[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/Authorized Indian Representative for BIS IndiaBIS / AIR # Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS Every foreign manufacturer seeking BIS CRS registration or ISI Mark (FMC) must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative before submitting any application. The AIR is the mandatory India-side contact for all regulatory matters — without a valid AIR with a real Indian address, no BIS application from an overseas company will be accepted. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fbis-air-appointment) At a glance AIR roles 5 Appointment letter requirements 8 Qualifying entity types 7 ## What the AIR does ### Application submission The AIR submits all BIS CRS, FMC, or ISI Mark applications on behalf of the foreign manufacturer through the BIS online portal. ### Correspondence management All official BIS communications — queries, inspection notices, show-cause notices, renewal reminders — are addressed to the AIR. The AIR must respond within BIS-specified timelines. ### Compliance monitoring The AIR is responsible for ensuring the manufacturer renews registrations before expiry and responds to any market surveillance actions initiated by BIS. ### Product liability interface In enforcement actions, BIS communicates with the AIR as the India-side contact. The AIR does not assume product liability as such, but is the regulatory contact point. ### Labeling compliance verification The AIR must ensure that products bearing the Standard Mark or R-Number in India comply with the labeling specifications approved during registration. ## What the appointment letter must contain 01Full legal name and registered address of the foreign manufacturer 02Full legal name, registered address, and company registration details of the AIR 03Scope of appointment — product categories and BIS scheme (CRS, FMC, ISI) covered 04Duration of appointment (can be open-ended or time-bound) 05Statement that the AIR is authorized to act on the manufacturer's behalf for all BIS matters 06Signature of authorized signatory from the manufacturer with company seal (if applicable) 07Statement that the manufacturer assumes responsibility for product compliance 08Contact details including email and phone number of responsible persons at both entities ## Who qualifies as AIR? Indian company (private or public limited) — Acceptable Must be registered under Companies Act 2013, with a verifiable registered office address in India. Indian limited liability partnership (LLP) — Acceptable LLPs registered under LLP Act 2008 with India address are acceptable. Indian sole proprietorship or partnership firm — Acceptable Must have a verifiable India address and valid PAN. BIS may request GST registration proof. Individual resident in India — Acceptable Indian resident with permanent India address and valid identity proof. The Indian importer or distributor of the product — Acceptable The same entity can be both the AIR and the Indian importer/distributor — this is a common arrangement. Virtual office or co-working space address — Not acceptable BIS has rejected AIR applications where the 'registered address' is a virtual office without actual business presence. Foreign company with India branch — Not acceptable Branch offices of foreign companies are generally not accepted as AIR — the AIR must be an Indian entity. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can the AIR be changed after BIS registration is granted? Yes. If you change your AIR, you must notify BIS and submit a new appointment letter for the new AIR. BIS updates the registration records. During the transition period, ensure the previous AIR's access is revoked from the BIS portal and the new AIR is granted access. Any ongoing applications or correspondence in the previous AIR's name must be transferred. ### Is the AIR legally liable if the product fails BIS compliance? The primary compliance responsibility under the BIS Act 2016 rests with the manufacturer. The AIR is the regulatory contact point but does not become the product manufacturer. However, if the AIR knowingly submits false documents or facilitates non-compliant products, they can face separate liability under BIS Act provisions. Both manufacturer and AIR can be held responsible in enforcement proceedings. ### Can the same AIR be appointed for BIS CRS and WPC ETA for the same product? Yes — the same Indian entity can simultaneously act as the AIR for BIS purposes and the Authorized Indian Representative for WPC ETA purposes. However, both are separate appointments with separate appointment letters for the respective regulatory bodies. The entity handling both must maintain separate files and correspondence for BIS and WPC regulatory matters. ### What happens if the AIR resigns or closes business? If the AIR entity ceases operations or resigns from the appointment, the BIS registrations remain technically in force but cannot be maintained without an active AIR. The manufacturer must urgently appoint a new AIR and notify BIS. If BIS registrations become unmanaged (no active AIR responding to communications), BIS can suspend or cancel registrations under the BIS Act. **Disclaimer:** AIR requirements are governed by BIS Act 2016 and applicable BIS scheme regulations. BIS may update AIR qualification criteria through notifications. Always verify current AIR requirements on the official BIS portal. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/04-bis-certification-for-electronics)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/04-bis-certification-for-electronics) Related guides * [BIS CRS Certification for ElectronicsComplete guide to BIS CRS registration for electronics and IT products: application process, required documents, test reports, …](/guides/bis-crs-certification-electronics) * [BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification (FMC)Complete guide to BIS Foreign Manufacturer Certification (FMC): how it differs from CRS, factory inspection requirements, appli…](/guides/bis-fmc-certification) * [WPC ETA Certification for Wireless EquipmentComplete guide to WPC ETA certification: equipment type approval requirements, application process, test reports, labeling, and…](/guides/wpc-eta-certification) * [India Market Entry for Hardware CompaniesPractical regulatory roadmap for hardware companies entering India: BIS CRS, WPC ETA, TEC MTCTE, EPR, and customs requirements …](/guides/india-market-entry-hardware)