BIS Certification Renewal : Process, Fees, and Late Penalties

• BIS Certification Renewal is the mandatory process to keep your license active. You have a strict 90-day grace period after expiry. If you do not renew by Day 91, the license is permanently cancelled.
• Submitting the application even one day late triggers a flat ₹5,000 Penalty.
• You can renew for 1 to 5 years.
• Applying 30 days before expiry prevents the "Deferred" status, ensures zero production halts, and avoids the late fee.

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Overview of BIS Certification Renewal

It is Monday morning. You have a shipment of 5,000 units of LED drivers sitting at Customs in Nhava Sheva. The clearing agent scans your Registration Number (R-Number), and the ICEGATE system flashes a red alert: "STATUS: DEFERRED / INVALID."

Why? Because your BIS license expired yesterday.

At Silvereye Certifications, we see this panic scenario play out more often than you would expect. A lapsed BIS license does not just mean a paperwork delay; it triggers a domino effect. Production lines halt, shipments get stuck at ports, and your distributors start asking uncomfortable questions.

Whether you are a domestic steel manufacturer (ISI), a foreign tyre factory (FMCS), or an importer of IT goods (CRS), the rule of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is unforgiving but simple: Renewal is always cheaper, faster, and easier than Re-application.

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Understanding BIS Renewal Validity & Timelines

The Bureau of Indian Standards does not typically send aggressive reminders until it is almost too late. The responsibility to track validity lies 100% with the license holder.

When Should You Apply for Renewal?

Ideally, you should initiate the renewal application 3 months before the expiry date.

When you log into the portal to renew, you are presented with a choice regarding validity:

1. 1-Year Renewal: Lower upfront cost, but requires you to repeat this administrative process every single year.
2. 2 to 5-Year Renewal: Higher upfront cost (as you pay fees for multiple years), but it locks in your compliance.

At Silvereye Certifications, we strongly recommend the 5-year block for established businesses. Why? Because BIS regulations change frequently. By locking in a 5-year validity, you insulate your administrative team from the annual stress of gathering production reports and notarized affidavits. However, note that you must pay the Minimum Marking Fee for all 5 years in advance. If cash flow is a concern, a 1-year or 2-year renewal is a perfectly valid strategy.

What Happens if Your License Expires?

This is the most critical regulatory "cliff" you need to understand. If the clock strikes midnight on your expiry date and you haven't clicked "Submit," your license immediately enters a status known as "Deferred."

Here is the timeline of consequences:

• Day 0 (Expiry Date): Your license is no longer active. You cannot legally mark new products with the ISI or CRS Standard Mark.
• Days 1–90 (The Grace Period): The door is still open. You can apply for renewal, but BIS will levy a Late Fee of ₹5,000 on top of your standard fees. Your license remains in "Deferred" status until the application is processed.
• Day 91 (The Point of No Return): If the application is not submitted by the 90th day, the license is systematically processed for Cancellation.

Once a license is cancelled, there is no "revival" button. You cannot simply pay a fine to get it back. You must treat it as a brand-new application—meaning new sample testing, new factory inspection, and fresh government fees. This can set your business back by 3 to 6 months.

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Why You Should Never Wait Until the Expiry Date? 

Many manufacturers treat the expiry date as a target. In reality, it is a deadline. Renewing just 30 days early transforms the process from a panic situation into a routine task. Here is why acting now is better than waiting.

The Benefit	The Real-World Impact on Your Business
1. Zero Business Interruptions	Status Protection: The moment a license expires, your status changes to "Deferred." Even if you apply the next day, there is a lag. Renewing early keeps your status "Operative" without a single flicker, keeping Customs and distributors happy.
2. Guaranteed Cost Savings	Save ₹5,000: It is simple math. Crossing the expiry date triggers an automatic ₹5,000 Late Fee. Renewing early keeps that capital in your pocket.
3. A Safety Buffer for Errors	Stress-Free Corrections: If you apply on the last day and the officer raises a query (e.g., about a blurry document), your license expires while you fix it. If you apply early, you have weeks to reply to queries while your license is still valid.
4. Brand Reputation & Trust	Audit Readiness: Large buyers (like Govt PSUs) often spot-check the BIS website. A "Deferred" status raises red flags about your stability. An active, valid license signals reliability to your clients.

