India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a pivotal role in assuring product safety, quality, and compliance for millions of goods entering the country every year. In 2025, more than 679 product categories are covered by mandatory BIS certification—making it essential for importers, manufacturers, distributors, and exporters to understand which goods require BIS approval.

Which Products Require BIS Certificate to Import in India? (2025 Guide)

What is BIS Certification and Why is It Mandatory?

BIS certification is a conformity assessment system that confirms products meet Indian standards of safety and performance. This regulatory framework protects consumers from risks associated with substandard, hazardous, or counterfeit products. The certification regime is governed by the BIS Act, 2016 and enforced through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the government.

Products certified by BIS carry either the ISI Mark, CRS registration, or Certificate of Conformity (Scheme X).

Non-compliance can result in customs bans, penalties, and restricted market access.

Key Product Categories Requiring BIS Certificate

As of September 2025, the following major sectors and product types require BIS certification for import:

Electronics & IT

1. Laptops, desktop computers, servers

2. Mobile phones, tablets, chargers

3. LED lights, televisions

4. Batteries, power adapters, inverters

5. Household & Consumer Goods

6. Washing machines, microwave ovens

7. Air conditioners, electric irons

8. Refrigerators, toasters

Machinery & Control Gear

1. Industrial machinery and components

2. Low-voltage switchgear, control gears

3. Electric motors and drives

Note: As per the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR), all machinery and electrical equipment—including assemblies and components—must obtain BIS certification for compliance before import or sale in India from August 28, 2025.

Toys & Children’s Products

1. Toys for all age groups

2. Feeding bottles, school supplies

Construction & Industrial Materials

1. Cement, steel rods, pipes, sheeting

2. Metal alloys, galvanized products

Automotive Components

1. Tyres, safety glass, batteries

2. Headlamps, cables, switches

Food Contact Materials & Chemicals

1. Packaged drinking water bottles, glassware

2. Milk powder, feeding devices

Select surfactants, acids, medical plastics

1. Medical Devices and Instruments

2. Blood pressure monitors

3. Thermometers, surgical tools

4. Dental and ophthalmic equipment

Miscellaneous Regulated Categories

1. Pressure cookers, kitchenware

2. Photographic and imaging chemicals

Understanding BIS Schemes: ISI, CRS, Scheme X

India’s BIS offers different certification schemes for varied product types:

Scheme I (ISI Mark): Factory inspections, testing, and ISI marking for consumer, industrial goods (including foreign manufacturers).

Scheme II (CRS): Self-declaration after lab testing, primarily for electronics and IT goods.

Scheme X: For machinery and high-risk industrial equipment, applicable from August 2025.

Each product must comply under its relevant scheme for legal sale or import.

How to Check If a Product Needs BIS Certification

1. Visit the official BIS product list portal and review the most recent QCO notifications.

2. Cross-check the HS code of your product with notifications from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Electronics, Steel, and other regulatory bodies.

3. Keep updated on annual additions and revisions — the scope is increasing every year.

Risks of Non-Compliance: BSI

• Importing products without mandatory BIS certification can result in:

• Customs bans and confiscation of goods

• Fines, recall, and market access loss

• Legal consequences and reputational damage

Conclusion & Compliance Tips

Mandatory BIS certification is vital for market entry and consumer trust in India’s regulated economy. Regular government updates introduce new product categories every year, making early risk assessment and compliance planning critical for importers and global exporters. Before shipping, always confirm requirements with BIS scheme updates and consult regulatory experts if in doubt.