BIS and ISO difference is a common query among manufacturers, importers, and brand owners navigating Indian and global conformity requirements. Although both relate to quality and compliance, BIS Certification and ISO Certification serve very different purposes.

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India’s national standards authority and issues mandatory product certifications based on applicable Indian Standards (IS). Products covered under BIS regulations must comply either through the ISI Certification Scheme (license with surveillance) or the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), which mainly applies to electronics and IT products.

In contrast, ISO Certification is a voluntary management system certification. ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 focus on organizational processes, quality management, and operational controls—not on individual product compliance. An ISO Certificate alone does not permit product import or sale in India.

For BIS Certification, manufacturers must identify the correct Indian Standard (IS), define product scope (models, variants, ratings, critical components), and prepare detailed technical documentation. This includes drawings, specifications, BOM, safety declarations, quality system evidence, and correct labeling artwork.

Product testing is conducted at a BIS-recognized laboratory. During testing, applicants complete application formalities, brand authorizations, and—if the manufacturer is overseas—appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Under CRS Registration, test reports and documents are submitted online to obtain a BIS Registration (R-Number). Under the ISI Scheme, BIS conducts a factory audit, followed by ongoing surveillance and marking control procedures before granting a BIS License (CM/L Number) and permission to use the ISI Mark.

After approval, products must strictly follow BIS marking and packaging rules, maintain records for surveillance, and manage renewals and product changes. A structured compliance approach ensures continued market access in India.

In summary, the difference between BIS and ISO is clear: ISO Certification supports internal quality systems, while BIS Certification is legally mandatory for product compliance in India.