In India's heavily regulated market, enterprises who want to enter and compete legitimately must now get BIS and EPR certification. If you are a domestic producer or an overseas importer, getting these certificates guarantees that your products are of high quality, environmentally friendly, and lawful. This article will tell you all you need to know about BIS and EPR certifications, including why they are important, how to apply for them, what documents you need, and what your compliance responsibilities are.
What does it mean to have BIS certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the government agency in India that sets standards, certifies quality, and marks items. It makes sure that items follow Indian rules for quality, safety, and performance.
Who Needs a BIS Certificate?
It is necessary to have BIS certification for:
Electronics and IT goods that are part of the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Appliances for the home
Building materials including cement, steel, and more
Car Accessories
Food and bottled water
Cylinders, pressure cookers, and medical devices
Before selling or distributing these goods in India, manufacturers, whether they are based in India or outside, must get BIS certification.
Different kinds of BIS certification programs
1. ISI Mark Plan
Only for products that meet Indian Standards. This covers things like textiles, metals, and electrical gadgets. BIS-approved labs test products and give them a certificate of compliance if they pass.
2. The CRS Scheme (Compulsory Registration Scheme)
Required for IT and electronic goods. BIS-accredited labs test the products, and manufacturers can use the Standard Mark if they are registered.
3. FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) is only for foreign companies that want to market their goods in India. The certification process includes checking the factory and testing samples.
Documents Needed for BIS Certification: Factory Registration Certificate
License to Make
Reports on product tests from a BIS-approved lab
Manual for Quality Control
Chart of the Organization
Affidavit and Promise
Certificate of Import and Export (IEC)
Registering a trademark (if necessary)
Step-by-Step Process to Get BIS Certification: Find the Product Category and the Right Standard
Choose the right certification scheme, such as ISI, CRS, or FMCS.
Testing a Sample of the Product
Get the Necessary Paperwork Ready
Submission of Applications via the BIS Portal
Inspection of the Factory (for ISI and FMCS)
Giving out a license
Using the Standard Mark on Goods
How long BIS licenses are good for and how to renew them
Most of the time, BIS certification is good for two years.
Can be renewed by sending in new test results and other materials
If you don't follow the rules, your license may be suspended or canceled.
What is a certificate of EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental strategy that makes producers responsible for their products from the time they are made until they are used up.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, which is part of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), makes EPR a requirement.
Who Needs to Get EPR Certification?
You must register for EPR if you are
Producers (Manufacturers in the US)
People who buy things
People Who Own Brands
People who refurbish
Recyclers of E-Waste
Companies that make plastic packaging
For use in industries that are involved in:
E-Waste (Electronic Waste)
Trash made of plastic
Waste from batteries
Waste from Tires
1. EPR for E-Waste: This includes electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that is included in Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
2. EPR for Plastic Waste: Required by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2022). Companies must reach their goals for recycling and reusing.
3. EPR for Battery Waste: The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, make this law. Requires businesses to gather and recycle used batteries.
For an EPR certificate, you need to show your company PAN and GST.
Certificate of IEC
Registration for DIC, UDYAM, and MSME
Details and composition of the product
Signed Contract with Recycler/PRO
Data on yearly sales and imports
Pollution Control Board Approval (if needed)
How to Register for EPR in Steps
Make an account on the CPCB Portal
Upload the Necessary Documents
File Application Based on Category of Product
Talk to PRO/Recyclers
CPCB's Review of Applications
Giving EPR permission
Send in your annual returns and compliance reports.
1. Legal Compliance: The Benefits of BIS and EPR Certifications
Don't get fined or have your products taken. Follow the rules set by the Indian government.
2. Access to the Market
Makes it easy for both Indian and foreign firms to sell their products in India.
3. A better image for the brand
Certifications show that a product is high-quality, reliable, and responsible, which builds trust with customers.
4. Sustainability of the environment
Helps with good trash management and encourages businesses to be more environmentally friendly.
5. An Edge Over the Competition
Offer certified and eco-friendly items to stay ahead of the competition.
Penalties for Not Following the Rules
Not getting or renewing BIS or EPR certifications might lead to:
Big fines in money
Ban on products
Taking away the permission to import and export
In serious circumstances, criminal charges are filed
Main Differences Between BIS and EPR BIS Certification Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is in charge of EPR certification. CPCB, or the Central Pollution Control Board
Goal Making sure quality and safety Waste Management and Environmental Responsibility Compliance with Product Quality Managing products at the end of their life is required for electronics, cement, food, and other things including plastic, e-waste, batteries, and tires.
Type of certification: based on the product or the activity (producer, importer, etc.)
How to Make Sure You Keep Following the Rules?
Keep an eye on changes to BIS and CPCB rules on a regular basis.
Renew licenses within the time frame set
Work with certified recyclers and PROs
Keep accurate records of recycling, production, and imports
Hire a compliance officer or consultant to handle audits and filings.
End
Businesses that want to do business in India now need both BIS and EPR certificates. Getting and keeping these certifications is a smart decision that shows a dedication to product quality and caring for the environment, as well as making sure you follow the rules. Businesses need to make sure that their operations are in line with national requirements from production to disposal once the consumer has used the product.
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