How to Respond to a BIS Deficiency Query: Step-by-Step Guide

After submitting a BIS CRS or ISI mark application, you may receive a deficiency query — a formal request from BIS for additional information or documentation. Here is how to respond effectively.

What Is a BIS Deficiency Query?

When BIS scrutinizes your application and finds something missing, unclear, or requiring clarification, they raise a formal deficiency (also called a "query" or "objection") through the portal. The application is placed on hold pending your response.

Common Reasons for Deficiency Queries

• Test report does not cover all required clauses of the applicable standard
• Test report is from a lab not recognized for your specific product category
• Company registration or GST documentation incomplete or incorrect
• Product description in application does not exactly match test report
• Brand authorization letter missing (if product uses a brand different from registrant company)
• Series model undertaking missing or not signed by authorized signatory
• Product markings shown in photos do not meet standard requirements

Step-by-Step Response Process

1. Read the query carefully: Understand exactly what BIS is asking for. Do not guess.
2. Log in to BIS portal within the response deadline (typically 15-30 days)
3. Prepare the exact document or information requested — do not provide extras that may raise new questions
4. Upload response through the portal query response function
5. Write a clear covering note explaining exactly how each point raised has been addressed
6. Track the application after response submission to confirm it has moved back to scrutiny

What NOT to Do

• Do not ignore the query — missing the response deadline can result in application rejection
• Do not provide incomplete responses — partial responses generate follow-up queries, further delaying processing
• Do not contact BIS officers informally — all responses should go through the portal

HOT's compliance team assists clients with deficiency query responses. If you receive a query you are unsure how to address, contact us immediately with the query details.