BIS CRS Certification

Introduction

In today’s competitive electronics market, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance is not just a business advantage—it’s a legal requirement. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), governs the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to ensure that electronic and IT products meet the Indian Standards (IS) for performance and safety.
This article provides a complete overview of BIS CRS Certification, including its purpose, process, required documents, and product categories covered under the scheme.

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What Is BIS CRS Certification?

The BIS CRS Certification, also known as BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, is a mandatory certification introduced by BIS in collaboration with MeitY.
It ensures that electronic and IT products sold in the Indian market conform to the applicable Indian Standards. Manufacturers, whether domestic or foreign, must obtain BIS CRS registration before launching or importing their products into India.

Key Objective of BIS CRS

The primary objective of BIS CRS Certification is to:

• Safeguard consumer interests by eliminating substandard and unsafe products.

• Ensure that electronic goods meet the quality standards set by BIS.

• Prevent the sale of non-compliant electronic and IT products in India.

four types of certification which are listed below:

Types of BIS Registration Schemes:

 

1. ISI Mark Scheme Registration for Domestic Manufacturers: This scheme covers products under the compulsory BIS certification (Scheme-I) and allows manufacturers to register through either the normal or simplified procedure. The normal procedure involves factory evaluation, sample testing, and granting the BIS license within 4-6 months. The simplified procedure grants the BIS license within 30 days and is applicable for certain products, excluding specific categories.
2. ECO Mark Scheme Registration: This scheme provides certification for environmentally friendly products. The products meeting environmental criteria and relevant Indian Standards receive the ‘ECO’ logo in addition to the ‘ISI Mark’.

3. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): This scheme is designed for overseas applicants or foreign manufacturers. They can obtain BIS certification for products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and compulsory BIS certification scheme (Scheme-I) by setting up a branch office in India and nominating an agent.

4. BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this scheme mandates BIS certification for specific electronic and information technology goods. Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification through registration based on self-declaration of conformity.

 

Validity of BIS Certification:

The BIS certification is typically valid for two years. Manufacturers can renew the certification if there are no changes in the product and prescribed standards, and the renewed certificate is valid for one to five years. Late renewal applications after the expiry period may incur an additional fee of Rs. 5000.

 

About the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016.
BIS plays a crucial role in:

• Developing national standards.

• Granting licenses and certifications.

• Conducting product testing and market surveillance.

• Promoting consumer safety and product reliability.

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Understanding the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 by BIS in collaboration with MeitY.
Under this scheme, certain electronic and IT products are mandated to obtain BIS CRS certification before being sold, imported, or distributed in India.

Key Features of the CRS Scheme

• Applicable to both Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers selling in India.

• Products must conform to Indian Standards (IS).

• Manufacturers must register each product model and brand separately.

• Once approved, the product receives a unique BIS Registration Number and can display the CRS Mark.

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Products Covered Under the BIS CRS Scheme

The list of products under BIS CRS certification is regularly updated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Currently, more than 75 categories of electronic and IT goods fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

Some Key Product Categories Include:

• LED lights and control gears

• Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops

• Smart watches and smart TVs

• Power adapters and battery chargers

• Electronic musical systems

• Set-top boxes and routers

• Microwave ovens and induction cooktops

• CCTV cameras and recorders

Each category corresponds to a specific Indian Standard (IS) under which it is tested.

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Why Is BIS CRS Certification Required?

Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS CRS Certification to legally sell or distribute electronic products in India.
Without it, products are considered non-compliant and cannot be marketed or imported into the country.

Benefits of BIS CRS Certification

1. Legal Compliance – Ensures your product meets the regulatory standards of India.

2. Consumer Trust – Builds confidence among consumers about the product’s safety and quality.

3. Market Access – Enables manufacturers to enter the vast Indian electronics market.

4. Brand Credibility – Enhances brand reputation and competitiveness.

5. Reduced Risk – Minimizes chances of product recalls or penalties due to non-compliance.

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Documents Required for BIS CRS Certification

To apply for BIS CRS registration, manufacturers must provide a comprehensive set of documents to prove product conformity and legitimacy.

