How to Obtain BIS Certification for Imported Electronics 2026 | BEFACH International
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How to Obtain BIS Certification for Imported Electronics: Step-by-Step
March 27, 2026
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How to Obtain BIS Certification for Imported Electronics: Step-by-Step
Malaysia vs Thailand for Indian Importers: Which ASEAN Hub Delivers Better Value in 2026?
Malaysia vs Thailand for Indian Importers: Which ASEAN Hub Delivers Better Value in 2026?
India's trade with ASEAN crossed $130 billion in 2025, and Malaysian and Thai suppliers are aggressively courting Indian buyers. But choosing between these two manufacturing powerhouses isn't straightforward when you need to know how to obtain BIS certification for imported electronics. Your decision impacts landed costs, lead times, and compliance complexity.
This comparison breaks down the real numbers Indian importers need: duty structures under ASEAN-India FTA, logistics costs, product-specific advantages, and hidden regulatory traps. Whether you're sourcing electronics, auto parts, or processed foods, here's how to pick the right ASEAN partner.
1. Duty Structure: Where the Real Savings Hide
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Both Malaysia and Thailand benefit from the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA), but the devil is in the Rules of Origin (ROO) details.
Malaysia's Duty Advantage
Malaysia offers preferential duty rates on approximately 4,000 tariff lines under AIFTA. For Indian importers, this translates to:
Product Category
Malaysia BCD (with AIFTA)
Standard BCD
Savings
Electronics (HS 85)
0-5%
10-20%
5-20%
Palm Oil (HS 1511)
0-45%
45%
0-45%
Rubber Products (HS 40)
0-5%
10%
5-10%
Machinery (HS 84)
0-7.5%
7.5-15%
0-15%
Key requirement: Products must have 35-40% ASEAN content to qualify depending on the product category. Malaysian manufacturers often meet this through integrated regional supply chains.
Thailand's Competitive Edge
Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) offers additional incentives that indirectly benefit Indian buyers:
Electronics and auto parts: 0% BCD under AIFTA for most HS codes
Processed foods: Reduced rates averaging 5-10% vs. standard 30-50%
Chemicals and plastics: Preferential rates on 85% of tariff lines
Watch Out: Thailand has stricter ROO enforcement. You'll need the Form D certificate of origin with complete traceability documentation. Malaysian customs are generally more flexible with supporting paperwork.
> Pro Tip: For high-value electronics shipments, Malaysia's Port Klang offers faster customs clearance (average 2-3 days) compared to Thailand's Laem Chabang (3-5 days). This difference adds up across multiple shipments annually.
2. Logistics and Lead Time Reality Check
Shipping Routes and Costs
Route
Transit Time
Freight Cost (per TEU)
Frequency
Port Klang → Chennai/Mundra
10-12 days
₹1.8-2.5 lakhs
Daily
Laem Chabang → Chennai/Mundra
12-14 days
₹2.0-2.8 lakhs
4-5x weekly
Penang → Chennai (air)
4-6 hours
₹450-650/kg
Daily
Bangkok → Delhi/Mumbai (air)
5-7 hours
₹500-750/kg
Daily
Malaysia's geographic proximity to India's east coast gives it a clear logistics advantage. Port Klang to Chennai is one of the busiest trade lanes in the region, driving competition and keeping freight rates 10-15% lower than Thai routes.
Infrastructure Reliability
Malaysia:
Port Klang: 12th busiest container port globally
Average container dwell time: 3.2 days
Digital customs platform (uCustoms) integrated with ICEGATE
Thailand:
Laem Chabang: 20th globally, but congestion issues persist
Average container dwell time: 4.8 days
Thailand National Single Window operational but occasional system outages
3. Product-Specific Sourcing Intelligence
When to Choose Malaysia
Electronics and Semiconductors
Malaysia's Penang region is a global electronics manufacturing hub. Major players like Intel, Broadcom, and Osram have facilities here.
For Indian electronics manufacturers, this means:
Shorter supply chains for components
Established quality certifications (ISO, IPC standards)
English-speaking technical support teams
Palm Oil and Derivatives
Malaysia supplies 25% of India's total palm oil imports. The established trade relationship means predictable pricing mechanisms and multiple payment terms accepted (LC, DA, DP).
Malaysian suppliers also demonstrate familiarity with Indian FSSAI regulations.
Rubber and Latex Products
Malaysia dominates global rubber glove production. Post-pandemic, quality standards have improved significantly, making Malaysian suppliers reliable for medical and industrial rubber products.
When to Choose Thailand
Auto Parts and Components
Thailand is the "Detroit of Asia" with integrated auto manufacturing ecosystems.
For Indian automotive suppliers, this offers:
OEM-grade components at competitive prices
Strong engineering support
Compatibility with Indian vehicle specifications
Processed Foods and Ingredients
Thai food products align well with Indian consumer preferences:
Ready-to-eat meals and sauces
Coconut milk and derivatives
Seafood processing capabilities
Chemicals and Plastics
Thailand's petrochemical industry (led by PTT Group) offers bulk chemical pricing advantages, consistent quality for industrial applications, and established packaging for Indian climatic conditions.
4. How to Obtain BIS Certification for Imported Electronics
Understanding how to obtain BIS certification for imported electronics is critical when sourcing from ASEAN hubs. The process remains consistent regardless of whether you import from Malaysia or Thailand, though supplier experience varies significantly.
