Complete Guide to BIS Licence Number Verification and 10-Digit Format
The BIS CML (Certification Marks Licence) number is an important identification number associated with products certified under the BIS Product Certification Scheme. Verifying the CML number helps consumers, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other stakeholders confirm whether a product is covered by a valid BIS licence and whether the certification details displayed on the product correspond with the information available through official BIS verification channels.
Important Update: BIS has introduced a standardized 10-digit licence number format for product certification licences. Existing licence numbers may be represented by adding leading zeros.
For example, if an existing licence number is 1234567, it may be represented in the 10-digit format as 0001234567.
The move towards a standardized 10-digit format is intended to create consistency across the BIS product certification system and improve digital identification, verification, and traceability of licences.
What Is a BIS CML Number?
A CML number refers to the licence identification associated with BIS product certification. A manufacturer holding a valid BIS licence is permitted to use the applicable BIS Standard Mark on products covered by the licence, subject to the relevant requirements and conditions.
The CML number can be useful when checking certification information such as:
- Manufacturer or licence holder details
- Applicable Indian Standard (IS)
- Product covered under the licence
- Manufacturing location
- Licence status
- Scope of certification
- Validity and other certification-related information
Verification Tip: Consumers and businesses should verify these details through official BIS channels rather than relying solely on information printed on packaging, certificates, websites, or other third-party sources.
What Has Changed in the BIS CML Number Format?
BIS is moving product certification licence numbers towards a uniform 10-digit numbering format. Older licences may have shorter licence numbers, and leading zeros can be added to represent them in the new format.
Example
| Licence Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Existing Licence Number | 1234567 |
| Standardized 10-Digit CML Number | 0001234567 |
Important: The conversion to the 10-digit format does not, by itself, mean that a licence has been newly issued, renewed, cancelled, or otherwise changed in its certification status. It is primarily a numbering-format change intended to standardize licence identification.
During the transition, stakeholders should follow the latest instructions and verification facilities provided by BIS.
Why Is It Important to Verify a BIS CML Number?
Checking a CML number is an important step when purchasing or dealing with products that claim BIS certification. Verification helps stakeholders determine whether the licence details correspond with the product and manufacturer information available through the BIS system.
1. Confirm BIS Certification
Verification helps determine whether the manufacturer has a corresponding BIS product certification licence.
2. Check Product Scope
A BIS licence may cover specific products, models, variants, or requirements. Checking the licence information helps determine whether the product falls within the stated certification scope.
3. Identify the Licence Holder
The verification information allows stakeholders to compare the manufacturer's name and other licence details with the information displayed on the product or packaging.
4. Detect Potentially Misleading Claims
A product displaying an ISI or BIS mark should not automatically be assumed to be genuine. Checking the associated licence information provides an additional way to identify discrepancies or potentially unauthorized use of certification marks.
5. Improve Traceability
A standardized licence identification system makes it easier for stakeholders to reference and verify product certification information across digital platforms.
How to Check a BIS CML Number Online?
The BIS online platforms provide digital services for manufacturers, applicants, consumers, and other stakeholders. Users can access certification-related information and licence verification facilities through the applicable BIS services.
Step 1: Visit the Official BIS Website
Visit the official Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website and access the relevant product certification or licence verification service.
If authentication is required for a particular service, use your registered credentials or follow the registration and account recovery process provided by BIS.
Step 2: Access Product Certification Services
Navigate to the Product Certification section and locate the service related to licence or certification verification.
Note: The exact location or interface of online services may change as BIS updates its digital platforms. Users should therefore refer to the current official BIS website for the latest process.
Step 3: Select "Search a Licence"
Under the relevant Conformity Assessment services, select the "Search a Licence" option. This service allows users to search and verify BIS licence information using available search criteria.
Step 4: Search Directly Using the CML Number
Users can directly search for a BIS licence using the CML/Licence Number.
Select the "Licence No." option and enter the applicable licence number.
If the licence is represented in the standardized 10-digit format, enter the complete number, including leading zeros where applicable.
Existing Licence Number: 1234567
10-Digit CML Number: 0001234567
Enter the displayed CAPTCHA and select "Generate Report" to perform the search.
Step 5: Review the Licence Details
After submitting the search, the BIS portal will display the available licence information.
