India is one of the world's fastest-growing consumer and manufacturing markets. For businesses planning to introduce products in India, the opportunity is significant—but entering the market requires more than simply shipping products and starting sales.
Depending on the product, businesses may need to meet specific certification, registration, testing, labelling, and regulatory requirements before placing it on the Indian market.
Preparing for these requirements early can help businesses avoid unnecessary delays and costs.
1. Understand Your Product Category
The first step is to clearly identify the product you plan to sell.
Consider:
- What is the product used for?
- Who will use it?
- Is it electrical, electronic, medical, cosmetic, industrial, or consumer-related?
- Is it imported or manufactured in India?
- Does it contain wireless or radio-frequency technology?
- Is it sold as a packaged commodity?
These details can determine which Indian regulations apply to your product.
2. Check Whether BIS Requirements Apply
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) covers a wide range of products through different conformity assessment schemes.
Depending on the product, you may need BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) or a BIS licence under an applicable certification scheme.
Before importing or manufacturing, identify the applicable Indian Standard and check whether your product is covered by a mandatory BIS requirement.
Not every product requires BIS approval, so product-specific assessment is important.
3. Consider Other Product-Specific Approvals
BIS is only one part of India's regulatory framework.
Depending on the product, additional requirements may apply.
WPC
Wireless and radio-frequency products may require applicable WPC-related approval.
CDSCO
Certain medical devices, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products may fall under the regulatory framework of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
EPR
Businesses dealing with products or materials covered by Extended Producer Responsibility requirements may need EPR registration and related obligations.
This can apply to areas such as:
- Plastic packaging
- E-waste
- Batteries
- Waste tyres
Legal Metrology
Imported packaged products may also need to comply with applicable Legal Metrology requirements relating to declarations and packaging.
The exact requirements depend on the product and business activity.
4. Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
If your product falls under a BIS requirement, identifying the correct Indian Standard (IS) is an important step.
The standard can determine:
- Product specifications
- Testing requirements
- Safety parameters
- Labelling or marking requirements
- Documentation requirements
Using the wrong standard can result in unnecessary testing or delays during the approval process.
5. Arrange the Required Testing
Some products require testing before registration or certification.
Businesses should ensure that testing is performed according to the applicable requirements and, where required, through an appropriate or recognized laboratory.
The product tested should also match the model, specifications, and documentation submitted as part of the application.
Keeping these details consistent can help prevent avoidable issues.
6. Prepare Your Technical Documents
Documentation is an important part of product approval.
Depending on the applicable regulation, you may need documents such as:
- Product specifications
- Technical datasheets
- Test reports
- Product photographs
- Manufacturer information
- Factory details
- User manuals
- Label and packaging details
- Brand or trademark information
- Authorization documents
Preparing these documents before starting the application can make the process more efficient.
7. Review Product Labels and Packaging
Regulatory requirements can also extend to the information displayed on a product or its packaging.
Depending on the product, businesses may need to check details such as:
- Manufacturer information
- Importer information
- Country of origin
- Product identification
- Quantity or net contents
- MRP
- Customer care details
- Applicable certification or registration marks
The exact requirements vary by product and applicable regulations.
8. Check Requirements for Imported Products
Foreign manufacturers and Indian importers should determine regulatory responsibilities before arranging shipment.
It is important to establish:
Who is the manufacturer?
Where is the product manufactured?
Who is importing it into India?
Which approvals apply?
For certain regulated products, approval requirements are linked to the manufacturer and manufacturing facility rather than simply the Indian importer.
Checking this before shipment can help avoid costly delays.
9. Plan Compliance Before Launch
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is waiting until the product is ready to launch before checking regulatory requirements.
A better approach is to include regulatory planning from the beginning:
Product selection → Regulatory assessment → Testing → Documentation → Registration/Certification → Import → Market launch
This gives businesses enough time to address any testing, documentation, labelling, or approval issues.
Final Thoughts
Entering the Indian market can be a valuable opportunity, but successful product launches require proper preparation.
Businesses should not assume that every product follows the same approval process. Requirements can vary based on the product category, specifications, intended use, manufacturing location, and applicable Indian regulations.
Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or foreign business planning to sell in India, understanding the regulatory requirements before launch can help reduce delays and make the market-entry process smoother.
SS Global Services assists businesses with product-related registrations, certifications, testing requirements, and regulatory processes in India.
Before launching your product, make sure you know which approvals apply, what documents are required, and what needs to be completed before the product reaches the market.
Sign in to leave a comment.