In a significant move to promote ease of doing business and support emerging enterprises, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued a new notification dated 17th March 2026, introducing enhanced fee concessions under Scheme-X of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
This amendment revises the earlier notification issued on 24th May 2023 (and amended in June 2024), bringing extended financial relief to Micro, Small, Start-up, and Women-led enterprises.
Key Highlights of the Notification
The updated provisions focus on reducing the financial burden of certification fees, making compliance more accessible for smaller and emerging businesses.
1. Enhanced Concession for Micro Enterprises
- 80% fee concession
- Applicable until 31st May 2029
- Based on fees payable by large-scale enterprises
2. Enhanced Concession for Small Enterprises
- 50% fee concession
- Valid till 31st May 2029
3. Boost for Startups
- 80% fee concession
- Applicable until 31st May 2029
- Aimed at encouraging innovation-driven businesses
4. Additional Benefits for Women Entrepreneurs
- Extra 10% concession
- Applicable on the already reduced fee (based on enterprise category)
- Covers Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
What This Means for Businesses
This notification is a major step toward:
- Reducing compliance costs
- Encouraging formal certification
- Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation
- Promoting inclusivity in business, especially for women-led enterprises
For MSMEs and startups, BIS certification often involves significant costs. With these enhanced concessions, businesses can now:
- Enter regulated markets more easily
- Improve product quality and credibility
- Gain a competitive advantage
Applicability and Timeline
- Effective Date: From the date of publication (March 2026)
- Validity: Until 31st May 2029
This gives businesses a long-term window to benefit from reduced certification costs.
Why This Update Matters
The BIS certification ecosystem plays a critical role in ensuring product quality and safety in India. However, cost barriers have often discouraged smaller enterprises from participating.
With this revised fee structure:
- More businesses are expected to come under compliance
- Quality standards across industries will improve
- India’s manufacturing ecosystem will become more robust
Conclusion
The latest BIS notification is a forward-looking initiative aimed at empowering MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs. By offering substantial fee concessions, the government is not only easing regulatory burdens but also fostering a culture of quality and standardization.
Businesses planning for BIS certification should take advantage of this extended concession period to streamline compliance and enhance their market presence
