Introduction

In India, quality and safety of products are taken very seriously. To ensure this, the Government of India has made BIS Certification mandatory for many products. BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is the national body that sets quality standards for goods manufactured or sold in India.

For large companies, meeting BIS rules is usually manageable because they have dedicated compliance teams and enough funds. However, startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) often face many difficulties while applying for BIS certification. Limited budgets, lack of awareness, technical requirements, and long procedures can make the process confusing and stressful.

In this blog, we will explain BIS Certification challenges faced by startups & MSMEs in simple words. We will also discuss how expert support like Corpbiz can make it easier to Apply BIS Certification Online, complete BIS CRS Registration Online, obtain FMCS BIS Certification Online, and secure ISI Mark Certification Online.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a process that ensures a product meets Indian quality, safety, and performance standards. Products that comply with these standards are allowed to carry either the ISI Mark, CRS mark, or BIS registration number, depending on the product category.

Some common products requiring BIS certification include:

• Electrical and electronic goods
• Toys and children’s products
• Cement and steel
• Kitchen appliances
• Medical and industrial equipment

Without BIS certification, manufacturers cannot legally sell or import such products in India.

Why BIS Certification is Important for Startups & MSMEs

Although the process may seem complex, BIS certification offers several long-term benefits:

• Builds trust and credibility in the market
• Ensures product safety and quality
• Helps in expanding business across India
• Mandatory for selling on e-commerce platforms
• Protects businesses from legal penalties and product bans

Still, despite these benefits, startups and MSMEs face many challenges while applying.

Major BIS Certification Challenges Faced by Startups & MSMEs

1. Lack of Awareness and Knowledge

One of the biggest challenges is lack of proper information. Many startups and MSMEs do not clearly understand:

• Which products require BIS certification
• Whether ISI, CRS, or FMCS applies to them
• The documents required
• Testing and inspection procedures

Due to this confusion, businesses either delay the application or submit incorrect details, leading to rejection.

2. Understanding Different BIS Schemes

BIS certification is not a single process. It includes different schemes such as:

• ISI Mark Certification Online – for products manufactured in India
• BIS CRS Registration Online – for electronics and IT products
• FMCS BIS Certification Online – for foreign manufacturers

Startups and MSMEs often struggle to identify the right scheme for their product. Choosing the wrong scheme can result in wasted time and money.

3. Complex Documentation Process

Documentation is another major challenge. BIS requires detailed paperwork such as:

• Factory layout and manufacturing flowchart
• Quality control documents
• Test reports from BIS-recognized labs
• Details of raw materials and machinery
• Authorization letters and affidavits

Small businesses usually do not have a compliance team, so preparing these documents correctly becomes difficult.

4. Product Testing Issues

BIS certification requires mandatory product testing from BIS-approved laboratories. Challenges related to testing include:

• High testing costs
• Limited BIS-recognized labs for some products
• Long waiting time for test reports
• Failure of products due to minor non-compliance

For startups working with limited capital, repeated testing can be a financial burden.

5. High Cost for Small Businesses

Although BIS fees are standard, the overall cost becomes high for MSMEs due to:

• Testing charges
• Consultant fees (if taken)
• Factory modification costs
• Re-testing expenses
• Delay-related losses

Many startups feel that BIS certification is expensive, especially during early business stages.

6. Factory Inspection Challenges

For ISI Mark Certification, BIS officials conduct factory inspections. During inspections, they check:

• Manufacturing process
• Quality control systems
• In-house testing facilities
• Storage and packaging methods

Startups may fail inspections due to:

• Incomplete records
• Poor documentation
• Lack of proper testing equipment

Any non-compliance can delay certification.

7. Time-Consuming Process

The BIS certification process can take several weeks or even months. Delays usually happen due to:

• Incorrect application details
• Delayed test reports
• Inspection scheduling issues
• Queries raised by BIS authorities

For startups wanting quick market entry, such delays can affect business growth.

8. Challenges in Applying BIS Certification Online

While the government promotes Apply BIS Certification Online, many MSMEs face issues such as:

• Technical errors on the BIS portal
• Difficulty uploading large documents
• Confusion in filling online forms
• Tracking application status

Without expert guidance, online filing becomes stressful.

9. Foreign Manufacturers Face Additional Issues

Indian startups importing products or working with foreign manufacturers need FMCS BIS Certification Online. Challenges include:

• Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Coordination with foreign factories
• International documentation requirements
• Communication delays

These additional steps often confuse small businesses.

How Corpbiz Helps Startups & MSMEs in BIS Certification

Corpbiz is a trusted legal and compliance service provider in India. It offers complete support for BIS certification, especially for startups and MSMEs.

Services Offered by Corpbiz:

• Guidance to Apply BIS Certification Online
• End-to-end support for ISI Mark Certification Online
• Assistance with BIS CRS Registration Online
• Complete handling of FMCS BIS Certification Online
• Document preparation and verification
• Coordination with BIS-approved testing labs
• Inspection preparation support
• Regular application status updates

With Corpbiz, businesses can avoid common mistakes and get certification faster.

Tips for Startups & MSMEs to Overcome BIS Certification Challenges

• Identify the correct BIS scheme for your product
• Prepare documents carefully and accurately
• Conduct pre-testing of products if possible
• Maintain proper factory records
• Seek professional support for faster approval
• Plan certification costs in advance

Proper planning can save both time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for startups?

Yes, if your product falls under the mandatory BIS list, certification is required regardless of business size.

2. Can MSMEs apply for BIS certification online?

Yes, MSMEs can Apply BIS Certification Online through the BIS portal with proper documents and test reports.

3. What is BIS CRS Registration Online?

BIS CRS Registration Online is required for electronic and IT products like mobile phones, laptops, and adapters under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

4. What is ISI Mark Certification Online?

ISI Mark Certification Online applies mainly to Indian manufacturers producing goods like cement, electrical items, and household products.

5. What is FMCS BIS Certification Online?

FMCS BIS Certification Online is required for foreign manufacturers exporting products to India that fall under mandatory BIS certification.

6. How long does BIS certification take?

The timeline depends on product type, testing results, and inspection. It usually takes 4 to 12 weeks if documents are correct.

7. Can Corpbiz help startups with BIS certification?

Yes, Corpbiz provides complete BIS certification support for startups, MSMEs, and foreign manufacturers.

Conclusion

BIS certification is essential for ensuring product quality and legal compliance in India. However, startups and MSMEs face many challenges such as lack of awareness, high costs, complex documentation, testing delays, and inspection issues.

With the right guidance and expert support from Corpbiz, businesses can easily overcome these challenges. Whether you want to Apply BIS Certification Online, obtain ISI Mark Certification Online, complete BIS CRS Registration Online, or apply for FMCS BIS Certification Online, professional assistance can save time and reduce stress.

Investing in BIS certification is not just a legal requirement—it is a step toward building a strong and trusted brand.

Author Profile

Atul Shukla
Atul Shukla is a compliance and regulatory expert with extensive experience in BIS certification, corporate laws, and business licensing in India. He specializes in helping startups and MSMEs navigate complex legal procedures with simple and practical solutions.