BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Product

BIS CRS Certification is a mandatory regulatory requirement administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for notified electronic and IT products before they can be manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in the Indian market. Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), notified electronic equipment must undergo safety and performance testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory to demonstrate conformity with the relevant Indian Standard (IS), followed by formal registration and assignment of a unique Registration Number (R-Number).

Key Execution Summary:

• Regulatory Purpose: Guarantees electrical safety, quality, and standard conformity for electronic goods in India.

• Primary Mandating Authorities: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

• Core Compliance Mechanism: In-country sample testing in a BIS-recognized lab + Registration through the official BIS portal.

• Primary Identification: Assignment of a unique 8-digit R-Number accompanied by the standard BIS CRS Mark on products and packaging.

• Enforcement Scope: Mandatory for Indian manufacturers, foreign OEMs exporting to India, importers, and white-label/private-label brands.

What Is BIS CRS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates as the national standards body of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. While BIS manages multiple conformity assessment schemes, the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order.

Unlike traditional factory-audit certification systems, CRS is a self-declaration of conformity framework backed by third-party laboratory testing. The manufacturer submits product samples to a BIS-approved laboratory in India. Upon confirmation that the product meets the prescribed Indian Standard (IS), the technical test report and accompanying business/manufacturing documentation are submitted directly to BIS via its online portal. Upon review and approval, BIS issues a Registration Grant containing a unique 8-digit R-Number.

BIS Certification vs BIS CRS Registration

Businesses frequently confuse "BIS Certification" (historically known as the ISI Mark Scheme) with "BIS CRS Registration." While both fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Standards, they operate under distinct regulatory parameters, procedural workflows, and product scopes.

Operational Factor

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

BIS ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme-I)

Governing Scheme

Scheme-II (Self-Declaration of Conformity)

Scheme-I (Systemic Certification Scheme)

Product Scope

Notified Electronic, IT, Solar, and LED equipment

Industrial goods, steel, chemicals, toys, cement, food

Factory Inspection

Not required prior to grant of registration

Mandatory preliminary factory audit and process inspection

Testing Requirement

Samples tested exclusively at BIS-recognized Indian labs

In-factory testing + testing at independent labs

Regulatory Identification

Unique R-Number + Standard Mark

ISI Mark with a CML (Licence) Number

Primary Applicant

Original Equipment Manufacturer (Factory location)

Manufacturer (Plant location)

Why Is BIS CRS Certification Mandatory for Electronic Products?

The Indian electronics market is one of the fastest-growing globally. To protect consumers from substandard, hazardous, or counterfeit electronic goods, the Government of India uses the CRS framework as a non-tariff regulatory barrier. Compliance is compulsory under statutory orders issued by MeitY, MNRE, and other nodal ministries.

What Happens If a Covered Product Is Sold Without BIS Registration?

Non-compliance with BIS CRS notifications carries severe regulatory and commercial consequences under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016:

• Customs Detention and Seizure: Unregistered imported electronic shipments arriving at Indian ports or air cargo complexes are routinely detained, impounded, or ordered to be re-exported at the importer's expense.

• Commercial Seizure and Inventory Hold: Enforcement officers are empowered to inspect retail outlets, warehouses, and distribution centers, seizing non-compliant stock.

• E-Commerce Delisting: Major Indian e-commerce marketplaces continuously purge product listings that fail to furnish valid BIS R-Numbers linked to the exact brand and model.

• Legal Prosecution and Financial Penalties: Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016 prescribes monetary fines and potential imprisonment for directors or responsible officers of entities manufacturing or selling uncertified notified products.

Which Electronic Products Require BIS CRS Registration?

The CRS list expanded from an initial set of 15 electronic items in 2012 to over 70 broad product categories covering hundreds of device types.

1. Computers & IT Equipment

• Data Processing Machinery: Laptops, notebooks, tablets, desktop computers, server hardware, and automatic data processing machines (IS 13252 Part 1).

• Peripherals: Printers, plotters, document scanners, electronic keyboards, visual display units, and monitors with screen sizes above specified thresholds.

