[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/BIS ISI Mark Certification IndiaCertification Guide # BIS ISI Mark Certification for Industrial and Consumer Products The BIS ISI Mark is India's oldest and most recognized quality certification. Unlike CRS registration, ISI Mark requires a comprehensive factory audit and ongoing surveillance — making it significantly more rigorous but also more trusted in the market. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fbis-isi-mark-certification) At a glance Certification steps 5 Audit focus areas 5 Typical timeline 90-120 days ## ISI Mark certification process 01 ### Submit application with complete documentation File Form I (Application) and Form II (Performance Report) with BIS. Include factory details, quality control procedures, testing facilities description, and applicable fee. Foreign manufacturers must include AIR appointment. 02 ### BIS reviews application and conducts preliminary evaluation BIS verifies that your factory has adequate infrastructure, testing equipment, and quality personnel. They may request additional documentation or clarifications before scheduling the audit. 03 ### Factory audit by BIS inspector A BIS inspector visits your manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, quality control systems, testing procedures, and raw material handling. The audit typically takes 1-2 days for small facilities, longer for complex operations. 04 ### Product sampling and independent testing BIS collects product samples during the audit and sends them to independent BIS-approved laboratories for testing. Results must conform to the relevant Indian Standard specification. 05 ### License grant and ISI Mark authorization If the audit and test reports are satisfactory, BIS grants the license (CM/L number). You receive authorization to apply the ISI Mark to products manufactured at the licensed facility. ## What BIS inspectors look for during factory audit ### Manufacturing Infrastructure Production capacity, machinery calibration, maintenance records, and workspace organization. ### Quality Control Systems Incoming material inspection, in-process quality checks, final product testing procedures, and non-conforming product handling. ### Testing Facilities In-house testing equipment adequacy, calibration certificates, test method documentation, and technician qualifications. ### Raw Material Traceability Supplier evaluation records, material identification systems, batch tracking, and storage conditions. ### Documentation Systems Quality manual, work instructions, inspection records, and management review procedures. ## License maintenance requirements 01 Surveillance audits every 1-2 years depending on product risk category 02 Annual license fee payment to maintain active status 03 Prompt reporting of any changes to manufacturing facility or processes 04 Submission of production and quality data as requested by BIS 05 Immediate notification if licensed products fail to meet standard specifications 06 Cooperation with surprise inspections and sample collection visits ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does ISI Mark certification take? ISI Mark certification typically takes 90-120 days from application submission. This includes 30-45 days for application review, scheduling and conducting the factory audit (1-2 weeks), independent lab testing (2-4 weeks), and final license processing (1-2 weeks). Delays occur if the factory is not prepared for audit or if product samples fail testing. ### What is the cost of ISI Mark certification? Costs include application fee (₹1,000), annual license fee (varies by product category, typically ₹10,000-50,000), factory audit charges (₹7,000-12,000 per man-day plus travel), and product testing fees (₹5,000-25,000 depending on tests). Foreign manufacturers pay additional charges for overseas audits. Budget ₹75,000-2,00,000 total for initial certification. ### Can foreign manufacturers obtain ISI Mark? Yes, but it is uncommon due to the factory audit requirement. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR and pay for BIS inspector travel to their overseas facility. Some manufacturers establish Indian subsidiaries or contract manufacturing arrangements to simplify certification. For most foreign manufacturers, CRS is a more practical route if their product category allows it. ### What happens during a surveillance audit? Surveillance audits verify ongoing compliance with the Indian Standard. BIS inspectors review quality records, inspect production processes, collect product samples for testing, and verify that previous non-conformities (if any) have been corrected. Frequency varies from annually for high-risk products to biennially for stable manufacturing operations with good compliance history. ### What is the difference between CM/L and CM/L-XXXXX? CM/L stands for Certification Mark License. The license number format is CM/L-XXXXX where XXXXX is a unique identifier. This number must appear alongside the ISI Mark on products and packaging. The license is specific to both the manufacturer and the manufacturing location — if you manufacture at multiple facilities, each needs its own license. **Disclaimer:** This guide reflects the BIS ISI Mark certification process under the BIS Act 2016. Fees, audit procedures, and timelines are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with BIS before submitting applications. 🇮🇳 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 vs ISI MarkLearn the difference between BIS CRS and ISI Mark certification.](/guides/bis-crs-vs-isi-mark) * [BIS ISI Documentation and Audit PrepComplete guide to BIS ISI Mark documentation: factory audit preparation, required documents, quality system requirements, and h…](/guides/bis-isi-documentation) * [India Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of India's regulatory landscape: BIS, CDSCO, WPC, TEC, FSSAI, customs, and DGFT requirements for market …](/guides/india-compliance-overview)