ISI Mark in India – Complete Guide for Beginners and Professionals

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When you buy products such as cement, electrical appliances, steel products, pressure cookers, cables, switches or other regulated goods in India, you may notice a familiar ISI Mark on the product or packaging.

For consumers, that mark generally represents an assurance that the product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard. For manufacturers, however, the ISI Mark is much more than a symbol. It is part of a structured product-certification system administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

BIS is India’s National Standards Body established under the BIS Act, 2016. Among its functions, BIS develops Indian Standards and operates conformity-assessment schemes for products. Under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, eligible manufacturers can obtain a licence to use the BIS Standard Mark, commonly referred to as the ISI Mark, on products covered by the licence.

For beginners, the easiest way to understand the system is:

Indian Standard tells you what requirements the product must meet.
BIS licence authorises the manufacturer to use the Standard Mark.
ISI Mark shows that the licensed product is represented as conforming to that Indian Standard.

For manufacturers and compliance professionals, the process goes deeper into product classification, Quality Control Orders, testing, manufacturing infrastructure, Scheme of Inspection and Testing, factory assessment, marking fees, surveillance and licence maintenance.

This guide by Compliance Calendar LLP explains both levels.

What Is the ISI Mark?

The ISI Mark is the commonly recognised Standard Mark used under the BIS product-certification framework for products covered by Scheme-I.

A BIS licence allows a manufacturer to use a specified Standard Mark in relation to goods or articles that conform to the applicable standard. BIS describes a licence as one granted under Section 13 of the BIS Act, 2016 to use a specified Standard Mark for conforming goods or articles.

In simple words, the ISI Mark communicates:

“This product is manufactured under a BIS licence and is required to comply with the relevant Indian Standard covered by that licence.”

However, the mark should never be viewed in isolation. The product must fall within the scope of the licence, and the manufacturer must continue maintaining the required quality-control and testing system.

ISI Mark and BIS Certification — Are They the Same?

These terms are frequently used interchangeably, but technically they are not identical.

BIS Certification is the broader concept. BIS operates several conformity-assessment schemes, including Scheme-I, Scheme-II, Scheme-IV and Scheme-X for different categories and regulatory requirements.

ISI Mark certification generally refers to the product-certification licence under Scheme-I, under which the BIS Standard Mark is used on products.

For example, many electronics and IT products are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (Scheme-II) rather than the traditional ISI Mark Scheme. Therefore, a business should first identify the applicable certification scheme instead of assuming that every BIS-regulated product requires an ISI Mark.

Beginner Tip

Do not begin by asking:

“How do I get ISI certification?”

First ask:

“Which Indian Standard and BIS conformity-assessment scheme applies to my exact product?”

That question determines the rest of the process.

Is ISI Mark Mandatory for Every Product?

No.

BIS states that product certification is generally voluntary. However, the Central Government can make conformity to Indian Standards compulsory for specific products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or other statutory mechanisms. In such cases, the applicable product must comply with the notified standard and use the required Standard Mark under a BIS licence or applicable certificate.

This distinction is extremely important.

Voluntary Certification

Where no compulsory requirement applies, a manufacturer may potentially seek BIS certification voluntarily if the relevant certification framework permits it.

Mandatory Certification

Where a product is covered by an effective QCO requiring Scheme-I certification, the manufacturer must obtain the applicable BIS licence before using the Standard Mark and placing covered goods in the regulated Indian market, subject to the terms and exemptions contained in the relevant QCO.

BIS maintains a current list of products under compulsory certification, including products falling under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme).

Expert Compliance Point

Never rely on an old product list.

For every project, verify:

• Exact product description
• Applicable Indian Standard number
• Latest QCO
• Amendments to the QCO
• Effective date
• Applicable BIS scheme
• Scope and product varieties
• Any specific exemptions or transitional provisions

QCO requirements can change, and BIS also publishes information on notified QCOs that are due for implementation.

What Is an Indian Standard?

An Indian Standard, usually identified by an IS number, contains technical requirements applicable to a product, process, test method or other subject.

For an ISI Mark licence, the manufacturer must identify the correct Indian Standard applicable to the product.

Examples may include requirements relating to:

• Dimensions
• Material composition
• Mechanical performance
• Electrical safety
• Chemical properties
• Strength
• Durability
• Labelling
• Sampling
• Testing methods
• Safety parameters

BIS provides a Know Your Standard facility through which standards can be searched using an IS number or product keyword.