• Data Storage & Network Equipment: External hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), network switches, and smart card readers.

2. Mobile & Communication Products

• Mobile Handsets: Smart feature phones and smartphones (IS 13252 Part 1 / applicable smart device safety parameters).

• Wireless Peripherals: Wireless keyboards, Bluetooth audio gear, and short-range communication devices were notified.

• Telecom Terminal Equipment: Point of Sale (POS) terminals, cash registers, and smart card readers.

3. Power & Charging Products

• Power Supplies: External power adapters for IT and AV equipment, standalone battery chargers, and switch-mode power supplies (SMPS).

• Energy Storage Devices: Portable power banks (IS 13252 Part 1 & IS 16046 Part 2), sealed secondary cells, and lithium-ion batteries used in portable electronics.

• Power Backup: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and inverters up to notified power ratings (IS 16242 Part 1).

4. Lighting Products

• LED Modules & Bulbs: Self-ballasted LED lamps for general lighting services (IS 16102 Part 1).

• Luminaires: Fixed, portable, and recessed LED luminaires, emergency lighting systems, and LED floodlights (IS 10322 Part 5 Sec 1 to 8).

• Drivers & Control Gear: DC or AC supplied electronic control gear for LED modules (IS 15885 Part 2 Sec 13).

5. Consumer Electronics

• Audio/Visual Systems: Television sets (Plasma/LCD/LED/OLED), electronic musical systems, amplifiers, and optical disc players (IS 616).

• Kitchen Appliances: Microwave ovens for household and commercial use (IS 302 Part 2 Sec 25).

• Set-Top Boxes: Digital set-top boxes for satellite and cable transmission.

6. New-Age & Connected Electronics

• Smart Home Hardware: Smart speakers, connected home hubs, and smart surveillance cameras (where covered under notified video surveillance standard IS 13252 Part 1 or relevant AV standard).

• Wearables: Smartwatches and fitness trackers containing secondary lithium batteries.

BIS CRS Product List 2026

The following table provides representative product categories, primary Indian Standards, and critical evaluation parameters for verification:

Product Category

Applicable Indian Standard

Primary Regulatory Scope

Technical Factors to Verify

Laptops / Tablets

IS 13252 (Part 1)

Electrical safety, heating, insulation

Power adapter pairing, motherboard layout, battery safety

Power Adapters / Chargers

IS 13252 (Part 1)

Creepage, clearance, electric shock

Output wattage rating, transformer insulation class

Lithium-Ion Cells / Batteries

IS 16046 (Part 1 & 2)

Chemical safety, thermal abuse, short-circuit

Chemistry type (NMC/LFP), cell construction, protection circuit (BMS)

Power Banks

IS 13252 (Part 1) / IS 16046

Energy storage safety, overcharge protection

Encapsulated cell test reports, PCB protection logic

LED Lamps & Luminaires

IS 16102 (Part 1) / IS 10322

Photometric safety, insulation, heat resistance

Thermal dissipation, driver circuit isolation, IP rating

Smart TVs & Monitors

IS 616

Radiation leakage, mechanical strength

Display panel size, high-voltage component creepage

Solar Photovoltaic Inverters

IS 16221 / IS 16169

Grid interconnection, utility safety

Anti-islanding protection, thermal management

How to Check Whether Your Electronic Product Needs BIS CRS Registration

Determining regulatory applicability requires a structured technical review of the product's primary function, electrical ratings, and sub-components.

Who Needs BIS CRS Registration?

The legal responsibility for securing a BIS CRS registration rests on the manufacturing facility location, regardless of who owns the brand name or sells the end product.

1. Indian Manufacturers

Domestic entities that assemble, build, or manufacture notified electronic products inside India must apply for BIS registration under their factory premises address before releasing products into commerce.

2. Foreign Manufacturers

Overseas manufacturers exporting electronic goods to India must obtain BIS CRS registration for each manufacturing site. Because foreign entities do not reside within Indian jurisdiction, they must legally designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

3. Importers

Importers cannot directly hold a BIS CRS registration in their own name unless they own the physical manufacturing plant. The importer operates under the foreign manufacturer's valid R-Number, provided the importer is listed as an authorized entity or trade partner in the BIS portal records.

