Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)
What is ISI FMCS?
The ISI Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) is a certification program established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure the quality and conformity of products manufactured abroad and imported into India.
Under this scheme, foreign manufacturers are required to obtain certification from BIS to demonstrate that their products meet the relevant Indian standards set by the ISI (Indian Standards Institute).
This certification is mandatory for foreign manufacturers who wish to sell their products in the Indian market, ensuring that they comply with the specified quality, safety, and reliability requirements. The FMCS plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumer interests and maintaining product quality standards in India.
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Benefits of ISI FMCS Certification
The ISI Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) offers several benefits for both foreign manufacturers and consumers in India:
Market Access
Certification under the FMCS allows foreign manufacturers to access the Indian market, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets globally. It enables them to expand their customer base and increase their sales potential.
Compliance with Regulations
The FMCS ensures that foreign manufacturers comply with the regulations and standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Indian government. This helps in maintaining consistency and quality across products sold in the Indian market.
Enhanced Consumer Confidence
Certification under the FMCS assures Indian consumers that the imported products meet the prescribed quality and safety standards. This enhances consumer confidence in the products, leading to increased trust and loyalty towards foreign brands.
Risk Mitigation
For foreign manufacturers, obtaining certification under the FMCS mitigates the risk of non-compliance with Indian regulations. It helps in avoiding penalties, recalls, or other legal issues associated with selling non-certified products in the Indian market.
Competitive Advantage
Having the ISI certification distinguishes foreign manufacturers from their competitors who may not have obtained certification. It serves as a mark of quality and reliability, giving certified manufacturers a competitive edge in the Indian market.
Long-Term Business Growth
By ensuring compliance with Indian standards and regulations, the FMCS facilitates sustainable business growth for foreign manufacturers in India. It allows them to build long-term relationships with Indian consumers and stakeholders, leading to continued success and expansion opportunities.
Who can apply for ISI FMCS Certification?
The ISI FMCS certification can be obtained by foreign manufacturers who produce goods intended for export to the Indian market. These manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with the relevant Indian standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The certification is typically sought by entities located outside of India who wish to ensure that their products meet the quality, safety, and reliability requirements specified by Indian regulations.
Here’s a list of broad entities eligible to obtain ISI FMCS certification:
- Footwear
- Wood
- Cement
- Household Electrical goods
- Batteries
- Oil Pressure Stoves
- Automobile Accessories
- Cylinder, Valves, and Regulator
- Medical Equipment
- Steel and Iron Products\Electrical Motors
- Capacitors
- Chemicals, Fertilizers, Polymers & Textiles
- Kitchen Appliances
- Domestic Water Heaters for use with LPG
Validity of ISI FMCS Certification?
The validity of ISI FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification typically lasts for a specific period, usually 1 Year, depending on the policies and regulations of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). After this period, manufacturers are required to renew their certification to continue exporting their products to the Indian market.
Documents Required for ISI FMCS Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ISI FMCS Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
Scope defined
Self Certification/NoBo
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding directive and ISI FMCS standard applicable to the product
- Selecting the appropriate certification scheme
- Based on the scope of the product and certification scheme
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Technical file, Plant Master file and Test Protocol Management System Manual, Management System
- Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Product Management System
- ISI FMCS Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
- Implementing a well-documented manual throughout the life cycle of the product
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ISI FMCS requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the Self Certification/NoBo
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- ISI FMCS certificates issued for 1 year
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
ISI FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) certification is a program established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that products manufactured abroad and imported into India meet the relevant Indian standards.
Yes, ISI FMCS certification is mandatory for foreign manufacturers intending to export products to the Indian market to ensure compliance with Indian standards.
Foreign manufacturers located outside of India who intend to export their products to India can apply for ISI FMCS certification.
ISI FMCS certification allows foreign manufacturers to access the Indian market, enhances consumer confidence, ensures compliance with regulations, and provides a competitive advantage.
ISI FMCS certification is typically valid for a specific period, usually one to three years, after which manufacturers need to renew their certification.
Manufacturers must undergo a reassessment of their products to ensure continued compliance with Indian standards. Renewal involves submitting updated documentation and undergoing necessary testing.
Requirements may include submission of product samples, technical documentation, and compliance with relevant Indian standards specified by the BIS.
Interested manufacturers can apply for ISI FMCS certification through the designated channels provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which may include online portals or authorized representatives.
If a product fails to meet the required standards, manufacturers may need to make necessary adjustments or modifications to comply with the standards before reapplying for certification.