BIS FMCS Update 2026: 3-Year Licence Renewals Now Begin for Foreign Manufacturers

New Delhi, 2026: Foreign manufacturers holding BIS licences under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) can now benefit from a more flexible multi-year renewal approach. The latest BIS information confirms that FMCS licences may be renewed for a period ranging from one year up to five years, subject to the applicable licence fee and advance minimum marking fee. This makes a three-year renewal period a practical option for eligible foreign manufacturers looking for greater continuity in their Indian market operations.

The development is important for overseas manufacturers supplying products to India because BIS certification is an important regulatory requirement for products covered under mandatory certification requirements. Under FMCS, BIS grants a licence to foreign manufacturers whose products conform to the relevant Indian Standards and meet the applicable conformity assessment requirements.

What Is the Latest BIS FMCS Renewal Update?

Under the current BIS FMCS renewal rules, a licence is usually granted for at least one year and up to two years. At the time of renewal, the licence can be renewed for one to five years, depending on the payment of the annual licence fee and the minimum marking fee in advance for the selected period.

This means that foreign manufacturers do not always need to renew their BIS licence every year. If a three-year renewal is applicable and accepted, manufacturers can plan their BIS compliance for a longer period without completing the renewal process every year.

This can be especially helpful for foreign manufacturers that already have regular production and export operations in India. It can reduce repeated paperwork and make long-term BIS compliance planning easier.

Why Is a 3-Year Renewal Important for Foreign Manufacturers?

For overseas manufacturers, BIS compliance involves more than simply obtaining a licence. Companies need to maintain product conformity, production records, testing arrangements, marking requirements and other conditions associated with the licence. A longer renewal period can provide several practical benefits:

1. Reduced Renewal Frequency

A multi-year renewal can reduce the frequency of renewal applications and related administrative work. Instead of preparing for renewal every year, eligible manufacturers can plan their compliance activities over a longer period.

2. Better Compliance Planning

Three-year validity can make it easier for manufacturers to include BIS compliance in their medium-term business planning. Companies can coordinate certification costs, production schedules and Indian market expansion plans more efficiently.

3. Greater Continuity in the Indian Market

Maintaining a valid BIS licence is important for manufacturers whose products fall under applicable mandatory certification requirements. A longer renewal period can help businesses maintain continuity, provided they continue to meet BIS requirements.

4. Easier Financial Planning

Manufacturers can plan applicable licence fees and marking-related payments for the requested renewal period. BIS specifically states that renewal may be considered for up to five years depending on payment of the applicable annual licence fee and advance minimum marking fee.

What Documents and Information Are Required for Renewal?

Foreign manufacturers should not assume that a longer renewal period removes the normal compliance requirements. BIS requires a renewal request to include the prescribed Renewal Application (Form XII) along with production details.

The renewal request includes -

• Renewal application in Form XII
• Month-wise production details, including complete consignee addresses
• Extended Performance Bank Guarantee, valid for six months beyond the licence validity
• Applicable marking fee payment

These requirements are listed on the official BIS FMCS renewal page.

Manufacturers should therefore keep their production records, compliance documents and financial information properly maintained before submitting a renewal application.

Is the 3-Year Renewal Automatic?

No. Foreign manufacturers should understand that a three-year renewal should not be treated as an automatic extension of every BIS licence.

The official BIS wording states that renewal may be considered for a period of one to five years, depending on the applicable fee and advance minimum marking fee. Therefore, manufacturers should check the specific licence conditions and renewal requirements applicable to their case before planning the renewal period.

Companies should also ensure that their products continue to conform to the applicable Indian Standards and that all licence conditions are being followed.

FMCS Continues to Be Important for Foreign Manufacturers

BIS has operated the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme since 2000. Under FMCS, a foreign manufacturer can obtain a BIS licence to use the Standard Mark for products conforming to the relevant Indian Standard. The scheme covers products for which an applicable Indian Standard exists and certification is possible, subject to the exclusions and requirements specified by BIS.

Foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS must also meet requirements related to manufacturing facilities, testing arrangements, competent testing personnel, conformity with Indian Standards and acceptance of the applicable Scheme of Testing & Inspection and licence conditions.

What Foreign Manufacturers Should Do Now

Manufacturers with existing FMCS licences should review their licence validity and upcoming renewal date. Businesses approaching renewal should start preparing the required production records, Form XII, bank guarantee requirements and applicable fee payments in advance.

It is also important to check whether there have been changes in the relevant Indian Standard, product scope, manufacturing facility or other licence details that may need attention before renewal.

For new applicants, BIS has also moved FMCS applications toward an online process. BIS states that applications through the Manakonline portal are accepted online, with offline/hard-copy applications accepted only up to 31 May 2026 and online submission required from 1 June 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 BIS FMCS renewal update provides foreign manufacturers with greater flexibility in managing their certification lifecycle. While the official BIS provision allows renewal for one to five years, a three-year renewal can offer a useful middle ground between short-term compliance and long-term planning.

Foreign manufacturers should take advantage of the multi-year renewal option where applicable, while continuing to maintain product conformity, testing capabilities, production records and all other BIS licence conditions.

For businesses supplying BIS-regulated products in India, timely renewal and continuous compliance remain essential to avoid disruptions in certification and market operations.