India has a comprehensive and evolving product compliance regime that blends national standards, mandatory certifications, and import regulations. The system is managed by multiple regulatory bodies and is especially strong in sectors like electronics, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and food safety.

Key Authorities:

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – India’s national standards body, responsible for developing standards and operating certification schemes, including the ISI mark and Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) – Manages the CRS scheme for IT and electronic goods.

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Regulates food products, labeling, hygiene, and food imports.

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) – Regulates pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics.

• Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) – Oversees type approval and mandatory testing for telecom and RF equipment.

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – Controls licensing, restricted products, and export/import policy.

• Customs (CBIC) – Verifies compliance with regulatory requirements at ports of entry.

Key Compliance Elements:

• Mandatory BIS Certification: Certain products (e.g. electrical appliances, steel, cement, automotive parts) require ISI mark under mandatory certification schemes.

• Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Over 70 categories of electronic and IT equipment must be registered with BIS under CRS. Products must pass testing at BIS-recognized labs in India and be labeled accordingly.

• Product Registration:

  • FSSAI registration for food products.

  • CDSCO approval for drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

  • WPC/TEC certification for wireless and telecom products.

• Labeling Requirements: All products must comply with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, including:

  • Product name

  • Manufacturer/importer name and address

  • MRP (Maximum Retail Price)

  • Net quantity

  • Date of manufacture/import

  • Expiry date (if applicable)

  • Country of origin

  • BIS/CRS registration number (if applicable)

• Environmental and Chemical Compliance: India enforces e-waste rules, hazardous substance restrictions (RoHS-like), and has a national chemicals inventory (under development via India REACH-like framework).