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FMCS Certification

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What is FMCS matters

The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) is BIS’s route to certify products that are manufactured outside India but intended for the Indian market. FMCS verifies that foreign factories, processes, and finished products meet the relevant Indian Standards (IS/ISS), through audits, testing, and ongoing surveillance.

Who should apply (Eligibility)

A manufacturer qualifies for FMCS if:

  • The manufacturing facility is located outside India.
  • The product fully conforms to the applicable Indian Standard (ISS/IS).
  • The factory has the necessary production machinery and in-house testing capabilities or arrangements.
  • Trained quality-control staff and documented QC processes are available at the factory.
  • The manufacturer accepts the Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) and annual marking fee obligations.
  • The manufacturer agrees to BIS licence terms and surveillance requirements.

Note: Separate applications are required for each product-standard and for each factory location.

Typical Fee Outline (government / BIS charges)

Figures are indicative — actual payments depend on product standard and country. (USD values shown as approximate.)

Item Amount (INR) Approx. (USD)
Application fee 1,000 ~12
Annual license fee 1,000 ~12
Inspection charges 42,000 (example: 2*(7,000*3)) ~507
Contingency fund 10,000 ~121
Travel charges Varies by country
Laboratory testing Depends on applicable IS
Minimum marking fee Depends on IS
Bank Guarantee 830,000 ~10,015
FMCS — Step-by-step process (high level)
  • Apply: Submit the prescribed application with required information and documents.
  • Document review & updates: Ensure all technical files, QC manuals and test certificates meet the ISS requirements.
  • Schedule audit: BIS/auditor sets a date for factory inspection.
  • Factory inspection: Auditor inspects production setup, QC systems and seals product samples.
  • Sample testing: Sealed samples are tested (typically in BIS-approved labs).
  • Report & queries: Tests and inspection reports may generate queries which must be resolved.
  • Grant of license: On satisfactory compliance, BIS issues the FMCS license.

Typical project timeline: roughly 3–4 months, depending on inspection scheduling, sample transport and timely responses to queries.

Surveillance & ongoing compliance

After certification, BIS maintains surveillance through:

  • Periodic audits of manufacturing and QC systems.
  • Random sampling & laboratory testing of marked products.
  • Documentary checks for process or product changes.
  • Traceability and batch-level checks to ensure accountability.

These measures ensure product consistency and consumer safety over the lifetime of the licence.

License validity & renewal
  • Initial licence under Scheme-I is usually granted for up to 2 years after payment of advance marking fee.
  • Licence renewal can be for 1 to 5 years, subject to payment of fees and compliance.
  • If renewal is filed after expiry, a late fee of ₹5,000 applies.
  • Renewal submissions normally include: renewal application (Form XII), recent production/consignment details, extended bank guarantee, and payment of marking fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (reworded)

Some product categories are covered by mandatory Quality Control Orders; such products require a BIS licence and the standard mark to be legally imported. Other categories remain voluntary.

Apply using the prescribed BIS form and submit required documents, declarations, and fees. An AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) nomination is also required.

Yes. The Authorized Indian Representative must be an Indian resident who agrees to act on behalf of the foreign manufacturer for compliance with BIS regulations. AIR represents one manufacturer (exceptions exist for group companies as specified by BIS).

Payments from SAARC countries may be accepted in INR or USD (with applicable GST). For most non-SAARC countries, payments are required in USD.

Only test reports issued as per the relevant Indian Standard are accepted. Tests performed against other standards (e.g., IEC alone) are generally not acceptable.

Samples taken during inspection must be tested in BIS-approved laboratories. Applicants may need to arrange shipment of samples to India and bear testing costs.

The average timeline is often around 6 months from complete application, but can vary based on inspection scheduling, sample transport and query resolution.

No — applications are product- and location-specific. Each IS/product and each factory location normally require separate applications. Brand declarations are handled as part of the licence documentation.

BIS licences are manufacturer-specific; the application should be filed by the manufacturer. An importer can be nominated as the AIR and assist with the process.

Why work with GovCert Solution?

We specialize in supporting foreign manufacturers through the FMCS/BIS pathway:

  • Hands-on technical and regulatory guidance for footwear and other products.
  • End-to-end support: documentation, audit prep, sample sealing logistics, and liaison with testing labs.
  • Local presence (North Delhi office) and a global client base.
  • Fast, pragmatic approach to reduce delays and costs.
Important: Footwear & ISI (BIS) notes

For footwear and other regulated categories, the BIS mark provides consumer assurance of product safety and quality. For footwear specifically, ISI/BIS certification is often a mandatory step before production and sale in India — it also strengthens market credibility.

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