How to Get FMCS Certification in India: Process, Documents, Cost & Requirements

 

Foreign manufacturers planning to sell products in India may need approval under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). FMCS enables eligible manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS licence for products that conform to the applicable Indian Standard.

For overseas businesses, understanding how to get FMCS certification in India is important because the process involves more than submitting an application. The manufacturer must identify the correct Indian Standard, maintain suitable manufacturing and testing facilities, nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), complete product testing, cooperate with BIS inspection and satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.

BIS states that FMCS is available to foreign manufacturers whose products conform to relevant Indian Standards. The scheme generally covers products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under the separate CRS framework.

This guide explains the FMCS Certification India process in a practical, step-by-step manner.

What Is FMCS Certification in India?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a BIS certification scheme for manufacturers whose production facilities are located outside India.

Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to an eligible foreign manufacturer to use the applicable BIS Standard Mark on products manufactured at the approved manufacturing premises. The product must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and satisfy the applicable conformity assessment requirements.

The scheme is particularly relevant to overseas manufacturers supplying products to the Indian market where BIS certification is required.

A key point is that the foreign manufacturer itself applies for the FMCS licence. An Indian importer cannot simply apply for the licence on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.

Who Can Apply for FMCS Certification?

A foreign manufacturer can apply when its factory is located outside India and it is capable of demonstrating conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.

BIS specifies that applicants should have:

• Appropriate manufacturing machinery and facilities
• Required testing arrangements at the factory
• Competent testing personnel
• Manufacturing and quality-control arrangements
• Capability to meet the applicable Indian Standard
• Acceptance of the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
• Acceptance of BIS licence terms and conditions

A separate application is required for each applicable product/Indian Standard and each manufacturing location.

Why Is FMCS Certification Important for Foreign Manufacturers?

Obtaining BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers can help an overseas manufacturer meet Indian regulatory requirements before supplying products covered by mandatory BIS certification.

Major advantages include:

• Regulatory compliance for applicable products
• Permission to use the relevant BIS Standard Mark after licensing
• Greater confidence among Indian buyers
• Better control over product quality
• Easier preparation for Indian market entry
• Improved credibility with distributors and business partners
• Reduced risk of compliance-related disruption

However, FMCS should not be treated as a general import permission. The requirement depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard and the relevant Indian regulatory notification.

Products Covered Under FMCS

FMCS can apply to a wide range of products covered by relevant Indian Standards. Depending on applicable notifications, product categories may include areas such as:

• Steel products
• Cement and construction materials
• Electrical products
• Household products
• Chemicals
• Mechanical products
• Industrial products
• Automotive-related products
• Other products subject to BIS certification requirements

The exact applicability should always be checked against the current BIS requirements rather than assuming that every imported product requires FMCS.

BIS explains that FMCS is generally applicable to products other than Electronics & IT goods notified under MeitY's CRS framework.

How to Get FMCS Certification in India – Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

The first and most important step in the FMCS Certification Process is identifying the correct Indian Standard (IS) for the product.

The manufacturer should determine:

• Product name and category
• Applicable IS number
• Product specifications
• Required testing parameters
• Manufacturing requirements
• Quality-control requirements
• Testing facilities required at the factory

BIS recommends identifying the applicable Indian Standard and analysing the required manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities before applying.

Step 2: Check Whether FMCS Is Actually Required

Not every foreign product automatically requires FMCS.

Before investing in testing and inspection, verify:

1. Whether the product is covered by mandatory BIS certification.
2. Which Indian Standard applies.
3. Whether the product falls under FMCS or another BIS conformity assessment scheme.
4. Whether a separate regulatory requirement applies.

This eligibility assessment can prevent a manufacturer from applying under the wrong certification route.

Step 3: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative

An important requirement for BIS FMCS Registration is the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

The AIR must be an Indian resident and has responsibilities related to compliance with BIS requirements and the operation of the licence.

