BIS Update: In-House Testing Labs No Longer Mandatory for Manufacturers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued an important clarification that brings substantial relief to domestic manufacturers across India. In a move aimed at reducing compliance burden while maintaining quality standards, BIS has clarified that in-house testing laboratories are no longer mandatory for domestic manufacturers under specific conditions.

This progressive update is expected to ease operational challenges, lower compliance costs, and simplify certification processes—especially for large-scale and growing manufacturing units.

What Is the Latest BIS Clarification?

As per the latest BIS certification guidelines , domestic manufacturers are no longer required to compulsorily maintain in-house testing laboratories for product testing and certification.

Manufacturers may now opt for alternative BIS-recognized testing arrangements, provided all applicable standards and scheme conditions are fulfilled. This marks a major shift toward compliance flexibility without compromising product quality and safety.

Approved Testing Options Under the New BIS Guidelines

• Shared testing laboratories
• Cluster-based testing facilities
• BIS-recognized ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories

These options eliminate the need for heavy capital investment in setting up and maintaining in-house labs, while ensuring standardized and reliable product testing.

SIT Requirement: From Mandatory to Recommendatory

• Surveillance Inspection Testing (SIT) is now recommendatory, not mandatory
• BIS may still require SIT in specific or exceptional cases
• Manufacturers should remain prepared for selective inspections

This change significantly reduces regulatory pressure while allowing BIS to retain oversight wherever necessary.

Limited Exceptions Still Apply

Despite the relief, certain exceptions may still apply depending on:

• Product category
• Risk profile
• Past compliance history
• Specific BIS scheme requirements

Manufacturers are advised to carefully evaluate applicability based on their product scope and certification scheme.

Why This Update Is a Major Boost for Manufacturers

• Reduced Compliance Cost: Savings on infrastructure, manpower, and lab maintenance
• Faster Certification: Use of existing accredited labs speeds up approvals
• Operational Flexibility: Freedom to choose efficient testing models
• Quality Assurance: Accredited labs ensure standards remain intact

This is especially beneficial for large manufacturers and fast-scaling enterprises.

How Ornate Quality Services Helps Manufacturers Stay Compliant

At Ornate Quality Services, we help manufacturers navigate BIS regulations with clarity and confidence.

• End-to-end BIS certification and compliance support
• Assistance in selecting BIS-recognized testing laboratories
• Guidance on shared and cluster-based lab models
• Strategic compliance planning to minimize cost and risk
• Ongoing support for audits, inspections, and renewals

Conclusion

The latest BIS clarification is a progressive step that balances ease of doing business with quality assurance. By removing the mandatory requirement for in-house testing labs, manufacturers can now optimize compliance efficiently.

Stay compliant. Stay competitive. Stay ahead with Ornate Quality Services.