BIS, FSSAI & WPC: Compliance for Thai Imports into India (2026)
Indian border compliance is not a formality. A container of perfectly good Thai product will sit at Nhava Sheva indefinitely if the certification was treated as an afterthought.
Which regime applies to your product
| Product family | Regime | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics, IT goods, LED, batteries | BIS CRS (registration) | 6-12 weeks |
| Steel, cement, footwear, toys, tyres | BIS ISI (FMCS licence) | 4-9 months |
| Food, beverages, supplements | FSSAI import licence + product approval | 4-10 weeks |
| Wireless devices (WiFi, Bluetooth) | WPC ETA | 3-8 weeks |
| Medical devices, cosmetics | CDSCO registration | 3-9 months |
| Chemicals | PESO / DGFT restrictions as applicable | varies |
BIS CRS vs FMCS - the distinction that costs money
CRS covers notified electronics and is a product registration your Thai factory obtains through an Indian Authorised Representative, tested in a BIS-recognised Indian lab. FMCS is a full factory licence with an on-site audit of the Thai plant by BIS officers - far slower and far more expensive.
If your product falls under FMCS and the Thai factory has no licence, your realistic options are: pick a licensed factory, or plan a 6-9 month runway. There is no shortcut.
Labelling rules that trigger seizures
- Legal Metrology declarations: importer name and address, net quantity, MRP, country of origin, consumer care contact
- Country of origin must read "Made in Thailand" and be permanent, not a sticker that peels
- BIS standard mark and R-number on notified goods
- FSSAI: importer licence number, best-before date in the prescribed format, veg/non-veg mark
Pre-packaged goods must carry these declarations at the time of import, not after. Fixing labels at a bonded warehouse is possible but expensive.
A workable compliance sequence
- Confirm the 8-digit HS code and check notified-goods lists before quoting
- Ask the Thai factory for existing BIS/CDSCO registrations in writing
- Appoint the Indian Authorised Representative early - this is the usual bottleneck
- Approve label artwork against Legal Metrology before mass production
- Run pre-shipment inspection that verifies marking, not just quality
Cost planning
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| BIS CRS per model | INR 1.5-4 lakh incl. testing |
| BIS FMCS licence | INR 8-20 lakh plus audit travel |
| FSSAI import licence | INR 7,500-20,000 per year |
| WPC ETA | INR 20,000-60,000 |
| Third-party pre-shipment inspection | USD 300-600 per man-day |
How TUSKO helps
We verify a Thai factory's certification status before you commit, control label artwork at the line, and inspect marking before loading - so compliance is proven in Thailand rather than argued in India.
FAQ
Does every product from Thailand need BIS certification?
No. BIS applies only to notified goods. Check the CRS and FMCS notified lists against your HS code first - many consumer goods are outside both.
Who applies for BIS - me or the Thai factory?
The foreign manufacturer applies, through an Indian Authorised Representative who takes local liability. As the importer you often act as, or appoint, that representative.
How long does BIS CRS take for a Thai factory?
Typically 6-12 weeks including Indian lab testing, assuming samples and factory documents are complete on the first submission.
What does FSSAI require for Thai food imports?
An importer FSSAI licence, product-level compliance with the relevant standard, correct pre-import labelling, and clearance through the FSSAI officer at the port.
Can I re-label goods after they arrive in India?
Only in a customs-bonded facility with permission, and it is slow and costly. Correct labelling before shipment from Thailand is always cheaper.
What happens if the country-of-origin mark is missing?
Customs can detain the consignment and levy penalties under Legal Metrology rules. Marking must be permanent and applied at the factory.