What is BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)?
The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) has been operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) since the year 2000 under Scheme-I. It enables overseas manufacturers located outside India to obtain a license to use the standard ISI Mark on products exported into India.
Without a valid BIS FMCS license, notified products from foreign plants cannot pass Indian Customs (ICEGATE) and will be held or repatriated. Each foreign manufacturing unit requires a separate license for each product and standard specification.
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Foreign OEMs must appoint an Indian resident as their Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to take statutory responsibility for compliance, communications, and dispute resolution.
Physical Overseas Plant Audit
BIS technical officers fly overseas to physically inspect the foreign plant, audit quality systems, and draw samples for testing in BIS-recognized labs in India.
High Demand Product Categories under FMCS
Overseas exporters from China, Europe, Japan, Korea, USA, and Southeast Asia require FMCS for:
Steel, Stainless & Alloys
Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled coils, Galvanized sheets, Pipes, Bars (IS 2062, IS 6911)Tyres & Tubes
Pneumatic tyres for passenger cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers (IS 15633, IS 15636)Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Methanol, Toluene, Acetone, Carbon Black, Ethylene Glycol, PVC ResinToys & Children's Products
Electric & Non-electric toys, baby feeding bottles (IS 9873, IS 15644)Footwear & Leather Goods
Leather safety footwear, PVC boots, sports & casual footwear (IS 15844)Sanitaryware & Fittings
Ceramic tiles, sanitary appliances, valves, water heaters (IS 2556, IS 15622)5-Stage FMCS Licensing Procedure
AIR Appointment & Documentation Filing
Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and submission of Form-V with application fee, factory license, manufacturing flow, and lab equipment list.
Dossier Scrutiny & Inspection Scheduling
BIS FMCD (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department) reviews the dossier, resolves queries, and schedules the overseas audit date.
BIS Overseas Factory Inspection
BIS inspection team visits the overseas manufacturing plant, verifies in-house testing facilities, witnesses product testing, and seals samples for dispatch.
Independent Sample Testing in India
Sealed factory audit samples are air-freighted to BIS approved/NABL accredited test laboratories in India for compliance testing against IS standards.
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) & License Grant
Submission of Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG of USD $10,000) and marking fees, followed by official grant of CM/L FMCS license for 1 or 2 years.
Mandatory Documents for FMCS License
- Valid Business License / Incorporation Certificate in Origin Country
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Agreement & ID Proofs
- Manufacturing Plant Layout & Production Machinery List
- In-House Testing Equipment List with Calibration Certificates
- Technical Qualification Certificates of Lab Technicians
- Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT) and Quality Manual
- Raw Material Sources and Mill Test Reports
- Registered Trademark / Brand Ownership Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by over 18,000+ leading enterprises and manufacturing brands across India & worldwide for fast, dependable, and 100% compliant certification solutions.
Ready to Get Certified? Let's Talk
Connect with Lockene's senior compliance consultants today for expert advisory, rapid statutory filings, and complete end-to-end certification assistance.
NAGPUR
Central Operations & Compliance Headquarters
MUMBAI
Strategic Client Relations & Advisory Hub
DELHI
North India Liaison & Government Compliance Desk
Stay Connected With Us
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn for daily certification tips and updates.
Management & Compliance Consultancy
Lockene (@LockeneConsultant)
Your trusted partner in regulatory compliance and business excellence across India — offering complete support for BIS, ISI, ISO, WPC, and EPR certifications.
Your Partner in Certifications
Lockene (@lockeneconsultant)
India's premier compliance consultancy providing seamless end-to-end certification support for BIS CRS, ISI marking, WPC ETA, CDSCO medical, and CPCB EPR.
Building Quality | Building Compliance
Lockene Compliance
Empowering global manufacturers and Indian enterprises with swift, dependable, and 100% compliant certification solutions. "Our Clients' Success, Our Pride".