To enhance the regulatory needs, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced a program known as BIS Scheme X. The reliability of low-voltage switchgear and control gear goods, among other electrical and mechanical equipment, is the primary focus of this initiative. This ensures total focus on the products of the above category that enhance the functionality, security, and reliability of the devices. Ultimately, this will prevent any fatality, and consumer protection is assured. It will ensure industry-level compliance and ensure a safer marketplace, which will motivate producers to ensure better standards of quality. It becomes imperative that the producers of products falling under Scheme X ensure compliance with regulation standards. Adhering to the Indian government’s product safety standards would demand intensive testing and regular quality check-ins. This would even allow the producers to enter the Indian market. Interestingly, it can be very stressful to get the product certified according to laws and regulations; for this, you require an experienced BIS Certification consultant. Delays in certification can affect product launches, market-entry, and business operations.
How to Avoid BIS Certification Delay Under Scheme X?
Here is how to make the process simple and avoid unnecessary delays:
1. Get to know the BIS Certification Process:
Understanding the BIS certification process under Scheme X is the key to avoiding delays. Various products need varying regulatory standards, and you need to find out whether your product is under mandatory BIS certification or voluntary certification. Besides, selecting the right kind of certification—say, ISI Mark Certification, Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), or Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS)—ensures you are in the correct direction to begin with. Being familiar with the applicable Indian Standards (IS) will get you ready in good time and prevent last-minute rejection or changes.
2. Proper Documentation:
Inadequate or incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons for delay in certification. Make sure you possess all the documents required, such as test reports from BIS-approved test laboratories, evidence of business registration, information on manufacturing processes, and quality control, before applying. Document inconsistencies can result in rejection, and the latter would have to submit again, thus prolonging the overall approval time. Verification of all documents before submission will help avoid time-wasting back-and-forth with BIS officials.
3. Pre-testing:
Advance testing of the product before it is dispatched to a BIS-licensed laboratory would prevent delays in the event of failure. Pre-testing would also determine whether the product conforms to the necessary standards and regulatory provisions so that failure by the official BIS test leading to rejection does not happen. Resolution of any non-conformities well ahead of schedule would not just save money but time, providing you with adequate time to carry out any certifications required before submission.
4. Hire an experienced consultant:
It can be difficult to go through the BIS certification process, especially for new manufacturers. Hiring the services of an experienced BIS consultant can help speed up the process by having applications well prepared, all documents submitted, and the compliance levels attained. A consultant can also help you answer queries from BIS authorities to prevent delays in errors or miscommunication.
5. Prepare Factory Inspection Correctly:
BIS officials conduct factory inspections to verify that production processes are aligned with the defined standards. The manufacturers should not cause delays, hereby verifying that their production processes are aligned with BIS norms, quality control procedures are in writing, and the personnel are audit-ready. Non-conformity during inspection can lead to re-evaluation, which can take a very long time and delay the process of certification.
6. Monitor Application Status:
After submission, constant monitoring of the BIS portal for updates on application status cannot be avoided. Delay is natural when the applicant does not immediately reply to requests or additional demands by the BIS officers. Monitoring progress and ironing out issues within schedule will prevent suspension of certification.
7. Avoid Common Traps:
Most of these common errors can result in avoidable delays in certification, such as submission of incomplete or erroneous documents, non-compliance with agreed test protocols, and late response to BIS questions. Even use of unrecognized test facilities may result in rejection and compel applicants to reinitiate the test process. Awareness of such pitfalls beforehand and precautions against them can result in a hitch-free and time-saving certification process.
Conclusion
Prevention of delay in BIS Scheme X certification requires correct planning, documentation, and proactive involvement in the certification process. Following the mandated standards, pre-testing, preparedness for the factory inspection, and timely replies to BIS questions, importers and manufacturers can reduce delay and get certified approval at a quicker rate. It gives them an edge over their competitors, expands their market base, and accelerates client acquisition.