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BIS ISI Renewal: Keeping Your Domestic License Active

For domestic manufacturers producing goods like Cement, Steel, Chemicals, Cables, or Toys, the renewal process is heavily dependent on your Production Data.

Production Reports & No-Deviation Undertakings

When you access the Manak Online dashboard, the system requires you to upload a production report for the "Last Operative Period." This must detail exactly how many units (or tonnes) of ISI-marked product you manufactured.

You will also need to submit a No-Deviation Undertaking. This is a formal declaration stating that you have not changed the raw materials, manufacturing machinery, or testing personnel since the last license grant.

Calculating Marking Fees & Annual License Fees

The financial structure for ISI renewal is a common source of confusion. Let's break it down:

1. Application Fee: ₹1,000 (Non-refundable).
2. Annual License Fee: ₹1,000 per year.
3. Marking Fee: This is the variable component.
   • Minimum Marking Fee: Every product category (Standard) has a "floor" price. For example, for certain steel products, the minimum might be ₹56,000 per year. You must pay this regardless of whether you produced 1 unit or 1,000 units.
   • Unit Rate: If your production volume is high, you pay based on a per-unit calculation.

Before applying, check if you have any "Marking Fee Arrears" from the previous year. If your actual production exceeded what you paid for last year, the portal will force you to clear those dues before allowing you to proceed with renewal.

Do You Need a Factory Audit for ISI Renewal?

Generally, no.

Unlike the initial grant or an "Inclusion" of a new variety, the renewal process is primarily document-based. Unless there have been severe market complaints, failed surveillance samples, or a suspension order against your factory, BIS typically renews the license based on your performance reports.

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BIS FMCS Renewal: The Extra Mile for Foreign Manufacturers

If you are a foreign manufacturer (FMCS) exporting to India, your renewal process has two significant hurdles that domestic companies don't face: International Payments and the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG).

Handling the Performance Bank Guarantee

This is the number one pain point for our foreign clients at Silvereye Certifications. Under FMCS, BIS holds a Performance Bank Guarantee (usually USD 10,000) as security.

• The Regulation: Your PBG must be valid for 6 months longer than the validity of the license you are applying for.
• The Scenario: If you are renewing your license for 5 years, your existing PBG (which might be expiring soon) is insufficient. You must instruct your bank to extend the PBG validity or issue a top-up amendment.
• The Risk: Do not submit a renewal application with an expiring PBG. The BIS officer cannot process it, and by the time you coordinate with your bank in China, Korea, or Europe, your license might hit the 90-day expiry deadline.

Appointing the AIR: Is Your Authorized Indian Representative Still Valid?

Your Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is the legal bridge between your foreign factory and the BIS headquarters in New Delhi.

• Has your AIR left their company?
• Has your India liaison office moved to a new address?

If the answer is yes, you must update these details on the BIS portal before initiating renewal. The renewal application requires a fresh affidavit signed by the AIR. If the name on the affidavit doesn't match the name in the BIS database, the application will be queried.

Currency & Payments: Managing Renewal Fees in USD vs INR

International wire transfers (SWIFT) are not instant. They can take 3 to 7 working days to reflect in the BIS account.

Pro Tip: Do not initiate the fee transfer on the last day of your license validity. If the money hits the BIS account after the expiry date, the system acts automatically—it will treat it as a late submission and demand the ₹5,000 penalty. Always transfer fees at least 10 days in advance.

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BIS CRS Renewal: Simplified Process for Electronics & IT

For the IT and Electronics sector (CRS), the process is streamlined, but it is incredibly strict regarding data accuracy.

Form IX & The Online Portal: A Digital-First Workflow

The good news for electronics importers is that CRS renewal is 100% online. You generally do not need to submit physical hard copies to the BIS office unless specifically asked.

However, the Form IX (the renewal application form) is generated digitally. You must ensure that the model numbers listed in the renewal form match exactly with your initial grant. A single missing character in a model series can lead to a rejection.

The Affidavit Mandate: Who Needs to Sign What?

Documentation is the backbone of CRS renewal. You will need:

• For Indian Manufacturers: An affidavit signed by the CEO/MD.
• For Foreign Manufacturers: An affidavit signed by the AIR (Authorized Indian Representative).

Crucial Detail: This affidavit cannot be on plain paper. It must be printed on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper (typically ₹100 value) and must be Notarized. We often see applications rejected because the notary stamp was blurry or the date of the affidavit predated the application date.

