ISI Requirement for Importing into India: A Complete Guide for Importers (2026)

Importing products into India involves more than sourcing suppliers and arranging logistics. One of the most critical and commonly misunderstood compliance requirements is the ISI requirement for importing into India.

Many first-time and even experienced importers face shipment delays, customs holds, or penalties because they are unaware of mandatory ISI certification rules.

This guide explains what ISI is, when it is mandatory, how it applies to imports, especially from China, and what importers must do to remain compliant.

What is ISI and Why It Matters for Importers

ISI (Indian Standards Institution) certification is a product conformity mark issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

For importers, the ISI mark confirms that:

• The product complies with quality standards and Indian safety

• The product is legally permitted to be sold or used in India

• Customs authorities can clear the goods without regulatory objections

For products covered under mandatory certification, ISI compliance is a legal requirement under the BIS Act.

Is ISI Mandatory for Importing into India?

Yes, ISI certification is mandatory for importing specific notified products into India.

If a product falls under the mandatory ISI list and is imported without certification, the importer may face:

• Detention or seizure of goods

• Monetary penalties

• Re-export or destruction of cargo

• Long-term compliance scrutiny

ISI compliance is checked during customs clearance, not after the goods enter the market.

List of Products That Require ISI for Import

Some commonly imported product categories that require mandatory ISI certification include:

• Electrical appliances

• Wires and cables

• Switches, plugs, and sockets

• LED lights and lighting products

• Batteries

• Steel products

• Cement

• Certain industrial and safety equipment

ISI applicability is product-specific, not country-specific.
If a product is notified, ISI applies regardless of the country of manufacture.

ISI Requirement for Products Imported from China

Products imported from China often receive additional regulatory scrutiny, particularly in electrical, electronic, and industrial categories.

For Chinese-manufactured products:

• ISI certification is issued under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)

• The manufacturing factory must be audited and approved

• Product testing must be conducted in BIS-recognized laboratories

• The ISI mark must be correctly applied on products and packaging

An Indian importer cannot independently certify ISI for Chinese goods.
Certification is linked to the manufacturer, not just the importer.

Can You Import into India Without ISI Certification?

Import is allowed only if the product does not fall under mandatory ISI certification.

If ISI is mandatory and certification is missing:

• Customs clearance may be denied

• Goods may be placed in bonded storage

• Storage and demurrage costs increase daily

• Re-export orders may be issued

Statements such as:
“ISI can be done after import”
or
“Customs will manage it later”

are incorrect and risky.

What Happens if Customs Finds No ISI Mark?

During customs clearance, authorities verify:

• Product classification and HS code

• Applicable BIS and ISI notifications

• Physical marking on the goods

If ISI is required but not found:

1. Cargo is detained

2. A notice may be issued to the importer

3. Compliance explanation is demanded

4. Penalties or re-export instructions may follow

For this reason, ISI compliance must be completed before shipment.

How to Get ISI Certification for Imported Products

The ISI certification process generally includes:

1. Identifying whether ISI applies to the product

2. Determining the correct Indian Standard

3. Factory audit for foreign manufacturers

4. Product testing in approved laboratories

5. Grant of ISI license

6. Proper marking on products and packaging

The process timeline ranges from several weeks to a few months depending on the product and factory readiness.

Role of Import Agents and BIS Consultants

A competent import agent or customs house agent (CHA) helps by:

• Identifying ISI applicability early

• Preventing non-compliant shipments

• Coordinating with BIS consultants

• Aligning customs documentation with certification

Import agents do not issue ISI certificates.
Certification is handled by BIS-recognized authorities and consultants.

A reliable agent will proactively warn importers about ISI requirements and compliance risks.

Common ISI Mistakes First-Time Importers Make

Frequent mistakes include:

• Assuming ISI applies only to Indian manufacturers

• Trusting supplier assurances without verification

• Shipping goods before certification approval

• Using incorrect HS codes to bypass compliance

• Treating ISI as a post-import formality

These errors often lead to financial loss and operational delays.

FAQs on ISI Requirement for Importing into India

1) Is ISI required for all imports?

No. ISI applies only to notified product categories.

2) Is BIS and ISI the same?

BIS is the authority, while ISI is the certification mark.

3) Can one ISI certificate cover multiple suppliers?

No. ISI certification is manufacturer-specific.

4) Does ISI apply to sample imports?

In many cases, yes. Applicability depends on the product and quantity.

5) What is ISI?

ISI refers to the Indian Standards Institution certification mark, issued under the authority of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Final Thoughts for Importers

Understanding the ISI requirement for importing into India is essential before placing orders, releasing payments, or booking shipments.

The cost of compliance is always lower than the cost of cargo seizure, delays, penalties, or legal disputes.

If there is uncertainty regarding ISI applicability, compliance should be verified before importing, not after arrival.

Need Help With ISI or Import Compliance?

If you plan to import into India and need clarity on ISI applicability, BIS certification, or customs compliance for China-origin goods, consulting experienced import compliance professionals before shipping is strongly recommended.