BIS Before You Buy: What Importers Should Check With a Chinese Factory

BIS is not a box to tick after the goods arrive

BIS certification is generally voluntary, but the Government of India makes compliance compulsory for specified products through Quality Control Orders and other compulsory certification routes. Where a product is covered, the manufacturer, product and applicable certification route matter. It is therefore something to check before production or shipment, not after the container reaches India. ## Ask the factory the right questions If the product appears to fall under a compulsory BIS requirement, ask which Indian Standard applies, whether the manufacturing location is covered by a valid licence or registration where required, and whether the exact model or scope is included. A supplier saying “we have CE” or “we export worldwide” does not by itself answer the Indian BIS question. ## Foreign manufacturers can have specific certification routes BIS has a Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme for relevant products, while electronics and IT products can fall under separate registration requirements. The correct route depends on the product and the applicable order or scheme. ## Our approach We do not promise that every product can be imported. We first check whether the product may fall within a regulated category and, where necessary, ask the client or supplier for the relevant documents before proceeding. The final regulatory position should always be checked against the latest official notification because QCO coverage and implementation dates can change. > [!TIP] > **Action Step**: If you are considering a regulated product from China, send us the exact model, specification and factory details before placing the order. ## Helpful Resources & Official Links - BIS Compulsory Certification Scheme - ICEGATE Import Trade Guide - Explore Sourced Product Categories