Step 1: Identify Applicable IS Standards
Electronics fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Most IT goods require compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2023 (previously IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010). Check the BIS mandatory product list to confirm your specific HS code requirements.
Step 2: Submit Application Through BIS Portal
File the application online at the BIS portal with:
Factory manufacturing details
Quality control process documentation
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) appointment letter
Step 3: Sample Testing in India
Samples must be tested at BIS-recognized labs in India. Malaysian suppliers often have established relationships with Indian testing facilities, potentially speeding up this step compared to Thai suppliers who may need additional guidance.
Step 4: Factory Inspection
BIS officials may inspect overseas manufacturing facilities. Malaysian electronics factories typically demonstrate higher readiness due to longer engagement with Indian compliance requirements.
Step 5: Grant of License
Upon successful testing and inspection, BIS issues the license valid for two years. Maintain traceability documentation to satisfy DGFT post-clearance audit requirements under AIFTA.
Malaysia vs Thailand: Certification Advantages
Malaysian manufacturers generally complete the process faster due to prior exposure to Indian regulatory frameworks. Thai suppliers are catching up but may require additional handholding through the BIS portal submission process.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Considerations
BIS Certification Requirements
Both countries face similar BIS compliance challenges when exporting to India:
Product Category
BIS Mandatory
Compliance Complexity
Electronics (IT goods)
Yes (IS 13252)
Medium
Chemicals
Product-specific
High
Food Products
FSSAI + BIS (select categories)
High
Toys
Yes (IS 9873)
Medium
Textiles
Select categories
Low-Medium
Malaysia Advantage: Malaysian manufacturers have more experience navigating Indian BIS requirements due to longer trade history. Many already hold valid BIS licenses.
Thailand Consideration: Thai exporters are rapidly adapting, but expect longer lead times for BIS sample testing and certification.
Documentation Requirements
For AIFTA Benefits:
Form D Certificate of Origin – issued by authorized chambers
Commercial Invoice – must specify AIFTA claim
Packing List with detailed product descriptions
Bill of Lading showing direct shipment (or transshipment declaration)
> Key Update: As of January 2026, India has tightened AIFTA origin verification. DGFT now conducts random post-clearance audits. Ensure your Malaysian/Thai supplier maintains proper manufacturing records for at least 5 years.
6. Decision Framework: Malaysia or Thailand?
Your Priority
Recommended Choice
Rationale
Lowest landed cost for electronics
Malaysia
Lower freight + established duty benefits
Auto parts with OEM specifications
Thailand
Integrated manufacturing ecosystem
Fastest lead times to East India
Malaysia
Shorter shipping routes
Bulk chemicals/petrochemicals
Thailand
Pricing advantages from PTT Group
Palm oil and derivatives
Malaysia
Market dominance + familiarity
Processed foods for retail
Thailand
Product-market fit + packaging quality
First-time ASEAN importer
Malaysia
Easier compliance + English fluency
7. Final Verdict
Choose Malaysia if you prioritize logistics efficiency, electronics sourcing, or are new to ASEAN trade. The shorter shipping distances, English-speaking business environment, and established compliance frameworks reduce operational friction.
Choose Thailand if you're sourcing auto parts, chemicals, or food products where Thai manufacturing specialization delivers quality advantages worth the slightly higher logistics costs.
The Smart Play: Many experienced Indian importers maintain supplier relationships in both countries. Use Malaysia for electronics and rubber products, Thailand for auto components and chemicals. This diversification protects against supply disruptions and creates pricing leverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to obtain BIS certification for imported electronics from Malaysia and Thailand?
The process involves identifying applicable IS standards (like IS 13252 (Part 1): 2023 for IT goods), submitting applications through the BIS portal, testing samples at BIS-recognized Indian labs, and undergoing factory inspections. Malaysian suppliers typically navigate this faster due to established compliance frameworks, while Thai suppliers may need additional documentation support.
Q2: What is the difference in BIS compliance between Malaysian and Thai electronics suppliers?
Malaysian manufacturers often hold existing BIS licenses and understand Indian documentation requirements better due to longer trade history. Thai suppliers offer competitive pricing but may require 2-4 additional weeks for BIS sample testing and certification completion.
Q3: Do I need separate BIS certifications for electronics from Malaysia and Thailand?
No, BIS certification is product-specific, not country-specific. Once you obtain BIS certification for a specific electronics model, it applies regardless of whether you source from Malaysia, Thailand, or both. However, ensure each manufacturing facility undergoes separate factory inspections if sourcing identical products from both countries.
Q4: How long does BIS certification take for ASEAN electronics imports?
Typically 4-6 months from application to license grant. Malaysian suppliers average 4-5 months due to familiarity with the process, while Thai suppliers may take 5-6 months. Expedited testing is possible for manufacturers with existing ISO certifications and complete documentation.
Q5: Can I claim AIFTA duty benefits while importing BIS-certified electronics?
Yes, BIS certification and AIFTA benefits operate independently. You can claim preferential 0-5% duty rates under AIFTA for electronics while simultaneously meeting BIS mandatory requirements. Ensure your Form D Certificate of Origin and BIS license are both valid and properly documented.
Need help navigating ASEAN-India FTA documentation or BIS certification for your imports? Contact our import consulting team for end-to-end compliance support.
Need help with this process? Befach handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business. Let us handle it
