Getting a BIS licence is an important milestone for a manufacturer, but it is not the end of the compliance journey. Once the licence is granted, the manufacturer must continue to meet the applicable Indian Standard, maintain testing and quality controls, use the Standard Mark correctly and remain prepared for surveillance and renewal.

This is why post-licence compliance should be treated as an ongoing factory responsibility rather than an annual renewal task.

1. Check the Scope of Your BIS Licence

The first step is to clearly understand what the licence actually covers.

Manufacturers should regularly verify:

• Product name and applicable Indian Standard
• Approved models, grades, sizes or varieties
• Manufacturing location
• Licence validity
• Brand details, where applicable

A new product or model should not automatically be assumed to be covered under an existing licence. If the product falls outside the approved scope, additional testing, model inclusion or change-in-scope approval may be required.

2. Follow Testing Requirements

For many products covered under Scheme I, manufacturers must follow the applicable Scheme of Inspection and Testing.

Depending on the product, this may specify:

• Tests to be performed
• Testing frequency
• Batch or lot controls
• Required records
• External testing requirements
• Marking conditions

Testing equipment should remain operational and properly calibrated. The quality team should also ensure that relevant test records are available for inspection.

3. Maintain Production and Quality Records

Proper records are one of the most important parts of post-licence compliance.

Manufacturers should maintain documents related to:

• Raw-material inspection
• Production batches
• In-process testing
• Final product testing
• Calibration
• Rejected batches
• Corrective actions
• Product dispatch
• BIS marking

These records help demonstrate that certified products continue to meet the applicable standard.

4. Control the BIS Standard Mark

The Standard Mark should only be used on products covered by the licence and manufactured in accordance with the applicable requirements.

The manufacturer should verify:

• Correct Standard Mark usage
• Correct licence number
• Required product marking
• Batch or serial identification
• Packaging artwork
• Traceability of marked products

Packaging and labelling changes should be reviewed before implementation to avoid incorrect use of BIS-related marking.

5. Stay Ready for BIS Surveillance

BIS may conduct factory or market surveillance during the operation of a licence.

During a surveillance visit, the manufacturer may need to demonstrate:

• Manufacturing capability
• Testing infrastructure
• Calibration status
• Production records
• Quality-control implementation
• Marking compliance
• Product traceability
• Closure of previous observations

Factories should therefore remain continuously inspection-ready rather than preparing only after receiving a visit notice.

6. Review Changes Before Implementation

Changes in products, manufacturing processes or factory infrastructure may affect BIS compliance.

Examples include:

• Adding a new model
• Changing raw materials
• Modifying product design
• Replacing manufacturing machinery
• Changing testing equipment
• Relocating the factory
• Changing ownership or company details

Before implementing such changes, manufacturers should assess whether BIS intimation, testing, scope extension or another approval procedure is required.

7. Monitor Standard Revisions

Indian Standards and related BIS requirements may be amended or revised after the licence is granted.

Manufacturers should monitor changes that could affect:

• Product design
• Testing
• Manufacturing
• Marking
• Quality control
• Factory equipment

Ignoring a revised standard can create compliance problems even when the original BIS licence remains valid.

8. Plan Renewal in Advance

Licence renewal should not be left until the expiry date.

Manufacturers should keep track of:

• Licence validity
• Production quantity
• Marking fee records
• Surveillance observations
• Sample-testing results
• Corrective actions
• Renewal documentation

Starting the review well before expiry gives the factory time to correct any pending issues.

Final Checklist

Before considering your BIS compliance under control, confirm that:

• The licence is valid
• Only approved products carry the Standard Mark
• Testing is being completed on time
• Equipment is calibrated
• Production records are updated
• Product traceability is maintained
• Factory changes are reviewed
• Standard amendments are monitored
• Surveillance observations are closed
• Renewal dates are tracked

BIS compliance does not stop after certification. Manufacturers that maintain proper testing, records, marking controls and change-management systems are better prepared for surveillance, renewal and long-term regulatory compliance.

Beyond BIS helps manufacturers understand, obtain and maintain BIS compliance through regulatory intelligence, readiness assessment and specialist support.

Beyond Certification. Built for Market Readiness.

🌐 Website: www.beyondbis.co.in

📞 Phone: +91 78350 06182

📧 Email: [email protected]

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