BIS Certificate for Vietnam Manufacturer: Complete Guide to Exporting to India
India ranks amongst the top emerging markets for imports for manufacturers based in Vietnam. From textiles to garments to furniture to footwear, products made in Vietnam are finding their way into the Indian market.
But before manufacturers based in Vietnam export their products to India, they have to ensure that they comply with the regulations set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The following blog aims to enlighten manufacturers based in Vietnam about the various aspects of the BIS license that they require to export to India. We will also discuss why this license is a necessity for manufacturers based in Vietnam and what kind of license manufacturers based in Vietnam require to export to India.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Vietnam Manufacturers?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body in India that takes care of the following:
- Product Safety
- Quality Compliance
- Consumer Protection
- Market Regulation
If a manufacturer based in Vietnam wants to export regulated products to India without a BIS certificate, the products may be:
- Refused at the Indian Customs
- Sent back to the country of origin
- Penalized
Therefore, it becomes imperative for manufacturers based in Vietnam to procure the requisite BIS license before exporting to India.
Important: Different BIS Licenses for Different Vietnam Manufacturers
Many exporters believe that a single BIS certificate applies to all products. This is not true.
Each product category requires a separate BIS license under a specific scheme.
For example:
| Manufacturer Type | BIS Requirement |
| Vietnamese textile manufacturers | May require ISI certification (if the product falls under QCO) |
| Vietnamese footwear manufacturers | Safety and quality standards under specific IS standards |
| Vietnamese furniture manufacturer | Mandatory BIS if the product falls under Quality Control Order |
| Electronics manufacturer | BIS CRS Registration |
Let’s understand this category-wise.
1️⃣ BIS for Vietnam Clothing & Textile Manufacturers
India imports a lot from:
- Vietnamese clothing manufacturers
- Vietnamese garment manufacturers
- Vietnam apparel manufacturers
- Vietnamese textile manufacturers
- Vietnamese fabric manufacturers
- Vietnam clothing suppliers
If the textile product falls under a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Government of India, BIS certification becomes mandatory.
Common textile products that may require certification:
- Protective textiles
- Industrial fabrics
- Safety-related garments
⚠ Note: Regular garments may not require BIS certification, but technical textiles may require certification.
2️⃣ BIS for Vietnam Footwear & Shoe Manufacturers
India imports Footwear from:
- Vietnam shoes manufacturer
- Vietnam shoes supplier
- Vietnam shoes factory
- Vietnam footwear manufacturers
If Footwear is included in the QCO, BIS ISI certification is mandatory for the Footwear imported from Vietnam. Footwear Manufacturers have to:
- Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative
- Undergo factory inspection
- Undergo product testing in BIS-approved laboratories
- Apply under the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme
3️⃣ BIS for Vietnam Furniture Manufacturers
India is increasingly importing from:
- Vietnam furniture manufacturer
- Vietnam furniture factory
- Vietnam furniture suppliers
Certain products, like Wooden Furniture, may require BIS certification based on the norms and QCO notifications.
If the products are included in the mandatory regulations:
- Factory audit will be required
- Product testing will be required in India
- Separate licenses will be required for each product category
4️⃣ BIS for Other Vietnam Products
Many products imported from Vietnam to India may include:
- Electronics (CRS Scheme)
- Steel products
- Chemicals
- Electrical goods
- Toys
- Pressure equipment
Each product has its own:
- Indian Standard (IS Code)
- Application
- Testing requirements
Each product category needs a separate application if a factory manufactures multiple products.
Types of BIS Licences Required for Vietnam Manufacturers
Vietnam manufacturers need to apply for:
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme)
For :-
- ISI Mark products
- Mandatory QCO products
- Factory inspection required
CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)
For :-
- Electronics
- IT products
- LED lighting
- Batteries
The Bureau of Indian Standards oversees both schemes.
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Vietnam Manufacturers
- Determine the product category and Indian Standard
- Check if the product falls in the QCO list
- Appoint Authorized Indian Representative
- Test the product in a BIS-approved lab
- Complete factory inspection
- Get the BIS licence
The time required for BIS certification in India for Vietnam manufacturers is 3-6 months.
Common Pitfalls for Vietnam Manufacturers
❌Choosing the wrong IS standard
❌Assuming a single license is applicable to all products
❌Exporting goods without BIS approval
❌Incorrect appointment of AIR
❌Ignoring notices of QCO
This leads to your goods being detained in an Indian port.
Why is BIS important for Vietnam manufacturers?
India is an important growth market. BIS certification can benefit you in the following ways:
- Establish your brand’s credibility
- Stay compliant with regulations
- Avoid delays in imports
- Nurture business relationships for the future
For clothing, furniture, and footwear manufacturers in Vietnam, BIS is not just about compliance; it is a business strategy.
Final Take
As a Vietnam manufacturer of clothing, furniture, and footwear, you must know the importance of the right BIS license to export to India.
Some key things to note:
- Different products need different BIS licenses
- Different product groups need different certifications
- Stay compliant before export for smooth customs clearance
Before you export your goods to India, you must check whether your product is eligible for BIS certification with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
