BIS Certification vs. ISI Mark vs. CRS Scheme: What’s the Difference?

Overview

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) functions as the national standard authority for particular products. This national standard body was established to ensure product standardization by implementing the rules. The ISI mark is also a part of BIS, which outlines the specific products. Well, the ISI certification is allotted by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

The symbol of ISI on the product ensures that it has met the safety and quality standards before selling it in the Indian markets. Apart from ISI certification, CRS certification was also established by the BIS for IT and electronic products. But here is a main question that arises: what is the major difference between BIS, CRS, and ISI certification? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how the BIS certification and its schemes are different. Let’s explore it in more detail.

What is BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification?

BIS Certification in India represents a conformity assessment that oversees the safety and quality standards of various products. Here it is in more detail:

1. National Standard Body: In India, BIS is a regulating body that formulates and implements the multiple standards of various products. Furthermore, it establishes the scheme for a certain product to encourage manufacturers to bear the mandatory BIS mark on their products.
2. Conformity Assessment: Through the BIS registration, the authority gets access to confirm whether the listed product adheres to the relevant Indian Standard (IS). 
3. Certification Purpose: For manufacturers or importers, securing the BIS license is a mandatory requirement. The authority ensures that the products that are in the market are safe to use and will not harm consumers. 
4. Mandatory vs. Voluntary: Under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), BIS certification in India is often marked as mandatory. 
5. Certification schemes: The Bureau of Indian Standards established the two major schemes, the Indian Standard Institution (ISI) mark scheme and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Each scheme possesses its distinct registration process and prerequisites.

What is ISI Mark Scheme Certification?

The ISI Mark scheme certification is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Through the BIS certificate apply online, manufacturers get access to bear the ISI mark on their products. If it is determined to bear the ISI symbol, the businesses are required to meet the relevant Indian Standard (IS) requirements. The ISI mark is often used on industrial products like cement, LPG cylinders, electrical appliances, and many more. The authority of the ISI mark is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 

The ISI mark assures consumers of safety, quality, and dependability. The mark is to use the symbol; the manufacturers are required to proceed with the BIS apply online. During registration, their products will undergo testing to verify compliance with standards. According to the guidelines of BIS, there are almost 346 products that require the mandatory ISI mark certification.

What is CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)?

Furthermore, the Bureau of Indian Standards is tasked with overseeing the CRS program in India. Under this scheme, certain products require a valid license before being sold in India. The scheme was established by the national authority to ensure that the products meet quality and safety benchmarks. Look at it in more detail:

1. CRS Purpose: BIS CRS certification is essential to ensure the benchmark of safety and quality. It further monitors that only BIS-certified products must be allowed in the Indian markets. 
2. Scope: Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), BIS has highlighted several products, such as IT and electronic products and solar photovoltaic systems. 
3. Registration: For specific products and services like electronics and IT goods, registration is required and falls under the mandatory CRS. Therefore, registration with BIS is vital for manufacturers, stores, and importers. 
4. CRS Advantages: After getting the CRS registration, it allows manufacturers to use a standard mark on their products. It protects their business from legal risks like penalties. 

Explore About: BIS CRS Certification for IT and Electronic Products in India

Resume of BIS Registration vs. CRS Certification vs. ISI Mark Certification

• Narrative: According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act of 2016, the BIS was founded on October 22, 2016. Previously, this organization was referred to as the Indian Standard Institution (ISI)
• Certification: BIS registration online is the national regulatory authority that implements the new rules for specific products. Meanwhile, CRS certification mandates registration for IT and electronic products. Whereas the ISI mark applies to all general specified products like cement, cookers, footwear, toys, and many more.
• Regulating Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards serves as the regulatory body for both ISI and CRS. Under this scheme, BIS grants approval to bear the mark on the products. 
• Customer Trust: Either the ISI mark or the CRS symbol on the product boosts the trust of consumers and guarantees them that the products are safe to use. 

What are the Differences Between IS Mark, CRS Certification, and BIS Certificate?

The rules and schemes are generally established to enhance a particular product’s safety and quality standards. However, these schemes differ in scope and application. The major differences are:

Summing Up | BIS License Requirement for CRS and ISI mark scheme

The major goal of certifications and schemes is to ensure the product’s safety and quality benchmarks. BIS registration of the products is crucial to provide a safe and quality item to consumers. The license is the indicator of trust and confidence for buyers. BIS certificates serve as the broader term that refers to any license granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, either under the ISI mark scheme or the CRS schemes.

FAQ | BIS License Process for CRS and ISI mark schemes

1. How does CRS differ from BIS?

Ans. CRS is a scheme for electronic products that is governed by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards). Whereas BIS serves as the national standard body. 

2. What sets the ISI mark apart from the BIS mark?

Ans. BIS is the overarching organization, whereas the ISI mark is a symbol that is labeled on products. 

3. What was the initial designation of the Bureau of Indian Standards?

Ans. BIS initially was known as the Indian Standard Institute.

4. What is the fee for ISI mark certification?

Ans. The cost for ISI mark registration ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000. Generally, it includes the application fee, processing fee, and annual marking fee. 

5. Is the ISI mark exclusively relevant to Indian products?

Ans. Yes, the ISI mark has been utilized on Indian products as a symbol of compliance.