Dear John, Is your business compliance-ready with BIS standards for selling in India? Selling in India’s vast consumer market requires navigating a robust and evolving regulatory landscape. A key compliance requirement is obtaining certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which ensures that products meet the country’s stringent standards for quality, safety, and regulatory conformity. For overseas companies, key certification pathways include the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for ISI-marked products and the newly introduced, machinery-focused Scheme X. As of March 2025, India had issued 187 Quality Control Orders (QCOs), covering more than 679 products.Non-compliance with BIS certification requirements can result in significant consequences, such as: Hefty penalties ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 500,000License cancellation and product seizureReputational damage, loss of consumer trust, and potential legal disputes Given the technical complexity, early preparation and local expert support are key to a compliant market entry. To assist further, we highlight key sectors and enforcement timelines where BIS certification is currently mandatory. |