Mandatory Documents Include:

• Business License or Manufacturing Certificate

• Product Test Report from a BIS-recognized laboratory

• Technical Specifications and Product Manual

• Trademark Certificate (if applicable)

• Authorization Letter (for authorized Indian representative of foreign manufacturers)

• Factory Layout and Process Flow Diagram

• Copy of Brand Agreement (for brand owners)

• Sample Label with Model Number and CRS Mark placement

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BIS CRS Certification Process

The registration process under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme follows systematic steps to ensure the product meets Indian Standards.

Step-by-Step BIS CRS Registration Process

1. Identify Applicable Standard
   Determine the Indian Standard (IS) code applicable to your product category.

2. Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Lab
   Send product samples to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing according to the relevant standard.

3. Submission of Application
   Submit the online application on the BIS portal along with the required documents and the test report.

4. Application Review by BIS Officials
   BIS reviews the documents and may request clarifications or additional information.

5. Grant of BIS CRS Registration Certificate
   Once the application is verified and approved, BIS issues the Registration Number and Certificate of Registration.

6. Use of CRS Mark
   After certification, the manufacturer must display the CRS Mark and BIS Registration Number on the product and packaging.

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Validity and Renewal of BIS CRS Registration

The BIS CRS Certificate is generally valid for two years.
Manufacturers can renew the registration before expiry, provided the product and manufacturing process remain unchanged. Renewal requires submission of updated documents and a declaration of continued compliance.

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Products Under the BIS Compulsory Certification

It’s important to note that only certain products fall under mandatory BIS certification.
Products outside this list may still voluntarily obtain BIS certification to demonstrate quality and safety standards.

To check if your product is covered, you can refer to the latest product list under Schedule II of the BIS CRS Scheme available on the BIS website.

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling or distributing unregistered electronic products in India violates the BIS Act, 2016 and may lead to:

• Heavy fines

• Product seizure

• Cancellation of business license

• Blacklisting from future registration

Hence, it is essential for manufacturers and importers to obtain BIS CRS certification before entering the Indian market.

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How to Get BIS CRS Certification in India

To get BIS CRS certification, manufacturers (domestic or foreign) can either:

• Apply directly through the BIS online portal, or

• Engage a BIS registration consultant in India for professional assistance with documentation, testing, and liaison with BIS officials.

Consultants help streamline the registration process, ensuring all technical requirements and testing procedures are correctly followed.

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Summary

The BIS CRS Certification is a mandatory requirement for manufacturers and importers of electronic and IT products intended for sale in the Indian market.
Governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), this certification ensures that products meet the Indian Standards for safety and performance.

 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India is the organization that grants BIS certification. The BIS certification signifies a third party, i.e., BIS, guaranteeing to clients the quality, dependability, and safety of any product. The BIS is engaged in a number of activities, such as product certification, standardization, testing, hallmarking, calibration schemes, etc.

 

Product certification by BIS is optional. However, the Indian government has mandated it for several products in light of public health. According to a government announcement, BIS certification is mandatory for 380 products. The ISI mark (also known as the “standard mark”) may be used on products by license holders thanks to the BIS certification. Products with the ISI (Indian Standards Institution) label are of high quality.

 

 

BIS Certification Benefits

The following advantages are offered by the BIS registration:

• Ensures high levels of quality because goods with a BIS registration must be produced in accordance with specified rules.
• Ensures the durability and good performance of BIS-certified items by providing authenticity
• Products that are BIS-certified reduce environmental concerns since BIS has set standards that forbid the use of specific chemicals and materials.
• After evaluating product samples in BIS-established laboratories, which guarantees quality control and high-quality products, BIS registration is issued.

 

Types of BIS Certification:

 

Mandatory Certification (CMC): Certain products, like electrical and electronic goods, are covered under mandatory certification. These products cannot be sold in India without BIS certification.

 

Voluntary Certification Scheme (VCS): This certification is optional and can be obtained for products that are not covered under the mandatory certification but manufacturers still want to demonstrate their compliance with the Indian standards

 

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