What is BIS and ISI? Full Forms and ISI Mark

BIS full form is the Bureau of Indian Standards. It makes sure the products meet mandatory quality and safety standards. While ISI full form is the Indian Standards Institute, the ISI mark is a certification for these products to guarantee their compliance with Indian quality and safety standards. In this article, we will discuss BIS and ISI in detail while covering their differences, benefits, and how to obtain BIS certification.

What is BIS?

BIS is India’s national standardization organization. BIS responsibility is to ensure product quality and safety for consumers. It sets benchmarks for products, services, and systems and plays an important role in regulating multiple industries. The full form of BIS is Bureau of Indian Standards, established under the BIS Act in 1986. BIS certification is necessary for various products to ensure they meet Indian quality standards.

What is ISI?

ISI was India’s first quality standards organization. It was responsible for setting benchmarks in manufacturing and product quality. ISI was established in 1947 for quality control and product standardization. In 1986, ISI was replaced by BIS to enhance the scope of quality assurance.

What is the Full Form of ISI mark?

The full form of ISI is Indian Standards Institute. The ISI mark is a certification symbol that assures that the product meets BIS quality and safety standards. ISI mark now known as BIS mark is compulsory for many products in the manufacturing and testing industry.

Differences Between BIS and ISI

BIS and ISI both focus on quality control but they both have different purposes. BIS is a larger regulatory organization in charge of setting and maintaining Indian Standards for products. On the other hand, ISI was the first organization for quality standards before BIS. Here is the difference between BIS and ISI:

How to Apply for BIS Certification?

BIS certification is mandatory to make sure your product quality and safety match Indian standards. BIS certification can be obtained both offline and online. To apply for BIS certification, several documents are required as business address and office address including authorization letter.

Documents Required for BIS certification

These are the documents required to apply for a BIS certification:

1. Business and Factory Details

• Proof of office address (any one of the following):
  • Registration certificate of the firm
  • Certificate from the Directorate of Industries
  • Memorandum of Articles (for companies)
• Proof of factory address (any one of the following):
  • Registration certificate of the firm
  • Certificate from the Directorate of Industries
  • Certificate from the Industries Centre
  • Memorandum of Articles (for companies)
  • Valid lease agreement (if the premises are rented)
• MSME certificate (if applicable)
• Authorization letter (if someone other than the CEO signs the application)

2. Manufacturing & Testing Details

• Manufacturing process flow chart (step-by-step process of making the product)
• List of manufacturing machinery used in production
• Details of outsourced operations (if any manufacturing process is subcontracted)
• List of testing equipment available at the factory
• External testing arrangements (if product testing is done outside the factory)
• Calibration certificates for testing equipment (preferably NABL-approved)

3. Product & Material Testing Documents

• In-house test reports (if testing is done internally)
• Third-party lab test reports (as per Indian Standards, if applicable)
• Factory layout plan (showing office, lab, storage, production, and finished goods areas)
• Test certificates for raw materials used in the product

How to obtain BIS certification Offline

To obtain BIS certification offline, follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

• Ensure you have gathered all the necessary documents listed above

2. Get the Application Form

• Visit your nearest BIS office to collect the application form. You can also request the form by post or download it from the BIS website, if available.

3. Fill Out the Application Form

• Fill out the application form with details about your business, factory, product, and manufacturing processes. Ensure all the fields are correctly filled to avoid delays.

4. Submit the Application

Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the nearest BIS office. Ensure all documents are correctly attached to avoid rejection. You may need to provide both the original documents and photocopies.

5. Pay the Application Fee

Pay the required application fee through the following options:

• Demand draft
• Bank transfer
• Other payment methods accepted by the BIS office

The fee amount depends on the type of certification and the product.

6. Factory Inspection (if applicable)

BIS may schedule an inspection of your manufacturing unit to ensure compliance with the relevant standards. Be prepared for an inspection of your factory premises, manufacturing process, and quality control system.

7. Product Testing

Submit product samples (if required) to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per the applicable Indian Standards (IS). You will need to provide the necessary test reports once the tests are completed.

8. Wait for the Approval

Once all the documents, inspection, and testing are completed, the BIS will review your application. If everything is in order, they will issue the BIS certificate.

9. Receive BIS Certification

After approval, you will receive your BIS certificate. This allows you to use the BIS mark or ISI mark on your certified product.

How to obtain BIS certification Online

Obtaining a BIS certification online is a convenient and quick method in comparison to the offline method. Here is the process for obtaining BIS certification offline:

1. Register on the BIS Portal

• • Visit the official BIS website. Create an account and log in.

2. Fill Out the Application Form 

• • Select the appropriate certification type and enter business, factory, and product details.

3. Upload Required Documents

• • Submit all the required documents 

4. Pay the Application Fee

• • Complete payment through the online portal via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. 

5. Factory Inspection (If Required)

• • BIS may schedule an inspection of your manufacturing unit. 

6. Product Testing

• • Submit product samples to a BIS-recognized lab (if applicable). 

7. Approval Process

• • BIS reviews your application, inspection report, and test results. 

8. Receive BIS Certificate

• • Once approved, download your BIS certification from the portal.

Benefits of BIS Certification

BIS certification has several benefits for both manufacturers and consumers by ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance with Indian standards. It not only enhances product credibility but also helps manufacturers stay competitive in the market. Here are the benefits of BIS certification:

• Enhanced Product Quality: It ensures that products meet safety, durability, and performance standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This helps manufacturers maintain consistent quality control, reducing the chances of defects, malfunctions, and product rejections.
• Legal Compliance: Obtaining the certification ensures that manufacturers comply with government regulations, avoiding legal penalties, fines, or restrictions on product sales. It also facilitates smoother business operations by aligning with industry standards and policies.
• Consumer Confidence: The BIS mark, such as the ISI mark or BIS hallmark, reassures customers that the product is safe, tested, and reliable. This trust leads to a stronger brand reputation and increased customer loyalty.
• Global Recognition: Many countries recognize BIS-certified products, improving export opportunities and enhancing the credibility of Indian manufacturers in foreign trade. By meeting international safety and quality benchmarks, businesses can compete more effectively in global markets and gain access to broader consumer bases.
• Market Competitiveness: Certified products stand out from competitors, opening doors to government tenders, bulk supply contracts, and increased sales opportunities. Many industries and large buyers prefer working with BIS-certified manufacturers, as it ensures product reliability.

Products Falling Under BIS Standards

BIS standards cover 16 categories, including textiles, automobiles, electronics, plastic, packaging, and water. To add a new category to the existing list, anyone can submit a request. These 16 categories fall under 19,000 standards, covering various industries with complete detail to ensure quality and safety.

The Certification Advisory Committee at BIS consists of representatives from manufacturers, government bodies, consumers, and industry groups. This committee is important in advising on certification policies and standards.

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