If the foreign manufacturer has an eligible branch or office in India, an appropriate person from that organization may be nominated. Where there is no such office, the manufacturer can nominate an appropriately appointed person in accordance with BIS requirements.

The AIR should understand the responsibilities associated with the BIS licence because the role involves more than simply submitting documents.

Step 4: Prepare FMCS Documents Required

Proper documentation is essential for a smooth FMCS Approval Process India.

Depending on the product and applicable requirements, documentation may include:

• Company registration documents
• Manufacturer's legal details
• Factory address and contact information
• Manufacturing process details
• Factory layout
• Machinery details
• Testing equipment details
• Calibration records
• Quality-control information
• Product specifications
• Raw-material details
• Manufacturing process flow
• Test reports, where applicable
• Brand/trademark information
• Authorized Indian Representative documents
• Undertakings and declarations
• Applicable quality manuals and records

The exact document list should be prepared according to the applicable Indian Standard, product manual and BIS application requirements.

Step 5: Register on the BIS Online Portal

The FMCS application process has moved to the online system.

BIS currently states that FMCS applications can be submitted through the Manakonline portal, and that from June 1, 2026, only online applications are accepted for FMCS; offline/hard-copy applications are no longer accepted.

Applicants should therefore use the current BIS online process rather than relying on older guides that describe physical submission.

Step 6: Complete the FMCS Application

The applicant needs to provide information concerning the organization, manufacturing premises, product, applicable Indian Standard, manufacturing process, testing arrangements and other required details.

The application should be reviewed carefully before submission because incomplete information or delayed responses to BIS queries can affect processing time. BIS specifically advises applicants to check commonly observed application deficiencies before submission.

Step 7: Pay Applicable Fees

The BIS FMCS Registration Cost is not necessarily one fixed amount.

The overall cost can include:

• Application fee
• Testing charges
• Factory inspection/special visit expenses
• Travel-related expenses
• Licence fee
• Marking fee
• Renewal-related charges
• Other applicable BIS charges

BIS's published fee information lists an application fee and separate charges such as testing and special-visit expenses, while product-specific marking fees may also apply.

Therefore, manufacturers should calculate the expected certification cost based on the actual product and applicable Indian Standard rather than relying on a generic “FMCS certification price.”

Step 8: BIS Scrutiny and Queries

After submission, BIS examines the application and supporting information.

If BIS identifies deficiencies or requires clarification, queries may be communicated to the applicant.

The manufacturer should respond accurately and within the required timeframe. Delayed or incomplete responses can extend the overall FMCS Certification India timeline.

Step 9: Factory Inspection

Factory inspection is one of the major differences between FMCS and many product-registration schemes.

During the assessment, BIS evaluates areas such as:

• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Production processes
• Quality-control systems
• Testing facilities
• Testing personnel
• Product conformity
• Availability of required equipment
• Records and controls

BIS explains that the licence is granted after successful assessment of manufacturing and testing infrastructure and conformity of the product with the applicable standard.

Step 10: Product Testing

Product samples are tested according to the applicable Indian Standard.

Testing may involve the manufacturer's facilities, a third-party laboratory or a combination of testing arrangements depending on the applicable conformity assessment requirements.

The applicant is responsible for safe deposition of samples and payment of applicable testing charges.

Step 11: BIS Evaluation and Grant of Licence

Once the required inspection and testing results are satisfactory, BIS processes the case for grant of licence.

Before the licence is granted, the manufacturer may need to complete applicable financial and contractual requirements, including licence-related payments and other prescribed requirements.

BIS also states that FMCS licensees are required to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000 from a bank having an RBI-approved branch in India after grant of the licence.

Step 12: Use the BIS Standard Mark as Permitted

Once the BIS licence is granted, the manufacturer can use the applicable Standard Mark subject to the conditions of the licence.

The manufacturer must continue complying with the relevant Indian Standard, Scheme of Testing and Inspection, marking requirements and other licence conditions.

