The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) serves as the national certification authority in India, operating under the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. Established on April 1, 1987, it succeeded the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) organisation, inheriting and expanding upon its functions. BIS certification stands as a hallmark of quality and safety assurance, administered by the Government of India through the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is obligatory for a wide array of products marketed in India, ensuring their alignment with predetermined quality benchmarks and regulatory requisites.
Business loans play a crucial role in assisting businesses in obtaining BIS certification by providing the necessary financial support. The process of obtaining BIS certification often involves various expenses, including testing fees, documentation costs, and compliance expenses. Business loans offer a practical solution by providing the required funds upfront, enabling businesses to invest in meeting regulatory standards and obtaining the necessary certifications.
Benefits of BIS certification
The BIS registration offers several advantages, enhancing product credibility and ensuring consumer safety:
- Authenticity: BIS-certified products are recognised for their high-quality performance and reliability, providing assurance to consumers. This certification acts as a trust signal, encouraging consumer preference and loyalty towards BIS-certified products.
- Quality Assurance: BIS registration ensures adherence to specific standards during the manufacturing process, thereby guaranteeing the quality of the products. It serves as a benchmark for quality, distinguishing certified products from their counterparts in the competitive market.
- Rigorous Testing: BIS registration involves thorough testing of product samples in BIS laboratories, ensuring meticulous quality inspection and maintaining high product standards. This comprehensive evaluation process reinforces the integrity and safety of BIS-certified products.
- Environmental Protection: BIS-certified products help minimise environmental risks by complying with BIS regulations that restrict the use of certain chemicals and materials. This commitment to environmental sustainability also aligns with global eco-friendly practices, promoting a greener approach to manufacturing.
Products that come under BIS certification
There are various product categories that necessitate mandatory BIS certification (Scheme-I), totaling 380 products. Additionally, manufacturers have the option to acquire voluntary BIS certification for products, indicating a commitment to high quality and standards. A simplified procedure is available for obtaining voluntary BIS certification for 738 products. Furthermore, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has specified compulsory BIS registration for certain electronics and information technology goods under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The list encompasses 77 products subject to compulsory registration under this scheme.
Documents required for BIS certification
To secure BIS certification through the BIS registration scheme, manufacturers must furnish a series of critical documents:
- Verification of name and address for the office and manufacturing plant locations.
- Memorandum of Association, Incorporation Certificate, or Registration Certificate.
- MSME/SSI certification, when applicable.
- Detailed inventory of manufacturing machinery, including specifications for each machine.
- Detailed manufacturing process flow from raw materials to the finished product.
- Information on any outsourced manufacturing processes, if relevant.
- Full list of testing facilities and instruments available.
- Valid calibration certificates for all testing equipment.
- Independent laboratory reports adhering to Indian standards, if necessary.
- The layout of the factory and a map showing the factory's location.
Validity of BIS certification
The BIS certification is valid for two years. Should there be no changes to the concerned products or the standards they adhere to, manufacturers can opt to renew their BIS certification. The renewed certification is then valid for a period ranging from one year to a maximum of five years. To renew, manufacturers must pay an advance minimum marking fee along with the license fee. It is important to note that an extra late fee of Rs. 5,000 is charged if the renewal application is submitted after the certification has expired.
Conclusion
BIS certification is essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products sold in the Indian market. It not only enhances consumer trust but also opens up new business opportunities. Furthermore, it acts as a passport for entry into the competitive Indian market, enabling products to stand out among competitors. Achieving BIS certification demonstrates a company's dedication to excellence and compliance, fostering a positive brand image and potentially increasing market share.
Bajaj Finance's business loan can significantly aid businesses in obtaining BIS certification by providing essential financial support for the certification process. Meeting the simple eligibility criteria enables businesses to access the necessary funds upfront, facilitating investment in meeting regulatory standards and obtaining BIS certification, thereby ensuring compliance and enhancing credibility in the market.
