Comprehensive Guide to BIS & EPR Certificate for Manufacturers and Importers

Companies seeking to legally and competitively participate in India's highly regulated marketplace must now get BIS and EPR certification. Acquiring these certificates guarantees product quality, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance, regardless of whether you are a domestic producer or an international importer. Everything you need to know about BIS and EPR certifications, including how to apply, what paperwork is required, and what to do to ensure compliance, is laid out in this comprehensive guide.

Can you explain BIS Certification?
When it comes to quality certification, product branding, and standardization in India, the national agency in charge is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In accordance with Indian legislation, it guarantees that items are up to snuff in terms of quality, safety, and performance.

Who really needs to be BIS certified?
It is essential to obtain BIS certification for:

Computers, Electronic Devices, and Related Goods Subject to the CRS

Kitchen and Home Appliances

Steel, cement, and other construction materials

Auto Parts

Consumables and Carbonated Water

Appliances for Medical Use, Cylinders, and Pressure Cookers

Obtaining BIS certification is a prerequisite to selling or distributing certain products in the Indian market, regardless of whether the manufacturer is domestic or outside.

The Many BIS Certification Programs
1. ISI Marking System
Useful for items that meet the requirements of the Indian market. Things like fabrics, metals, and electrical gadgets fall within this category. Certification follows product testing at BIS-recognized labs.

2. The Compulsory Registration Scheme, usually known as CRS
Essential for technological and informational goods. Labs recognized by the Bureau of Standards (BIS) conduct product testing, and companies can apply to use the Standard Mark after they've been registered.

Third, the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme), which is reserved for international companies with product sales ambitions in India. Certification requires testing of samples and inspections conducted within the factory.

Certificate of Factory Registration as One of the Necessary Documents for BIS Certification

Authorization for Production

Lab Results for the Product (As Certified by the BIS)

Quality Assurance Guide

Hierarchical Structure

Declaration and Commitment

IEC (Import/Export Code) Certification

Registration of Trademarks (if relevant)

Procedure for Achieving BIS Certification Classify Product and Determine Relevant Standard

Which Certification Scheme Should I Use? (ISI, CRS, or FMCS)(

Examining a Sample Product

Get All Necessary Paperwork Ready

The BIS Portal for Application Submission

For ISI and FMCS, the factory inspection

License Authorization

Applying a Uniform Mark to Goods

The BIS License's Continuity and Renewal
In most cases, BIS certification is good for two years.

Updating paperwork and test results is all that's needed to renew.

Licenses are suspended or revoked for noncompliance.

The EPR Certificate, what is it?
One environmental strategy that aims to hold producers accountable for their products throughout their lifecycle, especially after they have been used by consumers, is called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

The Indian government's environmental protection agency, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), is responsible for enforcing EPR.

Ensuring EPR Compliance: Who Does What?
You are required to register for EPR if you:

Manufacturers based in the United States

Buyers who purchase goods

People Who Own the Brand

People who restore and restorers

Businesses That Recycle Electronic Waste

Companies that make plastic packaging

Relevant to sectors that engage in:

E-Waste, or Electronic Waste

The Disposal of Plastic

Recycled Battery Acid

Rubber Debris

First, there is EPR for E-Waste, which includes all of the electrical and electronic devices (EEDs) that are included in Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

2. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2022) make an EPR for plastic waste mandatory. Recycling and reuse goals must be met by businesses.

3. End-Use Product Requirements for Battery Waste as Per the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. Requires businesses to gather and reuse old batteries.

What You Need to Get an EPR Certificate: Your Company's PAN and GST

Certified by IEC

Registration for DIC, UDYAM, and MSME

Product Specifics and Ingredients

Contract with Recycler/PRO Executed

Data on Annual Sales and Imports

Approval from the Pollution Control Board (if relevant)

Easy-to-Follow Procedure for Registering an EPR
Register for the CPCB Portal

Submit Necessary Files

Application File Structure Dependent on Product Type

Interact with members of the PRO/Recyclers group

Review by CPCB of the Application

Obtaining Permission for EPR

File Annual Returns and Reports on Compliance

Perks of BIS and EPR Certifications 1. Meeting Legal Requirements
Keep fines and confiscation of goods at bay. Ensure compliance with the statutory standards set by the Indian government.

2. Obtaining Entry to the Market
Allows both domestic and international brands to access the Indian market with ease.

3. Improving the Reputation of the Brand
Certifications enhance consumer trust by reflecting reliability, responsibility, and quality.

4. Preserving the Environment
Facilitates efficient trash management and encourages environmentally conscious company practices.

5. A Head Start in the Market
Put yourself ahead of the competition by providing certified and environmentally friendly products.

Repercussions for Failing to Adhere
What happens if BIS or EPR certificates aren't obtained or renewed is:

Shefty penalties

Prohibition of certain products

Export and import license revocation

Cases involving serious crimes

How BIS and EPR Differ Crucially Feature BIS Accreditation Environmental Product Registration (EPR) Certification Bodies Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Objective Ensuring Quality and Safety Managing Waste and Being Responsible for the Environment Conformity with Product Quality Standards Products such as electronics, cement, food, plastic, e-waste, batteries, and tyres must undergo end-of-life product management.
Type of Certification Producer, Importer, and Activity-Based

Ongoing Compliance: What Steps to Take?
Keep an eye on the BIS and CPCB recommendations for any modifications.

Make sure to renew your licenses by the specified deadline.

Work in tandem with certified recyclers and PROs

Accurately document all manufacturing, importing, and recycling endeavors.

To oversee audits and files, designate a consultant or compliance officer.

In summary,
Certifications from both the BIS and the EPR are essential for contemporary enterprises to navigate the regulatory environment in India. A strategic decision that guarantees compliance and indicates a commitment to product quality and environmental stewardship is obtaining and maintaining these certifications. In order to maintain their relevance and responsibility, firms should strive to align their operations with national standards from manufacture all the way to post-consumer disposal.