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BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) compliance is checked at customs, but it is established much earlier in the supply chain.

The difference between smooth clearance and costly delays comes down to one thing: Early alignment between importers and foreign manufacturers on BIS compliance requirements.

Scope: What BIS Covers

BIS covers a wide, and expanding, range of products across many industries, including:

• Electronics
• Chemicals
• Toys
• Furniture
• Steel
• Household goods
• Footwear
• Electrical goods
• … and many more!

If your product falls under BIS scope, certification must be in place by the applicable deadline and before the goods are cleared by customs.

How BIS Certification Works in Practice

The manufacturer holds the BIS certificate; the importer relies on it.

• Foreign manufacturers apply under FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) through an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
• Domestic manufacturers apply locally.
• The BIS certificate is issued to the manufacturer

Importers are not the applicants, but they rely on the foreign manufacturer’s certification to clear goods in line with BIS requirements.

This is why early coordination between the importer and supplier is essential. Without alignment, common issues include:

• Delay in Certification, Supply Chain Disruption and Delayed Shipment

Customs Is the Final Verification Point (Not the Starting Point)

At import clearance, authorities verify:

• A valid BIS certificate
• The correct product scope
• Matching manufacturer details

If everything matches = smooth clearance
If not: the shipment may be held until resolved or sent back to the origin.

Proactive Importers Keep BIS Compliance Smooth

We support importers and manufacturers to simplify BIS compliance.

Our support includes:

• Confirming BIS applicability and the correct product scope
• Checking Supply Chain Compliance
• End-to-end BIS certification support
• BIS awareness for your foreign suppliers
• … and more!

We can also facilitate the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers to help them obtain BIS certification before products ship.

Get in touch: indiabis@reachlaw.fi – we’re ready to help.