BIS FMCS Certification for Steel Products: A Guide for Foreign Manufacturers

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in construction, engineering, automobiles, infrastructure, manufacturing, and many other industries. Because the quality of steel can directly affect the strength and safety of the final product, the Indian market has strict requirements for several steel and steel products.

For manufacturers located outside India, one of the important routes for entering the Indian market is BIS FMCS Certification. The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows eligible overseas manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence and use the BIS Standard Mark on products that meet the applicable Indian Standard.

What is BIS FMCS Certification?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Under this scheme, a foreign manufacturer can obtain a BIS licence for products that conform to the relevant Indian Standards. The licence is granted for products manufactured at a particular manufacturing premises.

For steel products covered by compulsory certification requirements, obtaining the required BIS certification is important before the products are supplied in India. The Government of India has issued Quality Control Orders covering a wide range of steel and steel products. BIS maintains the official list of products covered under compulsory certification.

This means an overseas manufacturer cannot simply manufacture a steel product according to its own specifications and begin selling it in India. The applicable Indian Standard needs to be identified first, followed by the required conformity assessment and certification process.

Which Steel Products Require BIS Certification?

The steel industry covers a very large number of products, so the exact certification requirement depends on the product and the Indian Standard applicable to it.

BIS's list of steel and iron products under compulsory certification includes products such as galvanized steel sheets, mild steel wires, expanded metal steel sheets, reinforcement bars and wires, cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips, electrical steel sheets and several other steel products. The list also contains the relevant Indian Standards and applicable Quality Control Orders.

Since standards and Quality Control Orders can be amended, manufacturers should verify the current requirement for their exact product rather than relying only on an older certification list.

Who Can Apply Under FMCS?

FMCS is intended for manufacturers whose factories are located outside India.

According to BIS, the foreign manufacturer must have the required manufacturing machinery and facilities at its factory. It must also have suitable testing arrangements and competent personnel capable of carrying out the tests required under the applicable Indian Standard. The manufacturer is also required to accept the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection, marking fee requirements, and licence conditions.

An important point is that the foreign manufacturer itself applies for the FMCS licence. An Indian importer cannot obtain the FMCS licence on behalf of the overseas manufacturer.

Read More: BIS Certification for Toys

How Does the BIS FMCS Certification Process Work?

The process generally begins with identifying the correct Indian Standard for the steel product. This step should not be rushed because the testing, manufacturing controls, documentation, and inspection requirements depend on the applicable standard.

1. Identify the applicable Indian Standard

The manufacturer first needs to confirm the exact IS specification applicable to its steel product and check whether certification is mandatory under the relevant Quality Control Order.

2. Review manufacturing and testing facilities

The factory should have suitable production facilities, quality controls, testing equipment, and competent technical personnel. BIS evaluates these arrangements during the certification process.

3. Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative

A foreign manufacturer applying under FMCS needs to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR acts as an important point of contact between the overseas manufacturer and BIS during the certification process.

4. Submit the application

FMCS applications can be submitted online through the Manakonline portal. BIS states that from 1 June 2026, applications under FMCS are accepted only through the online portal, replacing the earlier offline submission route.

A separate application is required for each product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing premises, as applicable.

5. Factory assessment and product testing

After the application is processed, BIS carries out an assessment of the manufacturing facility. This includes checking manufacturing arrangements, process controls and testing facilities. Samples are also drawn for independent testing as part of the certification process.

The product must demonstrate conformity with the applicable Indian Standard before the licence can be granted.

6. Grant of BIS licence

Once the inspection and test results are satisfactory and the required fees and documents have been completed, BIS processes the case for grant of the licence.

FMCS licences are initially granted for a period ranging from one to two years and can subsequently be renewed according to BIS requirements.

BIS Marking on Steel Products

After receiving the licence, the manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark within the approved scope of the licence.

The BIS FMCS requirements specify that the licence number should also be indicated suitably along with the Standard Mark, generally in the format CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX.

Manufacturers should ensure that the marking is used only for products and varieties covered by the licence. Using the mark on products outside the approved scope can create compliance problems.

Why Is FMCS Important for Foreign Steel Manufacturers?

For an overseas manufacturer, BIS certification is more than a paperwork requirement. It provides a formal route for demonstrating that the product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard.

It also helps importers and Indian buyers identify products that have been assessed under the applicable BIS certification framework. For steel products subject to compulsory certification, completing the required BIS process is particularly important because the relevant Quality Control Orders can make compliance a condition for placing products on the Indian market.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Foreign manufacturers often face delays when the application does not properly match the product, Indian Standard, manufacturing facility, or testing arrangements.

Some common areas that deserve attention include:

• Selecting the wrong Indian Standard

• Applying for varieties that are not properly supported by test reports

• Inadequate testing facilities at the factory

• Incomplete technical documents

• Poor control over production and quality records

• Delays in responding to BIS queries

• Incorrect or unauthorised use of the BIS Standard Mark

A careful review before submitting the application can reduce unnecessary back-and-forth during the certification process.

Conclusion

BIS FMCS Certification plays an important role for foreign manufacturers supplying steel and steel products to India. The first step is always to identify the correct Indian Standard and determine whether the product falls under a compulsory Quality Control Order.

From factory facilities and testing arrangements to inspection, documentation, marking, and licence conditions, every part of the process needs attention. Manufacturers that prepare their technical and quality systems before applying can make the certification process more organised and avoid many common delays.

Because BIS standards and Quality Control Orders can change, manufacturers should check the latest BIS requirements for their specific steel product before starting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all steel products imported into India?

No. BIS certification is not automatically mandatory for every steel product. Certain steel and steel products are covered by government-issued Quality Control Orders and require the applicable BIS certification. The exact requirement depends on the product and relevant Indian Standard.

2. Can an Indian importer apply for FMCS certification?

No. Under FMCS, the application is made by the foreign manufacturer. An Indian importer cannot apply for the BIS FMCS licence on behalf of the overseas manufacturer.

3. Does a foreign manufacturer need an Indian representative?

Yes. The FMCS application process requires the foreign manufacturer to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

4. Is a factory inspection required for FMCS?

Yes. BIS conducts an assessment of the foreign manufacturer's manufacturing and testing facilities and samples are drawn for independent testing as part of the certification process.

5. Can one application cover several factories?

A separate application is required for each manufacturing premises, along with the applicable product/Indian Standard requirements.

6. Can the BIS Standard Mark be used on any steel product after getting a licence?

No. The Standard Mark can be used only according to the terms and scope of the BIS licence. The licence number also needs to be indicated appropriately with the Standard Mark.

Source: https://crscertificate.mystrikingly.com/blog/bis-fmcs-steel-products