Can I Import Goods Without BIS?

Certain certifications are lodged on imported products in India. To maintain the reliability and safety of the products, it is important to get marked by these licenses, which state that the goods comply with Indian standards. These certifications ensure that the imported products are safe to use and do not fall back in terms of quality. Eventually, this builds a strong professional relationship between consumers and manufacturers. Let us explore what BIS certification for import in India means and why it is necessary.

What is BIS Certification for Import?

It is a mandatory process for certain products entering India to guarantee their credibility and trustworthiness. It also makes sure that no mishaps should happen in the future while using those assets. It also makes sure of fair trade practices while helping the products imported into India be more marketable. So, BIS certification for imports effectively protects consumer interest and a trust-based marketplace, which is ultimately beneficial for economic development.

Is a BIS Certificate required for Import?

Many manufacturers outside India usually ask, “Can they import goods without BIS?” Well, this question is itself very contradictory. The answer is yes you can do so for certain products and that too for testing purposes, obviously the amount of product should be the minimum. Though exemption from BIS for specified goods can be done this brings numerous disadvantages along with it that can cause more harm than good.

Disadvantages of Importing Goods Without BIS Certification in India:

Importing products without a BIS Certification can impose various drawbacks even though they are done for testing purposes, they are:

1. Legal Complications: Importing without a license violates Indian rules and regulations, and without that, you can never have any legal protection regarding any mishaps in future.

2. Confiscation: Customs may seize the products which will eventually add up penalties, and extra costs and will cause delays, resulting in a shifting date of the product’s launch date.

3. Decreased Reputation: Non-certified products can lower the credibility of the product in the eyes of the consumers. Suppliers usually advise, to not work with importers without a license.

4. Re-exporting Complexities: You'll need to re-export the confiscated products, meaning extra expenditure-thereby, consuming more time and resources and complicating the whole process of certification

How to Get a BIS Certificate for Import?

By now, you might have an idea of why the BIS certificate is required to import. Moving forward, let us know how can we get the accreditation. Noticeably, the whole process is very simple and can be done online. Let us dwell deeper into the same:

Steps for attaining BIS Certification for Import Online:

1. Product Requirements: Determine if your product must have BIS certification under the pertaining IS code.

2. Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Foreign manufacturers should nominate an AIR in India, who would take care of their certification process.

3. Filing Application: A complete application form with all the documents like a test report by a BIS-recognized laboratory should be submitted to the BIS office.

4. Testing Product: You are supposed to send your product to the BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per the relevant IS code. Your application should have the test report accompanying it.

5. Application Checking and Factory Inspection: BIS will check the application, and if everything seems alright, a factory inspection might also be carried out to ensure the products meet the set standards.

6. License Issue: All that being accepted, BIS will issue the certificate, and you'll be able to stamp your product with the BIS mark.

7. Marking and Renewal: Mark your products with the BIS logo. Renew certificates annually and adhere to the scheduled inspections.

It is to be noted that it is quite difficult to get certified directly for a foreign manufacturer. So, it is suggested to get in touch with an experienced FMCS consultant. They will help to ease the whole process and get it done within a sprint.

BIS Certification Product List:

• BIS Certification for Hot-Rolled Steel Strip, Sheet and Plates for Welded Steel Pipe - IS 18384: 2023
• BIS Certification Of Hot-Dip Galvanized/ Galvannealed Steel Sheet - IS 18385 : 2023
• BIS Certification Of Hot-Dip Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium Alloy Coated Steel Sheets, Plates And Strips - IS 18513: 2023
• BIS Certification Of Hot Rolled And Cold Rolled Steel Strips - IS 18316: 2023
• BIS Certification Of Steel Tubes, Tubular, And Other Steel - IS 1239 Part 2
• BIS Certification For Steel Tubes For Idlers For Belt Conveyors - IS IS 9295
• BIS Certification For Steel Tubes For Mechanical And General Engineering Purposes - IS 3601:2006
• BIS Certification for Hollow Steel Sections For Structural Use - IS 4923
• BIS Certification For Steel Pipes For Water And Sewage - IS 3589
• Cold Rolled Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Sheet and Strip –Semi-Processed TypeSpecification - IS 15391:2003

Conclusion

In conclusion, BIS certification is important for releasing products in the Indian market, ensuring they are in line with Indian norms and safeguarding consumer trust. The said certification prevents legal complications, product confiscation, and reputational damage, which in turn would support the marketplace as trustworthy and its trade as fair. Certification makes it a very straightforward process; however, foreign manufacturers may find the process challenging. Skilled FMCS consultants can make the procedure easier so that smooth certification and hassle-free market entry can promote long-term business growth and credibility.