4. Brand Owners & Private Labels

When a brand owner contracts a third-party Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) to produce white-label electronics, the registration is tied to the physical manufacturing location. The brand owner must ensure that their brand name is explicitly linked to the manufacturer's R-Number through a formal Brand Inclusion application.

5. Startups and IoT Hardware Companies

Startups integrating off-the-shelf electronic modules (such as cellular modules, batteries, and power adapters) into custom hardware enclosures must verify whether the complete end-system falls under a notified CRS product category. Using pre-certified components does not exempt a final product if the finished device category is independently notified.

BIS CRS Certification Requirements

Securing registration requires meeting criteria across four core operational areas:

• Product Construction: The hardware design must comply with thermal, electrical, mechanical, and fire resistance parameters mandated by the target IS code. Critical components (such as fuses, transformers, internal wiring, PCBs, and enclosures) must use approved, fire-retardant materials.

• Testing Integrity: Testing must be performed on physical production-grade samples sent directly to an accredited, BIS-recognized laboratory operating within India.

• Manufacturing Verification: The applicant must prove that the production facility possesses operational machinery, quality-control equipment, and valid business licensing in its home jurisdiction.

• Legal Representation: For non-Indian factories, a legally binding power of attorney must establish an Indian citizen or registered Indian corporate entity as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration

Document management requires separating core organizational proof from product-specific technical files.

Document Name

Functional Regulatory Purpose

Target Entity

Business Registration Proof

Confirms legal existence of manufacturing facility (e.g., Factory License, ISO Certificate, Govt. Business Registration)

Manufacturer

Trademark Certificate / Registry

Proves legal ownership or authorization to use the brand name applied to the product

Brand Owner / Applicant

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Agreement

Legal Power of Attorney appointing an Indian representative accountable for compliance

Foreign Manufacturer

ID & Address Proof of Authorized Signatory

Validates identity of corporate officer submitting declarations (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)

Signatory & AIR

Test Report

Formal lab report demonstrating total conformity to the applicable Indian Standard

BIS-Recognized Laboratory

PCB Layout & Schematic Diagrams

Technical proof of electronic layout, creepage/clearance distance, and critical component placement

Technical Team

Critical Component List (CCL)

Detailed list of high-risk components (switches, transformers, capacitors, fuses) specifying safety approvals

Technical Team

User Manual & Product Datasheet

Confirms electrical specs (voltage, wattage, operational temperatures) match testing parameters

Technical Team

Label Artwork & Package Design

Draft showing placement of Standard Mark, R-Number, brand, and origin details

Regulatory Team

BIS CRS Testing Requirements for Electronic Products

Testing forms the foundation of the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

Where Testing Is Conducted

Testing must be conducted within India at a laboratory officially recognized under the BIS Lab Recognition Scheme (LRS). Foreign laboratory test reports (such as CE, CB, or FCC reports) are not accepted as direct replacements for in-country BIS testing, though CB scheme data can occasionally assist lab technicians in technical verification.

Key Laboratory Evaluation Parameters

Laboratory engineers test samples under extreme operating environments. Standard evaluation parameters include:

1. Electric Shock Protection: Verifying physical enclosures prevent user contact with hazardous live parts.

2. Dielectric Strength & Insulation: Subjecting high-voltage points to surge testing to prevent electrical breakdown.

3. Temperature Rise & Thermal Stress: Measuring heat accumulation during peak load operation to prevent insulation melting or fire.

4. Mechanical Resistance: Drop testing, impact testing, and force resistance testing on plastic enclosures.

5. Abnormal Operation & Fault Testing: Simulating short circuits, component failures, and cooling fan blockages to verify safety circuit response.

Handling Test Failures

If a sample fails a test parameter (e.g., excessive temperature rise or dielectric breakdown):

Step-by-Step BIS CRS Registration Process

Detailed Execution Phase Breakdown

• Phase 1: Profile Creation & Account Setup: The manufacturer sets up an account on the official BIS portal (Manakonline). Foreign entities must upload verified AIR appointment deeds and corporate identification proofs.

• Phase 2: Testing Coordination: Samples are submitted to the chosen lab alongside technical documentation (including schematic drawings and critical component specifications). The lab logs the sample in the BIS portal system.

• Phase 3: Formal Portal Submission: Once the lab completes testing, it uploads the endorsed test report directly to the manufacturer's portal profile. The applicant then completes the registration form, links the report, uploads brand documents, and pays the government processing fee.

• Phase 4: BIS Review & Query Resolution: A BIS scrutiny officer reviews the file. If discrepancies appear (such as minor model name typos, label discrepancies, or missing component approvals), BIS issues an online query. The applicant must submit formal responses and revised files within the prescribed response window.

• Phase 5: Grant & Compliance Deployment: Once approved, BIS issues the formal Registration Certificate online. The applicant can then legally print the Standard Mark along with the assigned R-Number on products and market packaging.

BIS CRS Certification Cost in India

Due to variable factors, providing a single fixed cost for BIS CRS certification can be misleading. Total expenses depend on the product category, testing complexity, number of models grouped in a series, and manufacturing location.

Primary Cost Components

1. Government Application & Processing Fees: Standardized fees paid directly to BIS via the online portal.

2. Laboratory Testing Charges: Set by independent BIS-recognized labs based on test runtime, equipment requirements, and calibration demands. (For instance, testing a simple AC power adapter requires less time and equipment than testing a multi-channel solar inverter or a complex laptop).

3. Model Series Grouping Charges: BIS permits grouping similar models under a single main application if they share identical circuit layouts and safety-critical components. Addition of family models under series guidelines incurs supplementary processing and evaluation charges.

4. AIR Representation Expenses: Overseas factories hiring a professional third-party representative incur annual AIR retainer fees.

How Long Does BIS CRS Registration Take?

Achieving BIS CRS registration usually takes 3 to 6 weeks from sample arrival in India, broken down across the following stages:

Major Causes of Regulatory Delays

• Incomplete Technical Documentation: Submitting mismatched Critical Component Lists (CCLs) or non-compliant label drafts.

• Customs Clearance Delays: Import holds on incoming test samples due to incorrect invoice values or missing sample declarations.

• Sample Testing Failure: Extended timelines caused by engineering redesigns and sample re-testing.

• Delayed Response to BIS Queries: Taking too long to resolve technical queries raised by the inspecting officer.

BIS CRS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers

The Compulsory Registration Scheme requires foreign manufacturers exporting to India to maintain accountability through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Core Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers

1. AIR Eligibility: The AIR must be a registered Indian business entity or an individual residing in India. They act as the local liaison for BIS communications and accept legal responsibility for product compliance under the BIS Act, 2016.

2. Legal Nomination Document: Foreign applicants must execute a formal Power of Attorney / AIR Agreement, stamped and notarized according to the legal standards of the home country and Indian consular requirements.

3. Separate Factory Registrations: If a foreign enterprise produces the same electronic product across two separate offshore factories (e.g., one plant in Vietnam and one in China), each manufacturing site must register separately and obtain its own R-Number.

BIS CRS Labeling and R-Number Requirements

Achieving registration grants the right to apply the BIS Standard Mark and assign R-Number to approved products.

Critical Labeling Mandates

• Mark Components: The label must display the standard BIS mark, the primary applicable Indian Standard number (e.g., IS 13252 (Part 1)), the assigned 8-digit R-Number, and the official BIS CRS website URL (www.crsbis.in).

• Placement Requirements: The mark must be legibly and indelibly printed directly on the outer surface of the physical product AND its immediate sales packaging.

• Visibility Rule: If a device is too small to display a legible label (such as small secondary cells or micro-modules), BIS rules permit placing the mark on the outer package, provided a formal label exemption request is approved during application scrutiny.