FMCS Documents Required – Quick Checklist

Before beginning the application, a foreign manufacturer should prepare a structured documentation file covering:

Document/Information	Purpose
Company registration documents	Establish legal identity
Factory details	Identify manufacturing premises
Factory layout	Understand production arrangement
Manufacturing process	Evaluate production controls
Machinery details	Verify production capability
Testing equipment list	Verify testing capability
Calibration records	Demonstrate testing reliability
Product specifications	Establish product characteristics
Quality-control records	Demonstrate process control
Test reports	Support product conformity
Brand/trademark documents	Support product marking
AIR documents	Establish Indian representation
Undertakings/declarations	Meet BIS requirements

The final checklist should always be matched with the specific product standard and BIS requirements.

BIS FMCS Registration Cost in India

There is no universal single price for FMCS Certification Cost in India.

BIS's published fee structure includes an application fee, special visit charges, testing charges and licence-related fees. Product-specific marking fees and other applicable expenses can also affect the final amount.

The practical cost can therefore vary based on:

• Product type
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Number of product varieties
• Testing requirements
• Number of manufacturing locations
• Factory inspection requirements
• Travel expenses
• Testing laboratory charges
• Marking fee
• Renewal requirements

For an accurate estimate, the product and applicable IS number should be evaluated first.

How Long Does FMCS Certification Take?

The FMCS Certification timeline depends on several factors, including application completeness, BIS queries, factory inspection scheduling, sample testing and payment of applicable charges.

BIS's published FMCS information has stated that the average time for grant of licence is generally around six months from recording of a complete application, although the actual period can vary.

Therefore, manufacturers should avoid relying on a fixed number of days and instead plan around the complete certification cycle.

FMCS Compliance After Getting the BIS Licence

Obtaining the licence is not the end of the process.

A foreign manufacturer must continue maintaining compliance with applicable BIS requirements, including:

• Maintaining product quality
• Following the approved manufacturing process
• Maintaining testing facilities
• Conducting required testing
• Following the applicable Scheme of Testing and Inspection
• Maintaining records
• Meeting marking requirements
• Providing required production/dispatch information
• Cooperating with surveillance or inspection requirements
• Completing renewal and other applicable formalities

BIS states that licensees are required to disclose production and dispatch details of standard-marked goods to BIS on the prescribed basis.

FMCS vs CRS Registration: What Is the Difference?

Foreign manufacturers sometimes confuse BIS FMCS Certification with BIS CRS registration.

They are not interchangeable.

Factor	FMCS	CRS
Full form	Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme	Compulsory Registration Scheme
Main application	Foreign manufacturers	Manufacturers of notified electronics/IT products
Certification outcome	BIS licence	BIS registration
Marking	Applicable BIS Standard Mark/ISI framework	BIS Standard Mark with registration number
Factory assessment	Applicable under FMCS	Generally different from FMCS
Product scope	Products covered under applicable FMCS/BIS certification requirements	Notified Electronics & IT products
Main focus	Product certification through BIS licensing	Registration of notified products

BIS specifically describes FMCS as the scheme for foreign manufacturers, while CRS is operated for notified Electronics & IT goods.

The correct scheme should therefore be identified from the product category and applicable notification.

Common Reasons for FMCS Certification Delays

Foreign manufacturers can face delays when they:

• Select the wrong Indian Standard
• Submit incomplete information
• Provide inconsistent technical documents
• Lack required testing equipment
• Have inadequate calibration records
• Are not prepared for factory inspection
• Delay responses to BIS queries
• Submit unsuitable test samples
• Choose an AIR without understanding the responsibilities
• Fail to maintain documentation
• Underestimate testing and inspection requirements

A pre-application compliance review can help identify these issues before the application is submitted.

How UMSPCS Can Help With FMCS Certification

UMSPCS provides compliance support for businesses seeking FMCS Certification Services India.

