---
title: "Understanding the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)"
date: 2024-11-22
author: "Rahul Sundaram"
url: https://www.indialaw.in/blog/civil/fmcs-bis-licence-regulations-2018/
---

# Understanding the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Posted On - 22 November, 2024 •

By - [Rahul Sundaram](https://www.indialaw.in/people/rahul-sundaram/ "Posts by Rahul Sundaram")

[![Understanding the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)|Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a scheme under which BIS licence is granted to a foreign manufacturer in accordance with the BIS Act](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/Understanding-the-Foreign-Manufacturers-Certification-Scheme-FMCS-of-the-Bureau-of-Indian-Standards-BIS.jpg)](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/Understanding-the-Foreign-Manufacturers-Certification-Scheme-FMCS-of-the-Bureau-of-Indian-Standards-BIS.jpg)

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is an essential program under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), governed by the BIS Act, 2016, and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It facilitates foreign manufacturers in obtaining a BIS license for products that conform to relevant Indian Standards, ensuring quality compliance and consumer safety in the Indian market.

## Key Features of the FMCS

1. **Scope of Certification**
  - FMCS applies to all products except **Electronic and Information Technology Products**, which fall under a separate registration scheme.
  - Products under this scheme may require mandatory or voluntary certification based on their inclusion in the Quality Control Orders issued by the Government of India.
  - For mandatory certifications, only products with a valid BIS license bearing the Standard Mark are permitted for import into India.
2. **Application Process**
  - Applications must be submitted in the prescribed forms with all relevant documents.
  - A **separate application** is required for each product and manufacturing facility.
  - Online application submission will be available soon, enhancing accessibility for manufacturers.
3. **Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)**
  - Foreign manufacturers must nominate an Indian resident as their **Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)**.
  - The AIR is responsible for ensuring compliance with BIS regulations, acting on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
  - The AIR can be an Indian national or a foreign national employed at the manufacturer’s Indian office/branch, provided they reside in India.
4. **Testing and Compliance**
  - Test reports conforming to **Indian Standards only** are accepted. Reports adhering to IEC or other standards are not valid.
  - Samples collected during inspections are tested exclusively in BIS-recognized laboratories in India, with testing costs borne by the applicant.
5. **Timeline and Fees**
  - The average time for granting a BIS license is six months, subject to delays due to inspections, responses to queries, sample transport, and fee remittances.
  - For SAARC countries, payments can be made in USD or Indian Rupees (with GST); for other countries, payments are accepted in USD only.
6. **Validity and Renewal of License**
  - The BIS license under Scheme-I is valid for up to **two years** initially and can be renewed for up to five years upon submission of the requisite fees and documentation.
  - The license covers only the varieties mentioned and can be extended for additional varieties upon application.

## Why FMCS Matters for Foreign Manufacturers

The FMCS ensures that products entering the Indian market meet stringent quality and safety standards, fostering consumer trust and regulatory compliance. Foreign manufacturers must align their practices with Indian Standards to leverage the growing opportunities in one of the world’s largest markets.

A structured understanding of FMCS will help manufacturers navigate the BIS certification process effectively and ensure successful market entry into India.

For further details write to [contact@indialaw.in](mailto:contact@indialaw.in)

Disclaimer - This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal counsel in relation to their individual circumstances.

[Download PDF](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/civil/fmcs-bis-licence-regulations-2018//pdf/)

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# IndiaLaw LLP — Offices & Contact Details

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## General Contact

| | |
|---|---|
| **Website** | https://www.indialaw.in |
| **Primary email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Primary phone** | +91 836-9995919 |
| **Contact form** | https://www.indialaw.in/connect/ |
| **Careers (separate channel)** | https://www.indialaw.in/careers/ |


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## All Offices (9 locations across 8 cities)

### 1. Mumbai — Registered Office & Head Office (Apeejay Chambers)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Apeejay Chambers, Ground Floor, Wallace Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-6924-7400](tel:02269247400) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate · IP |
| **Notes** | The HQ. 5 partners based here. Handles PAN-India litigation, arbitration, corporate, banking, IP and real estate practice. Largest team across all offices. |

### 2. Mumbai — Non-Litigation Office (Excelsior, Fort)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 4th Floor, New Excelsior Theatre Pvt. Ltd., Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-697-40500](tel:022-697-40500) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Non-litigation only — consultations, negotiations, transactional work |
| **Notes** | Opened 2024. Litigation and arbitration remain at the Apeejay Chambers head office. |

### 3. Delhi

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Flat No. 1107 & 1108, Prakashdeep Building, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/delhi/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | 3 partners based here. Located near the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other appellate bodies. |

### 4. Kolkata

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Centre Point Building, Room No. 214, 2nd Floor, Premises No. 21, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Opp. Great Eastern Hotel, P.S. Hare Street, Kolkata – 700 001, West Bengal |
| **Phone** | [+91 33 4813 1001](tel:+913348131001) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/kolkata/ |
| **Practice focus** | Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Commercial & Civil Litigation · Arbitration · Banking Litigation · Real Estate · Labour & Employment · Consumer |
| **Notes** | Advises banks, NBFCs, MSMEs and corporates on transactions and dispute resolution. Works in close coordination with the Mumbai HO. |

### 5. Chennai

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | GF-A, 19 Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/chennai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Full-fledged office with experienced legal team. Supported by Mumbai HO. |

### 6. Bengaluru (Bangalore)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | INDIALAW LLP, No. 7 Chinnaswamy Mudaliar Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore – 560 051 |
| **Phone** | [080-4167-2444](tel:08041672444) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/bengaluru/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate · Family Laws · Labour |
| **Notes** | Located near Bangalore High Court. Handles corporate, commercial, banking and matrimonial disputes. |

### 7. Hyderabad

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 403, 4th Floor, Sanatana Ecstasy Building, beside Tanishq Show Room, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad – 500 029, Telangana |
| **Phone** | [040-6666-5166](tel:04066665166) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/hyderabad/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Banking · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Particularly well known for complex banking matters and real estate transactions. |

### 8. Cochin (Kochi)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Second Floor, Pulikkal Building, K.K. Padmanabhan Road, Ernakulam North – 682 018, Kerala |
| **Phone** | [0484-3583961](tel:04843583961) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/cochin/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Commercial disputes, property litigation, financial-claim arbitrations and real estate transactions. |

### 9. Noida (NCR)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | No. 16 & 17, Silver Offices, 17th Floor, Wave One, Sector 18, Noida – 201 301 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/noida/ |
| **Practice focus** | Aviation · Insurance · Mergers & Acquisitions · Corporate |
| **Office head** | **Mr. Dinesh Gupta** (joined August 2025 to lead and expand the corporate practice) |
| **Notes** | Newest office. Sector-focused on highly regulated industries serving NCR-based clients. |

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## Quick-Dial Phone List

| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Mumbai HO (Apeejay) | 022-6924-7400 |
| Mumbai Excelsior | 022-697-40500 |
| Kolkata | +91 33 4813 1001 |
| Bengaluru | 080-4167-2444 |
| Hyderabad | 040-6666-5166 |
| Cochin | 0484-3583961 |
| **General / Marketing line** | **+91 836-9995919** |

Delhi, Chennai and Noida route through the general number.

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## Social Channels

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indialaw
- X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/Indialawmumbai
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indialawllp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indialawllp

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