How to Apply for BIS Certification for Restricted Imports Under DGFT Rules?

Are you planning to import restricted items into India? Then you would have come across the term BIS Certification. DGFT regulations stipulate that certain imported goods must meet Indian standards to ensure both quality & consumer protection. 

Your consignment might face delays or rejection at customs if the necessary BIS approval is not obtained. 

We will provide a detailed process for applying for BIS Certification for restricted imports, whether you’re new to importing or exploring a different product category. 

We have got you covered, from identifying whether your product needs it to submitting to BIS. Let’s make compliance easy!

The Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for issuing BIS Certification to products. This certification ensures that the product meets specific quality & performance criteria. That your product is safe for Indian customers is like getting a seal of approval.

Some of the certifications offered by BIS include the ISI mark for domestic goods & the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for IT or electronics products.

Some categories require BIS certification before they can be imported into India, particularly for restricted items. 

This includes goods like

• Electrical appliances
• Pressure cookers
• LED lights
• Batteries
• Some steel products

It’s about protecting consumers & upholding national standards, not just a legal requirement.

The import-export policies of India are regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Every product falls under one of three categories: Free, Restricted, or Prohibited.

• You don’t need special permission to import free things.
• Prohibited items aren’t allowed into the country.
• Then there are restricted products, which cannot be imported without a valid license.

What makes a product restricted? It could be due to safety concerns or the need to comply with Indian quality standards. That’s where the BIS Certificate for import comes in. Obtaining BIS certification is mandatory for customs clearance for many restricted products.

DGFT & BIS are interconnected within India’s trade policy framework. DGFT regularly publishes notifications & amendments that describe when a product requires BIS Certification. These are tied to specific ITC (HS) codes.

As soon as BIS certification becomes mandatory, the DGFT import policy reflects it. At the same time, certain commodities are typically moved from the Free to the Restricted category. Strict quality standards have been implemented recently for certain products, such as electronics & steel goods. 

Trade circulars have recently announced that the DGFT is pushing for mandatory BIS compliance on surveillance equipment, air conditioners, and LEDs. The key to compliant imports without a hitch is keeping up with these alerts.

Make sure your product genuinely requires BIS certification before proceeding. Not every import does! Visit the BIS website to see a list of items that are subject to required certification schemes. 

It’s always a good idea to consult a BIS certification expert or DGFT consultant who can guide you based on your product’s ITC (HS) code & category.

You’ll need to select the right BIS certification scheme based on your product & its origin. You should use the ISI Mark Scheme if it has an Indian origin. The Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme applies to imports. 

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) should be your first choice when dealing with IT items or electronics. The key to a successful approval process is picking the correct scheme.

Now it’s time to get your paperwork in order. You’ll need to fill out the BIS application form, along with documents such as technical specifications & company details. You might also need to send samples for testing or prepare for a factory inspection, depending on the product. Ensure you allocate sufficient funds before submitting your application, as there are processing costs & application fees to consider.

Your product must undergo testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory once your paperwork is submitted to ensure it meets Indian standards. Based on your product category, these recognised laboratories adhere to rigorous testing methods. 

Depending on the complexity, the timing might vary, but it’s usually a couple of weeks. Before proceeding to the next stage, the product will undergo a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account its performance & safety.

Submit your application online through the official BIS portal after completing all tests and having all necessary documentation available. The procedure is simple, but to prevent unnecessary delays, please ensure that all required items are completed. 

The next step is for BIS to assess your application. In some cases (such as FMCS), do a factory inspection. If everything is in order, you will be able to get your certification sooner rather than later!

BIS will often provide the certificate within a few weeks after your application clears all inspections, depending on the goods & inspection requirements. Although times may vary, maintaining constant contact will expedite the process. 

The majority of BIS certifications have a 2-year validity period; further renewals need new compliance documentation as well as updated test results. Keep track of expiry dates to avoid recertification hassles!

The process of obtaining BIS certification for restricted imports may seem challenging at first, but it is effortless with the proper guidance. 

Each step ensures that your product meets India’s quality & safety benchmarks, from identifying the applicable BIS standard to submitting the necessary documents. Consult with DGFT or BIS certification experts if you’re unsure at any point to simplify the process.