Latest BIS Updates: A Guide for Foreign Companies Exporting Water Meters to India 

India’s expanding focus on water conservation, smart infrastructure, and urban development has created strong demand for accurate and reliable water metering solutions. For foreign manufacturers, India represents a high-growth opportunity—but only for those who successfully navigate the country’s mandatory regulatory framework. 

With the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforcing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and strengthening compliance checks in 2025, understanding certification requirements is essential for uninterrupted market access. This guide explains the latest BIS updates, certification obligations, exemptions, enforcement trends—and how M+V Altios supports foreign companies at every stage of compliance and market entry. 

BIS and Its Importance for Foreign Exporters

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national authority responsible for setting quality benchmarks and enforcing conformity under the BIS Act, 2016. Through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), the Government of India mandates compliance with Indian Standards for specific products, including imported goods. 

Any notified product cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India without BIS certification once a QCO is in force. 

🔗 Official BIS Portal: 

https://www.bis.gov.in/ 

For foreign exporters, BIS compliance is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a precondition for customs clearance, tender participation, and customer acceptance. 

Mandatory BIS Certification for Water Meters

Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

The Government of India notified the Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023, making BIS certification compulsory for water meters and related accessories sold or used in India. 

📄 Official Government Gazette Notification: 

https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Water-meters-and-accessories-QCO-2023.pdf 

Products Covered 

All covered products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence before import or sale in India. 

Implementation Status in 2025

• The QCO became effective in September 2024 

• 2025 marks full-scale enforcement, including at Indian ports 

• Customs authorities increasingly require BIS licence numbers prior to clearance 

Foreign companies planning exports in 2025 must ensure certification is completed before shipment, as post-arrival compliance is not permitted. 

Technical Standards: What Exporters Must Prepare For

IS 2373:1981 – Bulk Type Water Meters 

Applicable to industrial, commercial, and municipal installations, covering: 

• Measurement accuracy 

• Pressure resistance 

• Durability and construction 

• Performance testing 

IS 779:1994 – Domestic Water Meters 

Applicable to residential and light commercial use, specifying: 

• Meter sizes and tolerances 

• Installation and operation requirements 

• Testing methods 

Foreign manufacturers often need product adaptation, testing alignment, or documentation upgrades to meet Indian Standards—an area where early technical review is critical. 

BIS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Water meters fall under the BIS Product Certification – Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme). 

🔗 Official BIS Scheme-I Certification: 

https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/scheme-i-mark-scheme/ 

Typical Certification Steps 

• Identification of applicable standard and QCO 
• Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) 
• BIS application submission 
• Product testing at BIS-recognized laboratories 
• Factory inspection / compliance verification 
• Grant of BIS licence 
• Ongoing surveillance and renewals 

This process can take several months, depending on product readiness and documentation quality. 

Exemptions and Special Import Scenarios

Export-Only Manufacturing 

Products manufactured solely for export and not placed on the Indian market are generally exempt from BIS certification. However, any import into India for sale, demonstration, or deployment triggers BIS obligations. 

R&D and Trial Imports 

Limited exemptions may apply for non-commercial imports, subject to strict controls. 

Incorrect classification of imports often results in customs detention or penalties, highlighting the need for professional compliance planning. 

Enforcement Outlook in 2025

BIS has intensified: 

• Market surveillance 

• Coordination with customs authorities 

• Penalties for non-compliance 

Non-certified products may face: 

• Import refusal 

• Product seizure 

• Monetary fines 

• Legal action under the BIS Act, 2016 

India’s quality enforcement strategy in 2025 is preventive, strict, and system-driven. 

Why Foreign Companies Should Consult M+V Altios

For foreign manufacturers, BIS compliance is closely linked with market entry strategy, supply chain planning, and commercial timelines. This is where M+V Altios plays a critical role. 

How M+V Altios Supports BIS Compliance 

• BIS applicability assessment for products and variants 

• Certification strategy design aligned with India market plans 

• Coordination with BIS authorities, laboratories, and auditors 

• Support in appointing and managing Authorized Indian Representatives 

• Integration of BIS compliance with import, customs, and distribution planning 

Beyond Certification: Market Entry Support 

M+V Altios combines regulatory expertise with commercial market entry advisory, helping companies: 

• Avoid shipment delays and penalties 

• Reduce compliance costs through early planning 

• Align certification with sales launches and tenders 

• Establish long-term, compliant India operations 

This integrated approach is especially valuable for European, US, and Asian manufacturers entering India for the first time. 

9. Monitoring Future BIS Regulations

India continues to expand mandatory quality regulations across sectors. 

🔗 Official BIS – Upcoming Quality Control Orders: 

https://www.bis.gov.in/upcoming-qcos-notified-and-due-for-implementation/ 

Foreign exporters should regularly monitor this page to anticipate future certification requirements and plan proactively. 

Conclusion

In 2025, exporting water meters to India without BIS certification is not commercially or legally viable. Mandatory compliance under IS 2373:1981 and IS 779:1994, enforced through the Water Meters and Accessories QCO, is a critical entry barrier—but also an opportunity for quality-focused manufacturers. 

With the right compliance partner and structured market entry strategy, foreign companies can turn BIS certification from a regulatory challenge into a competitive advantage in India’s growing water infrastructure market.