,000 | Paid with the online application as per the BIS FAQ |
| Inspection fee | ₹7,000 per man-day | Paid before the preliminary inspection |
| Annual licence fee | ₹1,000 | Payable along with the minimum marking fee for the product |
| Minimum marking fee | Product-specific | Set in the Scheme-I marking-fee schedule; concessions notified for micro, small, start-up and women-led enterprises. Check the current schedule for your Indian Standard |
Professional charges are quoted separately after reviewing your case. Government fees are paid directly to the authority. Laboratory testing charges are paid to the laboratory and vary by product.
How long does ISI mark certification take?
According to the BIS FAQ, a complete application can take about one month under the simplified option that relies on a recognised laboratory report and about four months under the other option, but these are typical figures and not promises. In practice the schedule is driven by factory readiness, laboratory slots, the number of samples and how fast you resolve non-conformities. A factory with no in-house test equipment should expect a longer preparation period.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Factory preparation and documentation | 2–6 weeks, depending on readiness |
| Online application and fee payment | A few working days |
| Inspection and sampling | Scheduled by the Branch Office after scrutiny |
| Testing and grant | About 1 to 4 months from a complete application as per BIS FAQ, depending on the option |
Validity & renewal
Per the BIS FAQ, the initial licence can be granted for up to two years and covers only the varieties listed in it. It can be renewed for up to five years from the last validity date. A 2026 amendment to the conformity assessment framework has been reported to introduce longer licence periods with annual advance payment of fees. Always rely on the validity printed on your licence. File renewal before expiry, add new varieties through the inclusion procedure, and inform BIS of any change in factory address, ownership or brand.
Compliance after the licence is granted
- Test each lot as per the Scheme-I testing requirements and keep calibrated equipment
- Mark products with the ISI mark and licence number as prescribed, only on licensed varieties
- Pay the annual licence fee and marking fee on time
- Keep production, test and sales records available for BIS inspection
- Cooperate with surprise inspections, sample drawing and market sampling
- Apply for inclusion of new models or grades and for amendments when factory, brand or ownership details change
- File renewal before the validity ends
ISI mark (Scheme-I) vs BIS CRS (Scheme-II) vs ISO certification
| Point | ISI mark licence | BIS CRS registration | ISO certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Compulsory for QCO products | Compulsory for CRO products | Voluntary |
| What is assessed | Factory, process control, testing and product samples | Product test report and self-declaration | Management system |
| Issued by | BIS | BIS | Accredited certification body |
| Mark | ISI mark with licence number | Standard Mark with R-number | Certification body mark on certificate, not product approval |
Common mistakes & reasons for delay
Assuming the QCO does not apply
Check the product description, grade, size or capacity limits in the QCO. Manufacturers sometimes discover only at customs or inspection that their product was covered.
Weak in-house testing
Factories without calibrated test equipment for routine tests fail the preliminary inspection. Arrange equipment and trained staff first.
Using an out-of-date Indian Standard
Testing against a superseded edition leads to rejection. Confirm the edition in the QCO.
Using the mark on unlicensed varieties
The licence covers only the listed varieties. Marking an unlisted model is a violation.
Ignoring market sampling
BIS also buys samples from the market. A lot that passes factory tests but fails the market sample can cause suspension.
Paying fees late
Annual licence and marking fees must be paid on time. Delays attract action and may endanger renewal.
Penalties for non-compliance
Under the BIS Act, 2016, manufacturing, importing, selling or stocking a product notified for compulsory certification without a licence and mark contravenes section 17. Section 29(3) prescribes imprisonment up to two years or a fine of not less than ₹2 lakh for a first offence and not less than ₹5 lakh for later offences, extendable up to ten times the value of the goods, and the offence is cognizable under section 29(4). BIS can also suspend or cancel the licence and seize goods.
| Default | Consequence | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Selling or stocking a QCO product without the required licence or mark | Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine not less than ₹2 lakh (first offence), not less than ₹5 lakh (subsequent), up to 10 times the value of goods | Section 29(3), BIS Act, 2016, read with section 17 |
| Cognizability of offences under section 29 | Police may register a case without prior warrant | Section 29(4), BIS Act, 2016 |
Practitioner tips
- Read the QCO with its annexure and the effective date, not only a summary. Small-size or small-capacity exemptions are written precisely and often change by amendment.
