BIS certificate of conformity scheme IV

Introduction

Good quality changes everything. From a tiny machine part to something we use every single day, it should be safe and built to last. To make that happen, India has set up a strong system for product checks and certification through the Bureau of Indian Standards, better known as BIS.

BIS is India’s national body for standards. It oversees how products and services are made, marked, and tested in different sectors, making sure quality stays consistent everywhere. Its main job is to set and maintain rules that keep both businesses and consumers safe.
BIS has the authority to verify whether a product or service fulfills the quality and safety levels. Under these regulations, several schemes have been introduced to check conformity. One of these is Scheme IV, which covers the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for certain goods and articles.

What is the BIS Certificate of Conformity?

The Certificate of Conformity, often called CoC, is a mark of assurance that a product follows the required Indian Standard. BIS started issuing these certificates under Scheme IV of Schedule II of the 2018 regulations.

It applies to goods or articles made according to the specifications mentioned in the relevant Indian Standards. Manufacturers whose products come under mandatory CoC must obtain this certificate before selling them in the market.

Every product that holds a CoC must display the CoC number clearly on its body or packaging. Also, such products must be made using materials that already carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark).

This certification has become important for reasons such as national security, public safety, and the prevention of unfair trade practices. Some products are placed under mandatory certification through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the government.

A team visits the factory to examine everything before approval. BIS grants the Certificate of Conformity only after carefully checking the manufacturer’s production process, quality system, and testing setup.

What does the manufacturer need to do?

Before applying, the manufacturer must identify all requirements related to the product’s Indian Standard. These could be full standards, specific parts, or essential requirements that define how the product should perform.

If the factory meets all the listed conditions and the product matches the relevant Indian Standard, BIS issues the Certificate of Conformity for that product and facility.

Products currently covered under the CoC Scheme

At present, BIS has included the following two products under the CoC scheme: Stampings, laminations, and cores of transformers (with or without winding)

Retro-reflective devices for bicycles

These products must comply with Indian Standards and carry a valid CoC before being sold in India.

Sequential process to get a BIS Certificate of Conformity Find some easy steps for starting the certification process:
Step 1: Documentation
The manufacturer gathers all the required details and documents before applying. This includes information about the product, factory setup, and quality process.

Step 2: Application filing
The application for CoC is filled out and submitted online through the BIS portal.

Step 3: Submission of documents and sample report
All required documents, fees, and a product test report from a third-party laboratory are submitted to BIS. The report should show that the sample matches the required standard.

Step 4: Document review
BIS reviews every piece of information provided. If anything is missing, clarification is requested.

Step 5: Factory visit
Once the paperwork is complete, BIS officers visit the manufacturing unit. They check the testing setup, production process, and quality control methods to confirm that everything matches BIS norms.

Step 6: Grant of CoC
BIS issues the Certificate of Conformity if the inspection report is satisfactory and the testing plan is approved. After receiving it, the manufacturer must follow all the conditions listed in the CoC. They should continue to fulfill the Inspection and Testing Plan agreed with BIS.
BIS also conducts follow-up inspections and random market checks to verify the current compliance.

Validity of the Certificate of Conformity

The CoC is usually valid for a minimum of one year and up to two years at the time of issue. It can later be renewed for a period ranging from one to five years.
To keep the certificate active, the renewal application should be submitted at least three months before it expires. Renewal depends on whether the product continues to meet BIS requirements.

Why CoC matters for manufacturers

Having a valid CoC means the manufacturer’s product has been tested, checked, and accepted under Indian Standards. This helps:

• Build trust with customers and clients.
• Avoid penalties during government inspections.
• Making the goods qualified for sale is the area where it is allowed.
• Strengthen the brand’s reputation for safety and quality.

Without a CoC, products covered under mandatory certification cannot be sold in India. Selling such goods without approval can lead to legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.

Final thoughts

Every manufacturer whose product falls under the CoC scheme must get certification before placing it on the market. The raw materials that are used in manufacturing must have an ISI mark. The BIS Certificate of Conformity makes the manufacturer and the customer confident about the national standards and safety. It also helps to create a culture of quality and accountability across industries.

BIS keeps working to make this system stronger. Through regular testing and certification, it helps Indian industries grow with confidence. For consumers, it’s simple — they get to use products that are safe, tested, and dependable.