Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): Key BIS Compliance Requirements for Global Brands

The Bureau of Indian Standards is a regulatory body in India, handling the products quality, credibility and efficiency as per the Indian standardization established by the government of India. The BIS has multiple types of certification schemes under its umbrella and FMCS is one of them. The product that is manufactured outside the boundaries of India must undergo the product quality check under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme commonly known as FMCS. This certification of FMCS is an essential requirement for the foreign manufactured product to enter the Indian market.

It is the responsibility of the foreign manufacturers, importers, traders and brand owners to align their product quality with the Indian standard and must attain the FMCS certification before entering the Indian market. In this article ASC Group will clarify the key BIS compliance requirements for Global Brands.

What Is FMCS Certification in India?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme is a conformity assessment system administered by BIS under statutory authority. It allows manufacturers located outside India to obtain a BIS licence for products that fall under mandatory certification. Only after securing FMCS certification can these products be legally imported, distributed, or sold in India.

The scheme ensures that imported products conform to applicable Indian Standards (IS), regardless of their country of origin. This creates a uniform quality framework across domestic and international supply chains.

Why is BIS FMCS Certification Required for the Foreign Manufacturers? 

The government authorities in India have introduced the BIS certification for foreign manufacturers to protect the consumers and maintain the quality consistency for the product. This requirement applies to products notified under Quality Control Orders issued by various ministries.

From a regulatory standpoint, FMCS serves to:

• Prevent entry of unsafe or non-compliant imports
  
  

• Establish accountability of overseas manufacturers
  
  

• Align imported goods with Indian technical standards
  
  

• Enable enforcement action where required
  
  

If businesses do not attain this certification then it can lead to some severe penalties for the brands.

Products Covered Under the FMCS

FMCS applies only to products notified by BIS for mandatory certification. These typically include:

• Electrical and electronic goods
  
  

• IT and communication equipment
  
  

• Industrial machinery and components
  
  

• Automotive and safety-related parts
  
  

• Construction and infrastructure materials
  
  

The above mentioned products have different Indian standards and businesses must classify the accurate Indian standard for their product.

International Brands Operating in India Through FMCS

There are various international brands that are globally recognised manufacturers operating in India under the FMCS BIS framework. Some of the prominent names of brands are Apple, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Bosch, Siemens, and Sony manufacture products outside India and legally sell them in the Indian market after securing BIS licences through FMCS.

Their compliance reflects the fact that FMCS is a standard regulatory requirement adopted even by established multinational companies.

Core Compliance Requirements Under FMCS

The FMCS process is structured and evidence-based. Key requirements include:

1. Factory Inspection by BIS Authorities
BIS conducts on-site inspections of overseas manufacturing units to verify production capability, quality systems, and testing arrangements.

2. Product Testing Against Indian Standards
Samples must be tested in BIS-recognised laboratories to confirm conformity with relevant Indian Standards.

3. Appointment of an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
Every foreign manufacturer must appoint an AIR in India who is responsible for regulatory coordination and compliance communication with BIS.

4. Ongoing Surveillance and Licence Maintenance
After certification, BIS continues oversight through periodic inspections and sample testing to ensure consistent compliance.

These requirements are statutory in nature and strictly enforced.

Importance of FMCS for Indian Importers

For Indian importers and distributors, FMCS certification directly affects:

• Customs clearance and port release
  
  

• Legal sale and distribution
  
  

• Risk of enforcement action
  
  

• Business continuity and reputation
  
  

Importing products covered under mandatory certification without valid BIS approval can lead to seizure of goods and financial loss.

Practical Challenges in FMCS Compliance

Indian businesses often face challenges such as:

• Identifying applicable Indian Standards
  
  

• Coordinating audits with overseas factories
  
  

• Managing documentation across jurisdictions
  
  

• Responding to technical queries raised by BIS
  
  

This is where experienced FMCS consultants play a key role in aligning foreign manufacturing practices with Indian regulatory expectations.

Role of ASC Group in FMCS Compliance

ASC Group supports businesses by assisting with FMCS compliance planning, documentation coordination, and regulatory interpretation in line with BIS requirements. The objective is to help importers and manufacturers navigate BIS FMCS procedures efficiently while minimising compliance risk.

Final Observations

The Indian market is diverse and continuously gaining popularity among the global companies. All global brands that want to make profit from this diverse market must follow the key compliance requirements set by the government of India under the Bureau of Indian Standard. All above mentioned information is important for the businesses to follow and get their FMCS certificate with ease. ASC Group has decades of experience for serving its global clients and helping them to enter this big market.