Our support can include:

• Product and Indian Standard assessment
• FMCS eligibility review
• Documentation guidance
• AIR-related support
• BIS application assistance
• Testing coordination
• Factory inspection preparation
• Compliance gap identification
• BIS query-response assistance
• Licence and post-certification support

The objective is to help foreign manufacturers understand the requirements before submission and manage the certification process in a structured way.

Final Checklist Before Applying for FMCS

Before submitting your FMCS application, confirm:

• Correct Indian Standard identified
• Product applicability verified
• Manufacturing facility ready
• Required machinery available
• Testing equipment available
• Competent testing personnel available
• Calibration records maintained
• Product documents prepared
• AIR appointed according to BIS requirements
• Online BIS account/application prepared
• Applicable testing requirements understood
• Factory inspection readiness checked
• Applicable fees planned
• Post-licence compliance responsibilities understood

Conclusion

Understanding how to get FMCS certification in India is essential for foreign manufacturers entering the Indian market with products covered by BIS certification requirements.

The process begins with identifying the correct Indian Standard and confirming applicability. The manufacturer then needs to prepare the required technical and legal documents, nominate an Authorized Indian Representative, submit the application through the current BIS online system, complete factory assessment and product testing, and satisfy the conditions for grant of the BIS licence.

The process does not end with certification. Maintaining product conformity, testing capability, records, marking requirements and other licence conditions is equally important.

For overseas manufacturers, early preparation can make the difference between a smooth application and a prolonged certification process. A professional FMCS Consultant India can assist with product assessment, documentation, application preparation, testing coordination and inspection readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FMCS Certification in India?

FMCS Certification is a BIS certification scheme under which eligible foreign manufacturers can obtain a BIS licence for products conforming to applicable Indian Standards.

2. Who needs FMCS Certification?

Foreign manufacturers whose products are covered by applicable BIS certification requirements may need FMCS certification before supplying those products in India.

3. Can an Indian importer apply for FMCS?

The FMCS application is made by the foreign manufacturer. An importer cannot simply obtain the FMCS licence on behalf of the manufacturer.

4. Is an Authorized Indian Representative mandatory?

Foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS need an Authorized Indian Representative meeting the applicable BIS requirements. The AIR must be an Indian resident and has defined compliance responsibilities.

5. What are the FMCS documents required?

Documents can include company information, factory details, manufacturing-process information, testing facilities, quality-control records, product specifications, AIR documents and other product-specific documents.

6. Is FMCS registration available online?

Yes. BIS currently provides online FMCS application through Manakonline. BIS states that from June 1, 2026, FMCS applications are accepted only through the online portal.

7. Does FMCS require factory inspection?

Yes. Factory assessment is an important part of the FMCS licensing process, including evaluation of manufacturing and testing infrastructure.

8. What is the BIS FMCS registration cost?

The total cost depends on the product and applicable requirements. It can include application, testing, special visit, licence and marking-related charges.

9. How long does FMCS certification take?

The timeline varies according to application completeness, queries, inspection scheduling, testing and other factors. BIS has indicated an average of around six months from recording of a complete application, but actual timelines can vary.

10. What is the difference between FMCS and CRS?

FMCS is a BIS licensing scheme for foreign manufacturers, while CRS is a separate registration scheme primarily covering notified Electronics & IT products.

11. Can a consultant help with FMCS certification?

Yes. A consultant can assist with eligibility assessment, documentation, application preparation, testing coordination, factory inspection preparation and ongoing compliance support.

12. Is FMCS certification valid permanently?

No. BIS licences operate subject to their prescribed validity, renewal and continuing compliance conditions. BIS states that FMCS licences are initially granted for a defined period and may subsequently be renewed according to the applicable requirements.

Source:- https://medium.com/@certificationmtcte/how-to-get-fmcs-certification-in-india-process-documents-cost-requirements-bbf00c51a7df