BIS FMCS Certification for Electronic Products: Process, Requirements and Key Considerations
When a foreign manufacturer wants to sell products in India, one of the first compliance questions is whether a BIS FMCS certification is required. This question becomes particularly important for products that involve electrical or electronic components because India has different certification routes depending on the product category.
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows eligible manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS licence for products that conform to the applicable Indian Standards. However, there is an important distinction: BIS states that FMCS applies to products other than the electronic and IT goods covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
So, before starting an application, a foreign manufacturer should first identify the exact product, applicable Indian Standard and certification scheme.
What Is BIS FMCS Certification?
FMCS is a certification scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for manufacturers whose factories are located outside India.
Under this scheme, BIS can grant a licence to a foreign manufacturer for using the BIS Standard Mark on products that meet the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard. The scheme has been operated by BIS since 2000 and is governed by the BIS Act, 2016 and applicable conformity assessment regulations.
For products that genuinely fall under FMCS, the foreign manufacturer—not simply an Indian importer—applies for the licence.
This distinction is important for international companies planning to enter the Indian market.
Does FMCS Apply to Electronic Products?
This is where manufacturers need to be careful.
BIS specifically states that FMCS is applicable to products other than Electronics & IT Goods notified by MeitY. Electronic and IT products falling under the notified CRS framework are handled through the Compulsory Registration Scheme instead.
Therefore, calling a product an "electronic product" does not automatically mean FMCS is the correct route.
Some electrical or equipment categories may fall under other BIS certification schemes, including FMCS where the applicable Indian Standard and government notification permit it. The correct route depends on the product's regulatory classification.
For example, a foreign manufacturer should not assume that an imported electronic device requiring CRS can obtain an FMCS licence instead.
Who Can Apply Under FMCS?
Manufacturers whose factory is located outside India can apply under FMCS.
BIS requires the manufacturer to:
Ensure conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.
Have the necessary manufacturing machinery and facilities.
Maintain the required testing arrangements at the factory.
Have competent testing personnel.
Accept the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection (SIT).
Accept the applicable marking fee.
Agree to the terms and conditions of the BIS licence.
BIS also states that a separate application is required for each product or Indian Standard and for each manufacturing location.
This means one certificate cannot simply be assumed to cover every product made at every overseas facility.
What Is an Authorized Indian Representative?
A foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS needs to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) according to BIS requirements.
The AIR acts as the Indian contact for the foreign manufacturer in relation to the certification process. BIS's FMCS guidance provides a prescribed nomination process and requirements for the representative.
For companies operating internationally, selecting the appropriate representative early can make communication and regulatory coordination much easier.
BIS FMCS Certification Process
The certification process involves several stages.
1. Identify the Correct Indian Standard
The first step is to identify the Indian Standard applicable to the product.
This should happen before testing or preparing the application because the manufacturing, testing and inspection requirements depend on the relevant standard.
2. Review Manufacturing and Testing Facilities
The foreign factory should have the required production facilities and testing arrangements.
BIS expects applicants to demonstrate that they have the infrastructure, process controls, quality-control systems and testing capabilities needed to manufacture products conforming to the applicable standard.
3. Nominate the AIR
The manufacturer must complete the prescribed process for appointing an Authorized Indian Representative.
This representative becomes an important point of contact during the application and subsequent operation of the licence.
4. Submit the Application
BIS requires the prescribed application, supporting documentation and applicable fees.
There has also been an important recent procedural change. BIS states that from 1 June 2026, FMCS applications are to be submitted online through the Manakonline portal, with offline/hard-copy applications accepted only up to 31 May 2026.
Manufacturers preparing an application should therefore use the current online procedure rather than relying on older FMCS guides.
5. Factory Visit and Sample Testing
After the application is scrutinised and found complete, BIS conducts a visit to the foreign manufacturing location.
During this assessment, BIS verifies manufacturing and testing infrastructure and draws samples for independent testing. The applicant is responsible for safe deposition of samples and payment of testing charges.
6. Grant of Licence
If the inspection and test results satisfy the applicable requirements, the case can proceed toward grant of the BIS licence.
Before the licence is granted, the applicant must complete applicable financial and contractual requirements, including licence fees, advance minimum marking fee and other specified requirements. BIS also states that a Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000 is required under its FMCS grant-of-licence procedure.
What Documents Are Generally Needed?
The exact documents depend on the product and applicable Indian Standard, but a foreign manufacturer should generally be prepared with:
Company and factory details
Product information
Applicable Indian Standard details
Manufacturing process information
Machinery and equipment details
Quality-control information
Testing facility details
Testing personnel information
Product specifications
AIR nomination documents
Undertakings and declarations
Supporting documents requested by BIS
A product-specific checklist should always be followed because documentation requirements can vary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes is selecting FMCS simply because the product contains electronic or electrical components. The first question should be which BIS scheme actually applies.
Another problem is applying against the wrong Indian Standard. A manufacturer may also face delays if its factory does not have the required testing arrangements or if information submitted in the application does not match the actual production setup.
Incomplete applications can create further delays. BIS specifically advises applicants to check commonly observed deficiencies before submission.
Professional compliance assistance from a service provider such as umspcs can help a foreign manufacturer organise documentation, understand the applicable certification route and prepare for the factory assessment.
FMCS vs CRS for Electronic Products
The distinction can be simplified as follows:
FMCS: A BIS licensing scheme for foreign manufacturers covering applicable products other than MeitY-notified Electronics & IT Goods.
CRS: A registration scheme used for Electronics & IT Goods notified under the applicable government orders.
BIS itself directs manufacturers of notified electronic and IT products toward the CRS framework rather than FMCS.
Checking this distinction before testing can prevent a manufacturer from spending time and money on the wrong certification route.
Conclusion
BIS FMCS Certification for electronic products requires careful product classification because FMCS is not the general certification route for all electronic and IT goods. BIS specifically excludes MeitY-notified Electronics & IT Goods from FMCS, with those products generally handled under CRS.
For foreign manufacturers whose products do fall within FMCS, the process involves identifying the correct Indian Standard, preparing the overseas factory, appointing an AIR, submitting the application, undergoing factory assessment and completing product testing.
The best starting point is therefore not the application form itself. It is determining which BIS scheme applies to the particular product and then preparing the factory and documentation around that requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does FMCS stand for?
FMCS stands for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme. It enables eligible foreign manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
2. Can all electronic products obtain BIS FMCS certification?
No. BIS states that FMCS applies to products other than Electronics & IT Goods notified under the CRS framework.
3. Who applies for an FMCS licence?
The foreign manufacturer applies for the BIS licence. An importer cannot simply apply for the FMCS licence on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
4. Is an Authorized Indian Representative required?
Foreign manufacturers are required to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative according to the applicable BIS requirements.
5. Does BIS inspect the foreign factory?
Yes. BIS's FMCS process includes a visit to the manufacturing location to verify manufacturing and testing infrastructure and to draw samples for independent testing.
6. Can one FMCS application cover multiple factories?
No. BIS states that a separate application is required for each product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.
7. Is FMCS application submission online?
Yes. BIS states that from 1 June 2026, FMCS applications are accepted through the online Manakonline portal, following the end of the hard-copy application transition period.
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