Depending on the information available, users may be able to review details such as:
- Licence Number
- Manufacturer / Firm Name
- Manufacturing Address
- District
- State
- Applicable IS Number
- Product Details
- Licence Validity
- Licence Status
- Grade or Product Variety
Compare these details with the product, manufacturer, packaging, and certification information being checked.
If the information matches, it provides greater confidence that the product is associated with the identified BIS licence.
Step 6: Verify Through BIS CARE App
BIS also provides digital services through its official platforms and mobile applications. Where applicable, stakeholders can use the BIS Care app or other official BIS verification facilities to obtain certification-related information.
If there is a discrepancy or difficulty verifying a licence, users should contact BIS through its official support channels.
What If the CML Number Cannot Be Found?
If a CML number does not produce the expected result, do not immediately assume that the product is counterfeit or that the licence is invalid.
First, check the following:
- Whether the licence number has been entered correctly.
- Whether leading zeros have been included where applicable.
- Whether the manufacturer name and product details match.
- Whether the licence has been modified, renewed, transferred, suspended, or otherwise changed.
- Whether the BIS online system has been updated with the relevant information.
Important: If the issue continues, stakeholders should seek clarification through the official BIS channels.
BIS CML Number: Old Format vs. 10-Digit Format
The move towards a standardized 10-digit licence number is intended to bring consistency to product certification records.
Old CML Number
1234567
Standardized 10-Digit CML Number
0001234567
The additional zeros do not represent additional certification scope or a new product category. They are used to bring the licence number into the standardized 10-digit format.
Manufacturers should nevertheless follow the latest BIS instructions regarding how and where the updated licence number should be used.
Benefits of the Standardized 10-Digit CML Number
The standardized format can provide several practical benefits across the BIS certification ecosystem.
Improved Digital Verification
A consistent numbering structure makes it easier to identify and verify licences through digital systems.
Better Data Management
Standardized licence numbers help maintain more consistent records across certification databases and related digital services.
Enhanced Traceability
Manufacturers, consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders can more easily reference certification records using a uniform licence identification format.
Reduced Confusion
A common 10-digit structure reduces differences between older and newer licence-number formats and makes licence references easier to manage.
Smoother Digital Integration
A standardized format can support more consistent handling of licence information across online certification services and digital records.
Important Information for BIS Licence Holders
Existing BIS licence holders should review their certification records and become familiar with the applicable 10-digit licence number format.
Where the updated number is applicable, manufacturers should consider updating relevant business and compliance records, including:
- Internal certification records
- Product documentation
- Packaging and labelling information, where applicable
- Marketing and product information
- Quality and compliance records
- Customer and distributor documentation
- Digital records and databases
Important: Manufacturers should not assume that the certification scope or validity has changed simply because the licence number has been represented in the new format.
The certification status, scope, and other licence conditions should always be verified through applicable official BIS records and instructions.
How Consumers Can Verify an ISI-Marked Product
Consumers purchasing a product carrying the BIS Standard Mark should look for the relevant certification and licence information provided on the product or packaging.
The following checks can provide additional assurance:
1. Identify the BIS/ISI Marking
Check the product for the applicable Standard Mark and licence details.
2. Note the CML Number
Record the licence number shown with the certification marking.
3. Verify the Number Through BIS
Use the applicable official BIS licence verification service.
4. Compare the Details
Check whether the manufacturer, product, applicable standard, and other available information correspond with the product being purchased.
5. Report Suspicious Discrepancies
If the information appears inconsistent or there is a concern regarding unauthorized use of the BIS Standard Mark, seek clarification or report the matter through the appropriate BIS channel.
How Saksham Certification Services Can Help
At Saksham Certification Services, we help manufacturers and businesses understand and manage BIS certification requirements, documentation, testing, licensing, and compliance processes.
Our team can assist businesses with:
- BIS Product Certification
- CML Licence Requirements
- BIS Licence Verification
- Product Testing
- Documentation & Compliance
- Certification Application Support
- Renewal and Licence-Related Assistance
If you need professional assistance with BIS certification, CML verification, licence-related requirements, or product certification, our team can guide you through the applicable process.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be treated as legal or regulatory advice. BIS requirements, Indian Standards, product categories, fees, testing procedures and implementation timelines may change through notifications and amendments. Always verify the latest requirements issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards and the concerned Government authority for your specific product before proceeding with certification.