BIS Guidelines for Grant of Licence (GoL) | EVTL India

TheBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)plays a crucial role in maintaining product quality and safety in India through its certification process. TheGrant of Licence (GoL)is an integral part of this process, ensuring that manufacturers meet therequirements of the relevant Indian Standards (IS)before receiving approval to use theStandard Mark (ISI Mark).

This blog provides adetailed overview of the GoL process, as per theConformity Assessment Scheme – I of Schedule – II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

1. Understanding the Grant of Licence (GoL) Process

TheGoL processinvolves:

• Factory visits for assessment.
• Sample collection and testing.
• Compliance with Indian Standards.
• Issuance of BIS certification upon successful verification.

The process is divided intotwo options:

(a) Option 1: Standard GoL Process

• Expectedcompletion time:90 daysfrom the date of application.
• Factory assessment, product testing, and documentation must be satisfactory atfirst instance.

(b) Option 2: Fast-Track GoL Process

• Expectedcompletion time:30 days, subject to:
• Satisfactoryfactory visit.
• Confirmation ofsample dispatchto the laboratory.
• Advanceannual marking fee payment.
• If a sample isnot delivered to the labwithin15 working days, the manufacturer will be contacted for resolution.

(c) Special Case: All India First Licence Applications

• Applications fornew productsare processed within45 days, unlessminimum testing time is longer.
• Weekly review of application status byHead (BO)to prevent delays.
• Applications are generally processed underOption 1, unless athird-party laboratoryis available.

2. Factory Visit Requirements for GoL

Afactory visitis mandatory for verifying themanufacturing process, quality control, and compliance.

(a) Duration of Factory Visit

• Indian manufacturers: Usuallyone day.
• Foreign manufacturers: Typicallytwo days.
• Additional visits may be required, as per the decision ofHead (BO).

(b) Documents Reviewed During Factory Visit

1. Self-Evaluation cum Verification Report(Annexure-I).
2. Details of Quality Control Personnel.
3. Calibration Certificatesof testing equipment.
4. Test Certificates of Raw Materials(if applicable).
5. Sample Drawingsof product/components.
6. Hygienic Condition Report(if applicable).
7. Plant Layoutwith manufacturing, storage, and testing areas.
8. Factory Location Plan.
9. Declaration of Subcontracted Tests.
10. Inspection & Test Plan(if applicable).
11. Undertaking for Long Duration Tests(Annexure-III).
12. Undertaking for Option 2 certification(Annexure-IV).
13. Corrective Actionsfrom previous licenses (if applicable).

(c) Factory Testing (FT) Requirements

• Workmanship,visual inspection, and surface defect checks.
• Tests as per Clause4 (i)(1) and 4 (i)(2)forpartial test reports.
• In cases wherethird-party testing is unavailable, testing can be conducted at thefactory under BIS supervision.

3. Sample Drawl and Testing

After factory assessment, product samples are drawn forthird-party laboratory testing.

(a) Sample Selection

• Based on theScheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT).
• If a product has tests conductedonce in 6 months, those tests are prioritized.
• Samples are sealed anddispatched to BIS-approved laboratories.

(b) Testing Procedures

• If a product requireslong-duration tests (30+ days), test reports frominternal/external labscan be submitted.
• If along-duration test fails, thelicense may be canceled.

4. Post-Certification Compliance

(a) Licence Conditions

1. Allproduction must complywith BIS standards.
2. The manufacturer mustdisplay BIS certification detailsat their premises.
3. The certification must be mentioned inadvertisements.
4. The license is valid for aminimum of 1 year and up to 2 years.

(b) Review of Test Reports

• If a sample fails afterGoL, thelicense may be suspended.
• If are-drawn samplefails again, thelicense is canceled.

5. Rejection and Cancellation of Licence

(a) Reasons for Application Rejection

• Failure to offer samplesfor testing within30 days.
• Repeated failuresof product samples.
• Lack oftesting facilitiesorqualified personnel.
• Pending financial duesto BIS.
• Tampering of documentsorunethical practices.
• Refusal to assist BIS officialsduring factory visits.

(b) Rejection Process

• A21-day noticeis given before rejection.
• The applicant is allowed toexplaintheir case.
• If unsatisfactory, the application isofficially rejected(Annexure-VII).

(c) Fresh Applications for Cancelled Licences

• If a license is canceled due tosample non-conformity, fresh applications will be processed underOption 1 only.

6. Additional Guidelines for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers must comply with additional BIS certification requirements as perAnnexure-VIII.

7. Fee Structure for GoL

1. Inspection Fee: Paidin advance.
2. Advance Annual Minimum Marking Fee:

• 50% paid during application submission.
• Remaining 50% (or higher) paid at GoL stage.

3. Testing Fee:

• Option 1: Paid by the applicant.
• Option 2: Included in the marking fee.

8. Labelling and Marking Requirements

• Manufacturers must comply withBIS labelling and marking regulations.
• Digital labels (QR codes, barcodes)may be used if permitted by BIS product-specific guidelines.

9. Appeals and Relaxations

• Manufacturers canappeal to the Director General(Annexure-IX).
• Forproducts with no third-party laboratory, relaxations may be granted as perAnnexure-X.

Conclusion

TheGrant of Licence (GoL)process underBIS Conformity Assessment Scheme – Iis a structured and well-regulated procedure aimed at ensuring thatmanufacturers meet Indian quality and safety standards. By following the detailedfactory inspection, testing, and certification process, manufacturers canobtain and maintain their BIS certification efficiently.

For expert guidance onBIS Certification and regulatory compliance, contactEVTL India, your trusted certification consultant!