- Build the test lab corner before you apply. Inspectors look at calibration certificates, test records and whether the operator can actually perform the routine test.
- Keep one quality manual per Indian Standard. Because a licence is per product and standard, mixed documents for several products cause confusion during inspection.
- If you are an MSME or start-up, check the current marking fee concessions on the BIS portal and keep Udyam or DPIIT proof ready so the concession is applied from the first invoice.
- Retain samples of each lot with batch records. If BIS draws a market sample that fails, traceable records help you identify and recall the lot quickly.
How Lawgical Guru helps
QCO applicability review
We read your product against the current QCOs and Indian Standards and tell you whether the ISI mark is compulsory or optional.
Factory readiness checklist
We prepare a checklist covering testing facilities, calibration, quality plan and records so that the BIS preliminary inspection goes smoothly.
Online filing
We prepare and file the application on the BIS portal with the documents and declarations in the required format.
Query and inspection support
We help draft replies to BIS queries and brief your team for the factory inspection and sampling.
Marking fee and renewal tracking
We track annual fee dates, marking fee returns and renewal deadlines so that the licence stays current.
Related licences
We coordinate the factory licence, pollution consent and other approvals that BIS expects to see.
ISI Mark Certification: frequently asked questions
What is ISI mark certification?
It is a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards under Scheme-I that lets a manufacturer use the ISI mark on products conforming to an Indian Standard. BIS grants it after assessing the factory's infrastructure, process control and testing capability and after product sample testing.
Is the ISI mark mandatory?
Only for products notified under a Quality Control Order issued under the BIS Act, 2016. For other products it is voluntary. After a QCO takes effect, manufacturing, importing, selling or stocking that product without the licence and mark is an offence.
How much does an ISI mark licence cost?
The BIS FAQ lists an application fee of ₹1,000, an inspection fee of ₹7,000 per man-day, and an annual licence fee of ₹1,000 plus the minimum marking fee for the product. Marking fees depend on the product and enterprise category. Testing charges are separate.
How long does it take to get an ISI mark?
The BIS FAQ indicates about one month under the simplified option and about four months under the other option, from a complete application. Actual time depends on factory readiness, laboratory slots and how quickly any non-conformity is resolved.
What is the validity of an ISI licence?
The initial licence can be granted for up to two years and covers only the listed varieties. It can be renewed for up to five years from the last validity date. Always follow the dates on your licence and renew before expiry.
Can one ISI licence cover several products?
No. According to the BIS FAQ, one licence is granted for one product and one Indian Standard. A factory making several notified products needs a separate licence for each, though one inspection visit may cover related products.
Does BIS inspect the factory?
Yes. BIS officers or appointed agents carry out inspections, including surprise visits, to check infrastructure, process control, quality control and testing capability. Samples are drawn from the factory and BIS also buys samples from the market for testing.
What is the difference between ISI mark and BIS CRS?
The ISI mark under Scheme-I involves a licence after factory assessment and sampling. CRS under Scheme-II is a registration based on self-declaration and a BIS-recognised laboratory report, mainly for notified electronics and IT goods, without a routine pre-grant factory inspection.
Can a foreign manufacturer get an ISI mark?
Yes, under the BIS foreign manufacturers certification route, where BIS assesses the overseas factory and the manufacturer follows the scheme conditions. Importers should obtain proof of the licence before shipping any QCO product to India.
What happens if I sell a QCO product without the ISI mark?
You face prosecution under section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of not less than ₹2 lakh for a first offence, higher for repeats, and up to ten times the value of goods. Stock can also be seized.
Reviewed by Satyam Gupta, Company Secretary (CS) & Advocate
8+ years of industry experience. This page was last reviewed on 16 October 2026 against the official sources below. Rules and fees change — confirm on the official portal before you apply.