BIS Certificate of Conformity (Scheme IV)

Overview

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under Scheme IV of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 ensures that products manufactured in India or abroad comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS), even when they are not covered under the regular ISI (Scheme-I) or CRS (Scheme-II) certification processes.

This scheme provides flexibility for one-time or limited consignments of products being imported, sold, or distributed in India, allowing them to be certified without requiring a full BIS license.

The Certificate of Conformity serves as an official declaration that a product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and is safe for Indian consumers.

Objective of the Certificate of Conformity (Scheme IV)

The primary objectives of Scheme IV are to:

• Ensure that products entering the Indian market meet minimum safety and quality requirements.
• Facilitate import of limited or one-time consignments without the need for long-term certification.
• Extend the scope of BIS certification to special categories of products or temporary manufacturing arrangements.
• Provide regulatory flexibility for industries while maintaining consumer protection.
• Enhance market confidence and prevent the sale of non-conforming or unsafe goods.

Applicability of Scheme IV

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under Scheme IV applies to the following categories:

• Imported goods entering India as one-time or small consignments.
• Products not covered under mandatory ISI or CRS certification schemes.
• Custom or project-based imports, including specialized machinery or components.
• Temporary manufacturing arrangements where the regular certification process is impractical.
• Short-term supply contracts or product batches meant for specific government or industrial projects.

Key Features of the CoC (Scheme IV)

• Applicable to both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
• No permanent license or Standard Mark required for ongoing production.
• Evaluation based on sample testing and documentation review.
• Certification granted for specific consignments or batches.
• Shorter approval time compared to regular schemes.
• Ensures Indian Standard compliance and market safety.

Process of Obtaining a BIS Certificate of Conformity (Scheme IV)

1. Application Submission

The applicant (manufacturer, importer, or authorized representative) must submit a formal application to BIS along with all necessary documents and details of the product, including consignment or batch details.

2. Product Testing

Representative samples of the product are tested in a BIS-recognized or BIS-empanelled laboratory as per the relevant Indian Standard (IS).

3. Document Review

BIS reviews the submitted documents, including the test reports, product specifications, and evidence of conformity.

4. Evaluation and Inspection (if required)

In certain cases, BIS may conduct an on-site inspection or additional evaluation to verify the manufacturing or shipment process.

5. Grant of Certificate

If the product complies with the required standards, BIS issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for the particular consignment or batch.

6. Marking and Distribution

Products may bear the Certificate of Conformity Number and labeling as prescribed by BIS before sale or import clearance.

Documents Required for CoC (Scheme IV)

• Duly filled application form
• Product test report (from BIS-recognized laboratory)
• Copy of Invoice / Bill of Lading / Import details
• Technical specifications and product description
• Details of manufacturer and importer
• Quality management documents (if available)
• Declaration of conformity from the manufacturer
• Authorization letter (if applicable)
• Undertaking of compliance with BIS standards

Validity of Certificate of Conformity

• The CoC is valid only for the specific consignment, batch, or period mentioned in the certificate.
• It is non-transferable and non-renewable, since it is granted for one-time use.
• Any subsequent import or supply requires a new CoC application and approval.

Timeline for CoC (Scheme IV) Approval

BIS Certificate of Conformity Marking

While the CoC scheme does not require a permanent Standard Mark, BIS allows the following labeling format: