The BIS Care app lets you check whether the ISI mark on a product is genuine, in a minute or two. It is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, so the lookup runs against official records. With festive shopping at its peak, that check is worth knowing.
Quick answer
- Find the ISI mark and the licence number printed with it (format CM/L followed by digits).
- Open the BIS Care app and choose Verify Licence Details.
- For jewellery, use Verify HUID. For some electronics, use Verify R-Number.
- Match the maker’s name and address with what is on the pack.
What the BIS Care app can do
According to the BIS Care listing, you can enter a licence, HUID or registration number to check an ISI mark, a hallmark or a CRS registration. Results can show the manufacturer’s name and address, licence validity, covered varieties and brands, and current status. The app also carries product recall alerts and a list of BIS-registered jewellers.
Which number to look for
Different products carry different numbers. A guide on verifying a BIS-certified product explains the three common types.
- CM/L number: products under the standard ISI licence scheme.
- R-number: certain electronics and IT goods under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.
- HUID: hallmarked gold and silver jewellery.
How to verify a licence step by step
- Look for the ISI mark and note the licence number printed with it.
- Open the app and choose the matching option: Verify Licence Details, Verify R-Number under CRS, or Verify HUID.
- Enter the number and read the result.
- Compare the manufacturer name and factory address with the label.
- Check that the licence is current and covers your exact product type.
A licence covers only the product varieties in its approved scope. So a valid number on a different product is still a warning sign.
Red flags on labels
- An ISI logo with no licence number next to it.
- A number that returns no licence in the app.
- A maker or address that does not match the result.
- A badly printed or stickered mark that looks added later.
Also, for online purchases, check the number before you pay. Save the listing and packaging photos in case you need to complain.
Why a logo alone is not enough
Anyone can print a mark on a pack. The licence number is what links the product to a real licence holder and factory. As the guide puts it, verify the number, not merely the logo. That one habit catches most fake claims.
A festive shopping checklist
- Check the mark and licence number on lights, plugs and chargers before paying.
- Verify the number in the app if the brand is unfamiliar or the price looks too low.
- Keep the invoice and packaging until the festival is over.
- Report any mismatch in the app, with photos.
How to file a complaint
If you find a substandard product, a misused mark or a misleading quality claim, you can report it in the app. You log in with an OTP, attach evidence, and receive a complaint number by SMS and email. You can then track the case. For other consumer problems, see our guide on filing a consumer complaint on WhatsApp.
Who benefits most from this check
Anyone buying electrical goods, gifts for relatives or jewellery gains from it. Parents buying chargers and lights for a home with children should verify first. The check takes a minute, while a faulty product can cost far more.
Limits to keep in mind
Some reviewers say HUID lookups sometimes return blank results or show a jeweller’s registration number instead of a name. So if a result looks incomplete, try again later and compare with the hallmark on the item. Before buying silver, our silver hallmark guide helps too.
FAQ
What is the BIS Care app used for?
It verifies ISI licences, hallmarks and registrations, and it lets you file complaints. It is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
How do I check if an ISI mark is real?
Note the CM/L licence number printed with the mark and verify it in the app. Then match the manufacturer details with the product label.
Can I verify a hallmark with the BIS Care app?
Yes. Use Verify HUID and enter the code on the hallmarked item. Results may show jewellery purity.