Documents You Must Upload

Before you log in to the portal, ensure these PDFs are on your desktop:

1. Form IX: Downloaded, signed by the authorized signatory, and stamped.
2. Affidavit: Notarized (Format C for domestic, Format A/B for foreign).
3. Payment Receipt: The challan copy generated after payment.
4. Signatory ID Proof: A copy of the PAN card or Aadhar card of the person signing the form.

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Documents Required for BIS Renewal

To make this easier for your compliance team, here is a comparative breakdown of what document goes where.

Document Type	ISI (Domestic)	CRS (Electronics)	FMCS (Foreign)
Production Report	Mandatory (Qty + Value)	Not Required	Mandatory (Import Data)
Bank Guarantee (PBG)	Not Required	Not Required	Mandatory (USD 10k)
Affidavit	Not Required	Mandatory (Format C/A)	Not Required
Form IX	Not Required	Mandatory	Not Required
No-Deviation Undertaking	Mandatory	Not Required	Mandatory
Factory License Copy	Only if expired	Not Required	Only if expired

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How to Renew BIS License Online: Step-by-Step

Follow this exact workflow on the Manak Online portal to avoid navigation errors.

Step 1: Login to Manak Online / CRS Portal

Navigate to the BIS Manak Online website. Select your specific tile (ISI or CRS). Enter your credentials.

• Troubleshooting: If you have forgotten your password, do not panic. The "Forgot Password" link works, but it sends the OTP/Link only to the registered email and mobile number. Ensure you have access to those devices.

Step 2: Submitting the Production Report

• Keyword: Production report format for BIS renewal
  Go to the tab marked "Renewal" > "Production Details".
• You will see a grid for the previous years.
• Enter the quantity produced month-wise.
• Warning: The system calculates the Marking Fee based on these inputs. Double-check your decimals and units (Kg vs Tonnes).

Step 3: Fee Calculation & Payment

Once the production data is saved, click on "Apply for Renewal".

• Select your desired validity period (1 to 5 years).
• The portal will auto-generate a challan. This will include:
  • Application Fee (₹1,000)
  • Annual License Fee (₹1,000 x Number of Years)
  • Marking Fee (Minimum or Actual, whichever is higher)
  • Late Fee (if applicable)
• Pay via Net Banking, Credit Card, or NEFT. Always save the transaction receipt immediately.

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BIS Renewal Fees & Penalty Calculator

Understanding the fee structure is vital for getting budget approval from your finance department.

Standard Renewal Breakdown

Fee Component	Cost / Rate	Key Rules & Conditions
Application Fee	₹1,000	Flat fee. Non-refundable. Charged every time you apply for renewal.
Annual License Fee	₹1,000 per year	Calculated based on the renewal period you choose (e.g., ₹5,000 for a 5-year block).
Marking Fee	Variable (Based on Unit Rate)	• Calculated based on the specific Indian Standard (IS) of your product (e.g., IS 694 for Cables vs. IS 1786 for Steel).• The Rule: You must pay the Minimum Marking Fee in advance for the entire renewal period chosen (1 to 5 years).
Late Fee Penalty	₹5,000 (Flat Penalty)	• The Trigger: Applies if the application is submitted after the expiry date but within the 90-day grace period.• Note: This is an additional fine. It does not replace the standard renewal fees.

We recently assisted a battery importer who attempted to renew on Day 89. They paid the ₹5,000 penalty. Had they waited 48 hours more (Day 91), their license would have been cancelled. That ₹5,000 saved them an estimated ₹2,00,000 in re-certification costs.

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Conclusion

If there is one takeaway from this guide, let it be this: Do not treat the 90-day grace period as a standard operating procedure. It is a safety net, and safety nets can fail.

The BIS online portal can face downtime. International bank transfers can get stuck in clearance. Authorized signatories can go on leave. If you wait until the last week, you are gambling with your production line.

At Silvereye Certifications, we specialize in managing the entire compliance lifecycle. We don't just "submit forms"—we calculate your complex marking fees to prevent overpayment, we draft your legal affidavits to ensure zero rejection, and we track your expiry dates so you never have to pay a late fee.

Is your license expiry approaching?

Don't risk a "Deferred" status or a production halt.

Contact Silvereye Certifications today for a free renewal audit. Let us handle the bureaucracy while you focus on manufacturing.

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Frequently Asked Questions