Frequently Asked Question

Yes for each of the product manufactured there would be a separate Indian Standard and the requirements for each of the products varies and conformity to the requirements stipulated in that Indian Standard to be ensured. Hence separate BIS licence to be obtained for each of the products.

No, BIS grants certification only to manufacturing units and not to buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors. However, buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors shall ensure that the products covered under QCOs are purchased only from those foreign manufacturing unit holding a valid BIS licence. In case any buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors is in possession of a product covered under QCO without ISI mark they are liable for prosecution under BIS Act 2016.

BIS licence is granted to a manufacturer not an importer. If your product is covered under mandatory certification, the manufacturer in foreign country will be required to obtain a licence from BIS under Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of BIS

No, BIS licence is granted for a product against the relevant Indian Standard and the Indian Standard may cover different variety/grade/size etc. If licence is obtained for one specific variety/grade/size then ISI mark to be put only on that variety/grade/Size. The custom authorities do check the consignments received at ports of entry vis-à-vis BIS licence documents and if found that the variety/grade/Size not covered under the scope of the licence punitive action would be initiated against the firm.

• IS 1417:2016 permits hallmarking of six caratage (fineness in ppt) of gold jewellery/artefacts, viz. 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958) and 24KS (995).
• IS 2112 : 2014 permits hallmarking of of six grades(fineness in ppt) of silver jewellery/artefacts, viz. 800 (800.0), 835 (835.0), 900 (900.0), 925 (925.0), 970 (970.0) and 990 (990.0)

HUID is a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number and it is one of the components of hallmark. It is a six-digit alphanumeric number which is unique for each hallmarked item and is traceable. Customer can also verify the HUID number in the BIS Care App using the ‘Verify HUID’ feature.

Yes, each article in pair and all detachable parts should have hallmark with different HUIDs. Customer should look for hallmarking and fineness details in each article to prevent any misuse w.r.t fineness/purity.

No, only BIS registered/certified jewellers can approach the A&H centre for hallmarking of the jewellery.

Yes for each of the product manufactured there would be a separate Indian Standard and the requirements for each of the products varies and conformity to the requirements stipulated in that Indian Standard to be ensured. Hence separate licence to be obtained for each of the products.

BIS has formulated product manual for each of the product and is available on their website www.bis.gov.in. The Scheme of Inspection and Testing outlined in the product manual indicates levels of control indicating the frequency at which the stipulated tests may be carried out.

No, BIS grants certification only to manufacturing units and not to buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors. However, buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors shall ensure that the products covered under QCOs are purchased only from manufacturing units holding a valid BIS licence. In case any buyers/importers/retailers/wholesalers/distributors is in the possession of a product covered under QCO without ISI mark they are liable for prosecution under BIS Act 2016.

Generally, products meant for export are exempted from the ambit of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). In case some quantity of products is sold domestically then it is required to take BIS licence.

BIS certification is granted to a product manufactured at a particular location/ premise and not to a company. Therefore, separate certification (licence) needs to be obtained for factory location.

The tests are classified as Routine, Acceptance and Type tests in case of Routine tests the in-house lab should be equipped to test for such requirements whereas for acceptance tests depending on the periodicity of the tests lab should have the test equipment. In case of type tests the factory can get them tested in any BIS approved outsourced labs. For more specific details the relevant product manual available on BIS website www.bis.gov.in to be referred.

For a product which has been notified for compulsory certification by the Central Government, penal provisions for manufacturing or selling the product without ISI mark and without a valid licence are as laid down in sub-section (3) of section 29 of BIS Act, 2016.

Penal provisions for the use of ISI mark without a valid license are as laid down in sub-section (3) of section 29 of BIS Act, 2016.

BIS licence is granted to a manufacturer not an importer. If that product is covered under mandatory certification, the manufacturer in the foreign country will be required to obtain a licence from BIS under Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of BIS

No, BIS licence is granted for a product against the relevant Indian Standard and the Indian Standard may cover different variety/grade/size etc. If licence is obtained for one specific variety/grade/size then ISI mark to be put only on that variety/grade/Size.

In case the product is covered under mandatory certification i.e under QCO, BIS licence to be obtained for that product and also for all the variety/grade/size being manufactured at that premise. Otherwise Penal provisions for the use of ISI mark without a valid license are as laid down in sub-section (3) of section 29 of BIS Act, 2016 would be made applicable and prosecution would launched against the firm.