Foreign Manufacturer Certification (FMCS) Services
India is emerging as one of the world’s most attractive manufacturing and import destinations. With rapid infrastructure growth, government incentives, and rising consumer demand, global companies are increasingly expanding their operations and exporting to India.
To access this market, foreign manufacturers must meet Indian regulatory requirements — and BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is central to this compliance.
Global Consulting Services (GCS) assists overseas manufacturers in acquiring BIS FMCS Certification seamlessly, enabling lawful imports, brand credibility, and market entry without disruption.
What is FMCS Certification?
Why FMCS Certification is Essential
- Mandatory for regulated product imports
- Legal authorization to affix the ISI Mark
- Enhances product credibility and consumer trust
- Prevents shipment delays, seizures, and penalties
- Enables smooth business expansion in India
FMCS certification is not optional—it is a prerequisite for foreign manufacturers seeking uninterrupted product distribution in India.
What Does the ISI Mark Represent?
Adherence to Indian Standards (IS)
Verified manufacturing practices
Product reliability and safety
The ISI marking carries a unique license number (CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX), which assures regulators and customers of product conformity.
Who Can Apply for FMCS?
- Manufacturers located outside India
- Factories producing products under Indian Standards
- Overseas companies exporting regulated items to India
Importers, traders, or distributors cannot apply — only manufacturers are eligible.
FMCS Certification Requirements
Factory must be located outside India
Products must comply with relevant Indian Standards
In-house testing facilities must be available
Qualified technical staff for quality inspections
Acceptance of Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT)
Payment of marking and certification fees
Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
A separate application is required for each product and factory location.
Documents Required for FMCS Certification
- Company/factory registration documents
- Manufacturing process flowchart
- Testing capability evidence
- Outsourcing agreements (if applicable)
- Quality control records
- Sample test reports as per BIS norms
- Undertaking accepting BIS testing and inspection conditions
All documentation is processed through the online BIS portal and physically submitted to FMCD.
FMCS Certification Process—Step-by-Step
STEP-BY-STEP
Application Submission
- Submit application online and physically to FMCD
- Receive application acknowledgement
Clarification & Queries
- Applicants respond to missing or incomplete areas
- Approval moves forward after validation
Grant of License
- Applicant pays marking fee, license fee and dues
- BIS issues FMCS certification (valid for 1 year, renewable annually)
Product Testing
- Test fees borne by the manufacturer
- Reports reviewed for compliance
Factory Audit
- Factory processes, testing setup and quality controls are evaluated
- Samples are sealed and collected for testing
Certification Timeline
Average processing period: 4–6 months after document submission
Separate applications must be filed for each product and each manufacturing location.
Post-Certification Requirements
- Surveillance Inspection
BIS conducts periodic market sampling and performance evaluation.
- Complaint Handling
Any product defects require:
- Investigation
- Replacement/repair
- Liability acceptance by the manufacturer
BIS does not bear responsibility for losses or failures.
- Renewal Process
- License valid for 1 year
- Renewable annually with fees and compliance verification
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Requirements
Open a branch office in India
OR
Quality recognition and competitive advantage
The AIR is responsible for:
- Handling BIS communications
- Filing compliance documents
- Accepting regulatory accountability
An AIR can represent only one foreign manufacturer at a time.
Why FMCS Certification is Complex
Foreign manufacturers must tackle:
- Several compliance systems
- Mandatory site audits outside India
- AIR appointment rules
- Product-specific technical requirements
Due to these complexities, consultation support is strongly recommended to avoid rejection or delays.
Why Choose Global Consulting Services (GCS) for FMCS?
- Our Services Include:
- AIR appointment guidance
- Document preparation
- Factory audit readiness planning
- Sample testing coordination
- Regulatory follow-ups until approval
- Renewal & post-certification support
Whether you are expanding exports to India or launching manufacturing here, we ensure seamless certification and compliance.
Ready to Get FMCS Certification?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS Registration / BIS Certification
Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to India.
No — only manufacturers located outside India are eligible.
Yes, every foreign applicant must have an Authorized Indian Representative.
1 year initially, renewable for 1–2 years based on compliance.
No — each product/factory must be registered under separate applications
Payment modes depend on country — for most nations, fees are payable in USD.