Conformity Assessment Regulations 2026 Updated by BIS

Annual Advance Fee Payment, Suspension Rules & Revised Scheme-II Introduced

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued an important notification dated 25 February 2026, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary). Through this notification, BIS has introduced the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Amendment Regulations, 2026 under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

These amendments bring significant changes that directly impact license holders, certificate holders, manufacturers, importers, and MSMEs operating under BIS certification schemes.

This article provides a complete overview of the latest updates and their practical implications.

Legal Background

The amendment has been introduced under the authority of:

• Section 39, read with Sections 12 and 13 of the BIS Act, 2016
• With the prior approval of the Central Government

The revised regulations have come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, making compliance mandatory from that point onward.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Amendment

1. Mandatory Advance Annual Payment of Fees

One of the most important changes is the introduction of an advanced annual fee payment system.

What Has Changed?

Fees must now be paid:

• At the time of grant of licence or certificate
• Annually in advance to maintain validity
• Annual fee submission must include production details within the prescribed timeline

Impact of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with fee payment and reporting requirements will lead to:

• Automatic suspension of licence/certificate
• Suspension validity: 90 days
• Reinstatement possible within 90 days upon:
  • Payment of pending annual fees
  • Payment of ₹5,000 late fee
• If the dues are not cleared within 90 days, the licence or certificate will be cancelled

This rule applies to:

• BIS Licence holders (Standard Mark users)
• Conformity Certificate holders

2. Revised Suspension and Cancellation Provisions

The amendment introduces clearer and stricter rules regarding suspension:

• A 21-day notice is generally required before suspension or cancellation
• However, in cases of non-payment of annual fees, direct suspension provisions will apply
• Even after payment during suspension, revocation depends on:
  • Resolution of non-conformity issues
  • Fulfillment of all compliance requirements

This ensures both financial discipline and regulatory transparency.

3. Major Overhaul of Scheme-II (Self-Declaration Scheme)

A major structural reform has been made by completely revising Scheme-II under Schedule-II.

What is the Revised Scheme-II?

Scheme-II is now defined as a Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) based certification system for goods manufactured in a factory. It aligns with international Type-C certification models and allows registration based on:

• Self-declaration
• Third-party laboratory test reports
• Compliance affidavit
• Infrastructure verification

Key Features

Applicability — Products complying with:

• Relevant Indian Standards
• Notified Essential Requirements

Process Includes:

• Identification of applicable standards
• Testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory
• Submission of compliance affidavit
• Separate application for each brand
• Appointment of an Indian Representative (for foreign manufacturers)

4. Validity and Renewal of Licence

The amendment simplifies long-term certification management:

• Initial validity: Up to 2 years
• Renewal period: Up to 5 years
• Renewal application must be filed 3 months before expiry
• Annual fees must be paid in advance every year

Failure to comply will trigger automatic suspension.

5. Fee Structure Under Scheme-II

The updated fee structure is as follows:

6. Special Concessions for MSMEs & Startups

To promote ease of doing business, BIS has introduced significant fee relaxations:

Till 31 May 2029:

• 80% concession – Micro enterprises & Startups
• 50% concession – Small enterprises
• 20% concession – Medium enterprises

From 1 June 2029 onwards:

• 20% concession for all MSMEs

Classification will be based on:

• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006
• Income Tax Act, 1961 (for startups)

This initiative provides major financial relief, especially for smaller businesses.

7. Marking & Standard Mark Requirements

The revised Scheme-II also strengthens product marking requirements:

• Mandatory display of the Standard Mark
• Clear visibility of registration number
• Reference to applicable Indian Standard or Essential Requirement
• Option for e-marking (for digital products)
• Compliance with specified size, color, and format guidelines

These measures improve traceability and authenticity verification.

Practical Implications for Manufacturers

Businesses must take immediate action to ensure compliance:

• Review and align fee payment schedules
• Ensure advance annual payments
• Maintain accurate and timely production reporting
• Reassess internal compliance systems
• MSMEs should actively claim applicable concessions

Non-compliance can lead to automatic suspension and eventual cancellation, affecting business operations.

Strategic Significance of the Amendment

The 2026 amendment reflects a major shift in BIS's regulatory approach:

• Stronger financial compliance enforcement
• Clearly defined suspension mechanisms
• Alignment with global conformity assessment practices
• Improved digital traceability and marking systems
• Enhanced support for MSMEs and startups

It creates a balanced system of strict regulation and industry support.

Conclusion

The BIS Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2026 introduce critical reforms that every licence and certificate holder must understand and follow.

With the introduction of advance annual fee payments, stricter suspension rules, and a revamped Scheme-II, it is essential for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners to update their compliance strategies immediately.

Staying proactive with compliance today will help businesses avoid disruptions, penalties, and certification risks in the future.