• e-Labeling: For devices with integrated digital displays (such as smartphones and tablets), e-labeling is permitted under specific conditions, provided physical packaging still bears the required compliance information.

BIS CRS Certificate Validity and Renewal

BIS CRS registrations require active maintenance throughout the product's commercial lifecycle.

Regulatory Renewal Guidelines

1. Application Window: Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before the registration expires.

2. Renewal Term: Registrations can be renewed for terms ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on the advance government fee paid.

3. No Retesting (Standard Renewal): Standard renewals do not require fresh sample testing, provided the manufacturing location, underlying product design, and applicable Indian Standard remain unchanged.

4. Standard Revision Impact: If BIS or MeitY publishes a revised Indian Standard with new testing requirements, registrants must submit proof of testing against the revised standard within the transitional grace period to keep their registration active.

Adding New Models Under BIS CRS

As product lines evolve, manufacturers often introduce design variants or new models. Instead of applying for a new registration, companies can add new models to an existing R-Number using the Inclusion Process.

Criteria for Inclusion

• The new model must be produced at the same manufacturing site as the original registered product.

• The model must fall under the same product category and Indian Standard.

• The hardware structure must satisfy the technical boundary requirements outlined in the official BIS Series Guidelines (e.g., shared enclosure design, transformer ratings, and PCB layout family).

What Changes Can Affect BIS Compliance?

Maintaining regulatory compliance requires reporting major product or organizational changes to BIS:

PRODUCT & SYSTEM CHANGES

Requires Supplementary Testing / Inclusion

Changing safety-critical components (e.g., power transformer, internal fuse, primary PCB).

Modifying electrical ratings, capacity, or voltage range.

Updating internal battery chemistry or cell configurations.

[Requires Administrative Updates / Re-Filing]

Relocating the physical manufacturing factory REQUIRES NEW REGISTRATION.                    Corporate name or brand ownership changes Requires administrative portal update.            Changing the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Requires fresh PoA filing.

Common BIS CRS Rejection & Delay Reasons

Understanding common pitfalls helps prevent unexpected project delays and extra costs:

TOP 10 REGULATORY REJECTION REASONS

1. Mismatched Model Numbers: Differences between lab reports, portal entries, and label artwork.

2. Incorrect Series Grouping: Attempting to group models with different PCB layouts or power specs.

3. Unaccredited Testing: Testing at a lab whose BIS accreditation for the specific IS code expired.

4. Incomplete AIR Documentation: Un-notarized or incorrectly executed Power of Attorney files.

5. Non-Compliant Component Approvals: Using uncertified switches, fuses, or transformers in CCL.

6. Non-Compliant Label Artwork: Omitting the IS code, URL, or placing the R-Number incorrectly.

7. Missing Trademark Documentation: Applying under a brand name without registration or proof.

8. Factory Address Discrepancies: Address variations between business licenses and lab reports.

9. Unresolved BIS Portal Queries: Failing to respond to scrutiny queries within prescribed windows.

10. Testing Delays: Submitting non-production prototypes that fail basic safety parameters.

10 Mistakes to Avoid Before Applying for BIS CRS

 PRE-APPLICATION CHECKLIST FOR COMPLIANCE OFFICERS

 1. APPLICABILITY CHECKED

         Verified that the specific electronic device function is actively notified under CRS.

 2. INDIAN STANDARD (IS) CONFIRMED

         Identified the exact, current IS code version applicable to the product category.

3. FACTORY DETAILS UNIFIED

         Ensured the factory name and address match identically across all business documents.

4. AIR RESIDENCY CONFIRMED (Foreign Manufacturers Only)

         Appointed a legally viable AIR with a physical presence and registered address in India.

5. BRAND & TRADEMARK VERIFIED

         Confirmed the brand name matches the legal trademark certificate or brand owner letter.

6. LAB ACCREDITATION VALIDATED

         Verified the chosen testing lab holds active BIS recognition for the required IS code.

7. PRODUCTION-GRADE SAMPLES SENT

         Dispatched finalized production units rather than preliminary developmental prototypes.