Example

Suppose a manufacturer produces a regulated product.

It is not sufficient to say:

“My product is high quality.”

The correct question is:

“Does my product satisfy every applicable requirement of the relevant Indian Standard?”

BIS certification is based on objective conformity, not simply the manufacturer’s general quality claim.

Who Can Obtain an ISI Mark Licence?

The manufacturer is the central applicant for a Scheme-I product licence.

BIS requires the manufacturer to possess the necessary:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Process controls
• Quality-control arrangements
• Testing capabilities

The product must also comply with all applicable requirements of the relevant Indian Standard.

This means a trader who merely purchases finished products from another manufacturer generally cannot treat the manufacturer’s BIS licence as their own manufacturing licence.

The licence is linked to the manufacturing premises, product, Indian Standard and approved scope.

Separate Factory Means Separate BIS Licence

This is an important point for larger companies. If the same company manufactures the same product at two different factory locations, separate applications and licences are generally required for the respective manufacturing locations. Similarly, separate applications are required for different products/Indian Standards even if they are manufactured at the same location. BIS expressly clarifies both principles in its product-certification FAQ.

Expert Example

A company has:

Factory A — Pune
Factory B — Ahmedabad

Both manufacture the same BIS-regulated product.

The company should not assume that a licence issued for the Pune factory automatically covers production from Ahmedabad.

Certification is manufacturing-premises specific.

What Does the ISI Mark Contain?

The Standard Mark is generally associated with the applicable Indian Standard and the BIS licence.

BIS requires the licence number to be indicated suitably with the Standard Mark, preferably below it, in the format:

CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX

The licence number helps link the marked product with the licensed manufacturer.

Consumers can also verify licence details using the BIS Care App’s “Verify Licence Details” feature.

For manufacturers, correct marking is critical. The logo, IS number, licence number and other required marking or labelling information should follow the applicable Standard, Product Manual, Scheme of Inspection and Testing and licence conditions.

Essential Requirements Before Applying for ISI Certification

A common mistake is to submit the application before the factory is technically ready. BIS expects the manufacturer to possess appropriate infrastructure, manufacturing processes, quality controls and testing capabilities.

A manufacturer should therefore evaluate the following before filing.

1. Correct Indian Standard

Identify the exact Indian Standard covering the product. Incorrect classification at the beginning can waste considerable time and testing costs.

2. Product Manual

BIS publishes Product Manuals for products covered under product certification. These may contain:

• Scope details
• Sampling guidelines
• Required test equipment
• Scheme of Inspection and Testing
• Grouping guidelines
• Product-specific requirements

BIS specifically advises applicants to refer to these technical guidelines.

3. Manufacturing Machinery

The factory should have the machinery required for actual production of the product. The manufacturing process stated in the application should correspond with what is physically carried out at the facility.

4. Testing Facilities

Manufacturers may need in-house testing facilities for tests required under the applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing, subject to the relevant product requirements.

5. Qualified Quality Personnel

Testing equipment alone is not sufficient. The manufacturer should also have personnel capable of performing required tests and maintaining quality-control records.

6. Product Conformity

The product should be technically capable of passing the applicable requirements of the Indian Standard.

Step-by-Step ISI Mark Certification Process

Although the exact procedure varies by product, the general Scheme-I journey can be understood as follows.

Step 1: Identify the Product and Indian Standard

The first step is confirming:

• Product name
• Product category
• Indian Standard
• Certification scheme
• QCO applicability

This is the foundation of the application.

Step 2: Study the Product Manual and Testing Requirements

The manufacturer should review the applicable Product Manual, Scheme of Inspection and Testing, grouping guidelines and test requirements. This helps determine whether the factory possesses the necessary infrastructure before money is spent on an application.

Step 3: Conduct a Factory Gap Analysis

Before filing, the manufacturer should compare existing factory facilities with BIS requirements.

The review may cover:

• Manufacturing equipment
• Laboratory instruments
• Calibration
• Raw-material controls
• Production stages
• Quality checkpoints
• Testing frequency
• Documentation
• Marking arrangement

Correcting gaps before BIS assessment significantly reduces the risk of procedural delays.

Step 4: Product Testing

Testing plays a major role in certification.

