🧪 Introduction: Why BIS Certification Is Critical for Chemical Manufacturers
If you are manufacturing, distributing, or exporting chemicals in India, you’ve likely heard about BIS Certification—especially if your buyer, client, or government tender demands it.
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India’s national standards body that sets quality and safety benchmarks for various products, including a growing number of chemical products.
In 2025, several chemical categories—ranging from industrial acids and fertilizers to household cleaners and solvents—require mandatory BIS certification before sale, distribution, or export.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ What is BIS certification and why it matters
- ✅ Which chemical products need BIS certification
- ✅ Step-by-step application process
- ✅ Documents required
- ✅ Cost and validity
- ✅ Tips for fast approval and avoiding rejection
📋 What Is BIS Certification?
The BIS Certification is a mark of quality and conformity with Indian Standards (IS codes) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. A BIS certificate ensures:
- 🧪 Product is safe and non-hazardous for use
- 🔬 It meets national quality specifications
- 📦 It can be sold or exported legally
- 📊 It complies with any QCO (Quality Control Order) from the Government of India
Products under BIS certification receive the ISI Mark (Indian Standards Institute), which is often mandatory for:
- Government tenders
- Industrial supply contracts
- Domestic or export sales in regulated markets
🧪 Why Is BIS Certification Important for Chemical Products?
In the chemical sector, BIS certification is now compulsory for:
- Public safety
- Environmental control
- Hazardous chemical handling
- Water and air pollution standards
- Industrial and consumer confidence
Failure to comply can result in:
- 🚫 Product bans
- ❌ Customs seizures
- 💰 Penalties up to ₹5 lakh
- ⚖️ Legal action from regulatory bodies
🔍 Chemical Products Under Mandatory BIS Certification (As of 2025)
Here are some commonly used chemical products that must have BIS certification:
| Chemical Product | IS Standard Code |
|---|---|
| Caustic Soda (NaOH) | IS 252 |
| Sodium Hypochlorite | IS 11673 |
| Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄) | IS 266 |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | IS 2080 |
| Formaldehyde | IS 2547 |
| Anhydrous Ammonia | IS 662 |
| Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) | IS 12795 |
| Technical Grade Urea | IS 11845 |
| Phosphoric Acid (Food & Tech Grade) | IS 798 |
| Nitric Acid | IS 264 |
| Potassium Carbonate | IS 7129 |
| Ethylene Glycol | IS 5295 |
| Cleaning Acids & Disinfectants | As per various IS codes |
The list is updated by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, so always check the latest BIS notification.
📜 Types of BIS Certification Schemes
✅ 1. ISI Mark Scheme (Domestic Manufacturers)
For manufacturers inside India
- Used for chemicals under compulsory IS standards
- Marked with the iconic ISI symbol
- Valid for both B2B and B2C sales
✅ 2. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)
For chemical exporters outside India
- Required if you’re selling chemical products in India
- Certification done through BIS foreign cell (New Delhi)
🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for BIS Certification for Chemicals (Domestic)
✅ Step 1: Check Product Standard
Visit the BIS official website and search for your chemical’s IS Code.
Confirm whether:
- The product falls under mandatory BIS certification
- There is a relevant Quality Control Order (QCO)
✅ Step 2: Set Up a Compliant Laboratory
- Must have in-house testing facilities as per the relevant IS
- Should include calibrated equipment, trained lab staff, and SOPs
- Must allow BIS officials to inspect and audit
✅ Step 3: Prepare Documents
Here is the list of required documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ✅ Factory registration or company incorporation | Legal entity proof |
| ✅ Production flow chart | With raw materials and finished goods |
| ✅ Quality control plan | As per Indian Standard |
| ✅ Laboratory setup details | Equipment list + calibration report |
| ✅ Sample test report | Conducted internally or by NABL lab |
| ✅ Previous product sales invoices | For last 3–6 months |
| ✅ GST, PAN, IEC code | Regulatory compliance |
| ✅ Affidavit and undertaking | As per BIS format |
✅ Step 4: Apply on BIS Portal
Go to manakonline.in and register your account. Choose:
“Apply for New License – ISI Mark (Domestic Manufacturers)”
Upload documents, pay the application fee, and select your BIS Regional Office.
✅ Step 5: Factory Audit by BIS Officer
Once application is submitted:
- A BIS inspector will visit your factory
- They will inspect manufacturing process, lab setup, and documentation
- They will collect samples for third-party lab testing
Make sure all machinery, storage, safety, and labeling match your documents.
✅ Step 6: Receive Test Results and Final Approval
- If the sample passes BIS testing, and
- Your factory is found technically compliant
Then, your license is granted within 30–60 days.
You’ll receive:
- BIS License Number
- ISI Mark usage approval
- Certificate of Conformity
💰 BIS Certification Fees (2025)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 |
| Audit Charges | ₹7,000 – ₹25,000 (based on location) |
| Sample Testing Fee | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 (per product) |
| Annual License Fee | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Marking Fee | ₹0.30 to ₹5.00 per kg/liter (based on product category) |
Total estimated cost = ₹25,000 to ₹75,000 (per product)
📆 Validity and Renewal
- BIS Certification is valid for 2 years initially
- Can be renewed for 1–5 years based on compliance
- Annual surveillance audits are conducted to maintain the license
📦 BIS Certification for Exported Chemical Products
If you’re exporting chemical products and your foreign buyer requires BIS, you can:
- Apply under ISI Mark scheme (if based in India)
- Use BIS-certified input materials
- Show SDS, COA, and BIS copy in the export documents
- Ensure packaging, labeling, and barcode matches IS standard
🚫 Common Reasons for BIS Application Rejection
| Mistake | Outcome |
|---|---|
| ❌ Incomplete lab setup | Application cancelled |
| ❌ Wrong IS code selected | Delayed certification |
| ❌ Sample fails BIS test | Re-apply after 3 months |
| ❌ Missing documents or fake invoices | License revoked |
| ❌ Factory location mismatch | Legal action + blacklisting |
📈 High CPC Potential for BIS Certification Topics
Blog posts and landing pages about BIS certification attract:
- 💰 CPC ₹100 to ₹300 ($1.5 to $5+)
- 👔 B2B readers (chemical traders, factory owners, exporters)
- 📞 Lead generation for:
- BIS consultancy
- Testing labs
- Documentation services
- Legal & compliance software
💼 Pro Tip: Offer BIS Certification Services as a Freelancer or Agency
If you’re in chemical consulting, documentation, or testing—offering BIS certification services can be a highly profitable niche:
- 🧾 BIS application assistance
- 🧪 Lab testing coordination
- 🏭 Factory audit preparation
- 📦 ISI marking and barcode creation
- 💬 Buyer documentation support
List your services on IndiaMART, JustDial, or LinkedIn.
🧾 Conclusion: Don’t Let Compliance Be a Bottleneck
Whether you’re manufacturing industrial acids, surfactants, solvents, or fertilizers, BIS certification is no longer optional—it’s your passport to larger markets, higher value clients, and long-term brand credibility.
By understanding the process, organizing your documentation, and staying compliant with Indian Standards, you can turn regulatory approval into a competitive advantage in India’s fast-growing chemical sector.