What Does BIS Certification Really Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Lab testing, government fees, marking fees, consultants — here is where every rupee goes in a typical ISI or CRS application, and where you can save.
Manufacturers usually ask us one question first: "what will this cost?" The honest answer is "it depends on the standard" — but the structure of the cost is the same for almost every product. Here is the full picture.
1. Laboratory testing — the biggest variable
Sample testing at a BIS-recognised lab is usually the largest single line item. Across the 1,400+ products in our database, reported charges range from a few thousand rupees for simple chemical tests to several lakhs for large electrical equipment. Two things drive the number:
- The standard's test plan. A cement standard needs weeks of physical curing tests; a small appliance needs a full IS 302-series safety sequence.
- The lab you choose. The same standard can cost 2–4x more at one lab than another. Always compare — every product page on Certko lists the approved labs with reported prices.
2. BIS government fees
Application fees and licence fees are fixed and published, and they are modest compared to testing — typically a few thousand rupees at each stage.
3. Marking fees
Once your licence is granted, an annual marking fee applies for the use of the Standard Mark. It is slabbed by unit size: large units pay the full rate, small units roughly half, and micro units about a fifth. Our product pages show the indicative fee for each slab.
4. Consultants (optional)
A consultant typically charges a fixed professional fee to manage documentation, lab coordination and the factory inspection. Whether it is worth it depends on your team's bandwidth — mistakes in the technical file are the most common cause of delays, and delays usually cost more than the fee.
Where to save
- Compare lab prices before committing — this is the single biggest lever.
- Bundle varieties into one application where the standard allows it.
- Prepare in-house test equipment early so the factory inspection passes first time.
Search your product on Certko to see its real cost range, or ask us for an itemised quote — it is free and takes a day.
