The ISI mark is a certification mark that shows a product meets Indian standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For many products, such as helmets, pressure cookers, gas stoves, electric irons and toys, the ISI mark is mandatory. But fake marks are a real problem. Here is how to check.
What is the ISI mark
- It is issued by BIS, India’s national standards body, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
- It shows that the product conforms to a specific Indian Standard (IS).
- A genuine ISI mark carries the IS number above the mark and a licence number, written as CM/L followed by a 10 digit number, below or near it.
Products where ISI is compulsory
The government issues Quality Control Orders that make BIS certification compulsory for many products. Examples include:
- Two wheeler helmets.
- Pressure cookers.
- LPG stoves and regulators.
- Electrical items like switches, cables and irons.
- Toys.
- Packaged drinking water.
Selling such products without a valid ISI mark is illegal.
How to check with the BIS Care app
- Download the official BIS Care app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Choose Verify Licence Details.
- Enter the CM/L number printed on the product.
- The app shows the licence holder’s name, product and status.
- If details do not match the product or brand, it may be fake.
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Electronics: the R number
Many electronic products, such as mobile phones, chargers, power banks, LED lights and laptops, are covered under BIS’s Compulsory Registration Scheme. They carry a Standard Mark with an R number. You can check this using the Verify R Number option in the BIS Care app.
Gold jewellery
Hallmarked gold jewellery carries a BIS logo and a six digit HUID, which can also be verified in the app.
How to complain
- Use the Complaints option in the BIS Care app to report fake marks, poor quality or misuse.
- Attach photos and purchase details.
- You can also contact BIS offices or the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.
Tips for buyers
- Buy from trusted shops and keep the bill.
- Check the ISI mark, IS number and CM/L number before buying.
- Be cautious of very cheap products of mandatory categories without proper marks.
Bottom line
A genuine ISI mark has an IS number and a CM/L licence number that you can verify on the BIS Care app in seconds. Check before you buy, especially for safety products.
Source / स्रोत: Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS Care app, Bureau of Indian Standards, Department of Consumer Affairs