8. CRITICAL COMPONENTS REVIEWED

         Ensured key components (adapters, transformers, fuses) carry required safety approvals.

9. LABEL ARTWORK PROOFED

         Cross-checked label draft against official BIS Standard Mark display guidelines.

10. MODEL GROUPING VERIFIED

          Confirmed all models in a grouped application satisfy official BIS Series Guidelines.

BIS CRS Certification for Startups, OEMs, and Private Labels

BUSINESS SCENARIO EXECUTION

[White-Label / Private Labeling]

A brand imports or sells products built by a third-party OEM.

FIX: The OEM must hold the base R-Number for its factory. The brand applies for a Brand       Inclusion under that R-Number, supplying brand authorization proof.

[Startups & Connected Hardware]

An IoT startup designs custom electronics using pre-certified modular components.                  

FIX: Using a certified power adapter or battery module does NOT exempt the final device

if the finished product category (e.g., Smart TV, POS terminal) is independently notified.

[Multi-Factory Sourcing]

A retail enterprise sources the exact same device design from two separate manufacturers.         

FIX: Dual sourcing requires two independent BIS registrations, as R-Numbers are strictly

tied to physical factory locations.

BIS CRS vs Other Compliance Requirements in India

Securing a BIS CRS registration does not automatically grant total regulatory clearance for all electronic products entering India. Products often require multi-agency approvals based on their features and components.

INDIAN ELECTRONICS COMPLIANCE MATRIX

[BIS CRS] Mandates Electrical & Physical Safety Conformity (MeitY/MNRE).

[WPC ETA] Wireless Equipment Type Approval for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, & RF devices (DoT).

[TEC MTCTE] Telecom Equipment Certification for cellular network interfaces (TEC).

[EPR E-Waste] Extended Producer Responsibility authorization for electronic waste management.

[BEE Energy] Star Labeling energy efficiency ratings for household appliances (BEE).

Regulatory Approval

Managing Authority

Scope & Trigger Criteria

BIS CRS Registration

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Electrical safety, product quality, notified IT/AV/Lighting items

WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval)

Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC)

Products with unlicenced wireless features (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID)

TEC MTCTE Certification

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)

Products interfacing directly with telecom networks or cellular bands

EPR E-Waste Management

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Entities importing or manufacturing electronics covered under E-Waste Rules

BEE Star Labeling

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Energy performance ratings for power-hungry devices (ACs, TVs, Refrigerators)

Benefits of BIS CRS Registration

While compliance is legally mandatory, achieving BIS CRS registration delivers distinct commercial advantages:

STRATEGIC BUSINESS BENEFITS

[Uninterrupted Market Access] Prevents customs seizures, port detentions, & regulatory fines.

[E-Commerce Readiness] Unlocks listing capabilities across major digital marketplaces.

[Institutional Trust] Satisfies mandatory compliance conditions for B2B/Govt tenders.

[Enhanced Consumer Safety] Reduces operational liabilities related to electrical safety issues.

How a BIS CRS Consultant Can Help

Navigating Indian regulatory requirements involves coordinating testing logistics, technical files, and government interactions across multiple stakeholders.

CONSULTANCY SERVICE SCOPE

1. Technical Applicability Mapping : Confirming product category & target Indian Standard.

2. Lab Pre-Testing Coordination: Pre-evaluating samples to catch failure points early.

3. AIR Appointment Support: Providing legal representation frameworks for foreign OEMs|

4. Document Optimization: Structuring technical files & CCL data for portal review. 

5. Query Management: Resolving technical inquiries with BIS officers.

6. Post-Grant Lifecycle Management: Managing renewals, model inclusions, & label approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is BIS CRS certification?

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is a mandatory registration framework managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It requires notified electronic and IT goods to meet designated Indian Standards (IS) through testing at recognized laboratories before being sold or imported into India.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for electronic products in India?

Yes. If an electronic product category is listed under official notifications from MeitY, MNRE, or other nodal ministries, selling, manufacturing, or importing it without a valid BIS registration is illegal under the BIS Act, 2016.

