Complete Guide to Compulsory Registration Scheme for Electronics & IT Products in India
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standard Body of India, operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Established under the BIS Act, 2016, it is responsible for:
BIS-CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is a product certification scheme introduced by BIS for electronics and information technology (IT) products. Under this scheme, manufacturers are required to get their products registered with BIS after ensuring compliance with relevant Indian Standards (IS).
Ensures electronic products meet safety standards, preventing hazards like electric shock, fire, and radiation.
Guarantees product quality and performance as per Indian Standards, reducing product failures.
Mandatory for sale, import, and distribution of notified electronics products in India.
CRS registration is essential for entering the Indian market and building consumer trust.
October 3, 2012 - BIS introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) through the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012.
Initially covering 15 product categories, the scheme has been expanded multiple times and now covers over 70+ product categories including electronics, IT equipment, and audio-video products.
Laptops, Tablets, Monitors, Printers, Scanners, Keyboards
Mobile Phones, Smartwatches, Wearable Devices
LED/LCD TVs, Monitors, Projectors, Home Theaters
Power Adapters, Chargers, UPS, Inverters, SMPS
Headphones, Earphones, Speakers, Microphones
Video Game Consoles, Virtual Reality Devices
Digital Cameras, Webcams, CCTV Cameras/DVR/NVR
Routers, Switches, Modems, Access Points
Lithium-ion Cells, Battery Packs for Electronics
Manufacturing electronic products in India for domestic sale or export
Manufacturers outside India exporting products to Indian market
Importers, distributors, and online sellers of notified electronic products
Importers cannot obtain BIS registration in their own name. The registration must be in the manufacturer's name (Indian or foreign). However, importers can act as Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) for foreign manufacturers.
Submit product samples to BIS recognized laboratory for testing as per applicable Indian Standard. Testing time depends on product complexity and lab workload.
Prepare and submit online application on BIS portal along with required documents and test reports.
BIS officials review application, verify documents, and may request additional information if required.
Upon approval, BIS grants registration number and issues certificate. Total timeline: 60-90 days for Indian manufacturers, 90-120 days for foreign manufacturers (including AIR appointment).
An Indian Standard (IS) is a technical specification or guideline established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that defines the quality, safety, performance, and testing requirements for products, processes, or services in India.
IS XXXXX:YYYY
where XXXXX = Standard Number, YYYY = Year of Publication
Example: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 - Safety of Information Technology Equipment
Most Indian Standards for electronics are harmonized with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards.
| Product Category | Indian Standard | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Games | IS 616:2017 | Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus - Safety Requirements |
| Laptops/Tablets | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | Safety of Information Technology Equipment |
| LED TVs/Monitors | IS 616:2017 | Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus |
| Power Adapters/Chargers | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | Safety of IT Equipment - Power Supply Units |
| Mobile Phones | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | Safety of Information Technology Equipment |
| Routers/Modems | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | Safety of Information Technology Equipment |
| Lithium-ion Cells | IS 16046 (Part 1/2):2018 | Secondary Cells and Batteries - Safety Requirements |