BIS Upgrades Product Certification License Numbers to 10-Digit Series

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Central Marks Department – I, has issued new guidelines for transitioning all product certification licenses to a 10-digit series number.

As the number of BIS certification licenses has grown over the years, the license number format has been upgraded from time to time. Currently, the 10-digit series is already in use, but some licenses under earlier numbering formats are still active. To streamline the system and ensure uniformity, BIS is now moving all licenses to the 10-digit format.

The Switchover Process

All Branch Offices (BOs) have been instructed to update the license numbers by adding the required number of zeroes to the existing numbers. This process will be carried out through the ManakOnline portal using the functionality provided by ITSD/C-DAC, and it must be completed within a month.

Once updated, BOs will issue formal endorsements to the concerned manufacturers, informing them of the change. A standard cover letter and endorsement template have been provided for this purpose.

Transition Timeline for Manufacturers

Manufacturers have been given one year to adopt the 10-digit license number across their products, packaging, and promotional materials. This transition period is meant to allow time for replacing tools, dies, moulds, packaging, and printing materials.

Within this one-year period, manufacturers must report their progress to their respective Branch Office. If the transition cannot be completed within the given time frame, they may request an extension by providing valid reasons and a proposed final completion date. The BO Head has the authority to approve such extensions.

Compliance Monitoring

BIS will monitor the progress of this transition during surveillance and factory inspection visits. Any pending switchover will be noted in the inspection reports and highlighted in the Discrepancy-cum-Advisory (DAR) report, along with a reminder to complete the process within the approved timeline.

Until the transition is fully implemented, manufacturers may continue using both the 10-digit license number (with prefixed zeroes) and their previous number for BIS certification marking.

Public Notification

To ensure transparency, BIS has published a public circular on the ManakOnline portal, available in the bulletin section, providing complete details for stakeholders.

This move is part of BIS’s ongoing efforts to standardize and modernize its certification system, making it more efficient and easier to manage in the long run.