3. Which electronic products require BIS CRS registration?

Over 70 product categories are covered, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, power adapters, LED lights, power banks, lithium-ion batteries, smart TVs, solar inverters, and set-top boxes.

4. Who needs to apply for BIS CRS registration?

The physical manufacturing location (factory) must apply for registration. Foreign manufacturers must apply under their offshore plant location and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

5. Can an importer hold a BIS CRS registration in their own name?

No. BIS CRS registrations are issued to the manufacturing factory. Importers cannot hold a registration unless they own the physical manufacturing plant. However, authorized importers can be linked to the foreign manufacturer’s valid registration in portal records.

6. Do foreign manufacturers need an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

Yes. Foreign applicants must legally appoint an AIR residing in India to serve as a legal liaison and accept regulatory responsibility under Indian law.

7. What documents are required for BIS CRS registration?

Key requirements include factory registration proof, trademark certificates, AIR appointment agreements, ID/address proof for signatories, technical product specifications, Critical Component Lists (CCL), PCB layouts, label artwork, and a valid BIS-recognized laboratory test report.

8. Where must BIS CRS test samples be evaluated?

Testing must be performed within India at an accredited laboratory recognized under the BIS Lab Recognition Scheme (LRS). Foreign laboratory reports are not accepted for direct registration.

9. How long does the BIS CRS registration process take?

The full process typically takes between 3 to 6 weeks, which includes sample freight, laboratory testing (10-15 days), document upload, and official BIS review/grant (7-12 days).

10. How much does BIS CRS certification cost?

Costs vary based on product complexity, testing requirements, model grouping, and factory location. Total expenses combine government fees, lab testing charges, AIR representation fees, and administrative expenses.

11. What is a BIS R-Number?

An R-Number is a unique 8-digit registration number issued by BIS to a specific manufacturing facility for an approved product line. It must be displayed on product packaging alongside the BIS Standard Mark.

12. What is the difference between BIS Certification (ISI Mark) and BIS CRS Registration?

BIS CRS is a self-declaration scheme based on lab testing without mandatory preliminary factory audits, primarily covering electronic and IT goods. The ISI Mark scheme (Scheme-I) covers industrial/consumer goods and requires factory audits and process inspections prior to licensing.

13. Is BIS CRS applicable to IoT products?

Yes, if the end product category (such as a smart hub, connected camera, or smartwatch) falls under a notified product standard, or if it uses notified sub-components like lithium-ion batteries and power adapters.

14. Is BIS CRS required for white-label or OEM products?

Yes. White-label or private-label products must be produced at a BIS-registered factory location. The brand owner must execute a Brand Inclusion application to link their brand name to the OEM's registration.

15. Can a company apply for BIS CRS without a consultant?

Yes, manufacturers can apply directly through the official BIS Manakonline portal. However, many companies work with regulatory consultants to navigate testing guidelines, technical documentation, and official query resolution efficiently.

16. What happens if a product fails laboratory testing?

If a sample fails, the lab issues a non-conformity notice. The manufacturer must identify the root cause, update the product design, and submit revised, compliant samples for retesting.

17. How do I add a new model to an existing BIS CRS registration?

New models can be added under an existing R-Number using the Inclusion Process. If the new model satisfies official BIS Series Guidelines, it can be added with minimal supplementary testing.

18. What happens if a BIS CRS registration expires?

Once expired, the registration status becomes invalid. The manufacturer or importer must stop selling, importing, or distributing the product in India until the registration is formally renewed or restored.

19. Does changing an internal component require fresh testing?

Replacing safety-critical components (like power transformers, PCBs, or primary fuses) requires technical review. Major safety variations may necessitate a supplementary test report to maintain compliance.

20. Is BIS CRS the only regulatory approval required for electronics in India?

Not always. Depending on device capabilities, products may also require WPC Equipment Type Approval (for wireless/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities), TEC MTCTE certification (for telecom interfaces), or CPCB EPR authorization (for e-waste compliance).