The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards organization, ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of products. With BIS certification being a hallmark of compliance, it’s crucial for consumers and businesses to verify if a product is BIS certified. This blog explains the importance of BIS certification, the steps to check for certification, and the role of BIS in maintaining quality standards in India.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS certification is an official recognition provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It ensures that a product meets the prescribed Indian standards for quality, safety, and reliability. Products with BIS certification bear the BIS mark, such as the ISI mark, indicating compliance with Indian regulations.

Why is it Important to Check BIS Certification?

Verifying BIS certification is essential for multiple reasons:

1. Consumer Safety: BIS-certified products meet stringent safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents or harm.
2. Quality Assurance: The certification ensures that the product adheres to high-quality benchmarks.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Certain products, especially in categories like electronics, steel, and food, cannot be sold without BIS certification.
4. Avoid Counterfeit Goods: Checking BIS certification helps identify genuine products and avoid counterfeit or substandard items.

Steps to Check if a Product is BIS Certified

There are several ways to verify whether a product is BIS certified. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Look for the BIS Mark on the Product

• The easiest way to check if a product is BIS certified is to look for the BIS certification mark, such as the ISI mark or other relevant BIS logos, printed on the product or its packaging.
• The BIS mark indicates compliance with Indian standards and is a visible guarantee of quality.

Example: A steel rod with the ISI mark ensures it meets the required safety and strength standards for construction.

2. Verify the Unique License Number

• Along with the BIS mark, certified products often display a unique license number assigned by BIS.
• This number can be cross-verified with BIS records to confirm the authenticity of the certification.

How to Use the License Number:

1. Check the license number printed on the product or packaging.
2. Visit the official BIS website (www.bis.gov.in).
3. Use the license verification tool to validate the license number.

3. Use the BIS Website or Mobile App

The BIS provides digital tools to help consumers and businesses verify certification:

• BIS Website:

  1. Visit the BIS official website.
  2. Navigate to the "Product Certification" or "Verify License" section.
  3. Enter the product details, such as license number or IS code.
  4. Review the search results to confirm certification.

• BIS Care App:

  1. Download the BIS Care app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Enter the product’s license number or scan its barcode.
  3. The app will display the product's certification status.

The BIS Care app is user-friendly and provides instant verification, making it a reliable tool for consumers.

4. Check the Manufacturer’s Details

• BIS certification applies to specific manufacturers, not just products.
• Verify the name and address of the manufacturer on the product label.
• Cross-check these details on the BIS website or app to confirm the certification's validity.

5. Contact BIS Directly

If you cannot find the product in the BIS database or have doubts about its authenticity:

• Contact BIS through their helpline or email support.
• Provide them with the product details, including the manufacturer’s name and license number, for confirmation.

Common Issues When Checking BIS Certification

1. Missing BIS Mark:
   Some products may not display the BIS mark prominently. Always verify using the license number or BIS database if you suspect the product is certified but lacks visible markings.

2. Counterfeit Certification:
   Fraudulent products may display fake BIS marks. Verifying through the BIS website or app is essential to detect counterfeits.

3. Expired Certification:
   BIS certification is valid for a specific period. Check the validity date on the BIS website to ensure the certification is current.

Role of BIS Consultants in Certification Verification

For businesses, ensuring that products are BIS certified is a critical part of compliance. Engaging a BIS consultant can simplify this process by:

• Guiding manufacturers and importers on the certification process.
• Helping businesses verify suppliers’ BIS certification.
• Assisting with documentation and compliance audits.

BIS consultants are particularly valuable for importers navigating the BIS certificate for import in India, ensuring their goods meet Indian standards before entering the market.

Impact of Non-Certified Products

Using or selling non-certified products can have serious consequences:

1. Legal Penalties: Businesses dealing in uncertified products may face fines or legal action.
2. Safety Hazards: Non-certified products may pose risks to consumer safety.
3. Market Reputation: Selling substandard or uncertified products can damage a business’s reputation.

FAQs About BIS Certification Verification

1. Can all products be verified online?
Yes, most certified products can be verified through the BIS website or mobile app using their license number or IS code.

2. What if the product is not listed in the BIS database?
Contact BIS directly with the product details for further clarification.

3. Is BIS certification mandatory for imported goods?
Yes, for certain product categories, BIS certification is mandatory for import into India.

4. How can I identify counterfeit BIS marks?
Use the BIS database or Care app to verify the license number associated with the mark.

Conclusion

Checking if a product is BIS certified is a straightforward yet crucial step to ensure safety, quality, and compliance. Whether you’re a consumer seeking reliable products or a business navigating the BIS certification process, verifying certification builds confidence and trust.

By leveraging tools like the BIS website, Care app, and expert guidance from BIS consultants, you can ensure that the products you use or sell meet the highest standards of quality. BIS certification isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to safety and excellence.