Depending on the route and applicable guidelines, product conformity may be established through testing at the manufacturing premises, third-party laboratory testing, or a combination of both. BIS states that test reports submitted under the relevant Option-2 route must come from BIS laboratories or BIS-recognised/empanelled laboratories for the product. Such reports generally should not be more than 90 days old for the purpose described in the BIS guidelines.

Testing should therefore be planned carefully.

A laboratory report for the wrong product variety or incorrect standard may not solve the certification requirement.

Step 5: Online Application

BIS accepts Scheme-I product-certification applications online through its designated portal. The applicant submits manufacturing, testing, product and business information along with prescribed documentation and fees.

Typical documentation may involve details relating to:

• Manufacturing unit
• Business constitution
• Product
• Indian Standard
• Manufacturing process
• Machinery
• Testing equipment
• Quality-control personnel
• Factory layout
• Test reports
• Authorised signatory

The exact checklist should always be verified for the applicable product and application route.

Step 6: BIS Factory Assessment

BIS evaluates the manufacturer’s manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control system and testing capability through assessment of the manufacturing premises. Product conformity is also verified using the applicable testing mechanism.

During assessment, practical readiness matters.

It is not enough for testing equipment to merely appear on a purchase invoice. Equipment should be available, operational and properly maintained where required.

Step 7: Resolution of Observations

If gaps or observations arise, the manufacturer may have to provide clarification, corrective action or additional evidence.

Common issues include:

• Missing test equipment
• Calibration problems
• Incomplete documents
• Product test failures
• Incorrect labelling
• Variation between declared and actual manufacturing process

Early preparation can prevent repeated corrections.

Step 8: Grant of BIS Licence

When BIS is satisfied that the prescribed requirements have been met, the licence can be granted for the specified product, Indian Standard and approved varieties within its scope. BIS explains that one licence relates to one product/Indian Standard, although multiple grades, varieties or sizes may be included where permitted within the approved scope. Only products within that licence scope may carry the Standard Mark.

Two Application Routes Under Scheme-I

For professionals managing BIS projects, an important concept is that Scheme-I provides two options for grant of licence.

BIS’s FAQ states that there are two routes and indicates different average processing times. It states that the average time is generally about one month under Option-2 and about four months under Option-1, calculated from receipt and recording of a complete application, though actual timelines vary depending on inspections, queries, samples, testing and fee payment.

Option-2 relies on qualifying test reports under the applicable guidelines, which is why accurate pre-application testing and report validity become especially important.

These timelines should be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed.

ISI Mark Certification Fees

There is no single universal total cost for every ISI licence.

The total can depend on the product, testing requirements, scope, manufacturing location, applicable marking fee and other factors.

According to the current BIS FAQ for Scheme-I, the stated statutory components include:

• Application fee — ₹1,000
• Inspection fee — ₹7,000 per man-day
• Annual licence fee — ₹1,000
• Applicable minimum marking fee for the product

BIS maintains product-specific marking-fee information and has published amendments, including updates during 2026.

Additional practical costs may arise from:

• Laboratory testing
• Calibration
• Factory infrastructure improvement
• Testing equipment
• Travel where applicable
• Professional assistance

Manufacturers should therefore obtain a product-specific cost assessment instead of relying on a generic “ISI registration package price.”

How Long Is an ISI Licence Valid?

BIS states that a Scheme-I certification licence may initially be granted for up to two years, limited to the varieties included in the licence. The licence may subsequently be renewed for periods of up to five years, subject to applicable requirements, documents and fees. Obtaining the licence therefore does not mean compliance is permanently complete.

It must be maintained.

What Happens After ISI Certification?

This is where beginners and experienced compliance teams often have very different perspectives.

A beginner may think:

“Licence received. Process finished.”

A compliance professional should think:

“Licence received. Operation and surveillance have started.”

BIS conducts surveillance after grant of licence, including surprise factory visits. During surveillance, BIS may review manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality controls and testing capabilities. Product samples may also be drawn from the factory or market for independent testing.

Licence holders must therefore continue maintaining:

• Production records
• Test records
• Calibration records
• Quality-control system
• Compliant raw materials
• Approved marking
• Testing facilities
• Approved product scope

BIS issued updated factory and market surveillance guidelines for Scheme-I in February 2026, reinforcing the importance of continuing conformity after certification.